indeed it is not to be thought of for, then I could not know you and that would be a shame.’ Kate’s humour was irrepressible. ‘Not that I should take a jot of notice but Mama would not approve. You will pay him no mind, Eliza. Unless of course he were to propose marriage. They do say reformed rakes make good husbands in the end.’
‘You are a wicked tease,’ Eliza told her. ‘It is as well I have no intention of having my head turned by a handsome face.’
‘So you do like him,’ Kate crowed. ‘No, no, I shall not tease you, dearest Eliza—but just think how fortunate it would be if he should offer.’
Eliza shook her head. To allow herself even one thought in that direction would be madness. She was not sure she would be permitted to dance that evening or even if it would be wise. Lord Seaton was too far above her and the more she mixed with him the more painful it would be in the end. She might even have to leave Lady Sarah’s employ at the end of the month, and then she might never see him again.
The thought brought a sharp swift pain to her heart, but she lifted her head in the air. She refused to be foolish enough to fall for a man she hardly knew and could never know better.
They were approaching the shop they had come to visit and Kate’s attention was taken by the array of beautiful fans in the window. Some were of painted paper, others of ivory and lace, some with silver or jewelled handles and very costly.
‘Oh, there are so many lovely ones,’ Kate exclaimed. ‘How do I choose just one?’
Eliza was able to enjoy helping her friend to choose. She was, after all, a sensible girl and she would not fall into a dangerous flirtation simply because a certain man made her heart race whenever he was near.
Daniel walked past the house where Lord Roberts was staying, heading for a popular coffee house in the hope of meeting with friends. His thoughts were once again in turmoil. He had set out with the firm intention of asking Lord Roberts for his daughter’s hand and then applying for a loan to settle his gambling debt, which he would repay when he could. However, Miss Henderson had overset his plans by mentioning the assembly. He had been unable to resist the unconscious appeal in Miss Bancroft’s eyes when she spoke of her first public ball. The prospect of dancing with her had awoken something inside him that had lain dormant for a while and he anticipated the evening with some eagerness.
Surely it could not matter if he did not speak to Lord Roberts immediately?
Eliza Bancroft.
Daniel wanted to see laughter in those expressive eyes. He wanted to dance with Eliza, hold her body close to his and perhaps take her out into the moonlight to steal a few kisses.
He remembered a previous stolen kiss. He could almost taste her, smell the perfume that was uniquely her own. He wanted so much more! Forbidden thoughts of Eliza lying in silken sheets, her hair spread on the pillow and her lips swollen by his passionate kisses, slightly open as she waited for more…
The sight of a curricle driving past in the opposite direction, interrupted his pleasurable thoughts. A cold shaft of anger shot through him as he saw the cause of all his troubles. The Marquis of Cheadle was in Bath, which meant that they would be bound to meet in company. Therefore, he must arrange a private interview as soon as possible. He would see what advantage was to be gained from bargaining over the ring he held as surety for a few hundred guineas.
Why did the marquis’s ring bear the same inscription as that in Eliza’s ring? She said it had belonged to her mother—had there been something between Mrs Bancroft and Cheadle? Surely not! The lady was the wife of the Reverend Bancroft and, as far as Daniel knew, of spotless reputation. It was mere coincidence and a trifle that should not enter his head again. He had more important things to consider.
For a moment, Daniel’s thoughts dwelled on the possibility that Cheadle might know something of his cousin’s death. He must seek him out and ask a few questions before handing over the ring.
Eliza glanced at herself in the mirror as she prepared for the assembly that evening. Her gown was a miracle of white silk tulle, lace and elegant styling. Trimmed lightly here and there with tiny knots of black ribbon, it looked so expensive and fashionable that Eliza was almost frightened to leave her room.
Surely Lady Sarah would not approve of her companion wearing a gown such as this one?
Her heart was sinking as she walked the short distance down the hall to her employer’s bedchamber. Lady Sarah could not have intended her companion to look so stylish.
‘Come in, my dear,’ her employer’s voice invited her to enter as she tapped the door.
‘I am so sorry,’ Eliza began immediately to apologise. ‘I thought madame would make something more suited to my situation. Shall I change?’
‘What nonsense, Eliza. You look beautiful…’ Lady Sarah beckoned her forwards, her expression intent as she looked at her closely. ‘The gown is elegant and perfect for you, my dear. I knew madame would do you justice, but I had not expected such a change. You look… very different. Do you not like your gown?’
‘I love it,’ Eliza assured her. ‘I thought… well, does it not make me look as if I am a young lady of fashion?’
‘Exactly. Just as you should look, Eliza. You deserve something nice and I am happy to be in a position to give it to you.’ Lady Sarah smiled at her. ‘I am very pleased with madame’s work. You must thank her when she comes again.’
‘Are you sure it is not too good for a companion?’
Lady Sarah hesitated, then, ‘You have become my friend, Eliza… almost like a daughter to me. We have not known each other long, but already I am so fond of you. I want you to be happy while you stay with me.’
‘I am happy. I feel so fortunate to have been chosen by you, ma’am. I would never wish to do anything to distress you.’
‘I am sure you will not.’ Lady Sarah nodded, a hint of tears in her eyes. She knew that she might have gone too far, but she was enjoying treating Eliza, as she would her lost daughter when she found her. ‘We must go down. We do not wish to keep the horses standing. This evening is your first assembly. You will not wish to miss a moment—and of course you must dance as much as you please. It will give me great pleasure to watch and to know that you are enjoying yourself.’
‘You are so kind to me.’
Eliza made sure that her employer had all she needed, following her down the stairs and out to the waiting carriage. It was strange how close she felt to Lady Sarah, almost as though she had known her all her life.
Eliza was a little overwhelmed by the noise and press of people mingling in the huge assembly rooms. She thought that all Bath society must have gathered for the occasion, their costly jewels glittering in the light from the heavy chandeliers. However, once they had passed into a room where chairs and sofas had been grouped they found friends.
‘Come and sit beside me,’ Lady Julia invited. ‘Kate has been on the fidget since we arrived. Now you may leave us to ourselves and join the other young people.’
‘Are you comfortable, ma’am?’ Eliza asked, looking at her employer. ‘Is there anything I may fetch you before I go with Kate?’
‘Lord Melcher is arranging some champagne—’ Lady Julia broke off
