A little education does no harm, but I wouldnt want a blue stocking; they are always trying to score points. She must want and like children because the whole object of the exercise is to beget an heir and I do not hold with women who have babies and then hand them over to nurses and governesses to rear.
Thats quite a list.
I havent done yet. I would expect her to be considerate towards those beneath her and tenderhearted when they are in trouble, but not soft, not easily gulled. She must enjoy country pursuits because I shall wish to spend much of my time in Hertfordshire on the estate. Not a hoyden, though. Dont like hoydens above half.
Martin was smiling at this catalogue of virtues. What about a dowry?
Most important of all she must not be a fortune or a title hunter. In fact, it would be a decided advantage if she had her own fortune.
Why? You are a pretty plump in the pocket already.
I know, but if she has her own fortune, she will not be marrying me for mine, will she? I want someone accustomed to wealth so that she will fall easily into my way of living and not be overawed by it. Besides, I will not be truly wealthy until I inherit and, for all his protestations to the contrary, my grandfather is fit as a flea.
It would be better if my wife could afford all the extravagant fripperies she needs without my having to go to him for an increase in my allowance. If she is already independent, she would not fetter me with extravagant demands. She would be prepared to let me go my own way in return for being able to lead her own life, within certain decorous limits, of course.
Do you know, I am sure I heard you say you were not interested in taking a mistress.
I should like to keep the option open. He spoke so pompously that Martin burst into laughter. You may laugh, Richard told him. You arent constrained by other peoples expectations.
It is your own expectations which are the more demanding, old fellow. Such a paragon of virtue does not exist.
Mores the pity.
A footman came to tell them that breakfast was ready and they got up to go to the small dining room, where a repast of ham, eggs, pickled herrings, boiled tongue and fresh bread was laid out for them.
Then you do agree that you must be seen in Society? Martin queried, watching Richard fill his plate. His problem seemed to have had no effect on his appetite.
I have no choice.
Well, do not sound so reluctant, you will never attract your paragon like that. You must be agreeable and well turned out and
I know, my friend, I do not need a lecture on how to conduct myself.
Then well start this evening. Mama has arranged a little gathering at home and I promised to attend. It is very early in the Season, but she assures me there are to be several young ladies up for their first Season and a one or two of the competition too, Ill be bound.
Then I had better do something about my wardrobe. Everything I had before I went into the army is far too tight.
Thats hardly surprising, Martin said laconically. You were little more than a boy when you left and a man when you returned. He looked critically at his friends large frame. Not a small one, either. Do you wish me to accompany you?
No, of course not, I am perfectly able to choose clothes. Ill meet you at Jacksons at four. There will just be time for a short bout before dinner at five.
Martin laughed. Do you expect to have to fight for your ladys hand?
Richard smiled. No, but it is always a good thing to maintain ones ability to defend oneself.
Oh, come, Dick, you have no enemies, a more affable man I have yet to meet.
It would be a fortunate man who managed to go through life without acquiring a few enemies, Richard said.
Name me one.
Richard needed time to consider. He was indeed fortunate that he was popular and well-liked by his peers and the men he had commanded, except for those who had flouted the tight discipline he maintained as an officer. There was Sergeant Dawkins, he said, remembering the man he had had courtmar-tialled for looting, something Wellington had expressly forbidden.
The offence had been exacerbated by the fact that the goods the man had stolen had come from a Portuguese family who were allies. His defence, which had not been upheld, was that the family had been consorting with the enemy. The sergeant had been flogged and dishonourably discharged. Left to find his own way home from Lisbon, he had threatened Richard with revenge.
That threat was made two years ago and in the heat of the moment, Martin said. You surely do not think he meant it?
No, of course not, the poor fellow likely never made it back to England. He probably settled down in the Peninsula with a Spanish señorita. You asked for an example and I gave you one.
Point taken. But I hope you will rid yourself of your aggression and ill humour against Gentleman Jackson in the boxing ring this afternoon and present yourself in my mothers drawing room at seven this evening, in a sweet temper, ready to act the agreeable.
Have no fear, my friend, Richard said, as both men left the table. I shall be a model of the man about town.
Sophie and Charlotte had arrived at Lady Gosports in Denmark Place a few minutes after seven to find her drawing room already buzzing with conversation. Most of the company seemed to be of Lady Fitzpatricks generation and Sophies spirits sank. This was not her idea of London Society at all. She looked across at Charlotte and exchanged a rueful grimace, before their hostess caught sight of them and hurried over to greet them.
Harriet, my dear, so glad you could come. She kissed Lady Fitzpatrick on both cheeks and then looked at the girls, taking careful note of Charlottes white crepe open gown trimmed with silk forget-me-nots over a pale blue slip, and moving on to examine Sophies cambric high gown with its overskirt of pale green jaconet, which her ladyship considered more suitable for day than evening wear. So, these are your charges.
Good evening, Beth. She took Charlottes arm and drew her forward. May I present Miss Charlotte Roswell. The Earl of Peterboroughs niece. God rest his soul.
Indeed, yes. My commiserations, Miss Roswell. Reminded of her superior station by a dig in the ribs from Sophie, Charlotte executed a small polite bob, not the deep curtsy she had intended. Thank you, my lady.
You are fully recovered from your ordeal?
Yes, thank you. It was obvious that the girl was painfully shy and would have to be brought out of her shell if she were to take well. Her ladyship turned to Sophie. Then you must be Miss Hundon. Miss Roswells companion, I collect.
Oh, no, Charlotte put in. Sophie is my cousin and friend, not a paid companion. We share everything.
That is to your credit, my dear, Lady Gosport said. But you will find that the possession of an estate and great wealth, as I believe you have, will make your advance in Society very unequal. Then to Sophie, I do hope, dear Miss Hundon, you have not been led to expect the same attention as your more illustrious cousin?
No, indeed, Sophie said, though she longed to bring the lady down to size with some cutting remark. Only the thought of their masquerade being exposed stilled her tongue.
Come, let me introduce you to the company. There were a few young ladies present, they realised, as they were conducted round the room, and one or two young men, who stood about posing in tight coats and impossibly high pointed cravats, twirling their quizzing glasses in their hands and speaking in affected voices which made the girls want to laugh aloud. Instead, they bowed politely and exchanged greetings and longed to escape.