An Innocent Debutante in Hanover Square

‘A children’s pet,’ Helene nodded, her expression thoughtful. ‘It is the very thing, sir. You are good to consider it.’

‘It was a matter of finding somewhere for Jezra to go before he quite destroys my reputation,’ Max replied in a casual manner. ‘Jemmy told me that he considered leaving me for Lord Carrington’s employ, but he considers that I am fractionally the better whip and has decided to give me another chance. So I must count myself fortunate…’

‘That tiger of yours is a deal too free in his manners,’ Nicholas Bradwell said sourly. ‘If a stable lad spoke to me in that way, I should instantly dismiss him.’

‘Should you, Bradwell?’ Max arched his brow. He was very much the aristocrat in that moment, almost arrogant, his expression unreadable. ‘I must advise him not to offer his services to you should he decide that I am beneath his touch, which he may yet do. I confess that I should be devastated should he take himself off.’

‘You are a wit, sir.’ Bradwell glared at him. ‘Forgive me if I do not see merit in such levity.’ He glanced at Helene, his mouth pulled into a grim smile. ‘You must excuse me for a moment, Miss Henderson. I have seen someone I must speak to.’

‘Oh, dear…’ Max glanced after him, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. ‘I fear I have upset that gentleman. I am sorry to have lost you your admirer, Miss Henderson.’

‘Do not be ridiculous, sir! I have only just met Mr Bradwell. I assure you that he is not my admirer.’

‘But he will undoubtedly become so,’ Max said and nodded. ‘I believe you have made a conquest—the first of many, no doubt.’

‘I doubt it very much, sir.’ Helene shook her head at him. ‘Please, make me no empty compliments, for I do not care for them. I know you were funning just now, but pray tell me why you called that creature Jezra?’

‘Jemmy said he should be called Jezebel, for his temperament is uncertain to say the least—sly and devilish, my groom described him as. I explained that Jezebel was a female, and so we settled on Jezra. I hope the name meets with your approval?’

‘My approval is not necessary, but I find it apt,’ Helene said. His humour was infectious, though she did wish that he might be serious for a moment. ‘Shall you truly send Jezra to the country? I thought you might give the beast to someone.’

‘I could not be certain the poor beast would not be beaten and starved again,’ Max told her. His eyes seemed to be warm and approving as they surveyed her. ‘Having given Jezra a taste of what life can be like when there is a warm stable and food, I do not think it fair to abandon him. Besides, I think that would have earned me your disapproval, Miss Henderson.’

‘I should have been sad had the creature gone to a cruel master, for I cannot abide cruelty,’ Helene told him. ‘But I have no right to approve or disapprove of what you do, sir.’

‘Do you not?’ Max looked thoughtful. ‘Be that as it may, I would rather have your good opinion—’ He broke off as her mother came up to them. ‘I am remiss. I have not introduced Toby to you, Miss Henderson—Toby Sinclair, Miss Helene Henderson.’ He smiled at the older lady as the two exchanged greetings. ‘Ma’am, we met earlier when we arrived. Pray take your seat. Toby and I are on our way to the card room. Please excuse us.’

Mrs Henderson sat down as he walked away. She frowned at her daughter. ‘I suppose Mr Bradwell introduced you. Lord Coleridge is a pleasant enough gentleman, but above our touch, Helene. I heard that he may be looking for a wife, but I dare say he will look higher. Someone said that he has been paying attention to Miss Fitzherbert. She is an heiress of some note, though not present this evening. I would not advise you to think of that gentleman as a husband, Helene. Remember my experiences. I should not wish you to be slighted by his family as I was by your papa’s.’

‘Mama! I was not setting my cap at him,’ Helene said and blushed. ‘We were merely talking. Besides, you know that I would never forget the way you were treated.’

‘You seemed almost on intimate terms with him,’ her mother remarked. ‘I have seldom seen you look so animated in company, Helene. I dare say he would be a good catch if you could get him, but I think we must set our sights lower, my love. Mr Bradwell is of far less consequence, but I believe him to be quite warm—not an old name and fortune like Coleridge, of course. Mr Bradwell was once married, I am told, but his wife unfortunately died of a fever without giving him an heir. I feel certain that he must be looking to settle his nursery, for he is past forty. He would be a good match for you, my love.’

‘Mama, please do not,’ Helene begged, her cheeks hot with embarrassment. ‘Supposing someone were to hear? I am very certain Mr Bradwell has no such notion, at least as far as I am concerned.’

‘Well, he seemed taken,’ her mother said. ‘Not that there is any hurry, for this is your first evening affair…and now we should be silent for the music is about to begin.’

Helene was tempted to remind her that she had done most of the talking, but she was too well bred to argue in public. Nor would she have said much had they been at home. It was clear to Helene that her mama was anxious for her to make a good match, and she felt that she must do her very best to oblige her. She did not dislike Mr Bradwell, though she had thought that his good manners had deserted him when he was addressing Lord Coleridge. Indeed, that gentleman had made him seem almost dull and boorish in comparison.

Helene held her sigh inside. She knew which gentleman she preferred, but it was clear her mother did not wish her to encourage Lord Coleridge. Nor ought she to think of it herself. Helene did not wish for the life of a society lady. Marriage was a necessity for a girl in her circumstances, but she hoped to share her life with a gentleman who had the good of others at heart. Perhaps a member of the clergy might suit her as well as any.

She hoped that she would in the next few weeks meet someone she could like well enough to marry who also met with her mama’s approval.

‘You will make a fine swordsman if you continue this way,’ Max said and saluted Toby with his foil. ‘Harry and I both learned as young men, but fighting on a battlefield is a different affair to fencing for sport.’

‘Yes, it must be,’ Toby agreed as they replaced their swords in the stand and walked to the changing room together. ‘I should have liked to join Wellington when Boney escaped from Elba. I was still at Oxford, of course, but that was not the reason I did not offer my services. Mama begged me not to go, because of my father’s health. She said that if anything happened to me it would be the end of him. I felt obliged to do as she asked.’ He looked rueful and Max smiled. ‘I have always felt that I ought not to have listened to her.’

‘Sometimes it takes more strength of mind to give up the chance of adventure than to take it, Toby. Do not feel that you missed out. War is something best avoided if you can. If it had not been for Harry and Gerard, I should have died in Spain. Harry carried me for more than an hour on his back. We were all of us lucky to get out…’ Max frowned. ‘I joined Wellington in Brussels as his aide in the last action, but saw little of the fighting. I got shot at a few times while delivering Old Hooky’s messages, but I seem to have the luck of the devil.’

‘That’s as well,’ Toby said looking at him thoughtfully. ‘You have never married, Coleridge. What would have happened to the title and your estate had you been killed?’

‘I have a cousin. Robert Heronsdale.’ A tiny pulse flickered at Max’s temple. ‘My father’s sister’s son. I suppose Robert would inherit through his mother if I were to die without issue, but I do not think it too late to render that unnecessary.’

‘Has he ever been to town?’ Toby asked. ‘I do not recall the name.’

‘No…’ A strange expression flickered in Max’s eyes. ‘I invited him to stay with me on my return from Brussels, but he was unwell. I have been told that he suffers bouts of periodical sickness.’

‘Unfortunate for the poor fellow,’ Toby said and nodded. ‘Mama worried that I might have inherited Father’s weakness of the chest, but thus far I am hale and hearty.’

‘Nothing to fear as far as you are concerned,’ Max said and the strange look disappeared as he grinned. ‘If you were my heir, I should not be concerned for the future, Toby. As it is, I believe I must seriously consider marriage.’

‘As to that, there was some talk of your showing Miss Fitzherbert particular attention. I heard yesterday that she had accepted the Duke of Melbourn.’

‘I did consider it when we met at a house party at Christmas,’ Max replied. ‘However, after further consideration I decided we should not suit. Poor Jane did not find my sense of humour amusing. Indeed, she did not always realise when I was funning. I fear that I do have a rather irreverent humour and she is not alone in disapproving of levity. Nor would she approve of certain other activities of mine, I fear.’

‘Mr Bradwell was not amused by your humour last night,’ Toby said and arched his right eyebrow. ‘However, Miss Henderson seemed to approve of your actions over the donkey. I should have liked to see her when she pounced on that rogue, Max. From what you told me, she was very brave.’

‘Yes, very,’ Max confirmed. ‘I should not have told you had you not been so taken with that wretched donkey, Toby. You must not tell anyone else of her part in the affair. I would not wish to damage her reputation. She seems to be taking well at the moment.’

‘You need not have cautioned me,’ Toby said. ‘She sounds a good sort of person, Coleridge.’ He threw Max a mocking look. ‘Perhaps you should fix your interest with her before Bradwell does?’

‘Damned young pup!’ Max said and gave him a stare of mock severity. ‘I shall admit to you privately that I like her. However, these things should not be rushed.’

‘I’ll wager that Bradwell will ask her before the week’s out and be turned down,’ Toby said and grinned wickedly. ‘A hundred guineas she sends him away with a flea in his ear!’

‘It is most improper of you to take that young lady’s name in vain,’ Max said, but his eyes gleamed. ‘I’ll take you—but if word of this wager gets out I shall skin you alive!’

‘It is just between us,’ Toby said. ‘We must watch for the signs, Coleridge. They are both certain to be at the Marquis of Hindlesham’s ball this evening.’

‘Amelia was right about that colour,’ Mrs Henderson said as Helene came downstairs wearing her new gown that evening. ‘You look beautiful, my love.’ Helene’s hair had been dressed in a knot at the top of her head, and then allowed to fall to her shoulder in one elegant ringlet. Her hair was a dark, shining brown, her slightly olive-toned skin brought to life by the warmth of the deep peach silk. She was wearing a pendant of diamonds and pearls loaned to her by Amelia, and a matching pair of earrings. ‘I think you need a bracelet, my love. Wear this, Helene. Your papa gave it to me as my wedding gift.’ She handed Helene a small velvet pouch. Inside was a narrow bracelet of diamonds set in gold.

‘Mama, your bracelet,’ Helene said and hesitated. ‘Are you sure you wish to lend it to me? It is so precious to you—and I should be distressed if I lost it. Did you not say that the catch was loose?’

‘I have had the catch seen to,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘Had your papa been a richer man, you might have had jewels of your own, Helene. I am sorry that I could not give them to you, but you may borrow my bracelet while we are in town.’

‘Oh, thank you, Mama,’ Helene said. ‘Will you fasten it for me, please? I shall take very good care of it, I promise.’

Helene admired the bracelet on her wrist. The stones looked well against the pristine white of her long evening gloves, but she was still a little apprehensive of wearing it, because she knew that her mama treasured the lovely thing. She had been forced to sell some of her jewellery since Papa died, but the bracelet was too precious to part with unless the necessity became too pressing. Helene tested the clasp by giving it a gentle tug. It held and she felt relieved, because it seemed that the fastening was now secure.

Amelia and Emily joined them at that moment. Emily admired the bracelet, complimenting Helene on her appearance.

‘That colour looks wonderful on you,’ she said. ‘So much better than the white Madame Dubois would have had you wear.’

‘I suppose she was thinking that white is generally favoured by young ladies,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘However, I think Amelia was quite right to advise against it. I believe the carriage awaits—shall we go?’

In the carriage, Helene was careful not to sit on Amelia’s gown. It was quite a squash with four of them, but, by being considerate of each other, they managed to arrive with no damage to their gowns. A red carpet had been laid for the ladies to walk on, and there were linkboys everywhere with their torches and lanterns. Footmen were waiting to conduct the guests inside, and the ladies were greeted by smiling maids who took their evening cloaks. Directed by one of the footmen, they walked up a magnificent staircase to meet the Marquis and Marquise of Hindlesham.

The marquis was a large, portly man dressed in a dark puce coat, his wife a tiny woman, exquisitely lovely in a gown of sparkling silver. She must have been at least twenty years his junior and was now recovered from the birth of her first son. The grand ball was being given in celebration of her success in producing the heir; the magnificent diamonds around her throat were evidence of her husband’s delight at her cleverness.