have to come to me. I am able to drive out in the park, or to sit at the table when we give a dinner, but I fear that it would be too much trouble to inflict on a hostess if I were to attend a ball, for I must be carried everywhere in my chair.’
‘Now, Mama,’ a strong voice spoke from the doorway. ‘You know most of your friends would not consider that the least trouble...and if you will only allow them they will make all the necessary arrangements for your comfort.’
Amanda turned to look at the man who had spoken. At first glance she did not think him handsome, for he was of a dark complexion with heavy brows, black hair that was brushed back from his temples and a rather long nose. However, as he bent over his mother’s hand, his smile transformed him. Most would undoubtedly think him handsome, though something made Amanda remain a little aloof.
‘Will you not introduce me to your delightful company?’ His eyes flicked to Mama and then to Amanda.
‘This is Lady Hamilton and her daughter Amanda, dearest. You have heard me speak of Horatia many times, I think.’ Susanna smiled at him lovingly. ‘My son Nathan—you see what a scold he is!’
‘I have heard so much about you,’ Mama said, looking at him with interest. ‘I am sure you speak the truth, Lord Armstrong. I should be happy to make any arrangements necessary to have my dear Susanna at Amanda’s dance next week. It will be our last engagement in town, for after that we must think of returning home.’
‘Oh, surely not so soon?’ Lord Armstrong said, coming to take Mama’s hand and bow over it before turning to Amanda. ‘Miss Hamilton, I am delighted to meet you.’
Amanda smiled up at him, for he was tall and she barely reached his shoulder. ‘As we are to meet you, sir. We have been in town for a month now, you know, and Papa took the house for six weeks, so I fear we shall have to leave at the end of that period.’
‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘This house is far too large for the two of us. You must stay with us after the lease of your present house has expired. Mama must not be deprived of your company too soon.’
‘Nathan, my love. You may command me, but you must not marshal our guests into manoeuvres of your making.’
‘I fear Mama thinks me domineering, but indeed I am apt to see the easy route from difficult situations. Do you not think it is always best to cut to the chase, Miss Hamilton? People make heavy weather of things when if you simply ride straight at the obstacle you may clear it with ease.’
‘You are a hunting man, sir,’ Amanda replied with a teasing look. His manner was easy and since it was impossible to feel shy or reserved with a man who was so direct, she began to let down her guard a little. Clearly this gentleman scorned the polite conventions and meaningless compliments so loved by polite society. ‘I see no reason to scold you, for if it were possible I am certain Mama would wish to stay with the countess...but I know that Papa cannot extend his stay.’
‘Then I dare say Lord Hamilton is generous enough to allow us the pleasure of your company for another week or two, if I promise to see you safely home.’
‘I believe he would,’ Mama said, looking pleased. ‘I should certainly enjoy being here with Susanna as my hostess, sir. I thank you for the invitation—and it will give Amanda another two weeks in town.’
Mama was hopeful that two further weeks would give her daughter a chance to receive a proposal she could accept and the thought brought a flush to her cheeks. She saw the countess and her mama exchange knowing glances and felt hot of a sudden; they were plotting something together, she was sure of it. Mama must have told her that she had not yet received an acceptable offer.
They stayed to take some refreshment at the countess’s invitation and Lord Armstrong stayed with them for another twenty minutes, before excusing himself on a matter of business.
‘Nathan is my stepson,’ the countess told Amanda after he had left them. ‘He was but a year old when I married his father and I am the only mother he has ever known. I gave my husband a daughter, who died in infancy, and another son. However, Charles is a delicate boy and remains in the country with his father. He is seven years old and a little naughty, but Nathan adores him, and spoils him as much as he spoils me. Had we not engaged a wonderful nurse to help dear old Nanny, we should never have left him for this trip to town.’
‘You are fortunate to have Lord Armstrong,’ Mama said. ‘He could not be more fond of you if you were indeed his mother.’
‘I am fortunate,’ Susanna replied with a little smile. ‘Nathan is a determined man, but kind and generous. His father has not been entirely well of later years and Nathan runs everything to do with the estate. Indeed, he has been so busy looking after us that he has had no time for his own affairs. His father wishes him to marry, but he shows no sign of being interested in any lady of his acquaintance.’
Amanda sensed an understanding between Mama and the countess, and saw a look of speculation in that lady’s eyes. Was she being considered as a bride for Lord Armstrong? Perhaps the countess was here to find him a bride, though she felt sure that he knew nothing of her scheming.
* * *
When it was time to leave, Amanda thanked the countess for her hospitality and the invitation to stay with her another week or so in town and was instructed to kiss her.
‘You are as lovely and charming as your mama told me,’ Susanna said and patted her hand. ‘I have oft wished my daughter had lived—and I should wish her to be just like you, my dear.’
Amanda thanked her and they were escorted to the door by the stately butler. Once in the carriage, Mama turned to look at her.
‘Well, that was a surprise. I have so wished that I might spend more time with Susanna, but it was never possible, though I visited her at her country house soon after her accident—but since then somehow it was never thought of, though we often write to one another.’
‘You have not spoken to me much of the countess, Mama.’
‘Have I not?’ Mama looked at her. ‘I dare say I did not think the subject would interest you. At that time I thought it unlikely we should meet often.’
‘I liked her—and Lord Armstrong. He is very direct, Mama.’
‘Yes, almost overbearing,’ Mama said thoughtfully. ‘But kind—so very considerate. Some gentlemen are like that... I believe his father was much the same. Now your papa has always been so easy-going...’
‘Papa is a darling,’ Amanda said. ‘I dare say Lord Armstrong has found it easier to organise everyone for their own good...since his mother and brother are delicate.’
‘His father, too, has been unwell for a couple of years. I imagine that Nathan has had to bear more than his fair share of responsibility for some years.’
‘I suppose that is why he has formed a habit of taking command.’
‘Yes, indeed. He is barely three years older than your brother, Amanda, and Robert is but twenty-one...but he seems older.’ Mama frowned. ‘I had thought...but I see it would not do...’
Amanda glanced at Mama’s profile. She looked disappointed, and Amanda guessed that she had been hoping her old friend’s son might appeal to her as a husband.
‘I do not dislike Lord Armstrong,
