THE BARONET'S DAUGHTER

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

                      CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

June 1st 1817

‘Eleanor, I don’t understand you,’ Lady Susan exclaimed. ‘You have been a lady of some worth for more than two weeks now. Where are the ball gowns? Where are the fashionable hats?’

    ‘I have not yet engaged a dressmaker,’ Eleanor said weakly.

    Nor was she likely to do so, she thought to herself. This sudden acquisition of money felt like a burden to her. She was still not convinced it was the proper thing.

    ‘Well, it is true that you have left it late in the Season to find one in any way competent,’ Lady Susan said. ‘However, I have spoken to my own dressmaker and she has agreed to spare time for your wardrobe.’

    ‘That was very kind of you, Lady Susan,’ Eleanor said, feeling as though she were being backed into a corner. ‘Although, I am still unsure of the style suitable for me. I am neither debutante nor matron. I need time to decide.’

    Lady Susan sighed heavily. ‘Eleanor, I feel you are being obdurate. Lord Birkett was saying the same thing this morning. He has found house after house suitable for you to rent, but you will view none of them.’

    ‘Lord Birkett is very kind,’ Eleanor began patiently. ‘But taking a house, engaging servants are matters I have never been used to. I shudder at the thought.’

    ‘But my dear,’ Lady Susan persisted. ‘Lord Birkett will see to all the business. Has he not already arranged a bank and opened accounts for you in all the fashionable shops in town? You need not lift a finger.’

    Eleanor wetted her lips. She might just as well be forthright and explain herself to some extent.

    ‘The truth is, Lady Susan, I do not wish to leave this house.’

    ‘What?’

    ‘I feel at ease here,’ Eleanor continued. ‘And safe,’ she added. ‘I do not wish to give up my position as chaperone to the girls. I am very satisfied as I am.’

    ‘Well! You do surprise me,’ Lady Susan said.

    ‘I am sure it was very kind of Major Warburton to think of my well-being, but I am not at all convinced that he needed to take it upon himself.’

    Lady Susan tossed her head. ‘It was his duty to your brother,’ she said firmly, and Eleanor wondered if she had said the wrong thing.

    ‘I do not mean to seem ungrateful,’ Eleanor said hurriedly. ‘I know Major Warburton is a man of honour, and that he takes his perceived duty seriously.’

    ‘I am sure Ambrose felt that a lady of your station, a baronet’s daughter, should have the means to be more in society,’ Lady Susan. ‘And not be dependent on others.’

    Eleanor saw her chance. ‘If Lord Birkett thinks I am an encumbrance and a cause of unnecessary expenditure, I am quite prepared to pay for my board and keep.’

    ‘Eleanor, really!’ Lady Susan’s cheeks turned pink with annoyance. ‘It is not necessary or seemly for us to speak of money matters. The very idea! Lord Birkett would be deeply hurt to hear you say it.’

    ‘I’m sorry,’ Eleanor said, feeling remorse that she had given offence.

    She could not bring herself to explain her dread, even terror, at being alone and vulnerable to Frederick Granville. It was not something she could put into words and she had no real evidence of his enmity. She just knew instinctively, as any hunted animal does that she was in grave danger.