Eleanor: A Regency Romance (The Four Sisters' Series Book 4), page 2
“I’m sure he’ll survive.” came a quiet voice at her side.
Eleanor jumped; she had not meant anyone to overhear. Turning she saw Mr Heaton smiling slightly at her, a teasing expression in his eyes. Eleanor laughed, “I’m sure he will, but he may not come away unscathed; there are a multitude of bodies left behind in every town Lady Lydia visits.”
“In that case I feel I should remain close to my friend in order to step in if he is in danger. Would you do the honour of having the next dance with me Miss Johnson?”
Eleanor inclined her head in acquiescence. This one was good, she acknowledged as they joined the same set; he would spend nearly as much time with Lydia as Mr Brinklow. Eleanor silently congratulated his good judgement; if he then followed Mr West with two dances he would spend more time with Lydia than any of the other men.
Joseph was congratulating himself on exactly the same thing. It had all gone exactly to plan in his opinion; he was dancing with the friend, who as it turned out was quite pleasing to the eye, not nearly as ugly as he had anticipated.
The dance started and, as Eleanor and Joseph were the bottom couple, she had a chance to speak to this newcomer.
“Are you in Bath long, Mr Heaton?” she asked.
“We’ve come down to allow Brinklow to rusticate a little; West extended his hospitality, and we are quite comfortable at his house, “Joseph explained; it was an acceptable story and avoided any mention of titles or the aims of the men with regards to marriage.
Eleanor knew Mr West to have hired a house in Queens Square, not the most popular address in town, but more than suitable for a single man. “It’s a good spot to be: close to everything but near enough to escape to the outlying areas as well.”
“I suppose so; I had never thought about it in that way, but I can see the appeal. Do you often need to escape?” Joseph asked; it was a curious term to be used by a young lady.
“Me? No! I am too busy with Lady Lydia’s activities to have time for escape; she has boundless energy and even more appointments.” Eleanor explained with a laugh.
“I can imagine.” Anyone who set eyes on Lydia would hardly be able to do anything other than spend time in her company; she was clearly the prettiest girl in Bath.
Eleanor assessed the gentleman standing before her: he was obviously quieter than the other two of their group; he had held back a little during their introductions. Eleanor did not think this was from any lack of confidence; he seemed very sure of himself: calm, confident and somehow a little unnerving. When he looked at Eleanor, she felt as if he could see into her soul.
She had no further time for reflection as the set moved down, and they joined the dance.
“You dance very well, Miss Johnson,” Joseph said as they joined hands on a turn.
“You compliment even better.” Eleanor replied with a teasing smile.
“Do I not gain favour by my flattery?” he asked with a twinkle in his eyes; her retorts amused him.
“I’m always willing to be flattered, but I would wonder why you wish to gain favour.”
“If I gain favour with you, you would perhaps be more willing to look kindly on a newcomer to the area,” came the reply on the next turn.
“As you are one of a handsome trio, I doubt very much you will be lacking in invitations or entertainments,” Eleanor responded with a smile.
“A compliment, and on such short acquaintance; I am honoured,” Joseph teased with a raise of an eyebrow.
“I am stating the truth; please don’t run away with my words and pretend I am trying to flatter you in order to gain favour with you, Mr Heaton!” she teased playfully.
“I would not be so vain,” Joseph said with a smile, but he wondered if he were. At every opportunity he took the words of those around him as flattery: his partner’s words made him pause; she certainly did not seem to be wishing to flatter him. In fact, he had the distinct impression she was laughing at him. “You dance divinely, Miss Johnson, and I hope you will take that compliment as the truth and not one offered with empty flattery in mind.”
Eleanor glowed a little, a real compliment, and she liked it. She bowed her head in acquiesce. “I am not foolish enough to refuse a sincere compliment Mr Heaton; none of us is so confident as to do that.”
Joseph smiled at his partner in appreciation, and they continued to enjoy the dance.
Chapter 2
Lydia danced with the three men and then moved on to other acquaintances. Eleanor enjoyed watching her friend; she really was a beautiful girl. She took pride in the way people looked at her as she danced. The men openly admired her; the women looked on enviously. She had no idea who would finally win her friend’s heart but was aware that Lydia’s parents were hoping their daughter would marry soon.
Eleanor sat at the edge of the assembly room. It was extremely hot, and she found a seat where the breeze from the open windows entered the room. She did not dance every dance at any assembly but especially at ones where the women outnumbered the men as was the case on this particular evening.
Mr Heaton approached her with a smile on his face. Eleanor thought privately Lydia should concentrate on Mr Heaton: handsome, his hair was a black that seemed darker than the night. His face was smooth, but had the sharp aristocratic jaw and nose of the ton, with low brows over gleaming eyes. Always in fashion, his was the smooth boyish face of the poet that made the ladies swoon but, to Eleanor, he looked like an Adonis. He was a tall, broad man; she had appreciated his height whilst dancing with him. It was always gratifying to dance with someone who was not dwarfed by her own height. She pondered the way he moved; it was with a confidence more usual in an aristocrat than a mere gentleman.
She returned his smile as he sat next to her on the bench. There was very little room, and Eleanor almost caught her breath as his leg brushed hers. She was quick to gather herself, though; she had no patience with silliness, especially her own.
“Not dancing, Mr Heaton?” she asked pleasantly.
“I was just about to ask you the same question,” Joseph responded with a smile; he had been drawn to her as soon as he noticed her alone. It was, of course, part of his ploy, but he did not consciously think that when he saw her; he had just been drawn to her.
“No, sometimes it is best to sit out rather than have a pity dance,” Eleanor whispered conspiratorially.
“A pity dance?” he asked, looking confused.
“Yes, one in which some poor soul knows Lady Lydia’s parents and, out of pity, is forced to dance with the daughter of a ‘cit’,” Eleanor explained with a mischievous smile. “Sometimes I can dance for a full half hour without conversation: business acumen could be catching, Mr Heaton; you had better beware!”
Joseph laughed in genuine amusement at her words. “They dislike you because of your father’s trade? The fact you are here would suggest he is a successful businessman?”
“He is; in fact, he has been able to provide his four daughters with large dowries,” Eleanor responded lightly.
Joseph wondered if she were letting him know she was available and rich; he felt slight disappointment at her unsubtlety. Just when he thought she must be, she spoke as if reading his mind. “Don’t worry, Mr Heaton; I’m not parading my wares as if I am a horse at Tattersall’s: I’m just being honest. I am not looking for a husband.”
“Isn’t that the aim of every young lady?” Joseph asked, a little surprised at her directness, but he had to admit to himself he liked her direct way.
“I would imagine so, but there is so much strain put on a perfectly good friendship because one of the party lives in fear that one wrong move and they will be leg-shackled to a person they only like. That would not be the way to secure a marriage; it would be purgatory.” Eleanor said with feeling. She was letting him know she was not hoping to secure him, but she knew he would not consider her in any case; someone as attractive and charismatic as he would have his pick of society even without a title. She would be fooling herself if she considered the thought for a moment that someone as handsome and confident as he would consider a Plain Jane; that was her lot.
Joseph frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but he closed it again and just smiled in acknowledgement of the comment. Any further conversation was interrupted by Lydia’s approach.
“Mr Heaton, Eleanor, why are you skulking here?” Lydia asked, waving her fan frantically. “It is time for tea. I hope you would be good enough to escort us, Mr Heaton?”
“I would be delighted,” Joseph said smoothly, rising and offering the two ladies his arms.
“Good! I’ve told Mr West and Mr Brinklow to secure us a table and refreshments,” Lydia said as they made their way through the throng.
It was only a short way between the ball room and the tea room, but the mass of people moving together made progress slow. Lydia chatted easily as they ambled.
“I hope you will join us tomorrow for breakfast in Sydney Gardens? It would be a poor show if you didn’t,” Lydia said. “Mr West always escorts us, doesn’t he Eleanor?”
“He does,” Eleanor acknowledged. “But perhaps we shouldn’t presume Mr Heaton will attend; he could be otherwise engaged.” Sometimes Eleanor wished Lydia were a little more reserved. Her own natural politeness was shocked at Lydia’s forthright manner to virtual strangers.
Eleanor was to find once again that Lydia did not offend when Mr Heaton spoke. “As both Brinklow and I are residing with Mr West, we had presumed we would take part in any entertainment he does. It would be a pleasure to join you for breakfast tomorrow. I’m sure Mr West will have no objections in us accompanying him, “came the unruffled reply.
“I’m not so sure he won’t have objections; three to one are not very good odds even for the most confident of beaux,” Eleanor could not resist muttering. She was sure Lydia had not heard, but the coughing fit Mr Heaton suffered immediately after she spoke made her suspicious her caustic tongue had been overheard by him at least.
After supper, the remainder of the evening was spent with other acquaintances. Lydia was always careful not to give the gossips anything to talk about. It was only when they had been deposited by the sedan chairs at their address on Henrietta Street that Eleanor could question Lydia about the evening.
“Mr West is becoming very attached to you.” Eleanor said as she brushed out her friend’s hair. It was a nightly ritual, one that Eleanor enjoyed; Lydia’s hair was soft, long and fell in natural waves.
“I haven’t given him any encouragement,” Lydia said, a little defensively. “I only danced with him twice.”
“Mr Brinklow is a handsome man,” Eleanor said, trying to off-set the mood that could so easily be brought on sometimes.
“He is, as is Mr Heaton,” Lydia replied. “It’s nice to have more gentleman join our society. Bath has been quite limiting.”
Eleanor smiled at her friend through the mirror; she had not sat out one dance since their arrival, but yet she found the society limiting. Most young ladies would be delighted at such attention, but not Lydia.
“Well, you shall have all three dancing attendance tomorrow at breakfast,” Eleanor reassured Lydia as she finished brushing her hair. “I’m sure they will be fighting for your attention once more.”
*
Eleanor and Lydia strolled down Great Pulteney Street arm in arm, both young ladies anticipating the joys of the public breakfast. Lydia was looking forward to seeing her three conquests from the previous evening, while Eleanor was looking forward to spending the morning in the gardens. She had quickly fallen in love with Bath; it was far more relaxed than London. A single woman was not so much out of place as they were in the capital city, so Eleanor felt more at ease.
The friends were not escorted by a maid or footman. Lydia’s parents looked on Eleanor as more of a companion than another woman also looking for a husband even though she was the same age as their daughter. Her more serious manner lulled them into allowing her the extra responsibility.
Mr West was waiting at the gates to Sydney Gardens. His face lit up when he saw Lydia approaching, and both young ladies smiled in greeting.
“Good morning Lady Lydia, Miss Johnson. It’s a fine day for our breakfast,” Mr West greeted the pair with a bow. “If you would care to take my arm, I will happily lead you to our spot.”
Both ladies accepted the offer, and Eleanor suppressed a smile. Mr West was obviously not taking any chances Mr Brinklow would take the lead this morning. They walked through the groups of others gathering for the public breakfast. Lydia spotted Mr Brinklow as he waved to draw their attention. A table had been secured, and waiters were supplying tea, Bath buns and other delights.
The two gentlemen rose to greet the ladies and bowed their good mornings. They were both dressed in the height of fashion: dark frock coats, snug waistcoats and breeches. The white of their collars and cravats contrasted against their skin but none so much as Mr Heaton’s. The darker hue of his skin made the contrast more pronounced. Eleanor tore her eyes away; she could not spend all day staring, however tempting a proposition it was.
Eleanor was seated between Mr West and Mr Brinklow, Lydia seated between Mr Brinklow and Mr Heaton. Eleanor stifled a smile; Mr West had looked put-out at his position but, unsurprisingly, the other two gentlemen seemed perfectly content.
Lydia turned to Joseph, her blue eyes large and round fluttering up at him. “So, Mr Heaton, what pleasures can we tempt you with to keep you entertained in Bath?”
“I am sure that anything involving you would give me more than enough pleasure,” Joseph answered quickly, smiling down at the young woman.
“I may involve you in all sorts of outings; after all you have just given me free rein,” Lydia smiled, looking at the Adonis through her lashes.
“I’m sure I would cope if the company is as pleasant as it is now. With yourself and Miss Johnson to entertain us, what more could we ask for?” Joseph saw Eleanor raise an eyebrow at him, and he suppressed a smile. “What is it, Miss Johnson? Do you not wish for our company?”
“I was appreciating your compliments, Mr Heaton, nothing more,” Eleanor responded, but she gave a glare in Joseph’s direction before masking her expression once more with a smile, letting him know she would always be able to offer a retort even though he might test her.
“Eleanor is very patient with me,” Lydia confided. “I do not have a dearer friend. I could not be in Bath without her; my parents would drive me to distraction!”
“A true friend is certainly very dear, and I am sure that Miss Johnson is enjoying her sojourn in this city,” Mr Heaton replied.
“More and more,” Eleanor responded with a smile, which convinced Joseph his flirting techniques were being mocked, which surprisingly made him want to have Miss Johnson’s approval rather than her censure.
Percy decided his friend had held the attention of his chosen one for long enough and interrupted the conversation. “Lady Lydia, do not forget we have a phaeton ride planned this afternoon; I thought we might visit Bradford-on-Avon? I have been reliably informed there is a pretty little tea shop near the river.”
“Yes, that would be lovely; Eleanor is insisting on remaining in the gardens,” Lydia said.
“All day?” Joseph asked.
“I like to walk, but Lydia doesn’t share that interest,” Eleanor said amenably.
“In that case, why don’t myself and Mr Brinklow accompany you on your walk?” Joseph said, not wishing to miss an opportunity in which he could find out exactly why he was so obviously being teased.
“Why don’t we hire a phaeton and accompany Lady Lydia? I could ride, and you could drive Miss Johnson,” Mr Brinklow said quickly.
Joseph immediately saw what his friend was trying to do; if Archie was on horseback, he would spend the journey as close to the phaeton carrying Lady Lydia as he could. From the expression on Percy’s face, he knew exactly what Archie was trying to do as well.
Eleanor thought it prudent to interrupt before any more of her day was disrupted. “Why don’t you both travel on horseback, thus preventing the cost of hiring a phaeton, and I can continue my day as I planned?” She tried to keep the sharpness out of her voice but was not convinced she had achieved it.
“Oh, but, Eleanor, it would make the day more pleasurable if you joined us,” Lydia said with feeling.
“And you would not need a different chaperone,” Eleanor said, this time her sharpness coming through. She normally did not mind being classed as chaperone, but she did not wish to be so openly used.
“Brinklow, I don’t wish for a ride: a stretch of the legs is far more preferable to me this fine day; we should leave a phaeton ride for another day,” Joseph said diplomatically. He had seen Eleanor’s annoyance and quickly responded to soothe her. They were there pandering to Lady Lydia, but Joseph would not continue when their actions were causing someone else discomfort. He failed to realise that previously he had done exactly that when playing the game of romance, but for some reason he had reacted as a result of seeing Miss Johnson’s discomfort.
Archie knew when to admit defeat, so he did not argue against Joseph’s words. The stern stare he received was enough to convey Joseph’s feelings on the matter, and the subject was dropped.
The ladies separated from the gentlemen and returned to their lodgings, Lydia wishing to change for her phaeton ride and Eleanor needing to put on her boots for walking and to collect her maid to accompany her. She had arranged to meet Mr Heaton and Mr Brinklow with mixed feelings, which she tried to dismiss. Having company would mean she could walk further. If Mr Brinklow was there under duress, she was not about to repine; Lydia was quite welcome to all three gentlemen. Well, perhaps there was one of the three Eleanor would have enjoyed a flirtation with but, as no wonderful transformation had occurred overnight to turn Eleanor into an astounding beauty, she would put on her boots and enjoy a walk with two of Lydia’s beaux.
Chapter 3
The threesome walked onto the canal bank with the maid trailing behind at a suitable distance. It was a relatively new addition that cut through the Sydney Gardens. It was made for practicalities: transporting goods more efficiently, but there was a gate from the gardens enabling access to anyone wishing to walk the towpath.
