The Aim of a Lady by Laura Matthews

Author:Laura Matthews [Matthews, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1980-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

For a moment Diana did not remember why she had asked to be awakened at such an hour. She raised sleepy eyes questioningly at her maid and then she recalled the previous night’s discussion. “Annie, I wish you to inform the stable that I want my phaeton ready in half an hour. Have some chocolate and toast sent up for me, please. I will dress myself.”

When the maid left, Diana chose an attractive dress which fit her properly, and managed to arrange her hair in a less severe style than was her custom. It was a habit with George to bring her some fashionable frippery each time he returned, and the very fact that he had not done so on this occasion indicated to her the depth of his distraction. Not that she minded not receiving a present; far from it. It was his way of prodding her to modishness and part of the game they unspeakingly played about her determination not to draw attention to her beauty. For she was forced then to wear each of the items he brought at the appropriate time, and it was a nuisance for her. Not that she blamed him. Who would want a dowd for a sister? But she thought she knew herself well enough that her small deception was useful, if no longer necessary. And it was effective, yesterday was a good example. She had dressed to the nines for the Dodges’ entertainment, and look at all the young men who had come to call the day after! But they would not long pester her after she appeared looking very ordinary at their races. She sometimes wondered what her neighbors thought of her, but she seldom worried about it.

Nonetheless, if she was going to meet George’s young woman, Diana had no intention of shaming him. She chose a coat with a triple collar and wide cuffs with lace ruffles, and a high crowned hat with a small brim, both in emerald green. She ate the toast and drank the chocolate which had arrived by this time, and then presented herself at the stables.

Jenkins had her phaeton ready but looked intent on discovering her destination. She climbed up onto the seat with his help, Josh jumped on behind, and she airily told Jenkins that she would be gone for the better part of the day to visit friends, and please to advise her brother of the fact. Before he could make any demur she flicked her whip and drove off. She knew the road to Haverhill well and kept her matched grays at an easy pace as she did not wish to make any change of team unless it was strictly necessary. The weather was fine and she could see bright spring flowers in bloom about the cottages and farms she passed. Once through Haverhill she followed the road to Halstead, where she paused to rest the horses and refresh herself and Josh at the inn. She enquired of the landlord if he knew where Lady Trafford lived and he proved all helpfulness.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.