Degrees of Hope by Catherine Winchester

Author:Catherine Winchester [Winchester, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: cookie429, Kat, Extratorrents
ISBN: 1481094920
Published: 2012-11-26T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Hope smiled as she entered the ballroom and looked around. Almack's Assembly Rooms were the only place to be seen in London and only those deemed worthy by the Lady Patronesses of Almack's were allowed entry. At one time, entry to the rooms without a title was almost impossible but in recent years, they had begun admitting more of the nouveau riche. Each Wednesday they gave a ball, which is what brought Hope and Mrs Cooper here this evening.

Hope had written back to Mrs Cooper, asking if it was convenient to stay with Mrs Cooper, or if she should book into a hotel. The Beaumonts always visited high end clients in person and most insisted on accommodating them. Mrs Cooper not only welcomed her but offered to escort her to two society balls that were being held that week. Like most people, Mrs Cooper thought that Hope should choose herself a husband and settle down, and it seemed that she wanted her chance to forge such good union.

Usually Hope would have eschewed such an invitation but at the moment, she was finding London society to be a great distraction and Mrs Cooper had been nothing but a kind and gracious host. Martha thought that a change of scenery would do Hope good and Hope had to admit that her mother had been right. Getting away from Marchwood Hall and its drama, not to mention that insufferable James Ashdown, she felt better than she could remember in an age. The only thing that might cheer her more, was hearing that Mary and Honoria had arrived safely in New York.

Hope actually liked balls and dancing, so she was looking forward to this evening; it was just the clumsy introductions to unsuitable or fortune hunting men that she disliked.

Mr Klein was escorting both ladies this evening and though not long acquainted, Hope thought him to be not only a very affable chap but also a good match for Mrs Cooper.

She was first waylaid by Bradley Johnstone, an old friend.

“Well, well, Miss Beaumont, I see that you're still single.”

“That's Lady Beaumont to you,” she smiled, and Bradley returned her grin.

“How are you, old girl?”

“Things have been a little tense back home but now that I am in your company, my mood is much improved.”

“Let’s get you a drink, shall we?” he offered her his elbow, without looking to Mr Klein to check if it was all right.

Bradley was what one might have called a lovable rogue. As well as being most handsome, he practically oozed charm, which meant that he was often forgiven things that others might not have been. He enjoyed thumbing his nose at convention, which is why he and Hope had become friends in the first place. Unlike many gentlemen, who looked down on her spirited behaviour but tolerated it because of her wealth, Bradley actually enjoyed her free spirit, and even encouraged her on occasion.

“I hear that you have chosen a wife,” she said, with no little amount of awe in her voice.

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