Carola Dunn by Lord Roworth's Reward Read Free Book Online Page A

self-esteem.
    Inevitably, the ride in the park next day was far from a tête-à-tête. Not only did young Lord Albert accompany them, his showy Thoroughbred and gold-braided scarlet tunic outshining Felix’s well-worn riding coat and hired hack, they were constantly stopping to greet acquaintances. After seeing Lady Sophia home, Felix returned to Madame Vilvoorde’s in a mood of thorough dissatisfaction.
    Fanny was entertaining a couple of artillery officers’ wives to tea, so he went straight up to his chamber to change out of his riding clothes. When he stepped out onto the landing a little later, Anita was standing there in her chemise, bare-footed and sleepy-eyed.
    “I did wake up.”
    “Were you taking a nap?” He heard below the leave-taking of the women. “I expect you can come down with me now.” Picking her up, he carried her down to the parlour, watched through the crack in the door by Madame Vilvoorde.
    Having seen her guests out, Fanny returned to the parlour. Felix was sitting on the sofa with Anita on his lap, sprawled back against his chest.
    “You’re still half asleep, lovie,” she said, smiling at the sight. “Lord Roworth, while you were out, the smartest footman I’ve ever seen called with a gilt-edged card for you. The Duke of Richmond’s livery, I think, and I couldn’t help seeing it’s an invitation to a ball. I put it on the mantelpiece--here it is.”
    He took it from her with a casual glance. “The Richmonds are holding a ball on the fifteenth.”
    She concentrated on collecting the heavy white china tea cups. “So I’ve heard. It is to be a grand gala, is it not? People say only Wellington’s ball will eclipse it, since the King and Queen of the Netherlands will attend that, and a dozen or so royal princes. What a spectacle that will be! But it will surely be very stiff and formal.” Despite her efforts to match his casualness, a hint of wistfulness crept into her voice. “The duchess’s will be more fun, I expect.”
    “I wish you could go!”
    “There’s no sense repining over what cannot be altered,” she said with resolute cheerfulness. “Indeed, it is entirely your fault if I fret for fashionable frivolities! Before we shared lodgings with you, I never spared a thought for such unreachable heights.”
    He smiled at the tart accusation. “My humble apologies, Miss Ingram. May I redeem myself by escorting you to the Review on Saturday?”
    “In the Allée Verte? Thank you, but I have an escort already.” And how she wished she had not! She would have loved to go with him, especially as his frown even suggested that he was piqued, not relieved, at her rejection. “Doubtless there will be many more reviews,” she said soothingly.
    “Then consider yourself engaged for the next!”
    “I will,” she promised, laughing.
    “Would you like me to take care of Anita for you that afternoon?”
    “It’s kind of you, but Mrs Major Prynne will have her. Now, shall I make a fresh pot of tea? This is quite cold and I daresay you will like a cup?”
    “Can I have a bixit, please, Tía?” asked Anita, wide awake now and studying the tea tray greedily.
    “Yes, but heavens! we must go and put on your frock and shoes first.”
    “I’ll get Henriette to make tea,” offered Felix. “I trust you appreciate how domesticated I am becoming.”
    “I shall hold my applause until you learn how to make tea for yourself!”
    Grinning, he carried the tray out to the kitchen.
    * * * *
    Saturday, the 3rd June, began with a light, cooling rain that washed the dusty streets and left cobbles gleaming, but boded ill for the afternoon’s Review. Fanny kept peeking out of the window and Felix hoped she was not to be disappointed of her treat. However, by midday the sun was shining. She left to take Anita to the Prynnes.
    The English, Scottish and Hanoverian regiments quartered in Brussels and its immediate environs were to march in the Allée Verte, just outside the city walls. Though Lady