Sally James by Lord Fordingtons Offer

Author:Lord Fordingtons Offer [Offer, Lord Fordingtons]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Sir Roderick, employing stern measures, informed Georgiana on the following morning that she was not to leave the house for a week. Since she had caught a cold from her wetting and exposure she received this ultimatum with less resentment than Isabella expected, and merely announced she might as well remain in bed and cosset herself. As Lady Sharman, belatedly informed of Georgiana's prank, was also indisposed it fell to Isabella to entertain Lord Fordington when he called to enquire after Georgiana.

'She has a slight chill but it will cause her little real inconvenience,' Isabella told him. 'We are most grateful to your stepmother for dealing with her.'

'Lady Fordington appears to like her,' he said, smiling, and Isabella wondered how much his stepmother's approval would matter in the business of choosing a wife for himself. 'I bring a suggestion from her,' he went on. 'I must confess to some surprise, for now she maintains she will take part in the local activities this year, something she had never done previously.'

'Does she often come to Priory Dene? I understood she preferred a different house, one belonging to Ninian.'

'She does, but my young brother is extravagant and two years ago it was decided to let the house until Ninian comes of age. My stepmother has her own house in Bath, and uses Berkeley Square in the season, but she chose this year to come with Ninian to Priory Dene. I am his guardian, you see,' he explained, 'and refused to pay his debts yet again, so he cannot afford to live elsewhere until the quarter.'

'You mentioned a suggestion from Lady Fordington,' Isabella reminded him quickly.

'Yes, and she very much hopes you will be able to give her some assistance. She intends holding a party, a ball, at Priory Dene, and as she knows so few young people in the district would appreciate your help in drawing up an invitation list. As she said, you will know who must be invited so as not to offend any susceptibilities. And she particularly wishes to invite Georgiana's friends. Would you be so kind as to spend the day with her and discuss it, and also tell her which local tradesmen might be able to supply what she needs? I would prefer her to patronise them rather than send to London.'

'Naturally I am very willing to help,' Isabella said, surprised. 'Fanny will be able to give me a list of names, I am sure, for fear I forget anyone!'

'Good. Then will the day after tomorrow suit? I was to invite Georgiana too, but if she is indisposed do you mind coming alone? I will come to fetch you, naturally.'

As he was speaking William came into the room, and scowled on hearing these last words. Lord Fordington greeted him easily and explained the plan.

'There is no need to put you to the trouble of coming for Isabella,' William said swiftly. 'I will escort her to Priory Dene and fetch her home.'

'I have to ride over here to see your father so there is no reason to trouble you.

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