The Cornish Lady by Nicola Pryce

Author:Nicola Pryce
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlantic Books

I finished and the room erupted in applause, everyone smiling, some nodding: Lord Entworth stepped forward, standing next to me, clapping his hands. The applause abated and he offered me his arm, leading me back to my chair. He sat down, flipping back the coat-tails of his jacket, and leaned towards me. ‘That was enchanting, Miss Lilly, absolutely enchanting.’

Charity and Amelia started enthralling us with their singing and I breathed deeply. Smoke from the smelter did cling to my clothes because it clung to my heart. I did not want my freedom exchanged for a title and a huge mansion with imposing gates, my future pinned to a man’s side, held in place by stiff protocol and expectations. I wanted to be like Elizabeth Fox; I wanted to see the respect she saw reflected in people’s eyes. I wanted to visit prisons and campaign for reform – for the abolition of slavery, for women to be educated. That stab of envy at seeing her desk had been my heart warning me I was hurtling too fast into a marriage I did not want.

Mrs Penrose stood, bowing to rapturous applause, agreeing again and again to yet another encore. This was to be the very last piece and Amelia and Charity stood to join her. Lord Entworth leaned closer, reaching slowly for my hand.

I had watched him during my speech, seen the tightening of his jaw, the sideways glance he gave Elizabeth. He was clearly angry, his smile too late to hide his obvious displeasure. The racing of my heart was fear, not excitement; he was too powerful, too controlling, the present and paintings of his children designed to coerce me. I was angry now, ready to set myself free.

‘I’m…I’m sorry…it’s rather hot in here.’ I pulled my hand away and began fanning myself with my left hand. Across the room, Amelia smiled and I saw genuine pleasure in her eyes. She linked arms with Lady Clarissa and they made their way quickly towards me.

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