Shadows of Doubt (3 page)

“Come now, it will not be so bad. And better yet, it will make her cease her prattling.” He winked at his grandmother as he said this.

“You do not understand, sir. I have had very little experience with dancing in years. I might be able to fudge my way through a country dance, but a quadrille…” She was trying to will her trembling to stop. Her previous encounters with such estimable gentlemen from London several years ago had left her without confidence.

“Ah, I see. That matters not. No one will notice your mistakes I assure you, for they will be too busy watching my clumsiness. However, I enjoy myself immensely so I pretend I know what I am doing and smile. There is no need to fret, I assure you.”

They were already in formation, the set about to begin; it was too late for objections, though her insides were churning with fear. The square formed and the music began.

 
“Tell me, Miss Lambert, how I have never before had the pleasure of making your acquaintance?”

“I do not go about in Society. Certainly not in London.”

She was uncomfortable making eye contact with one such as he, a London swell by the appearance of him… but it was difficult not to look. Her eyes were drawn to him inexplicably. Or not so inexplicably.
 
She took the opportunity to survey him as he took a turn with a different partner in the figure. The exquisite cut of his superfine coat highlighted his broad shoulders, and snug satin breeches left little doubt as to the status of his athletic physique. The intricately folded cravat identified him as a dandy, but the becoming natural way he allowed his locks to fall and the understated neatness of his dress belied the appearance of sense over the current fashions. Bath was certainly not often graced with specimens of his ilk.
 

She swallowed. “I gather, sir, that you have not spent much time in Bath,” she commented. She began a turn with her next partner before rejoining him in the dance.

“You are correct. This is my first long visit,” he responded when rejoined with her.

“Lucky fellow, indeed. For I have never been anywhere beyond the Bath countryside, much though I may wish to.”

“Never been out of Bath? I should go mad,” he said with dramatic shudder.

“Perhaps I am a bit mad,” she said thoughtfully with a slight smile.

“Indeed?” His blue eyes twinkled, and her insides did a flip. She should not have made eye contact.

“Were it not for your grandmother, I would be. Her presence has allowed me some daily reprieve.”

“That brings up a most important question. Where does one find sport or exercise here? Everywhere I look, save a few small parks, there are stone buildings, stone paths, stone churches. I am desperate for a ride or walk and there are none to be found. I
need
some nature, Miss Lambert,” he said in a serious tone that was undermined by the crinkles around his eyes.

“Parading around the Pump Room constitutes exercise in this city,” she said with mild sarcasm.

“Indeed. I’ve had the pleasure of strutting my feathers at that exalted establishment. However, if that putrid water does anything more than cause indigestion, I would happily eat my cravat!” he exclaimed with a serious face.

“Sacrilege! You will find yourself cast out of the town,” she said with twitching lips. She agreed wholeheartedly, but people flocked to Bath for its healing waters. “You are not one for city life?”

“I have spent time in town, of course, but never for long. Ten years in the Army has taken me many places, but rarely to cities.”

He led her through the dance, covering her mistakes with practiced grace. She had remembered most of the steps by her next change. He had made her feel at ease, such that she did not realise the dance had ended when he held out his arm to her.

“Thank you, Miss Lambert. I do not think anyone even noticed any of my missteps.”

“You know very well it was quite the opposite.” She smiled despite herself and fanned herself more furiously than proper due to the suffocating heat. She was grateful Hanson had thought to bring her one that matched her toilette.

“I know no such thing except it is a dashed crush in here. Shall we fetch a lemonade?”

A glass of lemonade was procured from the tea room, and they made their way to the small courtyard just beyond the door to the ballroom. They remained within view of the door for propriety, though many couples had sought relief out of doors.

“You mentioned the Army. Were you involved in the Peninsular Campaign? Or did you go to the American War?”

“I stayed on the Continent. Mostly as a part of Wellington’s staff.”

“I am most envious, sir. The Continent sounds very beautiful in many places, especially Italy and Greece.”

“You have heard correctly. There is no place quite like them. The waters are the most incredible shades of blue. Nothing at all like the dark seas around England.”

“You are most fortunate to have seen them, Mr. Abbott. I’ve never even seen the English seas. I long to see the world—or at least see beyond the Bath countryside.”

“I’ve also been obliged to see and stay in some locales revolting enough to make your skin crawl. Why have you not travelled?”

She ignored his question and changed the subject. She did not wish to go into depth over her situation, less he pity her. He likely had enough inclination from his grandmother about her status. Perhaps a fashionable town man like him thought he was doing her a favour by paying her marked attention.
 

“There are some nice walks and rides nearby. I shall be happy to give you direction.”

“You are most generous. Would you be so obliging as to show me one of them tomorrow?”

“I am afraid I cannot leave my mother for so long, sir. I have not been to the Assembly in nearly six years.” She had neither time nor luxury to indulge this fancy.
 

“Six years?” He nearly spewed his lemonade.

“Until your grandmother began visiting daily, I rarely left her at all.”

“I am certain something could be arranged.”

She shook her head. “No, sir. I thank you kindly for the offer, but it is not possible.”

She set down her glass and began walking towards the Dowager. She had to put a stop to this immediately.

***

He watched Miss Lambert walk off in a glorious gown of satin that seemed designed exclusively for her. If he hadn’t seen his sister Elly wear the gown before he never would have known it was a hand-me-down. However, he hadn’t noticed his sister’s long legs or how the fabric had clung to her curves when she’d worn it. He could not seem to force his eyes to look away, the fool he was, before he recalled himself to escort Miss Lambert and follow along.

She was enchanting. She had none of the practiced charms or coquettishness of the females in town, and he found he had no idea how to behave with her. She was without affectations and completely unaware of her attractions. It was a very good thing he was leaving for America this week—or was it? Would it be so terrible a match? Likely. He would fall for her head first and she would tolerate him out of gratefulness.
 

He had nearly sworn off females after the Ashbury triplets. He had enjoyed their company, but the spark he desired had been missing. He was not hindered in his search as so many were by the pressing need for an heir. No, he had nieces and nephews in abundance to leave his property to. He could not blame the triplets entirely, and at least his heart was not injured, only his pride. Their hearts belonged to other men, and he did not want anyone at that cost. They had used him much the same as he had used them in return—as flirtatious friends and beautiful companions.

After she was returned to his grandmother, he watched Miss Lambert for some time from across the room, waiting until it was proper to ask her to dance again. He conversed with the elder veterans, many retired here with their injuries, all eager to reminisce about their Army or Navy days, and hear retold the stories of the now infamous battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar.

Several young men approached the Dowager, hovering nearby, hoping for an introduction, but Miss Lambert subtly shook her head or whispered to his grandmother.
 
Why wasn’t his grandmother introducing her and insisting she dance? And what did she mean by trying to pass herself off as a spinster? He could feel the piercing looks from his grandmother from across the room. He raised a questioning eyebrow at her. Did she expect him to break the rules for Miss Lambert? That would only draw unwanted attention to her.
 

He noticed the forlorn look on one of Miss Lambert’s admirers as he walked away.

“What happened old fellow? The beauty isn’t dancing anymore tonight?”

“Apparently not.”

“Perhaps she was overly fatigued or concerned to leave her companion.”
 

“Her Grace said hello, and asked after my family, but did not perform the introduction.”

“Did you ask her to be introduced?”

“No. It did not seem welcome for she changed the subject every time I began to ask! One does not interrupt Her Grace!”

“No, indeed. Who can say with those on the verge of senility? Perhaps the Dowager did not realise your intent. I suppose I must rescue the damsel from the Dowager’s grasp.”

“I’ll bet you a monkey she won’t dance with you again,” he said defensively, not wanting his own confidence demeaned further.

“Save your monkey and learn from the master.” Andrew winked at the young pup.

He casually made his way back to Miss Lambert’s side and offered his hand to her for their second dance. He saw her hesitation. She wanted to refuse him. Sadly for her, he was not here to be refused.

“You cannot deny me as you have done the others, for I have been introduced. It would be badly done,” he said, unperturbed.

She sighed. “If you insist, Mr. Abbott.”
 

“The sentiments I long to hear from all of my partners,” he said cheerfully.

“You have been most attentive this evening. I shall inform your grandmother of your good behaviour.” Her eyes danced as she took his arm and let him lead her to the set.

“I am not dancing attendance on you at her behest, thank you.”

“Are you not?” she asked with a sceptical eyebrow.

“Not completely.” He grinned at her, unashamed. “Now tell me what worries you so? Are you not enjoying yourself?”

“Am I so obvious? I apologise. I did not mean to be ungrateful.” She wrinkled her brow.

“Only to me. I am used to giddy, chatty females at balls.” Or widows who wanted something else entirely. “You are different.”

“I warned you I do not attend social functions anymore, sir. I have no place in Society any longer. I am unpracticed in polite conversation, though I will try to behave better. I promised I would try to enjoy myself.”

“Do you not enjoy dancing? I assure you your skills are equal to that of most present.”

“I suppose I like it well enough, but to make small talk with strangers that I shall never see again is beyond the effort required to make it enjoyable,” she said while attempting to suppress a grin.

“So severe, Miss Lambert,” he teased. “Could you not pretend to be hard of hearing and ignore their questions?”

“I find it easier to avoid the introduction in the first place.”

“Indeed.” His eyes twinkled in appreciation. “Now what truly troubles you?”

She sighed. “I’m worried about my mother. I confess it is hard not to be concerned.”

“I can escort you home if you wish, Miss Lambert.”

“No,” she shook her head. “It is not necessary.”

“I know the assemblies in the fast town of Bath last until eleven of an evening, you know. Quite scandalous. I even heard the Lower Rooms go until midnight.”

She laughed. “Mr. Abbott, are you ever serious?”

“Only when duty requires it. There now, a beautiful smile. I had to work very hard for that one.” He gave her a meaningful look. He escorted her back to his grandmother when the dance had finished.

“I find I am quite fatigued, ma’am. Miss Lambert’s dancing prowess has taxed me greatly. Would it be bothersome to you if we leave early?”

The Dowager looked to Miss Lambert knowingly. “Your mother is fine, dear. But we may go. You have had your dances and some lemonade, so I am satisfied.”

Andrew scoffed within earshot of his grandmother, and she ignored it.

The carriage was brought around and they dropped Miss Lambert at her rooms.

“I will call for you at the usual time tomorrow, Gwen. Perhaps you can show my grandson about Bath tomorrow.”

Miss Lambert opened her mouth to protest, but held it back and said instead, “Thank you for the lovely time tonight, Ma’am. Mr. Abbott.” She gave a small curtsy and he escorted her to her door. “Goodnight, Miss Lambert.”

“Goodnight, Mr. Abbott.”

***

Gwen let herself quietly in the door in an attempt to not wake her mother. But when she walked through the parlour, her mother was on the sofa waiting for her.

“Mama! Why did you wait up for me? You must be exhausted,” Gwen exclaimed. “And where are the Dowager’s servants?”