Page 44 of Lady for a Season
Edward stepped away from Maggie, disappointed. He had put up with the other dance instruction, it had all come tediously back to him from his younger days as a boy and he had done his best to be a good partner to Maggie, improving his steps so that he might perform them well. And they had laughed togethersometimes and as she improved, he felt they made a creditable pair, unlikely to disgrace themselves at a ball. But the waltz had been… it had been unlike the other dances. Putting his hands on Maggie’s waist, he had felt the music through her movements, and it had made his movements more certain, had given him a growing confidence that had allowed him to hold her more tightly, to steer her, guide her. And she had followed him, he had felt her grow soft under his hands and allow him to lead her. He wanted that feeling again, the two of them graceful together, entwined in the music. There was something about it that gave him confidence. That made him want more.
That evening at supper the Duchess made an announcement.
“We will go to London for the Little Season. We will send word ahead for Atherton House to be made ready and will set off next week.”
Maggie put down her soup spoon and looked at Edward, who had also stopped eating.
“So soon? Parliament does not open until November; I will not be required to attend until then.”
“We need time for Atherton House to be at its best and for all of us to have new wardrobes, as well as to try out a few social occasions and ensure you are both ready for the full season in the spring.”
The rest of the meal continued with an anxious silence hanging over them. The long summer days, Edward’s healthy colour and more confident posture had lulled Maggie into thinking their days would progress like this forever, now she was harshly reminded it had all only been preparation for what was yet to come.
That night Edward’s nightmares, which had lessened, came back with a vengeance, Maggie heard him cry out and hurried to him, found him sweating and wide-eyed, bolt upright in his bed.
She sat on the edge of it, stroking his arm. “All will be well, Edward.”
“Will it? I dream of making a fool of myself, of people pointing and laughing, of being married against my will to a woman whose face I cannot see… I…” His breathing was growing faster, and she clasped his hand in hers.
“Edward, I will be by your side. You have done so well here… it will be the same in London, you will grow in confidence and find that you can manage everything perfectly. Breathe slowly, Edward, slowly.”
He looked at her, fearful, struggling to steady his breaths. “Will I?”
“Yes,” she said firmly, although she did not feel anything like as certain as she sounded. His anxiety made her anxious too, she imagined making some foolish mistake, despite all the months of instruction she had received, by which everyone would know her for a maid. Edward’s chances of being accepted in society ruined, a sad return to Ivy Cottage. Back to Doctor Morrison and his brutal treatments.
Atherton Park was thrown into disarray over the next few days. Servants hurried about, meals were far plainer than Maggie had seen to date, in the last days a simple tray was sent up to each of their rooms. Maggie carried her tray to Edward’s room and ate with him there, finding it a relief not to spend awkward meals with the Duchess. The larger unused rooms were full of holland covers to protect the furniture from dust during their absence. Every carriage in the stables had been pressed into use, sending goods, servants and clothing to London.
Even Merlin and Lacey departed.
“Two of the grooms will ride them to London,” said Edward, gazing out of the window, “so that we can ride while we are there.”
“Is there a lot of riding in London?”
“Most of thetonmake it their business to walk or ride on Rotten Row every day when the weather is fine.”
“What an odd name. It does not sound like somewhere thetonwould like to be seen at all.”
“It is in Hyde Park. I believe it was originally known as theRoute du Roi, which is French for King’s Road. It was ordered by William the Third, but the name was corrupted. I have been before. It is pleasant enough. I used to ride with Mother in the open carriage. I don’t recall much else about London.”
His hands were gripping the windowsill. Maggie laid one hand on his. “It will not be so bad,” she said, though she knew nothing of what it would be like.
“It will be unbearable,” he said, and left the room.
The day before their departure they received an unexpected and unwelcome visitor. Maggie was partway through being dressed when there was a knock at the door, revealing Edward, half dressed and flustered. Jane stared at him in amazement and Maggie tried to smooth over his intrusion.
“Whatareyou doing here, Cousin Edward? I have not yet done my hair. Jane, my brush. And will you please find my pink brooch, it is in there somewhere,” knowing full well no such item existed.
Jane, eyes still wide, hurried to the dressing room.
Edward’s voice was a hoarse whisper. “Doctor Morrison is here.”
“What? He cannot be.”
“I have just seen him arrive.”
Maggie swallowed. “Get dressed,” she managed. “I will be downstairs in a moment.”
“I cannot find a brooch,” said poor Jane, coming back intothe room as Edward closed the door behind him. “Is His Grace alright?” she added.
