to her right and Cynthia to her left, Shearne and two other gentlemen lounging against the wall and making comments as the players settled down to cut the cards.
No, she thought, it might be a pleasant enough evening after all and smiled inwardly as she saw that the marquis was not having things all his own way. Cynthia might enjoy his flattery, but she had more sense than to exclude her former suitors, and since Phipps was her partner he received his fair share of smiles and warm looks, especially as they took trick after trick.
Lord Johnston was not a competent player at all; indeed, he made so many foolish discards that Amanda was hard put to hold her tongue. However, she managed it and by the time the party was about to break up received a look of understanding from Phipps that quite restored her mood of despair.
‘We shall see you in two days,’ the marquis said, taking his leave of Miss Langton, though he hardly bothered to glance at Amanda.
Phipps took her hand and bowed over it, giving her another of his devastating smiles. ‘Please forgive the tedious evening you have endured, Miss Hamilton. I truly believe you have the patience of a saint.’
‘Oh, do not say so,’ she murmured and blushed. ‘I was able to observe the skill of your play, sir, and that was entertainment enough.’
‘You must be my partner another evening,’ he said, pressed her hand and departed, leaving Amanda to sigh and wish for a future she knew was quite impossible.
Why could she not be tall and willowy like her friend Miss Langton? Just another two inches in height would have made all the difference. But she was being a fool, for did the Bible not say that a woman should be judged by her heart and not dwell on her vanity—or some such thing? Her vicar at home was fond of preaching on the evils of vanity and indeed it had never occurred to Amanda to worry about her looks until she came to London and was taken up by Miss Langton. She was a fool to long for her friend’s looks, just because she feared that the man she wanted was preparing to ask Miss Langton to wed him.
In two weeks Papa would think of returning home. Mama would be disappointed that her daughter had not accepted an offer of marriage, for she had not spoken of those she’d dismissed without a thought—but Papa would not mind. Amanda believed that her darling father would not mind if his daughter never left home.
The following morning Amanda received a note from Lady Langton to tell her that Cynthia had a sore throat and would not be able to keep an appointment to walk with her that afternoon. Amanda immediately wrote to sympathise, promising that she would call another day and enquire after her friend’s health.
‘Since you are free for one afternoon, you might like to come visiting with me,’ Mama said, arching her brows. ‘Your time has been so occupied with Miss Langton that we’ve hardly been out on our own for an age.’
‘Yes, I should like that, Mama,’ Amanda said. ‘I do hope that Miss Langton will be well enough for the picnic on Friday, for everyone would be disappointed if she were to cry off.’
‘Yes, though I see no need for you to disappoint anyone and I am certain Jane Field will be looking forward to it.’
‘Yes, of course I shall go,’ Amanda said, ‘though I fear some people will think it a waste of time if Cynthia is not there.’
‘I dare say some gentlemen would think exactly that, but others would be quite content with their company.’ Her mama smiled at her. ‘Lord Johnston likes you very well, my dear—and Lieutenant Phipps has been attentive, I think?’
‘Oh, Mama...’ Amanda sighed ‘...Lieutenant Phipps will not offer for me—and I should refuse Lord Johnston for I should not be happy as his wife.’
‘You must not be too particular,’ Mama said and looked sad. ‘It is unwise to give one’s heart until one is married—that way one does not have it broken.’
‘Do you believe that love comes to order, Mama?’
‘Certainly, if one schools one’s mind to it, at least affection,’ she replied and patted Amanda’s hand. ‘Do not fret. Neither your papa nor I wish to force you to marry anyone you don’t like. You may discover a gentleman you could marry sooner than you think...’
Amanda accepted her mother’s suggestion, though she thought it fanciful, for she knew her heart to be given irrevocably. However, she would wish to marry in time and perhaps someone would appear magically who would make her forget her love for the handsome lieutenant.
She spent the morning going through her wardrobe, for it was surprising how many pairs of silk stockings were needed on an extensive visit to town and she had already worn out two pairs of dancing slippers. She had one new pair of long white gloves, but judged she might well need another before they left for the country. It would be better to make any purchases she might need in the near future, rather than sending for them when they were at home again, and made out a list of shopping.
By the time she’d finished her calculations, it was time for a light nuncheon, then Mama called for her carriage. Dressing in a gown of light peach with white-kid boots, short lace gloves and a white shawl, Amanda discovered that the gown was a little loose around the waist. Since it was the first time she’d worn the dress, she realised that the seamstress had made an allowance for her to put on weight. No doubt the lady understood that attending so many parties caused one to expand.
It was not loose enough to return it, but she would have to ask her maid to make a small adjustment before she wore it another day. The slight annoyance was not enough to spoil her day, for she tied her sash a little tighter and glanced in the mirror. She looked her best, even though she could not compare to the beautiful Miss Langton.
She went downstairs to join her mama and soon they were bowling along in the direction of one of the most fashionable squares. Mama seemed happy to have her daughter’s company and talked of all the enjoyable times they had had since they came to London. Just as the carriage drew to a halt, she gave Amanda a look of approval.
‘That gown suits you, dearest. I have not seen you looking so well in an age. The air of London must suit you.’
Amanda groaned, for when people said she looked well it was usually because she was plump in the cheeks, which some elderly gentlemen actually seemed to admire—at least, they enjoyed pinching them.
‘Thank you, Mama,’ she said and followed her mother from the carriage, not forgetting to smile at the groom who assisted first Mama and then Amanda down.
She murmured a ‘thank you’ in a soft voice Mama could not hear, because it was not really done to thank servants for every service. People of consequence accepted instant obedience as their right, but Amanda felt grateful for kindness shown her from any direction.
They were admitted to the house by a very correct butler who said they were expected and bowed them into a charming sitting room. A lady was sitting by the fire, a light blanket thrown over her legs. Her smile was welcoming and, as Amanda looked into her face, she saw that she had once been beautiful, but there was a fragility and vulnerability about her that immediately touched her.
‘Horatia, my dear friend,’ she greeted Mama warmly. ‘You have brought your daughter to see me, as you promised.’
‘Susanna dearest.’ Mama bent to kiss her cheek. ‘I was surprised to hear you were in town.
