I dare say Lord Hamilton is generous enough to allow us the pleasure of your company for another week or two, if I promise to see you safely home.’
‘I believe he would,’ Mama said, looking pleased. ‘I should certainly enjoy being here with Susanna as my hostess, sir. I thank you for the invitation—and it will give Amanda another two weeks in town.’
Mama was hopeful that two further weeks would give her daughter a chance to receive a proposal she could accept and the thought brought a flush to her cheeks. She saw the countess and her mama exchange knowing glances and felt hot of a sudden; they were plotting something together, she was sure of it. Mama must have told her that she had not yet received an acceptable offer.
They stayed to take some refreshment at the countess’s invitation and Lord Armstrong stayed with them for another twenty minutes, before excusing himself on a matter of business.
‘Nathan is my stepson,’ the countess told Amanda after he had left them. ‘He was but a year old when I married his father and I am the only mother he has ever known. I gave my husband a daughter, who died in infancy, and another son. However, Charles is a delicate boy and remains in the country with his father. He is seven years old and a little naughty, but Nathan adores him, and spoils him as much as he spoils me. Had we not engaged a wonderful nurse to help dear old Nanny, we should never have left him for this trip to town.’
‘You are fortunate to have Lord Armstrong,’ Mama said. ‘He could not be more fond of you if you were indeed his mother.’
‘I am fortunate,’ Susanna replied with a little smile. ‘Nathan is a determined man, but kind and generous. His father has not been entirely well of later years and Nathan runs everything to do with the estate. Indeed, he has been so busy looking after us that he has had no time for his own affairs. His father wishes him to marry, but he shows no sign of being interested in any lady of his acquaintance.’
Amanda sensed an understanding between Mama and the countess, and saw a look of speculation in that lady’s eyes. Was she being considered as a bride for Lord Armstrong? Perhaps the countess was here to find him a bride, though she felt sure that he knew nothing of her scheming.
* * *
When it was time to leave, Amanda thanked the countess for her hospitality and the invitation to stay with her another week or so in town and was instructed to kiss her.
‘You are as lovely and charming as your mama told me,’ Susanna said and patted her hand. ‘I have oft wished my daughter had lived—and I should wish her to be just like you, my dear.’
Amanda thanked her and they were escorted to the door by the stately butler. Once in the carriage, Mama turned to look at her.
‘Well, that was a surprise. I have so wished that I might spend more time with Susanna, but it was never possible, though I visited her at her country house soon after her accident—but since then somehow it was never thought of, though we often write to one another.’
‘You have not spoken to me much of the countess, Mama.’
‘Have I not?’ Mama looked at her. ‘I dare say I did not think the subject would interest you. At that time I thought it unlikely we should meet often.’
‘I liked her—and Lord Armstrong. He is very direct, Mama.’
‘Yes, almost overbearing,’ Mama said thoughtfully. ‘But kind—so very considerate. Some gentlemen are like that... I believe his father was much the same. Now your papa has always been so easy-going...’
‘Papa is a darling,’ Amanda said. ‘I dare say Lord Armstrong has found it easier to organise everyone for their own good...since 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