Lady Ann's Excellent Adventure (A Regency Short Story) (3 page)

He nodded, as though approving her sense of duty. "But that does not mean you cannot indulge in a bit of fun now and then. I sincerely hope that when your life changes tomorrow that you will not have to entirely give up the occasional escape."

"That would be wonderful, though I am not hopeful. The gentleman I am to … Well, I suppose I should explain as I feel that after chasing balloons and eating oysters together, we are already fast friends."

He flashed a smile that made him look almost boyish, and even more handsome. "Indeed we are."

He touched her hand briefly. It was a friendly gesture, yet it made her skin tingle in a most disconcerting manner. She took a breath to compose herself before continuing.

"As you may have guessed," she said, "I am to be married. We are to formalize the betrothal tomorrow. The marriage has been arranged since I was a child. The man I am to marry is, I believe, rather stiff-necked and proper."

He quirked an eyebrow. "You believe? You do not know him?"

"I haven't met him since I was six years old and he was twelve. But even as a boy I found him officious and egotistical and puffed up with his own consequence. I have heard nothing to lead me to believe he has changed."

He gave an exaggerated shudder. "He sounds like an arrogant prig. Let us hope he has indeed changed, and will be more accommodating than you expect. Such a fine little finch as you are does not deserve to be caged."

A fine little finch? She rather liked that. Other women might have preferred to be compared to a more glamorous bird, but a finch suited her just fine. And the fact that Will thought she ought not to be caged touched her deeply. How odd to have found a perfect stranger who could almost see into her heart. But she must not think of him in that way, as she could never see him again after today. She would become bound to another stranger, one who was unlikely to see beyond her royal blood and certainly not into her heart. "I shall leave such optimism to you, sir, as I do not share it."

"And we shall say no more on that subject. What would you like to do next?"

"I shall leave it up to you, sir."

"I think I will simply drive you around and let you see London. If anything strikes your fancy, we shall stop and explore."

#

Evesham figured a royal young lady was no different from other women, and so he drove her down Ludgate Hill to admire the shops. He had not been wrong. He'd never met a woman who didn't love to shop. Annie was in transports, exclaiming over the beautiful, glassed shopfronts that lined the street, as well as many of the adjacent streets, displaying wares of every kind. As expected, she asked to stop the carriage and walk so she could get a closer look.

Some window displays were enough to satisfy her, but there were many shops she felt compelled to enter, especially when pretty shop girls stood in the doorways enticing ladies with their wares, calling out, "Italian silks!" or "Limerick gloves!" or "Mechlin laces!" or "Chinese parasols!"  The earl followed Annie as she visited mercers, shoemakers, milliners, fan-makers, umbrella makers, plumassiers, and even a staymaker, where she made him wait outside.

They were standing at the counter of a perfumer's shop, where Annie was being given tiny vials of fragrance to sniff and compare, when Sir Gavin Burke came up behind Evesham and clapped him on the shoulder.

Damn.

"What a surprise to find you in such a place, Ev. How d'ye do, old boy? And who's the pretty ladybird? Your newest light o' love?  Introduce me at once."

Evesham flinched. "Watch your tongue, Burke. This is a lady."

The man curled his lip and leered at Annie. "No need to fly into the boughs, man. I can see why you brought her here instead of Oxford Street. Don’t want to run into one of your sisters with this one on your arm."

"I'm warning you, Burke, one more word and I'll –"

Burke moved closer to Annie, who stood wide-eyed and silent, and said, "You're a fetching little thing, aren't you? Tell you what?  When you're through with him" – he shot his thumb in Evesham's direction – "I'll take you on, love, and –"

The earl's right fist collided with Burke's face before he could finish the insult. The man fell against the counter, sending bottles and vials crashing to the floor. Evesham lifted him up by the collar and set him on his feet. "You will apologize to the lady."

Shaken, Burke rubbed his jaw and glared at the earl. "Yes, yes. Of course. Sincere apologies, Miss."

The earl still held him by the collar, and marched him out the shop's door. "If I ever see you within ten paces of the lady, I will call you out. Is that understood?"

"Good God, Ev, there's no need to –"

"Am I understood?"

"Yes, yes."

"Then get out of my sight."  Evesham spun on his heel and returned to the shop where the owner was cleaning up the mess. He apologized, handed the man his card, and told him to send a bill for the damage to the direction printed on it.

The owner glanced at the card, and his eyed widened. "Yes, my lord."

Damn. Now Annie would know he was a lord, but it couldn't be helped. At least she did not know which lord he was. But it pained him that she had to suffer such an insult. She might not the cold royal he'd expected – and he'd become more an more delighted by that knowledge – but she was still a lady of high rank who should never be accosted like that.

"I am sorry, Annie. That should not have happened. He should never have spoken to you in that way."

"No, but you put him in his place rather nicely, sir."

"I won't have anyone insult you, Annie."

"Thank you for defending my honor. It was rather … thrilling."

He gave a little grunt. "I am glad you thought so. Now, tell me, have you found a fragrance you particularly like?"

"Madame seemed most fond of this one." The shopkeeper held out a vial that was no doubt his most expensive perfume.

Evesham gave it a sniff. "Ah. It's lovely. Floral with a hint a spice. It suits you, Annie." He looked to the perfumer and said, "I'll take a vial, if you please."

When they left the shop, the earl tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and kept her close. He still felt hot anger at the back of his throat at Burke's behavior. He would not have her insulted again.

Annie looked up at him and said, "Should I be flattered to be mistaken for your … what did the man say?  Your ladybird?"

"No indeed. It is offensive to you and I won't countenance it from anyone."

"My goodness. Such a staunch protector you are. Thank you, Will. But I confess that being mistaken for a ladybird is better than … Well, it is rather amusing, you must admit. And I thank you for the perfume." She patted her reticule where the small vial was safely wrapped. "I know you felt obliged to buy it placate the owner, but I do love it."

"It was my pleasure. As I said, it suits your personality."

"This rude gentleman," she said, "and the clumsy one at the balloon ascension both called you Ev or Evvie, or so it sounded. What sort of name is that, if I may ask?"

Now that she knew he was a lord, he hoped she did not make the connection between Ev and the Earl of Evesham. As the day progressed and he'd grown increasingly fond of her, even a little infatuated, he'd begun to feel a tad guilty at his deception. Even so, he was oddly reluctant to give it up. He was enjoying himself too much. He improvised a response. "One of my second names is Evelyn. Some chaps at university began calling me Ev and sometimes Evvie, and several still do. Simple as that."

"Evvie?  Hmm. It doesn't at all suit you. I much prefer Will."

"So do I. Shall we continue?" He offered his arm and they walked on.

As they approached St. Paul's, Annie stood to admire it, admitting the edifice to be quite grand, but claimed no interest in going inside. She was much more interested in the booksellers and print shops along St. Paul's Churchyard and Paternoster Row. She stood for a long while at a printseller's window, studying caricatures of the king, the dukes of Cumberland and Clarence, Lord Nelson, Kemble, and other notables. No doubt she was looking to see if her own father had been lampooned in some way, but thankfully there were no images of the Duke of Gloucester.

She was a bit appalled at a satirical print showing Edward Jenner vaccinating a group of people, with cows erupting from various parts of their bodies, a rumored effect of his cowpox vaccine. And she looked angry at the print of Napoleon holding Albion in chains after the Peace of Amiens. But she laughed out loud at some of the unflattering depictions of the overweight Prince of Wales.

He was coming to find her laughter irresistible.

At Baldwin's book shop on Paternoster Row, while Annie thumbed through several new publications, Will's eye was caught by a particular book, and quietly purchased it. She had been so engrossed in volumes on science and history – quite a surprise, that – she had not noticed his purchase. When they left the store, he presented it to her.

"I thought you might find this little book useful."

Annie looked up at him, surprise and delight in her eyes. "You bought this for me? After already buying me perfume?"

He nodded.

"You are too kind, Will." She opened to the title page, and smiled. "
The Picture of London for 1802, Being a Correct Guide to all the Curiosities, Amusements, Exhibitions, Public Establishments and Remarkable Objects in and near London, for the use of Strangers, Foreigners, and All Persons who are not acquainted with the British Metropolis.
Oh, how wonderful!"

"Just in case you are able to manage another adventure or two."

"Oh, I hope I can." Her furrowed brow indicated she thought it unlikely. But she composed herself quickly and said, "Thank you so very much, Will. I shall treasure this, if only as a reminder of a wonderful day."

They walked back toward Fleet Street, where they had left the curricle in Parker's charge. Despite the incident with Burke, the earl was glad he'd brought her here. It was a pleasure to watch her wander through the various shops and emporiums. She didn't buy anything – like most royals, she probably never carried any money – but that did not seem the point, in any case. It was just the act of shopping that appeared to be an entirely new experience to Annie – to be allowed to view wares of all kinds and pick out what she wanted, if she wanted it. It all seemed so unfamiliar to her that he had to guess she'd never been permitted to visit shops. There seemed to be so much she had not been allowed to experience, so many simple,
ordinary
things. Such was the life, he supposed, of the daughter of a prince.

Evesham had never given any consideration to his future bride's life. He had, in fact, never given much consideration to Lady Ann at all. He knew he was unofficially bound to her and would one day wed her. But he never thought to care for her. Their type of marriage was never about affection. But after only a few hours in her company, he had developed not only affection for her, but compassion. He hated that a young woman filled with so much curiosity and liveliness had been so closely guarded. It was no wonder she tried to escape now and then. She had a joyful zest for life. It was rather amazing that it had not been squashed over the years.

It surprised him to have to admit it, but he was determined that when they were married, she could have as many adventures as she liked. As long as he could share them with her.

#

"It says here," Ann said, reading from the guidebook as they drove west on Fleet Street, "that there is a panorama of London at a place called Spring Gardens. Have you seen it?"

Will kept his eyes on the road as he maneuvered through traffic. "No, I have not had that pleasure."

"It says that the painting is one hundred and eight feet long! Can you imagine? And shows the whole of London from the vantage of a rooftop near Black Friars Bridge. Isn't that the bridge we walked on, near where we had oysters?"

"The very one."

Oh, how she would love to see it. But perhaps it was on the other side of London. "Is Spring Gardens very far from here?"

"Not at all. Would you like to go?"

She turned on the seat to face him and smiled. "Oh yes, please! I've never seen a panorama painting. And how serendipitous that is was painted from a spot very near where we recently stood."

"Then we certainly must see it."

She was delighted that he would take her to see this marvel, but was struck with a sudden pang of conscience. "Oh, but perhaps you have other things to do. I have monopolized your time all day."

"Nonsense. I have enjoyed every minute, Annie. And the day is not over. Let us continue to enjoy it."

He shot her a smile so warm it made her skin prickle and flush. Foolish girl! She must not allow this charming, very obliging gentleman to affect her so. She gathered her scattered wits and sat quietly while he drove her to Spring Gardens, which was close by to Charing Cross.

Poor Parker was once again left in charge of the curricle and team while she and Will entered the Great Room where the exhibition was being held. It was only open until dusk, so they were among the last visitors of the day. A huge canvas, nearly twenty feet high, encircled the room. It was entitled
Eidometropolis
, and had been beautifully painted by an artist named Thomas Girtin, providing a three-hundred sixty degree view of London.

Ann had never seen anything like it. The treatment of light was so naturalistic, she felt as though she were indeed standing on a rooftop in Southwark and viewing the whole of London. She was quite mesmerized, and almost made herself dizzy by turning in circles to see the entire picture. She was able to easily recognize the streets where they'd been, following the line of Black Friars Bridge to Ludgate Hill and St. Paul's. Will even pointed out to her the small inn where they'd eaten oysters.

"I feel positively transported," she said. "It's quite extraordinary. Just imagine the effort involved in producing so prodigious a work. Oh, I am
so
glad we came!"

"So am I." He grasped her hand and squeezed it gently before releasing it. "And I am delighted that you are able to enjoy the
extra
ordinary as well as the ordinary."

She chuckled. "Yes, I much prefer a bit of the high brow along with the low brow. It makes for a well-rounded education, don’t you think?"

"Absolutely. Now, as they are about to chase us out, I wonder if you could manage one more extraordinary experience, just a short walk from here?"

"I am all agog. Lead on."

After informing Parker where they were going and arranging to have him meet them there in an hour or so, Will led her onto Cockspur Street and then onto Pall Mall. They stopped in front of Carlton House, where he described the elaborate renovations done by the Prince of Wales. Ann was not a supporter of her cousin's extravagance, but she kept silent. Then they turned into St. Alban's Street and into the charming Chocolate Rooms of M. Augero, chocolate-maker to the king.

"It is not so fashionable as it once was," Will said, "but Augero makes the most perfect dish of chocolate you will ever drink."

There were cases and cases of beautiful confections and pastries, and two rooms filled with small cloth-covered tables. They were led to one of these tables, and Will told the waiter what he wanted. A pot of chocolate was brought to them, and the waiter poured and foamed it for them. He also provided a pot of cream and bowl of crushed sugar.

Will was right. It was thick and delicious. Ann preferred it bitter, without sugar, but did add the cream, which sweetened it slightly. She savored it slowly while they spoke of the events of the day.

"I am surprised," Will said, "that this is your first London adventure. Surely it is not your first visit to the Metropolis?"

"Oh, no. I've been here several times, but always …" She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Always well chaperoned."

He chuckled. "Have you always been such a romp that you must be so closely watched?"

"Not at all. I have had a few small adventures, as I have already confessed. I suspect if I had been less closely watched I might have had more."

"You must not have been too closely watched today. How did you escape?"

"By climbing a tree, of course!"

He laughed. "But how did you avoid being seen? Do you not have a lady's maid or dresser who keeps a sharp eye on you?"

"I do indeed. A whole team of sharp eyes, in fact. I wasn't allowed to bring my favorite German maid with me, and was assigned a termagant named Barnes, who I prefer to call Barnacle, as she clings to me so closely. Don’t laugh. It's true! And there are others who almost never let me out of their site. My personal footman and my father's major domo are on constant guard. But this morning I told them I was ill and did not wish to be disturbed. While all my guardians were having their breakfast downstairs, I managed to sneak out to the garden. And you know the rest."

"Will they be looking for you?"

"Probably." She added more cream to her chocolate and took a satisfying sip. "But I don't know how they will find me. They have no idea an obliging gentleman in a sleek curricle swept me away."

"I hope they are not too hard on you when you return."

"They will scold, of course, but then turn me over to the tender mercies of my future bridegroom." She gave an unladylike snort. "No doubt they will all be pleased to be rid of me."

A hint of sadness gathered in his eyes for an instant. Ann was rather disconcerted by his solicitous gaze, and looked away.

"Have you been unhappy," he asked, "living as you do?"

"Oh, no. I do not mean to give that impression." Heavens, she must have sounded like a petulant child. "I was born to privilege and rank and fully appreciate my good fortune. I have never wanted for anything. In fact, I have been rather indulged. I have nothing to complain about."

"Except for the lack of opportunities for adventure."

She shrugged. "It is a very minor disadvantage. Would you like more chocolate?" He nodded and she poured. He took a small lump of sugar but no cream.

"If you were not so closely supervised," he said, "what would you most like to do?"

"The sort of things we have done today. To actually visit a gallery or museum to view works of art along with other people, and not have them privately exhibited for my family. To visit dressmakers and milliners' shops and linen drapers – if only to browse – instead of having everything brought
to
me. To be allowed to wander through a street fair or market, sampling simple foods, examining simple crafts, watching a troupe of actors or a puppet show. I am pleased to live in the style and elegance that wealth provides. But sometimes I yearn for simpler pleasures."

"You enjoy being among people"

"I am surrounded by people. But most of them are obsequious, governed by rules that are supposed to have my best interests at heart. I often yearn for a simple, honest conversation." She gave a soft chuckle. "Such as those I've enjoyed with you today. It is not often, sir, that I allow myself to indulge in such uninhibited speech."

He smiled. "Perhaps it is easier with a stranger."

"Perhaps." She returned his smile. "But one cannot always count on an interesting stranger to come along."

"This fellow you are to marry. He is more or less a stranger, is he not?  You may find him easier to talk to than you might think."

"Unlikely. He will have expectations of me that do not include what he would surely deem hoydenish behavior. That is why I must make the most of today. What next, sir? I am not ready to return home yet. Where shall we go?"

"It is getting late and neither of us is dressed for the evening. That limits our choices."

"Remember that I prefer ordinary entertainments to
tonnish
affairs, so I am pleased not to go somewhere that requires a ball gown or opera dress."

He tapped his chin as though considering the options. "I can suggest two alternatives for the evening. It is the last night to visit Vauxhall Gardens before they close for the year. Most of the
ton
has already left Town, but those still here might want to experience the final evening of music and fireworks and such."

"And the other option?"

"There is a masquerade at the Opera House tonight."

"Oh! That sounds like fun. What sort of people go to masquerades?"

"At the Opera House  … all the vulgar riff and raff of London may show up. It can be rather rowdy."

"Then that's the place to go. It sounds like fun. Unless it is thoroughly improper?"

"It can be, but you will be with me and I am a gentleman and will protect you from obnoxious cits and tradesmen."

She smiled. "Of course you will. Only, we don't have costumes."

"There are always domino and loo mask vendors outside. They will be sufficient to disguise us. And if anyone wonders what a lady and gentleman in afternoon dress are doing at an evening ball, we need not worry that anyone will know who we are. And since neither of us knows the true identity of the other, a masquerade will be a perfect cap to the day."