Gretna Legacy by Sally James

Author:Sally James [James, Sally]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2010-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Easter had passed, and it was the middle of April. Lady Quinton said there was no more point in having her dance breakfasts, since everyone now knew the steps. Abby suspected it was because the earl was unavailable. He had been forced to go to Wantock House, where his steward reported some problems with the roof, and wanted authorisation to instigate repairs.

Abby missed him, and told herself not to be ridiculous. She now knew several young men, was never without a partner at Almack’s or the other balls they attended, and had received two proposals, both of which she had refused. She was well aware the earl would never contemplate asking her to marry him, but she decided she could not contemplate marriage with anyone else. It followed she would remain a spinster, and every time they met she did her best to persuade Mr Wood that what she really wanted was her own business.

He told her to wait, saying the Season had barely started, and she had several more weeks to enjoy the balls, breakfasts, picnics, soirees, and theatre visits.

At least she had the pleasure of Aunt Emily’s company, she told herself. In between their social engagements, Lady Padmore was busy compiling a list of people they must invite to her and Caroline’s ball.

‘You will stay for it, please,’ Abby demanded of Lady Jordan. ‘It’s fixed for the middle of May, which is less than four weeks.’

‘Of course I will, my dear. I want to see you in your ballgown.’

‘And we must invite Mr Wood,’ she told Lady Padmore.

‘Oh, my dear, he is a City man. He would be out of place, uncomfortable with the ton.’

‘I doubt Mr Wood would be uncomfortable anywhere,’ Abby said, indignant. ‘Besides, as my trustee he is paying for it, isn’t he? It would be most insulting not to send an invitation. He can always make some excuse if he prefers not to come,’ she added.

Not trusting Lady Padmore she made sure of sending the invitation herself, and was delighted when Mr Wood, once again driving her in his cabriolet, told her he would most certainly be attending.

‘You have blossomed since you came to London, my dear. You look more and more like your dear mother. Have you chosen your ballgown yet?’

‘Not yet, but we are going to Madame Cecile’s soon to look at patterns.’

‘You must not spare any expense on it, tell Lady Padmore.’

‘I don’t think she will skimp,’ Abby said. ‘She is eager to see me suitably settled, as well as Caroline, and she will not skimp on her gown, so she cannot on mine.’

‘Am I to expect any suitors asking for your hand soon?’

Abby laughed. ‘No, sir. There’s no one here I want to marry.’

Which was strictly true, she consoled herself, for the earl was still out of London.

‘Well, you cannot have met all the eligible young men yet. Perhaps I should let it be known that you can expect a substantial fortune.’

Abby shook her head.

‘No, sir! Please do not. I have no wish to be courted for what a man expects to get in the way of money.

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