Three Original Ladies 02 - Lord Trowbridge’s Angel (2 page)

Trowbridge bowed over the ladies’ hands. “My lady, it appears to be a crush. Congratulations.” He gave Melissa’s mother a short bow.

Shaking hands with Lord Kent, he said, “And good evening to you, my lord. I did not realize Sophie’s dearest friend was your daughter. We have met in the House. I stand with you solidly on the issue of the Corn Laws. Your addresses have been stirring.” He turned to Melissa. “I am certain that your come-out will be a sterling success, Lady Melissa. I’d like to thank you for bringing the lovely Miss Edwards out of seclusion.”

Melissa dimpled. “She knew there would be serious consequences were she not to come.”

Lord Kent detained them for a moment. “I am grateful for your support, Trowbridge. My stance is not a popular one.”

“No, but so important if we wish the poor to have the means to feed themselves.”

Sophie’s escort bowed once more to the smiling earl, and Frank and Sophie moved away. He whispered into Sophie’s ear, “Lord Kent is a skilled orator, and very much the
on dit
in parliamentary circles. His position on the Corn Laws is an unusual one, even for a Whig.”

“Yes, I have actually followed his speeches. He is in favor of their repeal, is he not?”

“Right. Are you interested in the political scene?”

“In anything to do with Lord Kent, yes. His success in Parliament is known even to me. Before I moved from Shropshire to my eldest sister, Elise’s, home in Derbyshire, Melissa used to disappear for the whole Season while Parliament was in session. It was a terrible wrench for both of us. We were very close.”

“How long have you lived in Derbyshire?” he asked as they moved into the thick of the company. Sophie prayed that Buck had warned him that she could not dance.

“Four years. Shropshire is lovely, of course, but Derbyshire has its own charm. Plus, it contains my dear niece and nephew.”

“But now you have a niece in London,” the viscount said, studying her face. “I hope that means you will stay here, at least for the remainder of the Season.”

Was he serious or merely flirting?
They really had nothing in common
.
Buck had told her that Trowbridge was a renowned Corinthian. He certainly had the physique of a sportsman—height, broad shoulders, muscular arms, and legs displayed to advantage by his tightly fit evening clothes.

But his face! Why does it seem so familiar to me?

In repose, it was quite forbidding, with his black, black hair and eyebrows, his aquiline nose, high cheekbones, and square jaw and chin. But in good cheer, it was quite transformed.

She fanned herself. “That has yet to be decided, my lord. I am certain you know Buck and Fanny are not enamored of London. I imagine they will return to Deal shortly.”

“Surely you could stay with Lady Melissa?”

“Are you really so anxious for me to stay in London, then? We have scarcely conversed, my lord!”

Smiling, he brought his head down nearer to her face and whispered, “Has no one ever told you that you have the face of an angel?”

Sophie looked directly into his eyes. “You are very extravagant with your compliments, my lord. I do not know what to say, except that I am no angel.”

Trowbridge raised her chin with his fingers. “I dare you to tell me your vices.”

Looking into the cobalt eyes above her, she consulted her conscience. “I do not suffer fools. I lack patience in general, as a matter of fact. I’m afraid my manner is too abrupt for society. For instance, my lord, I must say I really do not think you should judge by appearances. People with angelic faces can be quite horrid on the inside.” She reminded herself of this fact as she studied his perfectly drawn eyebrows.

At that moment, they were rejoined by Lady Melissa. “Oh, my dearest Sophie! I do so long to have a comfortable coze. You must come for tea tomorrow afternoon. Have you been long in Town?”

“I arrived two days ago. I should be happy to come for tea tomorrow.”

Sophie’s friend turned her attention to Lord Trowbridge. “My lord, how is it you know my friend?”

“I am her brother-in-law’s heir. At least, until he has male offspring,” the viscount said. “He thought we would suit. We met only this evening, and already Miss Edwards tries to deceive me. She insists she is no angel. What say you?”

Lady Melissa giggled. “An angel? Sophie? She is a very good girl to be sure, my lord. But not an angel by any account!”

“Oh, I am undone,” exclaimed Sophie, holding the back of her hand to her forehead. “All is lost.”

“I will consider her angelic until I have evidence to the contrary,” Lord Trowbridge insisted.

An extraordinary individual chose that moment to present himself to Lady Melissa. His jacket was turquoise over a yellow-and-turquoise-striped waistcoat, with turquoise breeches. He wore a gardenia in his buttonhole. Sophie had never imagined the like.

“Lady Melitha, may I have the honor of thith danth?”

“Certainly, my lord.” She turned her face away for a moment to grimace at Sophie, then proceeded onto the dance floor. Sophie watched in amazement.

“Surely that man is out of the common way!” she said.

“He is what we refer to as a tulip of the
ton.
A dandy. A fop.”

“And the lisp?”

“Part of the act. Now, I understand you do not dance. Do you play cards? Or would you like some refreshment? It was rumored at Brook’s that the Aldridges meant to have ices.”

“Actually, Fanny, who is an ace, has taught me piquet. Now I am eager to try my wings, although I believe piquet can hardly be considered an angelic pastime.”

“It depends upon the angel in question. I believe Lady Kent has set the card room up just there.”

{ 2 }

MISS EDWARDS WAS NO LESS
than a Pocket Venus, her lameness notwithstanding. She also had a lilt to her voice that was fresh and altogether entrancing. Frank could not keep his eyes from her face. He saw her tongue slip out just the tiniest bit at the corner of her mouth as she contemplated her next move. Not only did the young lady look delicious, she played her cards well. The angel was excessively serious about the matter.

“Why have you never been to London? Did you not wish a come-out?” he asked.

“You must have noticed, my lord, I am a bit lame. And while I do not define myself by that fact, it is also a reality that I am unable to dance. I saw no reason for a ball, and would certainly have muffed my curtsey to the Queen. I declined in sheer terror at the thought!”

He regarded her wide, confident smile. “I doubt that the queen would have terrified you much. But London? Surely you wished to meet new people, to see the sights?”

“I am content within a small circle of acquaintance. Instead of a breadth of friends, I infinitely prefer a depth of friendship.”

He longed to ask her if she never intended to marry, but he had been bold enough. Undoubtedly, she thought him a fine flirt. Which he was, to be honest. One of the best.

“Do you count any men among your deep acquaintance?” he asked. She made her play, and he was discomfited to find that she might very well win this game.

“To be sure. My brother-in-law, the Duke of Ruisdell, is a very good friend of mine. He has been kind enough to house me at Ruisdell Palace these four years. And I am very fond of Buck. Who would not be? It is agreeable to have brothers as well as sisters.”

He made a desperate play and hoped she could not read his consternation. “Your sisters are your closest friends?”

“My eldest sisters are twins who were married when I was quite young. I do not know them well. But Fanny, Elise, and I are very close. And in Derbyshire, I have a companion called Anna. Then, of course, there is Melissa. We have always corresponded daily when we are apart. That completes my circle, my lord.”

“Would you be averse to considering more friends? May I be so bold to say I should like to be counted among them?” He tossed his cards on the table. “Despite your brilliance at piquet. You have won, my girl.”

She smiled with what he suspected was deceptive sweetness, her light green eyes twinkling. “Shall we play another?”

“I should like an ice, truth be known. But you did not answer my question.”

“It would be very ill bred of me not to consider you for a friend when you have allowed me to win at cards, have escorted me to a ball where you knew you could not dance, and have likened me to an angel. I
am
considering it. But, my lord, only time will tell.”

“So, we have a trial friendship?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

“I am gratified beyond my wildest dreams. Let us celebrate with an ice.”

They stood, and he held out his arm. She placed a dainty hand upon his sleeve and allowed him to lead her to the refreshment room. To his pleasure, they found the Aldridges were providing both lemon and raspberry ices.

He secured a lemon for Miss Edwards and a raspberry for himself and found them a table. They had not long been seated when they were approached by his mistress, who was escorted by his best friend, the Baron Shrewsbury. Lila was a vision in powder blue silk tissue, her strawberry blonde hair cut around her gamine face to create the look of the naughty pixie that she was.

“So this is Rosalind’s little sister,” Shrewsbury said. “Introduce us, if you would be so good.”

He referred to Fanny by Buck’s pet name, causing Frank to grin. “Rosalind” had created quite a stir among the
ton
in her day.

“Lord Shrewsbury, Lady Manwaring, may I introduce you to Lady Deal’s
angelic
sister, Miss Sophie Edwards. Miss Edwards, this reprobate is the Baron Shrewsbury, and this is Lady Manwaring, a renowned Whig hostess. More political deals are made in her Sunday salons than at Brook’s. Both are considered by many to be card sharps, so I advise you to keep your distance in the card room and your money in your pocket.”

“But you are adorable, pet!” Lila exclaimed. “Are you a rebel, like your sister?”

“She is an angel,” Frank insisted. “But she has beaten me at piquet.”

“Piquet rather than dancing?” Lila asked. “Are you an oddity, child? Like your Aunt Clarice?”

Miss Edwards replied, “I am afraid I am. Aunt Clarice is my idea of a fine lady.”

Frank clapped his hands at this masterful set-down.

“May I have the pleasure of the next dance, Miss Edwards?” Shrewsbury asked. “I worship your Aunt Clarice.”

“I am afraid I must decline, my lord, though I appreciate your kindness. I do not dance.”

“Definitely an oddity!” huffed Lila. “I have already danced with Shrewsbury, but I shall be pleased to dance with
you,
Frank.”

“Another time, Lila. Miss Edwards and I have our evening quite planned. Now that we have had our ices, I must introduce her around. She is a violinist and will benefit from acquaintance with London’s musical circle. I shall call on you tomorrow.”

He bowed to his mistress and his friend, put Miss Edwards’ dainty hand upon his sleeve, and walked away toward the mirrored wall, where he had last noticed Joseph and Bella.

“Is Lady Manwaring always so rude?” Miss Edwards asked.

“Inevitably. She believes her beauty and influence entitle her to say whatever she likes.”

“Why do you cultivate such an acquaintance?”

Trowbridge coughed to cover a laugh.
If she only knew. “
Actually, she is very helpful, politically.”

“If she is the
mode,
then I am certain to take London in aversion.”

“Wait until you meet Joseph and Bella Carstairs before you decide. I think you shall like them exceedingly.”

As soon as he had them in view, the towering form of Joseph Carstairs strode forward to meet Frank, his hand outstretched. “You walk with beauty tonight. Pray, introduce us.” His tiny wife Bella was at his side, a welcoming smile upon her face.

“Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carstairs, please meet Miss Sophie Edwards, a very fine violinist who has been hiding in Derbyshire. Miss Edwards, I would like you to make the acquaintance of two of my dearest friends.”

The young woman at his side offered Joseph her hand, over which he bowed.

“You are musical?” she asked.

“We are,” Bella replied. “I am a pianist, and my husband plays the cello. Who was your master in Derbyshire? Ffolkes?”

“Yes. He retired there from London. I am very fortunate.”

“You are, indeed,” said Joseph. “I say, Bella, we now have enough for a trio!”

“But you have never heard me perform,” Miss Edwards protested.

“Ffolkes would never have taken you on, my dear, if you were not full of promise,” Bella said. “Oh, how my fingers itch for the piano. Who is your favorite composer?”

“Herr van Beethoven,” Frank’s angel said.

Though music was not his forte, he was not such a Philistine that he had not heard the name van Beethoven before. He knew the man’s compositions to be rousing and difficult.

“I shall bring my tambourine and make up the percussion section,” Frank said.

“Oh, Frank, dear, do you feel excluded? What would musicians do without an audience?” Bella asked.

“Well I may be mistaken, but aside from her family, I do not believe that Miss Edwards has ever played to an audience before.”

“I desire that of all things!” Sophie said, to his surprise. He had thought her shy. “What an adventure that would be! My sister, Marchioness of Deal, plans to have a musical evening. Perhaps you two and Frank could come to dinner one night, and I could play for you afterward. You will then be able to determine whether you might like to join me in my performance. We could form a trio or play separately; whatever you desire.”

Frank was amazed at the change in Sophie. Her countenance was brilliant. She talked with her hands, and her eyes sparkled with vivacity. It did not take much intelligence to realize what her music meant to her. Intriguing.

Joseph said, “We would be delighted. Would tomorrow be too soon? Frank?”

“I must confess I am more than anxious to hear Sophie perform.”

“Excellent,” said Sophie. “Tomorrow night will be excellent!”

His charming chatterbox, now full of laughter and good spirits, saw her sister, the Duchess of Ruisdell across the room.