Chapter 12 #2
Amy gave up attempting to convince her. There was nothing to occupy her hands as she sat back and stared in front of her.
It occurred to her that she was the only one who was strictly following Mr. Hughes’s orders to attempt nothing after drinking the waters.
The irony made her lips curl up. Only slightly, though, since she had no one to share it with.
By the time they had dined and the hour for the Promenade had drawn near, Amy was more than ready to go out.
Frances assisted her into an ivory linen gown patterned with flowers and clocked stockings in a similar tone.
She covered herself with a stylish short black cloak and her ivory calash.
Although it was still weeks before summer, the breeze carried a renewing warmth, and the creek flowing down the mountainside near the monastery had gained in volume.
The Parc de Quatre-Heures was a grassy plain wide enough for light riding or walking, banked on the left by a steep hill.
She and her sisters set a slow pace to allow for their father to keep up behind them.
He had refused the escort of his valet but had latched on to Mr. MacFirbis, who, although he listened politely, did not seem overjoyed to be thus sequestered.
With the temperate weather, the park was a popular choice that day as people stopped to greet those they knew.
Rebecca Bainesworth arrived after them but soon caught up to Amy and her sisters. “Have you heard about the new assembly hall that is to open in three weeks? Do you plan to attend?”
Amy glanced at her sisters. They had walked by the outside of it, which was much prettier than La Redoute, and were keen to see the inside. “We do indeed. It might be a crush, though, for I understand the ballroom is smaller than La Redoute.”
“My mother is on friendly terms with one of the investors.” Rebecca’s voice had an edge to it that Amy could not quite decipher, but it was gone almost before it could be noticed.
“A visit has been arranged for all the investors and their friends tomorrow. I can ask to have an invitation extended to you if you wish it.”
“I should like it very much,” Marianne said promptly.
“As would I,” Amy volunteered. To visit a celebrated hall before its opening would be a privilege she would not have in a larger city such as London.
“I have promised to accompany Papa to dig for fossils at the base of the hill, so I shall have to miss it.” Hannah’s voice sounded wistful.
“Is it true that the investors of La Redoute are feeling threatened by another assembly hall? For my part, I can only think the addition will add value to Spa’s society. ”
Amy could have answered her sister from the information she had received from Miss Prexley, but Rebecca did so first, adding details Amy did not know.
“’Tis so. Apparently, the owners are in negotiations with La Redoute to open on different days of the week so they might not compete.”
“I cannot complain of more pleasure events,” Marianne said.
The conversation turned to books, and Marianne stopped to stare at the steep hill looming on one side of the park.
Amy knew she was committing it to memory since she had not brought her sketchbook with her.
Rebecca and Hannah found common ground in some of the female authors they both admired, and Amy was content to listen and watch the visitors.
Sounds came from behind them, and a quick glance informed her that Mr. Lambert had arrived at Marianne’s side and was bowing to her and offering his arm.
The sight made her grow tense, but she felt reticent to force herself on the party.
Hannah was telling Rebecca of their journey to Paris after they were to leave Spa, adding, “I hope to attend the literary salons there. If only I might gain an introduction.” This she spoke with wide eyes and a breathless smile.
It was a close glimpse into her sister’s heart, for Hannah was usually reserved when it came to showing her feelings.
“But you have an introduction,” Rebecca said, turning to her in surprise. “I have seen you speaking to Madame Necker, and she is famed for her literary salons in Paris. Speak to her of what you are reading and see if she does not offer to sponsor you when you go.”
“Is she? We’ve only ever spoken of Spa’s interests.” Hannah’s astonishment was followed by a look of calculation. “I will surely do so, then.”
“I am sure it will serve.” Rebecca sighed. “I am to go to Paris as well, but unlike you, I do not wish for it. I would like to stay here with my father.”
“Why can you not?” Amy asked. An oncoming breeze lifted the curls underneath her calash, bringing with it a scent of roses from the bushes planted on the side of the path.
“My mother desires to have me at her side. She would like to find me a husband who will advance her social position, but she and I will not agree on that subject.” Rebecca shook her head. “Let us speak of other things. Nothing is more likely to plummet my mood than my mother’s hopes for matrimony.”
“I am sorry,” Amy murmured. She could hear snatches of her father’s conversation with Mr. MacFirbis while Marianne walked beside Mr. Lambert at a distance that was now out of earshot. She was about to announce her intention to join Marianne when Hannah glanced behind her.
“I will walk with Papa. I fear Mr. MacFirbis wishes to be elsewhere but cannot leave him to walk alone.”
“Tell Marianne to join you,” Amy called out, for she could not abandon Rebecca either. Besides, she did not want to be the only one looking out for her youngest sister. Marianne might end up resenting her. Hannah nodded and left.