The Belle Dames Club (13 page)

The dancing had finished and the rooms were beginning to empty when Lady Wyckenham came back into the salon to look for her stepdaughter. Sir Robert had wanted to escort her home. She had refused, of course, but it had been very
tempting
. In fact it was becoming ever more difficult to keep Robert at a distance, but the spectre of those irresponsible letters
written
to Lord Ullenwood hung over her: once she had destroyed them, perhaps then she could forget her foolishness and be the honest, faithful woman Robert believed her to be. So for tonight she had sent him away and now, when she felt thoroughly dispirited, she could not find Clarissa.

Lord Ullenwood was talking with a group of friends in one corner of the room and when he saw her he excused himself and came towards her. For an instant Lady Wyckenham
considered
running away, but common sense prevailed: she stood her ground and accorded him a cool greeting.

‘Lady Wyckenham. You have proved very elusive this evening.’

She hunched an impatient white shoulder.

‘I have been well entertained, my lord. That was the reason I came tonight.’

Lord Ullenwood’s voice crackled with irritation as he replied.

‘And I came here for no other reason than to find you, madam.’

‘How disappointing for you. Now if you will excuse me—’

He caught her wrist.

‘Not yet, Helen. You try my patience. Remember, I can ruin you.’

‘You have threatened to do so, certainly,’ came the swift, angry retort.

Their glances clashed, both in the grip of their anger. The Marquis recovered first. He released her.

‘We have trifled long enough, madam. I leave for Bath next week. You will come with me, or face the consequences.’

She felt the heat drain from her face. Lord Ullenwood towered over her, a dark, menacing shadow.

‘Well, what is your answer?’

She swallowed, and ran her tongue over her dry lips.

‘I have no choice.’

‘We all have choices, Helen.’

‘If – if I go with you – you will give me my letters?’

‘Once I am sure of you.’

‘I want them … as soon as we set off. Surely you can promise me that much.’

She saw the triumph blaze in his eyes, but he answered gravely enough.

‘Very well. You have my word. And I always play square, Helen. You should know that.’

‘Very well. I will go with you.’

She watched him step back, his head raised. He looked
victorious
: she could almost imagine that he would throw back that
mane of black hair and howl his triumph to the skies. Instead he took her hand.

‘You have made me the happiest of men, my lady.’

Her lip curled.

‘Then you have very singular pleasures, sir.’

He laughed at that, and flicked her cheek with one long, white finger.

‘You loved me once, Helen. I will make you do so again.’

‘Mama-Nell – I am sorry, were you looking for me?’

Lady Wyckenham turned to find her stepdaughter standing at one of the open windows.

‘I was on the terrace, Mama-Nell. You are ready to leave now?’

‘Yes, my love. If you please.’ She reached out and drew Clarissa towards her. ‘My love, your hands are ice-cold! How long have you been outside? It is only May; you should not be venturing out without your wrap.’

‘I am sorry, Mama-Nell, I did not notice.’

Lady Wyckenham looked closely at her.

‘Are you feeling quite well, my love? You are very pale.’

‘Quite – quite well, ma’am. Now, by all means let us go home.’

‘Very well. I think we should tell Dorothea we are leaving.’

Clarissa hung back.

‘Is that necessary, Mama-Nell? She is talking to Captain Shirley.’

‘Yes, of course we must, my love. Come, it need not delay us many minutes. Goodness, what is Dorothea about, to be
encouraging
him so?’

As they approached they could hear Dorothea’s voice, but instead of her usual dry tones, she sounded warm and
inviting
.

‘… it is such a long way to Bristol, Captain. Do you tell me you make the journey alone – is it not dangerous?’

Lady Wyckenham bit her lip to stop herself laughing out
loud at Dorothea’s look of admiration.

‘Aye, well, it is, ma’am, and there’s many a rogue hanging around the coaching houses watching for the unwary
traveller
. That’s why I always sets off with no less than six
outriders
.’

‘Six! My dear captain, you must be a rich man if you can afford such an entourage.’

The captain touched the side of his nose and winked at her.

‘That’s the clever part. Anyone watching thinks I travel well protected. They come with me as far as Colnebrook – past Hounslow Heath, you see, for that is the most dangerous stretch – then I pay ’em off.’ He broke off as he realized that Lady Wyckenham and Clarissa were coming up to them, and my lady prettily begged pardon for interrupting. A glance at Lady Gaunt was rewarded with the most innocent of stares. They took their leave, the captain insisted on kissing the ladies’ hands and Lady Wyckenham felt Clarissa shudder as they walked away.

‘To think that odious man has the power of life and death over the poor slaves on his ship: it fills me with repugnance!’ she muttered. ‘I hope never to see his smug face again.’

They collected their wraps and as they waited in the vestibule for their carriage, Lord Ullenwood sauntered out with a party of gentlemen. As he passed he gave a little bow and kissed his fingers to them.

‘Mama-Nell.’ Clarissa was instantly suspicious. ‘What has happened? Has he – has he spoken to you?’

Lady Wyckenham felt her spirits slump even further.

‘Yes,’ she said dully. ‘It is all agreed.’

Lady Wyckenham would not say more during the short coach journey back to Charlotte Street and since they alighted at the same moment that William arrived at the front door, Clarissa could not press her further.

Lady Wyckenham greeted her stepson with delight.

‘Why William, my dear boy, you are home very late. How was
your lecture?’

‘Oh, very interesting, ma’am, thank you.’ He stood back to allow the ladies to precede him into the house. ‘How was Lady Maramond’s? I am sorry I could not come with you, but when I heard of the lecture on the Plight of the Poor and Alternatives to the Workhouse—’

‘You could not bear to miss it,’ Clarissa finished for him. ‘Really, William, I do not recall you were always so zealous about the plight of your fellow man. Have you been converted, Brother? Have you had your own road to Damascus?’

William looked uncomfortable.

‘We must all do what we can to give comfort to those less fortunate than ourselves.’

Lady Wyckenham took his arm.

‘For shame, Clarissa, do not tease your brother. Come, William. We will go into the drawing-room and you can tell me all about your evening.’ As she walked off with William, Lady Wyckenham gave her stepdaughter such a saucy look that Clarissa could not help but smile. Her stepmama was
determined
to tell her nothing more that night. Clarissa declined the invitation to go into the drawing-room, and retired to her bedchamber. She allowed Becky to undress her, but once she had dismissed her maid and was lying between the warmed sheets, she could no longer ignore her own over-riding concern: Lord Alresford’s behaviour on the terrace.

His kiss had shaken her. She had been kissed before, by James, her fiancé, by fumbling schoolboys and once by a man who considered himself a rake, but those kisses had not moved her and any attempt to embrace her she had repulsed. Anne had laughed when they had discussed this, and told her that when she was in love it would be different. Is that what it was, thought Clarissa, love? Alresford’s touch had sent a wave of heat raging through her body and she had found herself
pressing
herself against him, willing him to keep his arms around her while she enjoyed the novel sensation of his mouth on
hers. But now, lying alone in the darkness she was confused: she was not at all sure that she even liked the earl. Certainly she did not think constantly about him, or sigh whenever he came into view, but when he was near everything seemed a little more … comfortable. She laughed to herself.

‘That is not the feeling one should have about a lover,’ she murmured, snuggling her hand against her cheek. ‘That is the feeling one has for a favourite old gown!’

The next morning Clarissa rose early and spent the first hour dashing off notes to all the members of the Belles Dames Club. Then she went to Lady Wyckenham’s bedroom and announced that she had invited everyone to pay a morning visit.

Lady Wyckenham, sipping at her hot chocolate, spluttered and was obliged to put down her cup.

‘You have invited them all here? But William—’

‘Dear ma’am, I know we said we should not meet here again, but your news last night is too urgent to discuss in a shop! Besides, how can William object to your having visitors?’  

‘I know it is unreasonable,’ muttered Mama-Nell, nervously plucking at the bedcovers, ‘but I am sure he will be suspicious.’  

Clarissa did her best to reassure her, and when William looked into the drawing-room moments after the last of the ladies had arrived, she was prepared to deflect any awkward questions. However, William merely bowed to the assembled ladies and made his stately way across the room towards his stepmother.  

Lady Gaunt, who had known William since he was a baby,
said playfully, ‘My goodness, William, is that a new coat? Very smart, my dear. I vow you are looking positively modish.’

He afforded this sally no more than a faint smile and addressed himself to Lady Wyckenham.

‘I am going out, ma’am, and wondered if you have any commissions for me?’

‘Going out?’ She smiled at him, inordinately relieved. ‘I
had
thought to collect a parcel of muslin today from New Bond Street….’

‘Well, that is on my way, ma’am, if you would like me to call in for it.’

‘Did you not tell me you were going to Whitehall today, to see William Grenville?’ asked Clarissa. ‘I thought that was why you were staying in town. Whitehall is in quite the opposite direction, surely.’

William flushed a little.

‘Yes, well, I have another engagement today, in Mount Street. I have arranged to see Grenville tomorrow. Mama-Nell?’

‘I thank you for your offer, William, but I do not think it would accord with your dignity to fetch anything as dull as muslin!’ remarked Lady Wyckenham, twinkling. ‘Simmons shall send a footman for it.’

Lord Wyckenham did not seem amused at such levity. With a hasty bow he left them, and as the door closed behind him his stepmother gave a very audible sigh of relief. Clarissa came over and kissed her cheek.

‘You see, ma’am, he did not suspect a thing.’

‘No he did not appear to mind at all, did he?’ replied my lady, relaxing.

‘Now he has gone,’ said Lady Sarah, ‘perhaps you will tell us why you have called us all here so urgently? I have had to cancel a visit to my mantua-maker.’

Clarissa hastily begged pardon.

‘Mama-Nell has received the ultimatum from the marquis!’

Clarissa was well satisfied with the reaction to her news. A
murmur of anticipation rustled around the room. Lady Wyckenham shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

‘Well, tell us, Helen,’ commanded Lady Gaunt.

Clarissa dropped to her knees before her stepmama and grasped her hands.

‘Yes, Mama-Nell. You would not tell me anything more last night, and you will agree that I have been very forbearing and not pressed you. Now, however, you must explain if we are to help you.’

Mrs Leighton-Kettering leaned forward.

‘You must not be embarrassed, Helen my dear. We are all your friends, you know.’

‘I know, Letitia, and indeed I am grateful.’

‘So what have you agreed with him?’ demanded Lady Sarah.

‘He leaves for Bath next week, and I am to go with him. He has promised to give me the letters as soon as we set off.’

Lady Gaunt closed her fan and tapped it gently against the arm of her chair.

‘Hmm. Bath. He will go across Hounslow Heath. That is where we will strike.’

‘And what is your plan, ma’am?’ asked Clarissa, a little sceptical. ‘If we waylay him is it not possible that he will suspect a trap and snatch the letters back from Mama-Nell?’

‘I will destroy them as soon as they are in my hands. I shall tear them up.’

Lady Gaunt regarded her pityingly.

‘Helen, do you know how difficult it is to tear a letter so small it cannot be put back together? No, what you will do, my dear, is ask the marquis to stop the coach on the Heath. There is a pond, no more than a few yards beyond the gibbet at the
crossroads
. You must tell Lord Ullenwood to stop there, and you will drop the letters into the pond. The water will soon make the ink run, and they will be worthless.’

‘That is an excellent idea, Dorothea,’ remarked Mrs Greynard.

‘Thank you, Alicia. We will be waiting, and as soon as the letters are gone we shall snatch Helen up and ride away with her.’

Georgiana and Emily applauded this, but the others looked doubtful.

‘Do you think the marquis will let me go quite so easily?’ asked Lady Wyckenham.

‘We shall surprise him. He will not be expecting us. And if his guards show any resistance we will fire our pistols to show we are in earnest.’

‘Pistols?’ cried Letitia, looking shocked. ‘You said nothing about pistols, Dorothea.’

‘We can hardly masquerade as highwaymen without them! But be easy, ladies.’ Lady Gaunt put up a hand as the
murmuring
grew louder. ‘We shall only use the weapons if there is no other way.’

‘Well, that is a very good thing,’ declared Lady Sarah, ‘because I cannot shoot.’

‘Nor I,’ said Julia. She glanced around the room, her big eyes begging for understanding.

Augusta Maramond was sitting beside her on the sofa and leaned forward to pat her hands.

‘No one would expect it of you, my dear. I think, Dorothea, that perhaps you should be the one to wield the pistol. I have no doubt that you are an excellent shot.’

‘I am, of course,’ agreed Lady Gaunt.

Clarissa gave a little crow of laughter.

‘You are a complete original, ma’am! But to be serious: can it work, do you think?’

‘We could be hanged for what we are planning,’ said Lady Wyckenham gloomily.

‘Nonsense.’ Lady Gaunt’s tone was bracing. ‘If you will play your part, Helen, I have no doubt that we can bring you off safe. The marquis and his henchmen will see only four highwaymen: they would never think to suspect a group of women of such a crime.’

It took some time to convince Lady Wyckenham, but at last she agreed that it was their best hope of retrieving the letters.

‘Good, then it is settled.’ Lady Gaunt rose. ‘Now, I must be away. Helen, you are to confirm the arrangements with the Marquis.’

‘He said he would send me word.’

‘Very well, you must inform me as soon as you know when he plans to leave for Bath.’ She stooped to press her rouged cheek against Lady Wyckenham’s pale one. ‘Be easy, Helen my dear. This will soon be over.’

‘I hope so, Dorothea. I do hope so.’

‘Well, William, what an honour to have you accompany us to church.’

Lord Wyckenham scowled across the carriage at his sister, but Lady Wyckenham intervened before he could retort.

‘Now, Clarissa, that is unfair. We were not expecting your brother to join us in town.’

‘No, but since he is here I could wish he would show us a little more attention, Mama-Nell.’

‘I came to town for one purpose: to assure myself that the rumours of your involvement in some irregular club were untrue,’ he replied in quelling accents.

‘And are you reassured?’ asked Clarissa, honey-sweet.

‘I think the rumours were greatly exaggerated. You will recall that I walked into one of your meetings the other day: I saw nothing more dangerous than a group of bored, gossiping ladies.’

Although she was relieved at his words, Clarissa could not resist another attack.

‘So you consider you no longer need to have a care for us.’

‘Do not be absurd, Clarissa. Am I not coming to church with you? I have promised to be at home for Mama-Nell’s party on Thursday evening, and I will be dining at home with you tonight.’

‘
That
will be the first time in a week.’

‘Leave him be, Clarissa.’ Lady Wyckenham tapped her arm. ‘As a man bent on a political career, I am sure he has many great people to petition: people with a connection to Mr Pitt. Am I right, William?’  

‘As a matter of fact, Mama-Nell, you are. At home in Devon I was very busy with county affairs, but London is where the real power lies, and when I saw Grenville yesterday he promised to consider me for a government post. Something small, to begin with, I suspect, but once I make my mark, who knows where it may lead?’  

My lady smiled at him.  

‘Well that is very good news, William, and it reminds me: I hope you have no commitments for tomorrow, my love, because Letitia Leighton-Kettering has invited us to dine.’  

His brightened immediately.  

‘The Leighton-Ketterings are very well connected, are they not?’  

Clarissa saw the amusement flicker across her stepmama’s face.  

‘I believe they are, William.’  

‘Then I will most certainly join you, Mama-Nell.’  

‘How splendid,’ murmured Clarissa. ‘Let us hope you are rewarded by there being at least two cabinet ministers in attendance!’  

Upon their return from church, William went immediately to the library. Clarissa, removing her bonnet, saw Lady Wyckenham grow pale as Simmons handed her a letter.  

‘Such a long sermon, was it not, Mama-Nell?’ She stepped forward and took her arm. ‘Let us go upstairs; you shall rest while I read to you for an hour.’  

Only when they were alone did Lady Wyckenham break the seal of her letter.  

‘Is it from the marquis?’ asked Clarissa.

‘Yes.’ Lady Wyckenham sank down on to a sofa and opened the letter. She scanned the contents, refolded the paper and pushed it deep into the pocket of her gown.

‘Well? What does he say, Mama-Nell? When does he want you to meet him?’

Lady Wyckenham did not answer immediately. Clarissa sat down beside her and took her hands.

‘Dear ma’am, you must tell me,’ she said gently. ‘We need to know the details if we are to help you.’

Lady Wyckenham’s stared at her, then shook her head.

‘I have such good friends: they would risk so much for me.’

‘Of course, Mama-Nell, we would risk everything for you, you know that. Now, tell me: when is it to be?’

Lady Wyckenham closed her eyes.

‘Saturday,’ she whispered. ‘Saturday night, at eleven o’clock.’