A Rational Proposal (Furze House Irregulars Book 1)(54)
Adam smiled. “That sounds a good programme to me. Time was I’d have been cribbing the new play for all I was worth so I could reproduce it with the Players. It will be a novelty to simply watch and enjoy.”
Charles retreated into his own thoughts. It was fortunate that Julia had changed the subject. The stimulating exchanging of ideas with Verity was doing nothing for his mental equilibrium.
The Lord of the Castle was everything a melodrama should be. Verity sat back in satisfaction at the end of it. She looked around at the audience and waved to Lilith Fitzgilbert who was in a box further along with a party including her brother and stepmother. Access to theatres was something Verity would miss when she returned to Newmarket. Since Adam had disbanded his touring company, they were dependent on the far less frequent visits of the North and South Company of Comedians, unless they went to Bury St Edmunds when the Norwich Company were in the town.
“Oh no,” whispered Julia in consternation, ducking her head. “Sir Philip Munro is sitting in one of the opposite boxes and has just looked this way. Quick, Charles, talk to me as if we are discussing the play, or my future prospects, or anything. I need to appear completely absorbed. Did Verity tell you about that wretched reticule?”
Verity hid a smile. Julia’s beauty was forever attracting the wrong sort of admirers. It wasn’t a problem she herself had ever had. She turned to Adam, asking him for a proper account of Jenny and what exactly it was that she required in the way of linen. Nursery furnishings in the main, he said, and made her laugh with a tale of how Jenny had not been feeling well last week and the children had been so determined to be quiet and not disturb her that she hadn’t got a moment’s rest all afternoon because she was fretting about what mischief they were up to.
After the interval came the ballet with the Sans Pareil’s principal dancers, Monsieur and Madam Leclercq. The Woodman Prince was very pretty, but it didn’t hold Verity’s attention as much as the play. She might have enjoyed it more had she been seated next to Charles. However, he seemed determined to avoid paying her any particular attention this evening. That might suit him very well, but it did not forward her own designs. Accordingly, when the Fitzgilberts visited their box during the second interval she effected a change of seat with Julia and thus was close to Charles when the farce began.
“The Sportsman and Shepherd,” she said, reading the handbill. “It’s useful when a title describes the plot, don’t you think? It certainly makes it easier to follow the action if the players are in the habit of mumbling.”
There was a reluctant smile in Charles’s eyes. “Were you bored with Adam’s company?” he enquired.
“No indeed, but you know Julia always likes to discuss the topical nuances of any play she sees. She thought Adam, from his experience, would be a more informed conversationalist.”
“I could almost believe you if I did not know it would be Julia doing most of the talking. Why are you making this so difficult? Do you really wish to be the butt of society jokes about the gamekeeper marrying the bird in the hand? I am attempting to keep our relationship businesslike for both our sakes.”
“I do not want a businesslike relationship and nor, I think, do you at heart. You are being quite ridiculous, Charles. What does it matter whose money a young couple settles down on? Who will care?”
“Me. I care. I would as lief not feel shabby at the start of married life.”
“As well not every eligible gentleman feels the same or half the heiresses in the country would be doomed to die old maids without even the solace of children to comfort them in old age! Do reflect, Charles. We have not even kissed properly. We may not suit, and then we would have had all this honourable suffering for nothing.”
“Oh no, Verity. You are not tricking me like that. If once I kiss you properly, we are both lost.”
She peeped up at him. “Improperly, then?”
“No! And that is a fact, not a challenge.” He sat back with his arms folded and gazed steadfastly at the stage.
If once I kiss you, we are both lost. Verity’s heart danced and leaped inside her chest. She already knew Charles was the only gentleman she would ever accept. That single phrase told her she had been right and he did love her in return.
If once I kiss you, we are both lost.
She straightened her shoulders. So be it. If that was what it would take, she had best scheme how to achieve it.
By the next morning, Verity was no nearer a means of bringing Charles to a declaration. There was a great press of people in Grafton House, but with the benefit of many days of experience, she had the satisfaction of seeing respect in the men’s eyes when she completed Jenny’s purchases with dispatch. Adam only wished for a personal present to buy his wife now, so while he paid for the fabric and arranged its conveyance to Grosvenor Street, she and Charles stepped out into the street to hail them all a hackney to Rundell & Bridge. Verity wondered if a lingering look at the plain wedding bands might not go amiss while they were there.
As they left Grafton House, a shout of ‘thief’ went up inside. A ruckus instantly ensued.
“Oh no, not again,” cried Verity, turning to look, only to find herself separated from Charles in the confusion. His place at her side was taken by her brother-in-law. “Captain Eastwick!” she said in strong surprise, not at all liking the grip he had on her arm.
“Just the lady I was wishful of meeting,” he replied.