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, Mama,’ Amanda said and saw her mother’s frown disappear. ‘At least he is not pompous or foolish—and I think him a man one might rely on in a crisis. However, it would be presumptuous to think he might look at me. There are so many pretty girls in London. Even if he admired me, I should soon fade from his mind once he saw Miss Langton.’
‘Susanna so wants him to marry a nice girl who will be content to live in the country with her and her family.’
‘Yes, Mama, I realised that you had hopes, both of you, but you must have seen that it is quite ridiculous. Why would a man who might have anyone he chose look at me?’
‘You may be a little plumper than I should like,’ Mama said, ‘but because you have been so much in Miss Langton’s company you have come to think yourself unattractive, but that is not so. Indeed, I thought you looked very pretty today and I know Susanna thought the same.’
Amanda pealed with laughter. ‘Oh, Mama, I do love you,’ she said. ‘I know you want the best for me—and I am sure that one day I shall receive an offer I can accept with equanimity, if not with ecstasy.’
‘Well, there is no hurry after all,’ Mama said and patted her gloved hand. ‘I suppose Susanna and I must give up our dream, but that does not mean we cannot enjoy our stay with her.’
Her mother was incorrigible! Amanda believed that Mama would go to any lengths to see her well suited.
‘No, of course not. I liked the countess very well,’ Amanda said. ‘But will Papa mind going home alone?’
‘Your papa never minds if something makes me happy,’ Mama said, a little smile curving her mouth. ‘If I were you, dearest, I should choose an amiable man as your husband when the time comes—for I think you have too much spirit to be dominated.’
Amanda smiled and nodded, but made no reply. She was relieved that Mama was not set on a match between her and her friend’s son, for she was certain such a plan was doomed to disappointment.
‘I do hope Miss Langton will have recovered from her chill tomorrow,’ she said. ‘I shall visit her in the morning to see how she goes on.’
* * *
Lady Langton was hesitant when Amanda called the next morning, but took her into a small sitting room and made a full confession.
‘We have given it out that Cynthia has a chill,’ she explained, ‘but the truth is much worse—she has contracted chicken pox and the rash has come out all over her this morning.’
‘Oh, that is awful for her,’ Amanda said. ‘She will miss the picnic tomorrow—and that will disappoint several people.’
‘Yes, I believe it will.’ Cynthia’s mother smiled complacently. ‘However, it cannot be helped. I shall be taking her down to the country as soon as she is able to travel—but she does not wish it to be generally known that she has chicken pox. I know I may rely on you to keep the true reason for her illness private.’
‘Yes, of course, ma’am. I should not dream of speaking of it. May I go up to see her?’
‘Are you not afraid of taking the infection?’
‘My brother brought it home when I was but six years old, ma’am. I am unlikely to catch it again.’
The marchioness nodded thoughtfully. ‘I think her too unwell today—but perhaps you will call after the picnic to tell her of it?’
‘Yes, certainly,’ Amanda said and took her leave.
She was walking home with her maid when she saw someone she knew coming towards her. Lieutenant Phipps was bearing a posy of flowers and, since they were but one street from Miss Langton’s house, Amanda guessed the tribute was for Cynthia.
‘Miss Hamilton,’ Phipps said and took his hat off to her. ‘Have you been to visit Miss Langton? How is she?’
‘Still quite unwell, I believe,’ Amanda replied. ‘I believe she will not be able to accompany us to the picnic tomorrow, sir.’
‘How unfortunate for her. I hope you will not let it spoil your pleasure in the outing?’
‘I had already invited Miss Field,’ Amanda said. ‘It would be a shame to disappoint her—and indeed, I am looking forward to it.’
‘Then I shall not cry off,’ Phipps said gallantly. ‘I fear Shearne will be a little put out, but he can hardly cancel the affair when so many have been invited.’
‘No, indeed. I am convinced that Miss Langton would not like to think that her friends had been disappointed simply because she could not attend,’ Amanda said. ‘Are you taking her that lovely posy? I should think it must cheer her up.’
‘It is but a poor tribute,’ Phipps said, looking conscious. ‘But I thought it right to visit and enquire how she goes on.’
‘Yes, I believe her mama must be pleased to see all Miss Langton’s friends make such a gesture.’ Amanda inclined her head. ‘We shall see you tomorrow then, sir?’
‘Of course. I shall call for you, as we had decided,’ he murmured. ‘I believe we shall have a pleasant day.’
Amanda agreed and they parted. She was thoughtful as she walked home, because although the lieutenant was always charmingly polite to her, she could not bring herself to believe that he had any intention of asking her to marry him. As yet she was not sure what he intended for Cynthia—he had not given her any indication that a proposal from him was imminent. Amanda knew that her friend had received any number of flattering offers, some from determined fortune-hunters, but some from very acceptable gentlemen.
‘I have not yet found the right person,’ Cynthia had confided to her once, but that had been before the Marquis of Shearne had joined her court. It must be frustrating for her friend to be forced to retire to the sickroom at such a moment.
Some people found Miss Langton proud and cold, but Amanda knew that she could be charming and considerate to people she liked—it was only that she had perhaps been reared to remember her position. Amanda herself had received nothing but kindness from Cynthia and her sympathy was all with her at this time.
Amanda felt for her, because it was unlikely that the marquis would dance attendance on her in the country and Lady Langton was determined to carry her off there as soon as she was well enough.
She could only call to see her friend as soon as she was well enough and
