Read Online Sally James by At the Earls Command - Free Book Online Page A

her home afterwards.
    Chloe's father was bluff and hearty, more interested in his acres in Lincolnshire than London Society, but a little concerned that evening since his wife was suffering from intermittent bouts of nausea and faintness.
    'Something she ate, no doubt,' he reassured Chloe. 'The water here in London is unfit for cattle, not like the spring water at home. But she's determined you won't miss your treat, my love.'
    'Is she well enough to go?’ Kate asked, worried.
    'Of course, if she takes care and doesn't eat any of these fancy messes so many of the cooks in London serve. She says she won't eat dinner with us, she'll have some soup in her room, but she'll be fit to come. Fortunately we brought our own cook with us,' he went on, turning to Kate. 'I rented this house for three months once the harvest was in to give Chloe a taste of town life, but already I've had enough and will be thankful to get back home to Lincolnshire. Thank goodness my sister Maria promised to bring you out next year, love. I doubt if your mama could tolerate Town for so long.'
    Chloe was wearing a white gown trimmed with silver lace, while Kate had a gown in a delicate shade of pink which suited her excessive fairness to admiration. Chloe was ecstatic because Luke was joining them, and she hadn't seen him for many weeks. 'I've missed him so much,' she confided wistfully. 'I'm going to hate having to do the Season, it's such a waste of time.'
    Mrs Shore joined them after dinner, but although she did her best to be cheerful she was clearly feeling ill.
    'Mama, you don't look fit to come,' Chloe protested, but Mrs Shore smiled at her.
    'Of course I am well enough, my dear. And I cannot deprive you of such a treat, can I, Luke?'
    Luke was a slight, fair man, who spoke little at the table, and did not at all resemble the romantic figure Chloe had described to her. Her brother Martin, large and hearty like his father, was in Kate's opinion a friendlier and altogether more attractive person. Perhaps, thought Kate, puzzling it out, Chloe had seen enough of bluff, hearty men and had chosen someone as different from her family as possible.
    They set off for Vauxhall after dinner, driving across Westminster Bridge where, Mr Shore told her in great glee, the traffic had on special occasions been held up for hours as people tried to get to the Gardens.
    'It's fortunate Madame Saqui isn't giving a performance tonight, or we'd never get there,' Mrs Shore agreed.
    'I would love to have seen her though,' Kate responded. 'Just fancy being able to walk on a rope, stretched up so high, and expecting to fall at any minute!'
    Chloe shivered. 'No, and I couldn't even have watched! Thank goodness there is just a concert and a firework display tonight.'
    They arrived, paid the entrance money, and walked slowly down the main path. Kate gazed awestruck at the vast array of glittering lanterns lighting the main walks.
    'There must be thousands and thousands of them!' she exclaimed. 'It's almost like daylight.'
    'It will be even brighter when the fireworks are set off,' Martin said with a laugh.
    'Why don't you young people explore while we sit down?' Mr Shore said, with an anxious look at his wife.
    'Mama? Are you feeling unwell?' Chloe asked worriedly.
    'Just a trifle weary, my dear. Nothing that can't be cured with a little rest. Go on, now, perhaps you'd like to go and listen to the music. They have some fine singers here tonight, I was told.'
    'We can go home if you'd rather,' Chloe offered unselfishly, but Mr Shore waved a large hand at her.
    'Nonsense. Go away and enjoy yourselves, leave your mama in peace for a while. I've ordered supper to be served after the musical entertainment, so we can sit in the supper booth and no doubt she'll be feeling as fit as a flea after a little rest.'
    Chloe squeaked with excitement at the promise of the elegant supper, and after further reassurances from her mother permitted Luke and Martin to draw her away.
    They soon split