her court. Lord Armstrong was often to be seen at the ton parties, sometimes accompanied by his mama, at others alone. He invariably spent time sitting or standing next to Amanda and danced with her at least once on every occasion, taking her into supper at one very splendid affair.
‘Mama is so looking forward to your company,’ he told her one evening when the countess had not appeared. ‘She has been dining with friends most evenings and was too tired to come tonight—as she says, balls make her long to dance and it is a little sad only to watch when one was accounted good at something.’
‘Yes, sad indeed,’ Amanda agreed warmly. ‘I think her very brave to attempt this visit to London, for it must be so much easier to stay at home and have everyone come to you.’
‘Yes, though a little boring. Mama was a lively person until her accident.’
‘I imagine so. It is unfortunate for her.’
‘She does not speak of it, but is often in pain. One of her main reasons for coming was to see a doctor she had heard of who may be able to help relieve at least some of her discomfort.’
‘Then I hope she has good news from him.’
‘You are truly a kind girl,’ Lord Armstrong said. ‘As an heiress in your own right, and widely admired, you might have become spoiled or selfish, but you retain a pleasant manner and seem to show true interest in your friends. I have noticed your kindness to Miss Field.’
‘Jane is a little shy,’ Amanda replied. ‘I do not think I betray a secret if I tell you that she was not at first invited everywhere—but that is no longer the case. Now she has several admirers and friends of her own.’
‘Due to your generosity in taking her everywhere with you, I dare say.’
‘Oh...’ Amanda blushed. ‘Until recently, it was I who was taken everywhere in Miss Langton’s train. However, she has been unwell and her mama takes her home the day after tomorrow.’
‘Miss Langton is your particular friend?’
‘We are good friends,’ Amanda agreed. ‘I shall visit her tomorrow to take my leave of her—and I believe she may wish me to visit her at her home in a few weeks.’
‘After your visit with my mother, I dare say?’
‘Perhaps, though I must go home first. Papa will not wish me to be lost to all sense of duty. At home there are people—cousins and friends—who will wish to hear all about my trip to town. To keep them waiting too long would be unfair. I visit some of our dependants most weeks to take them comfits and keep them company for an hour or so; Papa would think me lost to anything but pleasure if I neglected them too long.’
‘As I said before, you are a generous girl—but these people will have to learn to do without you when you marry, you know.’
‘Yes, of course. Mama or my cousins will take over my duties then—but if and when I marry, I shall pay proper farewell visits and so satisfy their wish to say goodbye.’
Lord Armstrong inclined his head and said no more on the subject, but he had a small smile on his lips and, when Amanda was asked to dance next, she saw him seek out Jane Field. The thought crossed her mind that if he were looking for a companion for his mama, he could not do better than Jane—but she was not certain how the girl would feel, for he was a very strong-willed man.
* * *
Amanda danced almost every dance that evening and it was not until supper that she had a chance to talk to Jane.
‘Are you enjoying yourself? I saw you dancing with Lord Armstrong, Mr Pearson and Major Brockley. I do not think you have often sat out this evening.’
‘Oh, no, everyone has been so kind, especially Lord Armstrong,’ Jane said. ‘He admires you so much, Amanda, and talked to me of you in such tones that I think he is falling in love with you.’
‘Oh, no,’ Amanda denied, her cheeks heating. ‘I am sure it is not so, Jane. He speaks of me because he knows we are friends. You would make him a much better wife than I should.’
‘No...’ Jane’s cheeks went hot. ‘I am sure he would not look at me. I am such a little mouse...and you are so clever and bright, and pretty too,’ she added loyally.
Amanda pealed with laughter. ‘Jane, you must not tell fibs! I may have a quick mind, but I am not pretty. You cannot truly think it?’
‘Oh, I know that beside Miss Langton you may appear merely attractive,’ Jane replied earnestly. ‘She is a diamond of the first water, of course, and few ladies can compare to her. When she is not here you are as pretty as most other girls.’
‘If I were not quite as plump, or a little taller, I suppose I might be thought quite attractive,’ Amanda said with devastating frankness. ‘I am trying not to eat quite as much.’
‘You are a little plump, but it is the style of your gowns that make it noticeable,’ Jane said, looking at her thoughtfully. ‘But not so fat that you look ugly or unpleasant. Besides, a lot of men prefer plump girls and find thin ones intimidating. My uncle thinks you...’ Jane blushed again. ‘Forgive me, Amanda, but he said you were a delightful armful. If he were ten years younger, I think he would offer for you...’ She looked at Amanda awkwardly, but her doubts fled as Amanda burst into laughter.
‘I am most grateful to him,’ Amanda said, amusement dancing in her eyes. ‘One of the nicest compliments paid me, I think, because it was honest.’
‘May one share the jest?’ Phipps asked, coming up to them with his friend Brock. ‘You have danced with me but once this evening, Miss Hamilton. I fear I must have offended you?’
‘No, indeed, you have not,’ Amanda said. ‘If you wish, I have the waltz after supper free?’
‘I thank you. We should go now, for I think the musicians are about to start.’
Amanda had been so busy laughing and talking that she had left most of her supper untouched, but she did not regret it for she loved to dance, and since Major Brockley had once again solicited Jane’s hand, she had no qualms about leaving her.
‘I am getting up a little party at my country house for August,’ Major Brockley said as the two couples returned to the ballroom. ‘I should be happy if both you and your mama—and Miss Field—would make up part of the company, Miss Hamilton.’
‘I should like to come,’ Amanda replied. ‘I am not certain whether I shall be at home before that—or the guest of Miss Langton.’
‘Oh, Miss Langton will naturally be included,’ Brock said. ‘I shall send the invitations to your home. I dare say either your papa or your mama will let you know the precise details, if you are not at home.’
‘Thank you, I look forward to it,’ Amanda replied.
The two couples parted to take their places on the floor and the music struck up. Of all things, Amanda loved to waltz, and to do so with the man who made her heart beat faster and her feet as light as a feather was such a delight that the music was over too soon. However, Brock then solicited her hand for a country dance and Phipps partnered Miss Field.
* * *
After
