Page 21 of A Scandalous Proposition
‘You’ve told me before that Lord Fitzroy had been broadly expected to offer for Miss Dennett.’ Florentina followed Christine’s advice and accepted a second glass of wine from a hovering footman. ‘But I don’t believe you’ve ever explained how she became so intimate with the family in the first place.’
‘Her own family reside in Portsmouth. Her father is Sir Charles Dennett, who owns a shipping line. He has a fleet of clippers.’
‘He trades with the Indies?’
‘Yes, with some considerable success.’ The dowager paused to sip her own wine. ‘His family background doesn’t match our own, and perhaps we wouldn’t have noticed them in the ordinary way of things. But Sir Charles was ambitious for his children to succeed and used his money to ensure that his son Bertram went to Eton at the same time as Adam. They became close friends.’
‘Which is how Lord Fitzroy became acquainted with Miss Dennett, I presume?’
‘Yes, and we all thought her to be charming and lovely upon first acquaintance. Her manners were exquisite, her deference towards me entirely as it should be. I was happy when she befriended my youngest daughter, Cynthia, and also Julia. She became a regular visitor to the Court, and when Cynthia married Lord Seymour, Philippa and Julia continued with their intimacy. Looking back, I can hardly believe I was glad Julia had someone closer to her own age whose society she enjoyed.’
‘But surely that was only natural, ma’am? You were fond of Julia and wanted her to be happy here at the Court.’
‘Yes, I suppose I can’t be blamed for that. How was I to know that Philippa could be so conniving? If I suspected her of any ulterior motives, I merely thought she was intent upon engaging Adam’s affections. I didn’t see any harm in that. I’d observed many before her fail in that particular endeavour, you see. However, when they did appear to take pleasure from one another’s company, I saw no reason to advise Adam to be cautious.’ The dowager sighed deeply, looking crestfallen. ‘How blind I was, but I’m paying heavily for my lack of perception now.’
‘The duke appears perfectly content with his new wife,’ Florentina said. ‘And if she is as ambitious as you suggest, then perhaps Lord Fitzroy has had a fortunate escape.’
‘Yes, that’s true enough.’ Her grace smiled. ‘Thank you, Tina. I hadn’t considered the matter in that light and draw comfort from the fact that Adam wasn’t the one taken in by her. He’ll be able to do much better for himself once his broken heart has healed.’
‘I am perfectly sure that he will.’
‘At this moment he must be dining at the same table as the woman he always intended to marry. What torture the poor boy must be enduring.’
Florentina didn’t contradict the dowager but knew Lord Fitzroy wasn’t at the Court. She’d seen him leaving that establishment this afternoon at a brisk canter whilst she’d been engaged with clandestine activities on a quiet corner of the estate few had occasion to visit. She’d been obliged to conceal herself from his view, holding her breath in case he’d somehow gained intelligence of her presence there and come to demand an explanation. But to her relief he rode on, taking a shortcut she thought only she was accustomed to using. It led to the edge of town where Chamberleigh was located. Presumably that was his destination. Irrational anger consumed her at the thought of his being unable to harness his lust until the hour of their liaison.
Florentina had been watching for his return ever since and was fairly certain he’d not come back. Perhaps he’d been diverted by the skill of Christine’s ladies and would no longer feel the need to keep his engagement with her. God’s beard, what was wrong with her? Instead of the relief that prospect ought to engender, her entire body flooded with an intense feeling of disappointment.
‘Oh, by the way, my dear.’ The dowager’s voice intruded upon Florentina’s introspective thoughts. ‘We are engaged to dine at the Court tomorrow night.’
‘Are we, ma’am?’
‘The invitation, summons, call it what you will, arrived this morning whilst you were in town. Philippa is throwing a party to welcome Adam home.’
‘That sounds rather presumptuous of her.’ Florentina twisted her spoon between her fingers as she arranged her thoughts. ‘Has she stopped to consider how awkward that might make him feel, I wonder.’
‘You are not being at all presumptuous, my dear, and as usual our thoughts are in accord. My reaction was the same as yours initially. But having had time to reflect, I think she might actually be right on this occasion. Tongues will wag because everyone expected Philippa and Adam to marry. If they see them comfortable together it will put an end to the tittle-tattle. Not that poor Adam will be comfortable, of course, but I dare say he can see the need for the soiree as clearly as I can.’
‘Yes, perhaps.’ Florentina wrinkled her brow. ‘But are you sure I am included in the invitation, ma’am?’
‘Of course you are included. I cannot do without you.’
From which Florentina surmised that she hadn’t been but that the dowager had insisted. ‘Who is to attend. Do you know? I imagine the duchess was obliged to consult you about the guest list.’
The dowager blew air through her lips. ‘Philippa, unlike her predecessor, seldom requires my opinion. But I have my sources and can tell you precisely who will be there.’ She proceeded to do precisely that.
‘I believe the servants at the Court still look upon you as their mistress.’ Florentina shook a finger at her patroness and smiled broadly. ‘How else would you have obtained such information?’
It was the dowager’s turn to smile. ‘My dear, I might have carelessly allowed myself to be outwitted by my daughter-in-law, but my family is too important to me to let go of the reins entirely.’ She laid her napkin aside and rose to her feet. ‘I can assure you that keeping abreast of Philippa’s activities is not so very difficult.’
Florentina stood too and together they removed to the drawing room, where tea was served.
‘Why do you not wear your new green muslin tomorrow evening, my dear? It would be the perfect opportunity for you to show it off.’
Florentina had arrived with few suitable gowns for her position, but Christine had directed her to a local seamstress who’d furnished her with the necessary garments to support her situation. The emerald-green muslin with a spangled overskirt of spider gauze was the most elaborate gown she possessed.
‘I shouldn’t like to give the impression of pushing myself forward.’
‘Nonsense, my dear, you’ll look lovely in it. I insist that you wear it.’
