Page 25 of Rogue’s Holiday

Chastity nodded.

Their hostess reached for the silver teapot but was interrupted by Aunt Agatha. “Do let me pour, Maria.”

“If you like,” she said, resuming her seat. Then, returning her attention to Chastity and Rose, she said, “There will be young men for you to meet here in Brighton. They come for the races in July and before that the gambling and theater. The town has many entertainments to offer.”

“Maria is very good at cards,” said Chastity’s aunt. “She will know the best places for a lady to play.”

Chastity did enjoy the game of whist and would look forward to an evening of cards.

“There are several good ones,” said Mrs. Fitz. “But perhaps young ladies such as you might be more interested in the balls. One is held at The Old Ship Inn each Monday. Agatha can act the chaperone and introduce you to some of the young men. And there are private balls, as well.”

“I love to dance,” said Chastity, wondering if Sir Robert would attend any of the balls when he had the Royal Pavilion to enjoy. Silently, she chided herself for thinking of him. Her mission, after all, was to find a match for her friend, not fend off The Rogue.

Aunt Agatha refreshed their tea and helped herself to another slice of tart. “We plan to indulge in sea bathing, too, Maria.”

“Knowing your proclivities, Agatha, I am not surprised, however, I shall leave the bathing machines to you and your young charges. I don’t care if the water is good for one’s health. I prefer my own bath, heated to just the right temperature.”

Chastity liked a hot bath, too, but where else could she indulge in sea bathing?

“My friend likes to do her own market shopping,” said Aunt Agatha. Her eyes shone with pride. “Though I suspect your cook wishes you did not, Maria.”

“That is because Mrs. Ayers thinks I buy too much. I love to watch the ships returning in the morning and listening to the fishermen’s wives with their fresh catches. It seems only right I should buy their fish.” To Chastity she said, “The fish market is a lively place. Mackerel will soon be in season. And there is always fresh sole and turbot.”

“I should like to visit the fish market,” remarked Chastity. “Rose and I saw the ships returning this morning on our walk.”

“Chastity discovered the shingles make for difficult treading,” put in Aunt Agatha.

“I do agree,” said Mrs. Fitz, “but if one is to traverse the beach, they cannot be avoided.”

“Shall we take my great-niece and her friend shopping on the morrow?” Aunt Agatha inquired.

“If the weather is fine, why not?” replied Mrs. Fitz. “They might like to see Hannington’s department store.” To Chastity and Rose, she said, “Agatha is a splendid shopper as her many…ah, costumes have no doubt told you.”

“Now don’t go speaking ill of my brightly-colored gowns,” scolded Chastity’s great-aunt in a friendly tone. “They bring me great joy.”

“Oh, very well,” said Mrs. Fitz. “We shall shop for garish hats, bright silks and shimmering gewgaws!”

Aunt Agatha laughed. “Indeed, we shall!”

Chastity enjoyed the repartee between the two women. It was clear they enjoyed each other’s company. They laughed and teased and cajoled until Chastity found it quite impossible not to laugh with them. She discerned that Mrs. Fitz’s spirit was unaffected by her many trials at the king’s hands, making Chastity admire her greatly. Serene and secure, no wonder all of Brighton held her in high esteem. She’d been wronged by a rogue and survived with no bitterness on her tongue.

“They remind me of us,” Chastity later said to Rose when they were alone. “Mrs. Fitz is my great-aunt’s anchor as you are mine.”

“I have always thought so,” said Rose. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not in the least. I expect we will be enjoying adventures together when we are their age. I’ll still be visiting you when you are married and your children grown.”

“And I will serve you an apricot tart!” Rose said, laughing.

The next morning at breakfast, before their shopping trip with Mrs. Fitz, Aunt Agatha waited until the footman set the teapot on the table and left, and then said, “I did not want to speak of it in front of Maria yesterday, but we have been invited to dine with the king at the Pavilion tonight.”

Chastity shared a look of excitement with Rose. “That is marvelous. Just think, Rose, we’ll see the Pavilion in all its splendor.” Her great-aunt had told her of its grand décor and the evening entertainments. But to experience them in person would be the highlight of her trip.

“To think we shall dine with the king,” said Rose wistfully. “I shall have to write my parents.”

“I wonder who the king’s other guests will be,” said Chastity.

“There is always a surprise,” her Aunt Agatha chimed in.