In Pursuit of Miriam (22 page)

Flinging off her clothes and with her maid's help donning her nightgown Diana collapsed onto her bed. Only now did she permit herself time to analyze her meeting with the Earl of Ice.

Prior to being introduced to him she had no idea that this was the same man who she had seen having a fit in the library all those years ago. She had not made the connection because the butler had said the gentleman's name was Viscount Maythorpe. He had not, at that time succeeded to the title he now held.

She had recognized him immediately but, on first introduction, he had given no sign that he recollected her. It was only when they were dancing that she realized that he had indeed known who she was. As she had looked into the piercing blue eyes, which were set in his expressionless face, she imagined she saw just a fraction of uncertainty. She instinctively knew that he was worried that she would relate to others the circumstances of their previous meeting. She would not, of course, and made sure he was aware of this; she would never be so unfeeling.

She had looked deep into his eyes trying to find some emotion underneath the cold exterior but she did not detect any. She blushed now to think that she had suggested that he was unhappy and cross. What must he think of her! She of all people should know better; it was quite obvious to her that this was his way of not letting people get close to him. When she had studied him further she did not see an ice man, she someone trying to protect himself and perhaps someone who was lonely.

But maybe she was imagining this and he really was as cold and uncaring as his reputation implied. After all, she always tried to see the best in people so perhaps she was just looking for a way to excuse his behaviour. His nickname she had to admit was well earned. When she had glanced at him during the evening she had not seen him display any emotion even when he was dancing with some of the prettiest ladies she had ever seen.

Gossip she had overheard enlightened her to the fact that it was almost unheard of for the Earl to ask any lady for the waltz but she knew he had done this so he could have a discreet conversation with her and did not read any more into it. She was very glad he did ask her because, although he did not look like he was enjoying himself, he had danced beautifully. Whatever the motives behind his offer that dance had been the highlight of her evening and, following this attention from him, her dance card had filled up quickly.

 

The girls spent the next few days busy making social calls with their mothers. Lady Westbury and her sister Lady Colpert were acquainted with many of the ladies of their social standing who were now in London for the season. Although these visits could be a chore at times Diana and Caroline mostly found them instructional as these ladies possessed all the up-to-date knowledge on the ton. They knew if any lady had set their sights on any particular gentleman. They knew the size of the dowry attached to each lady and also knew which gentlemen were in need of securing a wife with a fortune. Diana's ears always pricked up a little when she heard the Earl of Ice mentioned but she soon came to realize that only the most determined mothers still considered him a possibility for their daughters although all acknowledged that he was handsome, wealthy and one of the most eligible bachelors in town.

The week flew by and soon the girls were agonizing over which of their new gowns they should wear for their next ball. Diana, being quite small, kept her dress designs simply styled as bows and frills overpowered her. Caroline, who was taller and had a much more defined figure, could carry the more elaborate styles. Diana, pretty in cream satin, and Caroline stunning in a low cut, rose coloured gown made a lovely picture. There was no jealousy in their relationship both being equally as attractive in their very different ways. In fact it was the contrasting picture they made that often drew people's attention to them.

Tonight there was no waiting for their cards to be filled up. Both young ladies were pursued by eager young gentlemen who were attracted by their looks, youth and smiling faces. Mr Oliver Stannington, the Earl of Brockwood's younger brother, danced with them both and he and his friend, Lord Cotson, brought them refreshments. The Earl of Ice was present but much to Caroline's relief and Diana's disappointment did not request a dance. The girls danced nearly every dance and were tired with sore feet by the time the carriage was sent for to take them home. Their mothers were very pleased at the attention they had attracted but, as yet, neither girl had met anyone whom they liked more than any other.

Diana struggled to get out of bed the next day she was so tired. She would have stayed in bed longer if Caroline had not come barging into her room full of excitement.

“You'll never guess what has just arrived!” She danced around the room holding two cards aloft.

“I don't need to guess because you are going to tell me.” Laughed Diana stretching and sitting up, now fully awake.

“It's an invitation to the ball being held by the Earl and Countess of Whittington.” Caroline jigged about with excitement.

“When? When?” Diana demanded now out of bed and dancing around holding Caroline's hands.

The Whittington Ball was considered to be one of the greatest events of the season. To have secured an invitation was proof that they had been accepted by the highest level of society. The ball was to be held at the end of June at the height of the London season.

“We must spend the time between now and the ball practicing our dancing and our good manners,” Diana exclaimed.

“If you mean our teasing and flirting skills,” replied Caroline, “I think you are most definitely right.”

“Now Diana you had better be getting up and dressed. Lord Cotson has asked permission to take you to Hyde Park this afternoon and his friend, Mr. Straw, has asked the same for me and our mama's have agreed to it. It will be such fun.”

 

Lord Cotson and Mr. Straw drew up outside the house in their open barouches at precisely four o'clock. Diana and Caroline were dressed in readiness and, on the announcement of their arrival, only needed to don their cloaks, hat and gloves to be ready. The weather was perfect and Lord Cotson with Diana led the way to the Park closely followed by Mr. Straw and Caroline.

Both the young men were dressed in the highest fashion and their equipage gave an insight into their wealth. On arrival at Hyde Park, at what was considered to be the most fashionable time of day, they almost came to a standstill due to the number of carriages, riders and walkers taking the afternoon air. It was the place to see and be seen. People were dressed in their finest and were greeting each other and engaging in conversation. Diana was pleased to have such a handsome escort and was flattered at the number of people who nodded to them as they made their way through the Park.

She recognized Oliver Stannington who looked magnificent riding on a large black stallion. He was accompanied by another young gentleman who Lord Cotson informed her was Woody, the Viscount Woods. When they went out of their way to ride alongside the carriage for a short while and exchange greetings Diana was very flattered.

Lord Cotson was congenial company and she found him easy to respond to. If he was on occasions a little extreme with his compliments she chose to ignore this. Glancing backwards she could see Caroline in deep conversation with Mr. Straw and looking very happy.

On returning them to their home both gentlemen extracted promises from the young ladies to have a dance reserved at Almack's the following week. Caroline, blushing, agreed and Diana did not hesitate in doing the same.

The next day flowers arrived for Caroline and the card identified that they were form Mr. Straw. Caroline pretended not to be impressed by these but Diana knew otherwise.

As the season progressed Rollo knew he had been right to trust Diana to keep her word and not reveal his secret. He had kept and eye on her when their paths crossed at Balls and assemblies but had not favoured her with another dance. Indeed he noticed that she and her cousin were never lacking partners and always had several young gentlemen dancing attendance on them. His own brother, Oliver, included.

Having escaped early again from the Wednesday Ball he was relaxing with a port and cigar at his gentleman's club when he overhead Diana Wells and her Cousin Caroline being discussed. Although he strained his ears he could not make out the subject matter so when his friend Bono arrived shortly after him he asked if he knew any reason that the ladies should be the topic of discussion.

“Oh. Have you not heard? It is the talk at Brooke's. I understand that there has been a wager made which may involve those young ladies along with others.” Bono confided.

“What sort of wager?” Rollo questioned, interested.

“My understanding is that a couple of young bucks claimed that they could compromise a young lady in her first season before the season was out. I think Miss Diana Wells and Miss Caroline Priest are on the list of possible candidates.” explained Bono relaxing into the seat opposite Rollo.

Rollo did not like the sound of this. “Who on earth has made such a wager?”

“I heard that originally it was Mr. Straw and Lord Cotson who were bragging and then one wagered the other fifty guineas that they could succeed. I have since heard that Woody and another gentleman went in on it. So one of them stands to win two hundred guineas if they succeeded.” Bono refrained from telling Rollo that Oliver was the “other gentleman” involved; he had once seen Rollo loose his temper and did not want to be around should he do so again.

Rollo tried to digest what he had heard. “This is preposterous!” He exclaimed his eyes darkening in anger. “The silly, stupid young bucks.” The gentlemen Bono had named were his brother's contemporaries so he thought Oliver may know more of the matter. He'd have a talk with him.

Ordering another large brandy Rollo put this from his mind for the time being and discussed the financial news with Bono who was quite astute in these matters.

 

The next morning Rollo stayed in the breakfast room until Oliver made an appearance. He did give his brother a chance to get a plateful of food before asking him if he had heard of the wager.

“I heard a rumour last night that some young bucks have wagered on being able to compromise a young lady's reputation; do you know aught of this?”

Oliver completely missing the censor in Rollo's voice was eager with his reply. “Cotson and Straw were bored with the round of balls and card parties and thought a challenge would add a spark of excitement. Woody heard about it and we asked to be included.”

“What?” Rollo stood and faced his brother. “Do not tell me you are involved in this matter?” He kept his voice low but no one, let alone his brother, could miss the censure.

“Well it seemed a good idea; make chasing the ladies a bit more interesting, you understand.” Oliver tried to brush it off.

Rollo could not believe what he was hearing. “Do you have any idea what the consequence would be for any young lady if one of you succeeded? I do not expect that you numbskulls will have thought of that!” He exploded. “Well let me tell you if I so much as hear a whisper that you have, or have even tried to, compromise any young lady I will withdraw your allowance completely and, if you think you can afford to live the rest of your life on the winnings of two hundred guineas, you will quickly find that you are mistaken.”

Oliver was very shaken by this. He realized that Rollo was right and he had not thought of the consequences for the young lady. “I give you my word that I will not progress with this. I really do not expect any of them to succeed; it just seemed a good laugh”.

Rollo relented somewhat. “I will accept your word but in future you must think before accepting foolish wagers from your foolish friends.”

“I think that is a little harsh calling my friend foolish.” Oliver defended.

Rollo got up and left the room before he was tempted to give full vent to his anger. This now accounted for why Diana and her cousin were so seemingly popular with the young bucks. He hoped the rumour of the wager did not reach them and spoil their enjoyment.

Believing that Oliver would be true to his word Rollo put the episode from his mind.

 

The next time Diana and Rollo's paths crossed was at a card party hosted by The Viscountess Newton, who was the mother of Mr. Henry Straw. It was becoming clear to Diana that her cousin was showing a marked preference for Henry Straw and he seemed to be reciprocating. He was always the first to ask her to dance and he had called twice to their home as well as taking her riding in the Park on no less than three occasions.

When they arrived they removed their cloaks and bonnets and followed their mothers into the drawing room of the grand town house. The room was already crowded and Caroline scanned the room searching for Henry Straw, eventually locating him lounging by the window in languid conversation with Oliver Stannington and Lord Cotson. Pulling Diana behind her she headed across the room in his direction. Diana realizing what she was about pulled her to a halt to offer some concerned advice.

“Do you think you may be seen as chasing Mr. Straw if you go to find him so directly?” She knew Caroline's feelings were engaged but, having had no indication of his intent, Diana did not want to see her friend hurt or the topic of unkind gossip.

“Oh…I never thought,” murmured Caroline. She need not have worried however, as Henry Straw having seen her, immediately disengaged himself from his companions and walked towards them. The smile on Caroline's face could leave him in no doubt of her affections. He gave her a ready smile in response and Diana felt reassured and happy for them.

Diana herself had received a lot of attention but as yet had not begun to form any attachment. Lord Cotson showed a marked interest in her but she did not encourage him. She found him pleasant company but his flowery speech and false compliments did not win her over. She sighed, although she was truly enjoying her season she did envy Caroline a little for having found the romance that had so far eluded her.