Before the Season Ends (21 page)

A
s they took to the floor, Ariana was conscious of deference being given them. Everyone scrambled to make room for the couple. Some men shouted out amiable jests to Mornay, which he completely ignored.

Instead, he again congratulated Ariana on her “success.”

“It is evident that with the gentlemen I seem to be.”

“Indeed. We have only to see if Lady Hollingsford will approach you.”

To Ariana’s questioning look, he added, “She is the most powerful of the hostesses of Almack’s. If she gives you her blessing tonight, then our
counterattack
is a success.” He actually sounded playful.

From then on, they spoke little. Ariana was happy to give her full attention to the dance, enjoying every moment of proximity to the man she was beginning to admire. She would not have guessed that a gentleman who danced so little in society could yet dance so well. He swept her along smoothly, making the steps seem more simple than she had found them before, in practice. She suddenly realized this was her first public waltz (at Carlton House, no less!) and yet she had nothing to worry about, thanks to Mr. Mornay’s strong lead.

In addition, she was flattered because she had attended many a ball with her aunt during which he failed to stand up even once. Their eyes met and Ariana smiled. Was it her imagination? Or was he looking at her differently? His swirling dark eyes were intently upon her but for
once Ariana felt no incrimination coming from them. It was a surprisingly pleasant experience.
Too
pleasant. She must guard her heart!

Mr. Mornay was exactly the sort of man her father had warned about. A man of fashion, fortune, and figure but without an interest in the things of God; without an active religion. She must not lose her heart to him.

Meanwhile, the company was bubbling with the thought that Mr. Mornay had fallen for a debutante.

The floor was slowly clearing of other couples as everyone was curious to enjoy the sight of the Paragon doing a waltz. Even the prince, seated now, looked on with great pleasure, nodding his head in time.

“This is too far outside Mornay’s style,” one man spoke into the prince’s ear, “for it not to be a genuine
tendre!
” Another was heard to say, “Did she truly come upon his arm? I thought Prinny was joking!” After this night, no one would doubt he had declared his affections. He had broken precedents with Miss Forsythe. If it had not already been completely quelled, the question of possible improprieties was now laid soundly to rest.

From the edge of the room, Lady Covington eyed the couple narrowly, alone in her doubts regarding the relationship. She felt prodigiously indignant that the two people she had purposely entangled in spurious lies were now a bona fide, completely respectable, couple. Mr. Mornay appeared to be solicitous of his companion, the very opposite of the brute she had claimed him to be. And to top all, he stood up for a waltz. They were ruining her scheme, and it was utterly provoking!

It was near midnight when Mr. Mornay took Ariana for refreshments, which was simply a matter of going through a great opened double-door to an adjoining chamber. The floor was carpeted, footmen abounded, and, though the menu was service
a’ la française,
there were servants to carve one’s meat or fill one’s glass.

As for the room itself, Ariana delighted in the rich wallpaper, the
elegant trimmings, beautiful china, and golden utensils. The damasked table glittered with sparkling crystal and delectable dishes. She was a princess in another world tonight, a dream world where all of life was beautiful. What a stark contrast to the filth of many London streets where she saw far more destitution and poverty from her carriage window than she had dreamed existed. She made a determination, while basking in the splendour around her, that if God saw fit to someday make her a woman of means like her aunt, she would espouse the cause of the poor. There had to be something she could do for them.

Mr. Mornay stood back politely while Ariana chose refreshments. She accepted slices of beef and turkey
au jus
from a footman, then helped herself to cold ham with French mustard, apricot tart, and Maids of Honour; herbed asparagus and green beans; a poached pear and raspberry cream. There were many more dishes beckoning her attention but Ariana was in a state of high excitement and not certain she could even consume the contents on her plate.

The guests came and went for refreshments at will, the men standing politely back while the ladies helped themselves. Once Ariana had finished eating, Mr. Mornay escorted her back to the ballroom, leaving then to have a bite himself. She soon found herself surrounded by a group of boisterous guests who were telling stories. She was fascinated by tales of those who had encountered highwaymen or footpads, even in Mayfair! A footpad, she was assured, would slit a man’s throat for mere shillings.

And then, just as Mr. Mornay hoped, Lady Hollingsford came up to Ariana.

“Miss Forsythe, upon my honour, however did you manage to claim Mr. Mornay’s affections?”

Ariana smiled while her ladyship surveyed her with curious eyes. She gave the only answer she could. “I can take no credit where none is due, my lady. I am afraid Mr. Mornay’s affections remain at large, as always.”

“No, but he escorted you here, did he not?” She waited, mouth slightly ajar so that a few small white teeth were revealed.

“Indeed, ma’am, but—”

Lady Hollingsford nodded thoughtfully, and patted Ariana’s arm.

“Do not fret on account of Lady Covington! She shall be brought ’round, I warrant you. Almack’s is open to you at any time! I shall send vouchers to your aunt directly.”

“I am much obliged, ma’am.”

Lady Hollingsford smiled, nodded her head regally, and then strode elegantly off.

Mr. Mornay returned to Ariana’s side almost instantly.

“That went well?”

“Yes, she promised me Almack’s.”

“Very good.” He straightened up and looked around. “Then I may take you home.”

“So soon?”

Her escort smiled. “I promised your aunt I’d return you at a decent hour and it is past two, now.” Time had flown by.

“Oh, but I have not—oh it doesn’t signify; yes, let us go.”

But one brow on the handsome face was raised. “Is there someone in particular you haven’t danced with that you are longing to? I can arrange it if you like.” He sounded irked, but Ariana giggled, and then covered her mouth for a small yawn.

“No! If I stand up with one more gentleman I will stamp on his feet to be excused!” She looked up at him. “I only hoped to see more of the house. We passed so many marvelous paintings. Had I not been on the arm of His Royal Highness I would have stopped to view them.”

The ire left his tone.

“I see. But I must get you home. You can view the paintings another time.”

“Another time?” Her eyes lit with amusement. “I do not expect there shall be another time, sir.”

“One never knows, does one?” His response was enigmatic.

He led them to the prince, to take their leave. Again the Regent made much of Ariana, and thanked her for coming to his house. He
was exceedingly gracious. Later, after a servant allowed Ariana to pick her pelisse from a coat room, Mr. Mornay escorted her out of the lavish establishment and onto the street. A servant had already been dispatched to alert his coachman to bring round the carriage.

The air was surprisingly chilly, and Ariana was thankful for the warmth of her coat as she pulled it closer around her. While they waited she could not help looking about cautiously for the presence of any footpads. The conversation indoors had given her imagination frights, despite the reassuring company beside her. Mr. Mornay was in good health, and strong—she remembered that from their encounter on his estate. But it was still a relief when they were finally seated in the coach.

As the wheels began turning and the carriage moved away from the mansion on Pall Mall, Ariana craned her neck to get a last look at the building. How extraordinary, that she had been there, danced in its ballroom, with the Regent and Mr. Mornay! When she turned back and saw that familiar half-smile on her companion’s face, she grinned sheepishly.

And then she was aware, suddenly, of being tired. Meeting all those people, lords and ladies of all ranks, and Lady Hollingsford offering her Almack’s—it had been a momentous night, and now the effects were settling in. Her head found its way to rest against the cushion, but her feet, shod only in the fashionable but flimsy silk slippers, were aching. She reached down and rubbed one, hoping to be discreet, but his eyes, sharp as always, noticed immediately.

“Your feet are sore! Perhaps I should have warned you not to take to the floor so often.”

“I would that you had; how does one begin to say ‘no,’ when she has already said ‘yes,’ to others, without giving offence?”

“Did you indeed wish to?”

“Yes; aside from the prince—” She looked away. “And you.” She dared not meet his eyes. “I had no interest in dancing.” She paused. “I do not enjoy proximity with strangers.”

“Nor do I.”

Again she rested her head on the cushions.

“I am afraid I kept you out too late.”

“No.” But her tone was weak. “It was wonderful. I enjoyed nearly every minute!”

“Nearly?” There was laughter in his voice.

She raised her head to explain. “Standing up with the Regent is not something one does every day, and I daresay I might have swooned!”

He smiled at her exaggeration.

“And the countess did nothing but send me the most astonishing dark looks! I realize she is not my friend but I cannot account for such animosity.”

After a moment of ensuing silence he offered, “You were a deal more than she had anticipated being up against.”

Ariana was flattered, but embarrassed. “Thank you.”

He nodded, and they lapsed into silence for the remainder of the drive. When they pulled up in front of her aunt’s house she heard a servant come round and lower the steps. Mr. Mornay exited the carriage first and then assisted her by holding one of her gloved hands as she carefully descended. They did not speak as they walked to the door, and Ariana was incredibly aware that he had not released her hand. When Haines appeared, she turned to Mr. Mornay with a curtsey.

“I am greatly obliged to you. I had a wonderful evening that I shall never forget.”

“I am glad of it,” he said, lightly. Then, when she would have reclaimed her hand to leave, he instead raised and kissed it, and then bowed. In another moment she was inside the house, and the door had shut behind her. Haines helped her out of the expensive pelisse but she barely noticed. She was too busy going over that parting light kiss to her hand.

It may have been nothing more than a polite gesture, or the usual gracious manner he might have exhibited to anyone in her place; but Ariana hoped her face had not betrayed the pleasure she felt. Mr. Mornay’s expression was somewhat sombre, and when he nodded, she’d turned and entered the house. Nothing more than that, it had
all taken only seconds, and yet, why did she feel as if somehow her life was changing?