Page 51 of The Gentlewoman Companion

“A military man who specializes in trick riding,” said Miss Fischer. “He rides while standing. Dangerous but quite a spectacle.”

“Speaking of the military,” Mrs. Beecham said, “I heard that a butcher’s son was attacked by an impressment gang. His family sued for his release to no avail.”

“Such a cruel practice. And he not even a sailor!” said Lady Halverton.

Louisa’s mind drifted from the conversation. For the past fortnight, Louisa and Lady Halverton had prepared for the trip by writing even more letters than usual to Lady Halverton’s myriad friends and acquaintances. Already a dozen invitations awaited their arrival. There would be balls and plays and shopping, distractions to soothe Louisa’s nerves.

After the evening meal, they returned to Lundbrooke, but Lord Halverton did not show himself, and his mother did not seem to expect him.

“I am tired, my lady. You will not mind if I escape to my room early tonight?”

“You were quiet today. Is everything all right?”

Louisa’s skill at adjusting her mood to entertain and cheer Lady Halverton had faltered that day. The following day, she would be better. “Of course. I simply crave some quiet.”

“You are a delight and a great support to me. Take a novel and enjoy it in bed. I will send hot chocolate.”

“I am fortunate to have become your companion, my lady.” Louisa’s eyes stung with the confession. What would she have done without Lady Halverton’s kindness? Louisa was the true beneficiary of the relationship. Not only was she safe, sheltered, and cared for, but a world of understanding and knowledge was opening to her.

Lady Halverton smiled with her classic, steady warmth. “Fortunate for us both.”

Louisa trailed up to her room, grateful for the respite. On her dressing table, she found a letter from Charles.

Dear Sister,

I am in London! Father was compelled to sell a few acres to Cousin Sophia, so I’m flush in the pockets for the time being. London is grand, and I am taking advantage of every opportunity to amuse myself. The ring settled my previous matters, but do not forget me. My luck is fickle, and I may need another little bauble.

Charles

The door opened behind her, and Nellie entered with a tray.

“Lady Halverton said you’re not feeling well. I came to help you into your dressing gown and to have a natter, unless you’re not up to it?” She investigated Louisa’s face. “What happened?”

Louisa handed over the letter. “Charles is in London.” The pronouncement weighed her down.

“Polrumptious man. Well, let’s get you comfortable, and then we can talk.”

Nellie began removing Louisa’s hair pins. Louisa closed her eyes and concentrated on the feel of her hair loosening and falling around her shoulders, the brush’s soothing bristles running over her scalp and through her hair.

“What will I do when I have nothing else to give Charles and he tells someone what I did?”

“Would he put his reputation at risk?”

“He doesn’t care about his reputation—it’s hardly worth anything as it stands. If outing me is the last entertainment in his grasp, he will do it.”

“I cannot imagine a brother so unfeeling.”

“He was ever a horrible brother. Father indulged him and disallowed my mother from punishing his antics. I had a Queen Anne doll that belonged to my mother. Charles used it to practice his sword play, destroying her clothes and breaking off her arms. I was only five, so of course I cried and was insufferable, but my father made me apologize to him.” Louisa sipped her chocolate, a fragrance and a flavor that would ever remind her of Lady Halverton.

“I’ve known the sort. Spoiled children grow into spoiled young men. Could you tell Lady Halverton about him, have her warn him off?”

“What excuse could I give her? I can no more lie than tell the truth.”

“If you say so. But think on it. Our mistress is of an understanding nature.” After a pause, Nellie added, “I learned today that Campbell is coming to London with us.”

Louisa looked up. “Green eyes?”

“That’s the one. We walked to church together last Sunday.”

Louisa reached back and squeezed Nellie’s wrist. “That sets my heart singing. And he is kind and polite? Knows how wonderful you are?”

“I can’t say as all that, but he is thoughtful.”

“What a wonderful thing to hear at the end of my day. Thank you, Nellie.”

Nellie opened the door to leave. “What is this?” She bent over and picked something off the floor and gave it to Louisa. “Good night, then, love.”

In Louisa’s hand was a wrapped bar of rosemary soap from Floris. Louisa lifted it to her nose and inhaled. It smelled like a thousand of her mother’s embraces. And of Lord Halverton.

Across the paper in a sharp hand were the words, “I am sorry for upsetting you. – James.”

She held the soap close. Oh, Mama. What am I to do? Protect me from Charles. And give me courage to be a true friend to Lord Halverton. I think he needs one.