Lucy Muir by The Imprudent Wager

Author:The Imprudent Wager [Wager, The Imprudent]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The arrival of the thick cream-coloured invitation with gold edges sent the whole household at Half Moon Street into a tizzy. When Benton realised it was from Carlton House, he delivered it to his young mistresses with a flourish. Anne and Melissa could not believe that it had not been issued by mistake. Mrs. Halcott was summoned immediately.

“Carlton House,” Mrs. Halcott breathed, fingering the invitation almost reverently.

“Yes, but why would we be invited?” Anne asked. “Particularly now, when the new rumours are going about.”

“Don’t question your good fortune. It’s the very thing. Do you realise that this invitation could put you back into good standing with the ton? No one will dare countenance the rumours if the Prince shows that he does not.”

“But why?” Anne repeated perplexedly. “We are neither of the aristocracy, nor have we ever seen the Prince. Why should he condescend to take notice of us?”

“You must have a supporter among the haul ton who has access to the Prince’s ear.”

“Who?”

“Don’t refine upon it too much, Anne. Just be thankful,” Mrs. Halcott advised sagely. “Now, we must inspect your wardrobes to see if you have any clothes that will be suitable to wear there.”

Anne dropped the subject as she and Melissa led Mrs. Halcott upstairs to inspect their gowns, but she continued to turn the puzzle over in her head. The only person she knew who had access to the Prince’s ear was Lord Stanton. But why should he help her? The rumours might have ensured his winning the bet. Yet he had helped her before by having them invited to his sister’s. Or was he hoping she would put a foot wrong before the exalted company at Carlton House? Or was Lord Stanton not involved at all? She gave up guessing. Perhaps Mrs. Halcott was right, and she should not refine upon it too much. She turned her full attention to Mrs. Halcott, who was discussing with Sanders the merits of two of Melissa’s gowns. They were able to find gowns for both that would suit, which was a relief to Anne. She did not want to dig deeper into her rapidly dwindling funds.

Later that morning, Viscount Woolbridge came to call upon Melissa and asked her if she wished to ride with him in the Park that afternoon. Melissa accepted happily, and then, unable to keep their good fortune to themselves, showed the viscount their invitation.

“Carlton House? That is of all things wonderful!” he exclaimed, and then lest his enthusiasm seem to indicate that he was thinking of their besmirched reputations, he added, “I mean to say, I am invited that evening also, and would be happy to serve as your escort, Miss Amberly.”

“Thank you, Lord Woolbridge,” Melissa said. “I should be grateful for your escort.”

As Anne watched the two converse, she felt it would not be long before the viscount approached her for permission to pay his addresses to Melissa. The gossip had not kept him away, and the devotion to Melissa, so plain in his hazel eyes, had never wavered.

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