asked them to take refreshments, and everyone moved towards the supper room. A large table was spread with all manner of treats: pastries and mousses, trifles and dainty cakes, as well as cold meats, pickles and bread for the gentlemen. Normally, Amanda would have relished such a feast, but she discovered that she had no appetite—even a champagne syllabub held no appeal for her.
‘May I serve you with something, Miss Hamilton?’
She turned to discover Phipps at her side and forced a smile. It had hurt her to see that look in his eyes, for it told her that he had no idea of offering for her, but thought her an object of pity.
‘No, thank you. I am not hungry this evening.’
‘Then a glass of champagne?’
‘Yes, thank you, sir.’
Amanda accompanied her friend to a table. By the time Phipps arrived with a tray of delicious treats, followed by a waiter bearing two ice buckets with bottles of champagne, four gentlemen had joined them. Smiles and jests greeted Phipps and, good-naturedly, he sent for more glasses so that they might all enjoy the wine he’d provided.
‘Well, this is a merry party.’ Lord Johnston had seated himself beside Amanda. ‘I do not know that I have ever enjoyed an evening as much.’ He gave her an arch look. ‘I believe you know why it is so pleasant to me, Miss Hamilton.’
Amanda lowered her gaze. His hints were becoming bolder and she could not doubt that he was working up to asking her to marry him. For a moment she was tempted. After all, if there was nothing more in life for her, she might as well take what was offered. She enjoyed life in the country and if she had children... The thought of what must pass before she could forget herself in the care of her children caused her to shiver.
‘Are you cold?’ her companion asked. ‘I thought it hot in here and was about to ask if you would like a stroll on the terrace?’
‘I thank you, no, sir,’ she replied and sipped her champagne. ‘I’m neither cold nor overwarm—I think someone just walked over my grave.’
‘What a terrible saying that is,’ Miss Langton put in. ‘I should not like to think of you in your grave, Amanda dearest. We were just speaking of a jaunt to Richmond for a picnic and you must come with us, Amanda, for I shall not go if you do not.’ She held her head to one side and looked naughtily at the gentlemen hanging on her every word. ‘What must I do to persuade you?’
‘There is not the least need to persuade me,’ Amanda said and laughed, feeling grateful for the interruption. ‘I am always willing to oblige you, Cynthia.’
‘Well, I think you have your answer, gentlemen,’ Cynthia replied and threw a challenging look at one of the men. The Marquis of Shearne was a new admirer who had only that evening become one of her court, having been in the country until the previous day. ‘We shall expect to be royally entertained, sir. The success of the day must fall on you, since it was your suggestion.’
‘Your wish is my desire,’ the marquis answered gallantly. ‘We have two ladies and five gentleman, we must find more ladies...’
‘Then you may include me, and my sister will chaperon us,’ Harry Brockley spoke from behind the marquis. ‘I dare say Miss Langton’s cousins will make up the party?’
‘I am certain of it,’ Amanda said, looking at him in surprise for he had not hitherto paid Miss Langton the least attention, even though he was Phipps’s friend and often with him. ‘I think Mama would like to come—and perhaps Miss Jane Field...’
Miss Field was a rather shy young lady, pretty but modest, who blushed easily and was quite often left sitting on the sidelines at balls and dances, unless a kind lady introduced her to a partner. Amanda had invited her to all her mama’s parties and the girl was painfully grateful.
‘There, Miss Hamilton takes us all in charge,’ Brock said. ‘It is all arranged, so when do we set out on this famous expedition?’
It was agreed for the following Friday and Amanda undertook to ask Miss Field. Phipps gave her an approving nod, his eyes steady on her face in a way that made her heart flutter.
‘It was kind of you to think of Miss Field,’ he murmured as their hostess reminded them that card tables had been set up. ‘She is not here this evening, I think?’
‘Jane does not always receive an invitation to smaller parties, though she makes up the numbers when there are to be many guests.’
‘I believe she is not in as fortunate circumstances as yourself and Miss Langton?’
‘I am not certain of her circumstances,’ Amanda replied, though she knew well that Jane’s father had little fortune and she was here only to bear her richer cousin company during her Season. ‘But I care little for that—I like Jane. She is a kind girl and shy.’
‘You are a generous young woman,’ Phipps said. ‘Miss Langton is to be my partner. Does it content you to partner Lord Johnston at whist?’
‘I could not object,’ Amanda said, though she wished she might have reversed the pairing. ‘Lord Johnston is an adequate player, I believe.’
‘We shall see,’ Phipps said, glancing over his shoulder. ‘Miss Langton seems taken with Shearne. I think he has but recently returned to town?’
‘Yes, I believe so...’ Amanda glanced at her friend and saw the way she was sparkling up at her new admirer. She felt a pang of sympathy for Phipps and her anger with him vanished as she understood that he must be feeling cast out. ‘I dare say she is flattered by his attentions—they are marked.’
‘Yes, indeed,’ Phipps murmured, ‘and our fortunate friend has both title and fortune to offer—a temptation for any lady.’
‘Perhaps,’ Amanda replied. She could make no comment for she had not yet spoken directly to the gentleman, but there was something about him that set her teeth on edge. The way he looked at Cynthia...was not quite what she thought proper. His smile had the eager sharpness of a predator and she thought him a rake. ‘I believe Miss Langton to be a woman of sense, sir. She may not be distracted for long.’
‘You may be correct,’ he murmured softly in her ear. ‘Brock hates him. I was surprised that he agreed to be a part of an expedition got up by Shearne.’
‘Major Brockley hates the marquis?’ Amanda looked at him in surprise. ‘Does he have good reason?’
‘If he does, he has not spoken of it, but I know he distrusts and dislikes the man intensely.’
‘If Miss Langton is in any danger...’
‘Oh, I do not think he would dare to try to seduce such a popular lady; he would be ostracised by society if he did her some harm...yet if I were her I should think twice before accepting an offer from him.’
‘Why?’ Amanda asked, but they had reached the card room and the others were waiting for them, the marquis still hovering at Cynthia’s side as if he meant to watch their game and perhaps advise her.
‘Another time,’ Phipps said and smiled at her, making Amanda’s heart leap for joy. Even though she’d been hurt earlier, she was powerless in the face of that smile.
Approaching the table,
