The Debutante (The Sinclair Society Series, Book Two) Rough Draft

Chapter One

When the Season ends in London, fashionable society seeks amusement elsewhere, and that place is Bath. While some with ill-health— imagined or otherwise— took the waters, others enjoyed the best society had to offer in the way of theater, dancing, and such diversions. Some even spent their whole lives in Bath.

Propping my father's watch on my dressing table, I leaned down to check my appearance in the small mirror. My walking dress was of a jaconet muslin and perhaps was too fine for a lady's maid to be seen in. However, as it was my half day, I had dressed to please myself and to look appropriate for a walk.

"But what if Miss Dunbar requires something, Miss Nelson?"

Restraining myself from a sigh, I glanced over my shoulder. The maid, Eliza, stood by the door, wringing her hands together. She was no older than fifteen and was, in general, a nervous creature. "You will provide whatever it is that Miss Dunbar wishes," I said, struggling to keep my tone reassuring. "You must have done so before my arrival."

"Yes, but Miss Dunbar hates me. She threw a jar of cream at me one day when I was late getting to her room." Poor Eliza's eyes were wide, and I wondered how she had lasted as long as she had in the house. Seven months must be some kind of record in this house.

"Then, you must be sure to keep from being late, Eliza. I have no intention of foregoing my few hours away from my duties," I said firmly. I straightened and picked up my bonnet. "As Miss Dubar has no engagements, I suspect she will spend her afternoon practicing the pianoforte and she will not be in need of any assistance."

My words did nothing to assuage the fear on Eliza's face. Hardening my heart, I tied on my bonnet and picked up my reticule. "I shall return in time to assist Miss Dunbar in dressing for the evening," I said.

Flushing, Eliza scurried out of my room. I plucked my father's watch from the dressing table and placed in safely in my reticule to carry with me. It was one of the few items I made sure to keep close by for fear of someone happening upon it.

I left my room, taking care to close the door firmly behind me. Keeping my belongings secure had become highly important in the past few months.

"Why, Miss Nelson."

The male voice made my skin crawl. "Mr. Dunbar," I said, turning to face the oldest son of the house.

Daniel Dunbar was a handsome man, and he knew it. From the moment he first saw me enter his father's house, he had been insistent in his attempts to garner my affection. From what the housekeeper, Mrs. Dobbs, had said, the last lady's maid had been dismissed in disgrace from the consequences of falling for the charming man.

Such would not befall me.

"It's your half day, isn't it," Mr. Dunbar said, his blue eyes flicking over my appearance in way that made me shudder. His smile widened as though he liked what he saw. "Permit me to walk with you."

"No, thank you. I am in no mood for company."

His eyes focused on my face, darkening with annoyance. "Miss Nelson, everyone desires company."

"Not everyone," I said, striding forward boldly. He stepped in front of me to block my way down the back staircase. "Sir, kindly permit me to pass by. I have declined your company, and can think of no reason for you to be on this level of the house. Good day."

Moving aside, Mr. Dunbar offered a mocking bow as I swept past him. I could only hope that my continued refusal of his attention would bore him, and he would seek an easier conquest, but I feared he would only persist, fascinated with the idea I would refuse him. Somehow, I would have to find a way to hurry my investigation so that I could leave as soon as possible.