A Brave New Life Read online

  Matthew held up the book in his hand. “I was reading. Trying to, at least.”

  “To me, it appears that you are moping.” She sat down in the chair next to him.

  “I am not moping.” He dropped the open book onto his lap. “I was reading in preparation for my appointment in Whitehall.”

  “Oh, I apologize for my intrusion.”

  “Thank you, but it is not necessary.” Matthew had barely been able to concentrate. Since the dinner party at Miss Jane’s London residence, he had been able to think of little but Miss Diana. He had not changed his mind about finding a wife, but he kept thinking of Miss Diana sitting at the card table with Henry Crandall. The man had seemed quite interested in his conversation with Miss Diana. It had concerned Matthew, while Crandall was not a complete rake, he was shockingly loose in the haft.

  If Crandall had been paying the same amount of attention to Henrietta, Matthew would have made sure to keep an eye on him. Matthew had nearly convinced himself that his concern for Miss Diana was born of the same sense of responsibility to defend those that are being mistreated. However, as time went by he was starting to wonder.

  Even more so, he had started to regret not going to Almack’s the previous week. He had originally been quite pleased his parents had arrived in London so he no longer needed to act as Henrietta’s chaperone. In recent Seasons, Almack’s had lost its charm and he rarely attended unless specifically asked to attend usually by one of his siblings.

  Matthew let out a huge sigh and then looked up realizing Henrietta was still sitting next to him.

  “Are you planning on sitting in this stuffy library all day?” She leaned in and tilted her head.

  With no plan in mind, only that he did not want to be pestered by Henrietta any longer, he closed the book with a loud clap and stood. “No, I do not.”

  Henrietta stayed seated and with a wry look on her face asks, “What are you going to do now?”

  Matthew had not anticipated her asking more questions and cast about for an idea. After a moment, an idea came to him and he nearly shouted. “Yes! I am going to take a walk in the park.”

  “You seem rather excited about going to the park.” She looked at him suspiciously before she stood. “Enjoy your walk. Hopefully, you will not make a cake of yourself.”

  Matthew chuckled. “Thank you very much, dear sister.”

  He set the book on the small, round topped table next to his chair, picked up his coat and left the library. The idea of taking a walk in the park had been a good one, not only had it gotten Henrietta to stop asking him questions, but some fresh air would probably do him some good.

  There had been far too much on his mind as of late. Between taking his vows, receiving his appointment as the curate in Whitehall, and the news of Lady Abigail’s betrothal, it was no wonder that he was a little befogged himself.

  It was not long before Matthew was walking the short distance from their family residence to Hyde Park. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, warm but the slight breeze was cool and inviting. He had barely breached the entrance at Grosvenor Gate when he saw a young lady with dark curly hair. His heart leapt but then he was almost immediately disappointed when the young lady turned and revealed that she was not Miss Diana.

  He continued his walk, determined to not be discouraged or in a bad mood. The only problem was that instead of a relaxing walk he had found himself searching around him. He hoped to see Miss Diana among the many people taking advantage of the pleasant weather.

  Upset at his grumpy disposition, Matthew forced himself to stop walking and take a rest. He leaned against a tall oak tree in an attempt to gather himself.

  Reminding himself silently that getting married was no longer something he wanted. He must stop this absurd melancholy. Perhaps in a few years when he was settled in Whitehall he could think about finding a wife. Surely there would be young ladies looking for husbands in the north.

  “Repington?”

  Matthew turned around to see Jonathan Webb standing on the path. “Webb. Good afternoon.”

  “And good afternoon to you.” Webb’s voice was low and his countenance was despondent.

  “What brings you to Hyde Park this afternoon?”

  “I was hoping some fresh air would clear my mind.”

  Matthew pushed away from the tree, he certainly understood how Webb was feeling. “Has it helped at all?”

  Webb paused, his brow furrowed as they fell into step to continue down the path. “Not in the least. You?”

  “No. I am afraid not,” Matthew said with a shake of his head. “You look rather troubled though, my friend.”

  Webb stared down the well-worn path, large oaks on either side providing welcome shade. “It is Lady Amelia, that I am worrying over.”

  Matthew was surprised when the man spoke but pleased that he sought his counsel. “Is she not well?”

  “No, she is well. It is just that I cannot seem to stop thinking about her.”

  “Ah, I see.” Matthew was quite sympathetic to the other man’s plight. “From what I have seen you get on well together.”

  “Yes, of course, quite well really.” Webb’s look was wistful and he smiled weakly.

  “And you would like to start a formal courtship?”

  “Yes,” he replied. “I am hesitant though because I am unsure about her feelings. I have no idea if she would be amenable to a courtship and eventually a marriage.”

  Matthew frowned. “Hmm. As I said, it is quite evident that the two of you are friendly. Does that not mean that she would welcome a courtship?”

  “I do not know. Your sister and I are friendly, does that mean that she welcomes a courtship with me?”

  This caused Matthew to stop mid step. “Yes, I see what you are on about.”

  “Well, then, I suppose that is not a good measurement. I need more than that to make a decision on the matter.” Webb shook his head and frowned deeply.

  “I am afraid I am as ill prepared as you are on the subject,” Matthew confessed. There had to be some way for Webb to find out. It took less than a minute for him to work it out. He suddenly snapped his fingers. “Henrietta!”

  “What about her?”

  “I will ask her about Lady Amelia,” Matthew told him. Holding up a hand when the other man wanted to object. “I will not give you away and I will not implicate myself either. Henrietta has aided my brothers in the past in this area. I am sure she will be equally helpful in this case.”

  Webb looked doubtful. “I hope so.”

  “Will you be at Almack’s this week?”

  Matthew’s mind was whirring. Perhaps he could find out more about Miss Diana while he was asking about Lady Amelia for his friend, Jonathan Webb.

  “Yes, I do plan to be there.”

  “With any luck, I will have some answers for you then.” Matthew nodded confidently and slapped him on the back.

  The other man nodded. “That would be very welcome indeed.”

  They continued down the path in silence as there was nothing else to say. Both men had their thoughts on their own immediate futures.

  Chapter Ten

  Matthew entered Repington House wondering how he should approach his sister. It had been a good idea on his part, but he had not thought about what he would say.

  “Back already?” Henrietta stood in the doorway of the drawing room.

  “Yes.” Matthew looked up and nodded. He still had not decided what he was going to say but figured it would be better to act now rather than put it off. He joined her in the drawing room taking a seat in the chair next to the settee where she sat.

  “Did you have a nice walk?” Henrietta asked her needlework on her lap.

  “It was rather nice.”

  Henrietta looked up at him “Did you see anyone interesting along the way?”

  “Why do you ask?” Matthew asked suspiciously.

  Henrietta looked at him as though he was addled. “Because it is a lovely day and I thought perhaps ther
e would be a good amount of people enjoying the afternoon.”

  Matthew felt like a fool, of course, she was right. “The park was well attended but not crowded.”

  “That does make sense. As I am sure most of the people will not show up and for another hour or so when it is the fashionable time to be in Hyde Park.”

  “I had not thought of that, but you are correct.” Matthew realized this would be a good time to bring up his questions. “I have not been to the fashionable hour at Hyde Park this season. Have you gone?”

  Henrietta nodded. “I have been a few times. We like to go on Tuesdays to see people before we plan to attend Almack’s.”

  “We?” Matthew asked hoping to hear Lady Amelia’s name mentioned.

  “Well, I certainly do not go to the park alone.” Henrietta scowled at him again. “I believe I have gone with Lettie, Beatrice, and other friends. I often happen upon Lady Amelia and her brother in the park as well.”

  “So, Lady Amelia visits Hyde Park with her brother, not with a suitor?”

  “Not that I have seen,” Henrietta answered and then quickly looked up. “Why are you asking? Should I let Lady Amelia know that you are interested?”

  “No!” Matthew said with more force and volume than necessary. With no other choice, he looked sheepish and waved his hand. “My apologies. I must confess that I am not asking these questions for myself.”

  Henrietta thought for a moment. “By any chance did you run into Mr Webb in the park?”

  Matthew smiled before he could stop himself but held up his hands in a questioning manner. “It is possible, although it is possible that I met with the Prince Regent himself.”

  Henrietta snorted. “I am quite sure that as lovely as Lady Amelia is, the Prince Regent cares not who strolls with her in Hyde Park.”

  “Quite right,” Matthew replied drily.

  “Not that you need to know this, but I believe Lady Amelia would be delighted to see Mr Webb at the park.” Henrietta’s eyes brightened as she shared information. “Or the Prince Regent, for that matter.”

  “She is not receiving the attention of any other gentleman?” Matthew had to get the full picture to not get Webb’s hopes up unnecessarily.

  “Mr Crandall has been asking her dance each week at Almack’s.”

  “Interesting. Then he is not looking for a courtship with Miss Diana?”

  He realized his mistake almost immediately as Henrietta smiled. “No, I do not believe so. Mr Crandall seems to be making the rounds. I have been lucky enough to garner enough dance partners that I need not worry about his attentions.”

  “Well, that is good to know. I would not want to have words with Mr Crandall.”

  “On my behalf, or Miss Diana’s?”

  Matthew opened his mouth to answer but had no idea what to say.

  Henrietta laughed softly and softly clapping her hands. “Oh, I adore this. Miss Diana is one of my favourite people.”

  “She is quite lovely,” Matthew agreed. “but…”

  “Oh, not this nonsense about you not wanting to marry. I understand your reluctance after that awful Lady Abigail Underwood, but Miss Diana is quite nearly the opposite. Pretty and caring, you would be a fool to overlook her.”

  Frustrated Matthew blurted out. “I am not overlooking her. So much so that I cannot stop thinking about her. My only worry is that I have no idea of how she feels about me.”

  “Oh, is that all?”

  “Yes, that is all.” He was annoyed that he sounded as exasperated as he felt.

  Henrietta leaned over and patted his arm. “Do not worry, my dear brother. I will help you.”

  Matthew sighed. “I am not so very sure that is a good thing.”

  Henrietta’s laughter failed to allay his fears.

  Chapter Eleven

  “I believe that tonight will be most interesting.” Diana’s mother had been making similar comments since the dinner party held by Lord and Lady Browerton.

  Diana had decided to stop arguing with her mother and had taken an agreeable tone of late. “I truly hope so.” She smiled and turned away to hide her boredom with the topic.

  They had only just arrived at Almack’s and were just entering the large ballroom. While Diana wanted little to do with her mother’s plans, she was glad to be at Almack’s and looked forward to seeing Lady Henrietta. If she were being honest with herself, she would admit that she was hoping to see Matthew Repington as well.

  Diana had made her way around to the other side of the ballroom when she saw Lady Henrietta arrive. It took only a moment for Lady Henrietta to see her across the ballroom giving Diana a little wave. Thinking to meet her halfway Diana took a few steps until she saw Mr Crandall working his way through the crowd. It did not appear he had seen Diana yet but she did not want to give him the impression that she was hoping to meet him as he came her way. Instead, she took a few steps back hoping he would not see her standing on the other side of a small group of young ladies.

  Diana was relieved when he asked another young lady to dance.

  She moved back to where she had been standing just as Lady Henrietta emerged from the crowd.

  “There you are,” Lady Henrietta fairly exclaimed. “I thought for sure I had seen you but then it seemed as though you had disappeared.”

  “My apologies. I stepped aside when the music started in an effort to sit this dance out."

  “Yes, of course.” Lady Henrietta seemed to scan the ballroom. “I see that Mr Crandall is in attendance.”

  “Indeed.” Diana hoped her face did not give away her true feelings on the matter. “I do recall seeing him earlier.”

  Lady Henrietta turned back to Diana and said, “I understand Mr Crandall has been paying particular attention to you as of late.”

  Diana grimaced before she could stop herself. “I suppose. We danced twice last Wednesday.”

  “Are you not in favour of a courtship with him?"

  “I realize that Mr Crandall is from a respected family and he is quite fashionable, but I fear there is not much more about him I admire.”

  “Oh?” Lady Henrietta raised an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side.

  “He can be quite sour. He laments his position as a third son, complaining about the inadequacies of his two older brothers.” Diana watched the same man cutting a fine figure in the ballroom and felt nothing but gratitude that she was not his dance partner. “He seems to find nearly everything beneath his touch.”

  “Well, that is rather unfortunate.” Henrietta followed Diana’s gaze around the room. “We seem to have enough of that in London.”

  Diana nodded in agreement. “He is the last in a long line of gentlemen who treat me as though I should be grateful they are giving me the time of day.”

  “It is completely infuriating.” Lady Henrietta glared at Mr Crandall as he continued to dance.

  “Although I dare say that I am glad I have seen how he truly acts now and not after a courtship had started.”

  “You are quite correct. I am sorry you seem to have had unfortunate luck this Season.” Lady Henrietta sighed sympathetically.

  Diana let out a long sigh. “It would be so very nice to find a gentleman who is stable and solid. Someone who is simply happy with the life he is living. A man who is comfortable where he is and with what he has.”

  Lady Henrietta nodded. “I am in agreement with you on that. Unfortunately, those gentlemen seem few and far between.”

  “Were your brothers like this before their marriages?”

  “No, I do not believe so, although I believe Philip acted a bit high in the instep. From the stories I have heard from James and Hugh, it seems that it is possible Philip was half foxed during much of the time before he met Caroline.” Lady Henrietta thought for a moment and then added, “Matthew, though, is quite another story.”

  Diana happened to look up to see Matthew standing across the ballroom. “How so?”

  “Matthew is the most stable and responsible of all
of us. He has never had a single complaint about being a fifth son. It never occurred to him to be upset or to reject the idea of joining the clergy. He has always been happy simply being Matthew. He is a remarkably good brother to us all.”

  “It is wonderful to know that at least one gentleman exists.”

  Lady Henrietta looked across the room wistfully. “Yes, I will miss seeing him at Castborough.”

  “Oh, will he be staying in London after the Season?”

  “No,” she turned back to look at Diana. “He has garnered an appointment as the curate in Whitehall.”

  Diana was surprised by the news. She and Matthew had talked often but the subject of his studies and the upcoming appointment had never come up. She had not imagined that hearing about his appointment to Whitehall would upset her so much. Her throat growing tight, she swallowed and said, “I am glad for him, but I fear I shall miss him as well.”

  Lady Henrietta drew closer to her. “He does not leave for six weeks. There is still time.”

  Diana’s breath caught, and she looked up meeting her friend’s eyes. She dared not hope that Lady Henrietta was saying what she had initially thought “Do you really think so?”

  Lady Henrietta gave her an encouraging smile. “Yes, I know for certain there is more than enough time.”

  She nodded at Lady Henrietta feeling her first sense of real happiness all Season. “Thank you, it is wonderful news for sure.”

  “Please call on me if there is any way I can be of assistance.” Lady Henrietta gently placed a hand on Diana’s arm.

  Diana felt tears threaten to spring to her eyes. “Thank you. I could not ask for a better friend.”

  “Nor I,” Lady Henrietta replied. “Would it not be better if you were a sister?”

  It was nearly more than Diana could take. She cared so very much for Matthew, it seemed not possible for her to be so blessed. “I feel I should not even fathom it, but it would be far more wonderful than I could have ever dreamed.”

  Chapter Twelve