Chapter 9
Eliza glanced around St James' Park, her stomach knotting. "I am not entirely certain this was a wise idea, Aunt."
Her aunt did not immediately disagree with her, as Eliza had anticipated.
"It may cause you some difficulty, yes," she agreed, walking alongside Eliza with her head held high.
"I cannot pretend that there are not those in the ton who are eager to give you the cut direct — not because you deserve it but because they wish to be seen doing it.
And that particularly after you stepped out with Lord Ashcombe last evening. "
Eliza's stomach twisted, and she looked away.
The dance with Lord Ashcombe had been quite wonderful, filling her with a sense of happiness that she had not experienced in some time, but the moment he had stepped away from her, the dark cloud had returned, and she had once more sensed the coldness from the other guests present.
To her very great relief, Lady Sarah had also been present and had come to her aid, standing by her side for the rest of the evening aside from a dance or two.
Had it not been for her company, then Eliza was quite sure she would have returned home early.
"It is almost as if, by his notice of you, you have somehow sunk lower in the ton's estimation," her aunt continued, her words bringing no light or joy to Eliza's heart.
"I believe that they think someone who has a dark and secretive past should not have the joys of Lord Ashcombe's interest. After all, he is both handsome and wealthy, so would suit any number of ladies very well. "
"Except I do not have a dark and secretive past."
Lady Newark offered a rueful, slightly apologetic smile. "Indeed you do not. I myself was caught up in an argument last evening whilst you were dancing with Lord Ashcombe, insisting to Lady Falkirk — a most prolific gossip — that your mother had not died in mysterious circumstances."
Eliza stopped dead, one hand going to her stomach as it began to writhe. "I beg your pardon?"
With a scowl, her aunt shook her head and then continued walking, taking Eliza with her.
"Forgive me for speaking so bluntly, Eliza.
I should mayhap not have shared such a thing.
" Her breath came out in a rush, with obvious frustration at the edge of it.
"It gives me no pleasure to hear you and your family being spoken of in such a way. I had no choice but to defend you all."
"For which I am very grateful, truly," Eliza responded, her voice quiet as she tried to take in all that her aunt had just told her.
Such rumors left a bitter taste in her mouth, reminding her that many would be more than willing to speak of her in such a calculated, cruel manner.
Her skin prickled with nervousness as she looked around the park.
Now, more than ever, she felt herself almost afraid of what would be said to her, should she linger.
"Perhaps, Aunt, we could tell Sarah that whilst we are very grateful for her offer of a picnic here in the park, we now think it unwise.
" Seeing her aunt's frown, Eliza quickly tried to explain.
"I do not want her to be touched by the rumors that swirl around me so closely. "
"I am sure she does not mind in the least," her aunt replied, taking Eliza's concerns and setting them aside.
"Indeed, I am sure that since she was the one who came to your defense in front of so many others at the ball last evening, she will do the very same this afternoon.
" Her smile returned, although it did nothing to comfort Eliza.
"There are still those in society who wish for your company and who will not listen to what the gossipmongers have to say.
You must cling to those, Eliza, until you can find the truth of your connection to Lady Warrington.
Then and only then will you be free from these unholy mutterings. "
This did not give Eliza any great comfort, however, for whilst she was appreciative of her aunt's encouragement, it did not bring her hope.
After hearing what had been said about her mother, Eliza feared that no matter what happened, no matter what connection to Lady Warrington was discovered, she would always have a low place in society.
The rumors might not stop, the wagging tongues might continue, just as they had done. She might never be free at all.
"Eliza!"
A warm, vibrant voice reached Eliza's ears, and turning her head to the right, saw Lady Sarah rushing towards her across the grass, her hands outstretched. A smile spread across Eliza's lips as she gripped her friend's hands, leaning into Sarah's effusive welcome.
"How glad, how glad I am that you came," Sarah said enthusiastically. "I was so afraid that you would not step out, that the gossip would be too much — but look now, here you are, courageous and strong."
"I hardly feel strong," Eliza answered ruefully, as her friend looped her arm through hers and began to take her back towards where the picnic had been set.
"My aunt has had to do a good deal of convincing me, but yes, we are here at last." She could not help but smile as Sarah led her to where a checked cloth was spread out across the grass, anchored at each corner so that it would not lift.
The spot was pleasant indeed, with an outlook across the large pond so they might watch the ducks as they ate.
There were three large baskets at the feet of both a maid and a footman, both standing ready for Sarah's instructions.
"Goodness," Eliza remarked, gesturing to the baskets.
"Have you prepared some sort of vast feast for the four of us?
I presume your own mother is here somewhere. "
"The six of us," Sarah corrected, giving Eliza pause.
"I have invited Lady Jeffries and her daughter, Lady Margaret — and yes, Mama is just to my left, speaking with Lady Wainwright.
" She stopped, turning to face Eliza and grasping her hand as she did so.
"You need not look at all concerned, my dear friend.
I have already told them of your presence, and they are quite contented to join us.
Not everyone is as unwilling to be in company with you, my friend. "
Eliza breathed out through her nose — one slow, careful breath — and allowed her friend's light chatter to quieten her anxiety even more.
Seating herself carefully on the picnic blanket, with her aunt doing the same, she let herself fall into conversation, feeling herself relax in increments as nothing untoward occurred.
Acquaintances of Lady Sarah greeted her with a nod and occasionally a wave, though none drew near — although Eliza did not mind in the least. It had been some time since she had felt so at ease amongst society.
Since the news of her inheritance had wound its way through London, she had felt weighed down, heavily pressed on every side by the glances, the remarks and the gossip that pursued her.
Now, however, in the warmth of the sun and in Sarah's company, Eliza allowed herself to believe that, perhaps even for only a short while, she might be able to enjoy the afternoon without consequence.
"Lady Sarah?"
A voice came from behind them, and Eliza rose quickly, coming to stand beside Sarah as she greeted Lady Jeffries and Lady Margaret before introducing both Eliza and her aunt.
Eliza could tell that Lady Margaret was certainly uneasy, given the darting glances she sent towards Eliza and the way she had lowered her head, but Lady Jeffries was quite the opposite.
Warm and welcoming, she told Eliza exactly what she thought of gossip and then spoke directly to Lady Newark, remarking on just how well she thought Eliza had managed whilst traversing society.
Eliza's shoulders dropped, the tightness that had gripped her since their arrival easing at last, as Lady Jeffries and Lady Newark took a few steps away so they might continue their conversation in private.
"Lady Margaret," Eliza began, thinking that it would be best to try and promote conversation so that the young lady would not appear so anxious. "Have you been long in London?"
"No, not for more than three weeks as yet." Lady Margaret's voice was soft, her eyes still dancing from one place to the next rather than looking directly at Eliza. "I think that — "
"Goodness, Lady Sarah, a picnic? With such company as that?"
A prickle of awareness ran down Eliza's spine, and she swallowed thickly, looking over her shoulder to see a lady dressed in half mourning, coming towards them. There were four other ladies with her, but Eliza did not recognize any of them.
"Lady Ravenshill, good afternoon." Lady Sarah, with a quick glance towards Eliza, bobbed a quick curtsy, leaving both Eliza and Lady Margaret to do the same. "Yes, as you can see, we are soon to enjoy a fine picnic."
The lady's lip curled. "And with such company as this?
" she said for the second time, leaving Eliza with no doubt as to what she meant.
The ladies behind her — which Eliza now presumed were either her friends or her sisters since they all appeared similar in age — looked at each other knowingly, with one lifting a hand to whisper something into the ear of the lady next to her.
"You may not be introduced, Lady Ravenshill," Sarah said quickly, as Eliza glanced towards her aunt, only to see her further away still, now meandering alongside Lady Jeffries and entirely unaware of the difficulties Eliza now faced. "Might I present — "
"There is no need to present anyone," Lady Ravenshill snapped, silencing both Sarah and, to Eliza's ears, everyone else in the park such was her vehemence. "Miss Fairleigh is well known to everyone here in London, whether she wishes it to be or not."
Eliza's mouth went dry, and she tried to swallow it away, any possible response she might have made burning away in an instant.