Page 14 of A Lady's Past
Preston’s previous hard edge on the subject of Diana eased. “Perhaps we shall also attend the Hampton’s ball. I believe I would like to meet this lady and see what all the fuss is about.”
ChapterFour
Diana liked Francis Edgebrook. His knowledge of science was impressive, though he did tend to be careless and often wanted to push things past safe limits. Still, she enjoyed her time assisting him.
His previous assistant, Mrs. Whimple, had finally come around to liking her after a difficult beginning. Now it seemed Doris felt obligated to take care of both Francis and Diana. She’d taken to forcing them to stop work for meals and rest. It was often annoying, but always endearing.
Ten minutes earlier they had been summoned to the parlor for tea, with a reprimand that they hadn’t taken a break for nearly three hours.
Doris poured the tea and handed Diana a cup. “There you go. And have a biscuit.”
“Thank you.” Diana hadn’t had someone take care of her in a long time. She should have protested, but it was too nice to reject. Even Honoria was charmed by Doris’s need to keep everyone fed and comfortable. Diana wasn’t sure how she had become part of the group receiving care, but it was far better than the previous disdain.
Francis sipped his tea and read through a paper. “Mrs. Whimple, did you know they are having Sir George Cayley speak at the Royal Academy on Thursday?”
Smiling, Doris put a biscuit on his plate. “Who is Sir George?”
Eyes bright with excitement, Francis waved the paper. “He’s invented some kind of flying machine. I’m thinking we should go and hear him speak.”
“Do they allow ladies into the Royal Academy?” Honoria asked.
His gaze shifted while he considered the question. “I couldn’t say for sure, but I don’t remember reading that women were excluded.”
Honoria cocked her head. “I think a talk about flying in the clouds would be fascinating.”
Rising, Francis regarded her. He joined them around the coffee table. “If you are interested, I don’t see why we can’t all attend. I am a member and am entitled to bring as many guests as I wish.”
Doris clapped. “Oh, yes. Let’s all go. Miss St. Cloud, wouldn’t you enjoy a talk on Sir George’s flying thing?”
Already she’d been pushed into attending a ball, and it was foolish to be out in public too much. Still, she loved the idea of being surrounded by people of science and learning what had happened in the real world since her capture. “I would like it very much.”
“Excellent. We shall pick you both up at Everton House and go directly to the Academy. Perhaps we might find some tidbit that will help us in our work. You never know who you will meet at such events.” Francis went to his desk in the corner and wrote a note.
Honoria put her teacup on the table. “You realize, bringing three women to an event generally reserved for men will make you the talk of the town.”
Looking up, Francis removed his spectacles and raised his eyebrows. “At least I’ll be gossiped about over something other than my latest explosion.”
* * *
On Tuesday, tea was served early because the Duchess of Middleton arrived to visit her uncle. Millicent Knowles was very pretty and kind. Diana had tried to excuse herself so the relations and their old friend might have time alone. Millie, as she insisted on being called, demanded she stay.
“I must admit, Miss St. Cloud, I heard about you from my husband’s oldest friend. It seems you have made a most unexpected impression on Jacques. I was sure he was a confirmed bachelor.” Millie sipped her tea with a mischievous smile while looking over the rim.
Diana nearly choked and had to put her cup down to recover. “I’m sure he is still as he ever was. Mr. Laurent merely gave me transport when I was in need.”
Looking far too delighted, Honoria said, “Did you know that Her Grace was an Everton lady?”
Perhaps she had heard something of it from Jacques, but she wasn’t ready to admit that. “Really? It seems a long way from being a duchess.”
Millie laughed with a shrug. “It’s not as far as you might think. You see, I had dreams for my life, and I left my dear Uncle Francis in order to pursue those goals. I joined the Everton Domestic Society with the idea that I would work there for a year to earn enough to travel and see the world.”
It wasn’t so far-fetched. Diana had avoided any type of serious courtship so she could continue to help Father in his laboratory. Poor Mother was beside herself, with a daughter not interested in marriage. “Then you gave up your dreams when you met His Grace?”
Mrs. Wimple laughed out loud. “As if Millie would ever give up on something she wanted badly enough. She had planned on me traipsing around the world with her.”
Raising her eyebrows, Millie said, “My path may have altered, but my goals never have.”
Diana thought herself to be reasonably smart, but she seemed to have lost her way in the conversation. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Did you not choose marriage over your dream of travel?”
