Page 49 of Not Quite a Lady
‘Although it is very sophisticated with that complex knot at the back – not at all simple really when one looks at it. And your gown – where have the floss and the crystals gone?’
‘Extremely tasteful and very elegant,’ Lady Billington pronounced. ‘And the choice of just your diamond ear drops and the simple diamond necklace: excellent.’
‘But you have somanydiamonds,’ Aunt Herrick lamented.
‘I do not have to show them of all at once,’ Lily countered, trying to convince herself. ‘It feels strange to dress so simply, but I think, now I am used to it, that it does make more of an impact.’
After all, everyone knew how rich she was. Perhaps she did not have to flaunt it.
‘You look like a lady,’ Lady Billington pronounced with satisfaction. ‘I do not see how you can fail to make an eligible connection now.’
It was too much to hope that Lily would be considered to the belle of the ball at an event which was acknowledged to be the high point of the Season, but her chaperone’s hopes were not disappointed.
Miss France and her new style was causing a stir – and every comment, from the grudgingly approving nods of the matrons to the murmurs of envy from the other young ladies, was favourable.
And the men were definitely impressed. Lily smiled demurely as gentlemen from the most impressionable youths to hardened rakes solicited her hand, and her card rapidly filled up.
Which is all very well, she reflected, promising a country dance to Lord Fanshawe,and being admired unreservedly for a change is very pleasant. But I don’t wantanyof them.
What she wanted was one obstinate, battered, thoroughly unfashionable, gorgeous man who did not want her and who was not here to see her triumph.
And Adrian Randallwashere, She had glimpsed him across the dance floor more than once. Sooner or later they were going to come face to face and she had no idea how he was going to act.
Lily was convinced he had been smearing her name – Lord Dovercourt’s actions were proof enough of that – but how widely? Not widely enough for her to be cut here, at any event, not after Lady Jersey’s support reinforced by her own efforts at an understated, ladylike appearance.
Even so, Lily took pains to move around the ballroom in a way that kept her on the opposite side from Adrian.
It was a wonderful space. Finding herself at the far end of the long rectangle Lily could admire the gilded and mirrored walls, the painted ceiling and the shallow flight of steps down at the entrance end.
They made a dramatic focus, allowing the duchess to receive her guests at the top and for them to descend in full view of thecompany below. Most of the ladies were taking full advantage of this opportunity to display their finery and the parade of gowns alone made the evening memorable, as Lily observed to Lady Billington.
The orchestra ceased its programme of light airs and, with a flourish of strings, indicated the start of the dancing. Lily was claimed by Colonel Strangman for the quadrille and she put everything else out of her mind as she concentrated on the steps of the dance.
The Colonel was a good dancer and a pleasant companion: Lily enjoyed herself and was still chatting animatedly to him as he walked her off the floor.
It was possible, if one kept busy enough, to behave as though nothing untoward had happened, as if one’s heart had not broken. How very strange.
‘Miss France.’ It was Lady Jersey.
The colonel bowed and effaced himself and Lily steeled herself for the patroness’s critical appraisal.
‘You look charmingly, my dear. Now then, there is someone I wish you to meet.’ Lady Jersey steered Lily through the press and arrived in front of a handsome young man.
‘Miss France, do allow me to introduce my godson, Lord Gledhill. George, I am sure Miss France must be in need of a glass of lemonade.’
She fluttered off leaving the two of them regarding each other with a certain reserve.
‘Matchmaking, I’m afraid,’ Lord Gledhill remarked ruefully. ‘Would you care for some refreshment, Miss France?’
‘No, nothing at all, I thank you. Why should your god-mama match-make?’
‘She always does,’ he replied cheerfully. ‘Thinks I should settle down and establish my nursery. Don’t pay any attention,Idon’t.’
He must have realised this was a less than flattering remark,and he grinned and added, ‘Not that any man would be about in his head if he didn’t admire you, Miss France, but I’d make a devilish bad husband. Is anything wrong?’
Lily realised she was staring over his left shoulder and hastily recollected herself. ‘No, nothing. Only, there is someone I would prefer not to meet and he is coming this way. If you do not mind…’
‘Randall eh?’ Lord Gledhill remarked after one glance, confirming her worst fears about how widely her personal troubles were known. ‘Chap’s a bounder. We’ll just head this way shall we?’
