A Rational Proposal (Furze House Irregulars Book 1)(39)
“Are you going to return Kitty’s papers?”
He smiled down at her. “Oh, I don’t think so. The place was in such a muddle, they will never miss them.”
“Charles!”
“You are a terrible influence, Verity. Goodbye. I hope you do not find this evening too much of a crush.”
“Do you not attend?”
“I am rarely invited. Many people find themselves perplexed by the social anomalies inherent in entertaining a gentleman who is also a practising attorney.”
Verity looked disapproving. “It does not seem to me in any way an odd thing to invite doctors or attorneys or bankers to the dinner table, but perhaps that is because I am used to country habits. It appears to be different in London, and not nearly so intelligent. Is it difficult for you balancing your profession with your friends?”
There were times when she was too perspicacious for comfort. Charles hurriedly dropped her hand and left the room in search of his hat and gloves. “I have never thought so before,” he said.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“Lieutenant Crisp, how nice to see you again. Have you been drilling diligently?”
The young officer blushed as Verity addressed him. “Yes indeed, though it is not the same in England, with no enemy to outmanoeuvre. I had hopes we might be sent overseas again, but the word is that our next posting is to Liverpool.”
“How very disappointing. Liverpool is generally accounted to be a fine city though, is it not?”
“Oh yes, my home is in those parts, so I have been there many times. The posting is convenient in that respect, but I like the reduced leisure time when the regiment is overseas.” He coloured faintly. “I am not very skilled at cards or dice, Miss Bowman. I prefer to be doing than gaming.”
“Ah, I see. I am afraid I know little of the army. Can you perhaps volunteer for extra duties?”
His expression lightened. “That is what Miss Congreve suggested. Thank you. I will see what my captain has to say.”
They were interrupted by the lazy drawl of another officer, his red coat nudging between Verity and Lieutenant Crisp in a manner that just stopped short of impertinence. “What’s this, Crisp? First Miss Congreve, now Miss Bowman. We can’t have you monopolising all the ladies. I have barely spoken to either of them this evening.” He lifted Verity’s fingers in what was presumably supposed to be a deferential manner and dropped a less-than-welcome kiss on them
Verity stiffened in shock. Not only had Lieutenant Neville barely spoken to her this evening, he had barely spoken to her ever. Up until now, she had not even realised she had registered on him as a presence in her own right. She jerked her hand free and moved slightly away. “We were talking of Liverpool and the fine architecture. Do you know the port at all?”
“I can’t say I do. London, now, I’m far more at home in. I could show you plenty of the sights here. Vauxhall Gardens, perhaps, or Ranelagh. Have you ever been to Ranelagh, Miss Bowman? I assure you it is an experience one does not soon forget.”
Verity might not be as conversant with London and its many attractions as Julia, but she knew perfectly well where was permissible for an unmarried young lady to go and where was not. Even had she only this minute heard of the pleasure gardens, there was enough in Lieutenant Neville’s caressing voice to tell her exactly what sort of experience she was likely to get there.
She gave a tight smile. “I was taken there as a child to see the fireworks. Excuse me, gentlemen, my mother is beckoning to me.”
She whisked away, wiping her fingers surreptitiously on her skirt to rid herself of Lieutenant Neville’s touch. If Julia had been putting up with similar veiled invitations, it was a wonder she did not spend all her time scrubbing her hands under the scullery pump. She wondered why she should suddenly be singled out for his attention.
As she skirted chattering groups, she also asked herself what she was doing at parties such as this. She had found Kitty, which had been her primary object in coming to London. She had satisfied herself that Julia was not about to make a fool of herself. Mama was happier and livelier that she had been for years. Charles seemed in a fair way to granting access to her legacy. All that was left was to persuade Kitty to return to Newmarket with her, which could not be accomplished at a rout party.
“Verity, dear,” said her mother, looking bright-eyed and a lot more animated than she was herself. “Let me introduce you to Mrs Pinkerton. Mrs Pinkerton has been telling me of her villa in Kensington. She has invited us to take tea with her tomorrow. It sounds completely charming and there are several vacant houses nearby of the same type. I have been wondering if we might move to London rather than Furze House, so nice as it is to be with our friends here and for you to visit the attractions and mix in society more. What do you think, my dear?”
With an enormous effort of will, Verity prevented her horror at the idea from showing on her face. “It is certainly an interesting idea, Mama.” She turned to the comfortable matron sitting next to her parent. “I look forward to tomorrow’s visit, Mrs Pinkerton. Have you resided in the area long?”
This was a disaster, she thought in despair, making her way over to Julia after listening to a comprehensive recitation of all the advantages to be found in Kensington. She was of course delighted that Mama was so happy and taking an interest in life again, but Kitty would never come to Kensington. It was by far too close to her husband. Additionally, without Mama’s allowance to combine with her own legacy, Verity herself could not afford Furze House. She wished Charles was here to talk to, even more so when she was thwarted in her intention of a tête-à-tête with Julia by the sight of the officers now forming part of her friend’s circle. Instead she turned aside to compliment Miss Stanhope on her mother’s excellent arrangements this evening. The easy words fell from her lips, but inside she was distraught as to what to do next.