Chapter Eight #2
“My grandmama.” He cupped a hand to his mouth in a conspiratorial whisper as though sharing a family secret.
“She always comes to tell my mother what to do. But she is not the only countess—Mama is one, too. And I am the earl! One day I shall manage Halcourt myself!” His eyes sparkled with importance as he straightened to his full height.
“That sounds very grand indeed. Now, perhaps you will show me where you live and we shall see you safely home.”
“Arthur!” A woman’s frantic call reached them. “Arthur Abbott Godfrey, where are you?”
The boy looked down and shuffled his feet. “That is my mama.” He retreated behind Elizabeth as the woman rounded the corner.
“Arthur! There you are!” The lady appeared, breathless; a cloak was thrown hastily over her shoulders and she wore slippers rather than walking boots.
“When Nurse told me you were gone… Why would you frighten me so?” The elegant lady caught the boy from behind Elizabeth and wrapped him in a fierce embrace.
“I met a lady.” Arthur pointed over his shoulder at Elizabeth. “I knocked her down and then helped her up, just as you taught me.”
Laughing, the lady stepped back and tweaked his nose. “I do not believe I ever taught you to knock down ladies.” Still smiling, she turned to Elizabeth. “Thank you for detaining my son. Had he not collided with you, he might be halfway to Bond Street by now.”
“It was my pleasure,” Elizabeth studied the woman’s countenance, struck by her calm assurance and kindly air.
She was somewhat taller than Jane, which was to say much taller than Elizabeth.
She had dark-brown hair, and her eyes were alight with the calm assurance of one seasoned by an extra decade of life than she could boast. Something about her presence drew Elizabeth irresistibly; it was as if warmth and contentment shone from within and could not be contained.
“I suppose I ought to introduce myself, though it is most improper to do so first. I was never good at following the rules.” She straightened, her son’s small hand secured firmly in her own.
“I am Lady Westland Godfrey, Dowager Countess of Westland. This young rascal is my son, Arthur Abbott Godfrey, the Earl of Westland.”
Elizabeth dropped hastily into a curtsey. “My lord, your ladyship, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Elizabeth Ben—Mrs Elizabeth Fiennes. Pray, forgive the lapse; I am but lately married and still forget that my name has changed.”
“Married? You cannot be more than sixteen!” Lady Westland looked aghast. “Where is your husband? Is that him?” She inclined her head towards Kane.
“No, ma’am, Kane is my attendant. Mr Fiennes is… Ah, here he comes now.” Elizabeth turned and managed a nervous smile. Her husband’s eyes narrowed, and they flashed with displeasure.
“Elizabeth. Our walk has run long. We must go home.” She knew his tone left no room for discussion.
Panic stirred within her. “Will you allow me to present you to my husband, Lady Westland?” She hoped neither would object.
“Of course.” Lady Westland’s expression had cooled as she turned her attention to Fiennes.
“Lady Westland, this my husband, Mr Damian Fiennes. Husband, this is Suzanne Godfrey, Lady Westland, and her son, Arthur, Lord Westland.” Elizabeth could almost feel the shift in her husband’s bearing.
“Lady Westland, it is a genuine pleasure to make your acquaintance.” His every word was steeped in charm. “My wife and I were enjoying a leisurely stroll and were about to return home for tea. Would you and the young earl do us the honour of joining us?”
Little Arthur looked eager, but his mother shook her head. “I must return to the house—I have a guest.” Her face twisted in displeasure. “But I should be delighted to have your wife to tea next week, if she is free. Would Tuesday suit?”
“We had intended to go to Bond Street that day.” A shadow of false regret crossed his features. “My wife’s wardrobe is in need of improvement.”
Elizabeth’s heart sank. She longed to call on the countess; if she might claim only one friend in London, she knew instinctively that this lady would be the truest and most loyal she could desire.
The countess seemed of the same mind, for she proposed a gentle compromise.
“May I suggest an alteration to your plans, Mr Fiennes?” Perhaps you and your wife will come to Godfrey Place for tea on Tuesday, and then, on Wednesday, I might take Elizabeth shopping on Bond Street.
The shops are dreadfully tedious for a gentleman, and I fancy I have more knowledge of the fashions than your dear wife.
We can go to my modiste—Madame Dubois, the finest in London.
One must be recommended by her existing patrons to gain an appointment.
Afterwards, I shall have your wife for tea.
Pray, have you any accounts established? ”
Fiennes’s eyes gleamed. This was what he sought—a connexion within the first circles. “That sounds delightful. I shall send my information with Elizabeth to arrange the accounts. She has ample pin money to spend.”
Elizabeth inwardly winced at her husband’s indelicate mention of money, but she composed her features into a pleasant smile.
“I shall look forward to it.” Turning to the young earl, she stooped a little to address him.
“If you promise to mind your mama, I shall bring you a sweet after our shopping trip.”
Arthur nodded eagerly, shivering against the cold.
“We must go now. Have you a card, that I might send round an invitation?”
Fiennes reached into his pocket and withdrew a gilt calling card. Lady Westland accepted it, and carrying no reticule, tucked it into her pocket. “Until Tuesday, then. I must get this boy home before he freezes.”
Elizabeth stood with her husband, watching until Lady Westland and her son disappeared from their sight.
“Well done, my dear. I did not think you would take to my scheme so readily. Kane, it was wise to let her speak to the lady.” Kane looked momentarily discomposed, and Elizabeth suspected he had refrained from interfering only to observe her and report all to his master.
She had learnt quickly that her every word and action was under scrutiny, and that the slightest misstep might bring reproof or punishment.
They had not walked as far as she had wished, but the outing had revived her spirits. For the first time since her marriage, she had something to anticipate.