"Anne, what think you of my hair?" Louisa asked, turning her head to the side as she accepted the tea cup and saucer which Anne offered. She declined bread and butter; it was far too late in the day.
"I think it very well, as always," replied Anne. She looked at Louisa with much curiosity as she continued to move her head from side to side in a most amusing fashion. Obviously, Louisa was awaiting further praise from her friend, however Anne could not see anything about the style which seemed so different from the usual. "You are always so well-presented Louisa; I cannot say I prefer your current style to that of previous, it is most becoming."
"Oh la, Anne," cried Louisa. "I have had it cut short! Well, not entirely short, I was not quite so brave as to do that, but it is indeed shorter than it was previously. It is a good four inches shorter than it was upon our last meeting. It is becoming quite the thing, you know, amongst the fashion forward woman of the ton. Caroline and I, as you know, are exceedingly modern in all things fashionable. I believe it suits me rather well."
Anne studied the artfully pinned curls and braids piled upon Louisa's golden topped head. Her hair seemed as thick and full as it had previously.
"Indeed, now you mention it my apologises, do forgive me, I would never have guessed such an effect the result of such a modern shorter style. It is most becoming, how clever and daring you are Lousia."
Louisa beamed at Anne, basking in the praise she had all but expected upon her arrival. Anne sipped her tea, she still could not see any difference in the style Louisa seemed so proud to display, it appeared exactly as it always did.
"Have you not missed our daily tête-à-tête, my dear Anne? I was most certain you would, hence my coming to call upon you as soon as we arrived safe and sound at Grosvenor Street. I said to Mr Hurst, I shall not be long Mr Hurst, but I must see Miss de Bourgh, she will have been at such a loss without our daily conversations. Mr Hurst agreed entirely."
"You have been absent from Grosvenor Street?" Anne asked, setting her teacup on the table. "I noted the absence of your company the last few days, but I merely assumed you were occupied helping your sister and brother in preparations for the up-coming midsummer ball? It would seem everyone is exceedingly excited by such an event"
"Oh that, la! Caro has all that organised. Will not listen to a shred of advice from little me. I mean, my dear Anne, what do I know? I have only ran my own household for three years and I am two years her senior." Louisa placed her now empty tea cup on the table, with a small shaking of the hand, signalling she did not wish for a refill.
"No, we have been to Epsom! I was rather surprised you were not part of Lord Colville's extended party. Mr Hurst had always intended to spend the week of the race enjoying the sites of Epsom Spa; and then Caro, just the day before his departure, suggested we all to go. I do not know why I had not thought of such a plan previously, Mr Hurst was so thrilled by such a scheme. He was so excited he could barely speak the whole carriage ride to Epsom. He is such a great fan of the Derby. A great horseman is my husband. He won a handsome penny upon his betting on that young Arabian of Lord Colville. Sadly, I used all my spending money on a bet on Royal Blood, it was most unfortunate."
"Lord Colville's horse took first prize?" Anne asked. A large smile spread across her face as she thought of such a wonderful outcome. Edward would be pleased. Neither wonder he had not returned, perhaps he was still celebrating.
"Yes, but it was such a shame he was not there to see it. Caro was most distraught by his missing such a moment. But then Caro is such a sensitive soul. She felt Lord Colville's loss with much feeling."
"What do you mean he was not there?" Anne asked, choosing to ignore Caroline and her feelings.
"He departed for London in the early hours of the morning, well before the race. Such a shame too, we were all having such a jolly time. You know Lady Fraser is actually quite a dear. I think I shall invite her next time we schedule a dinner."
"Do you know the reason behind his sudden departure?"
"Not in the slightest, he sent a note to Mr Hurst to say we were still welcome to use his box but that he had been called back to London on a matter most urgent."
Anne looked at Louisa, her expression most earnest. What would call Edward back to London at such a moment's notice? She knew how important the Derby was to Edward, he would not just leave his pride and joy to run the race without his watchful eye. If this story was to be believed, Edward had been back in London for two full days. Why had he not called on her?
"Did Lady Beatrice not give any clue as to Lord Colville's leaving for London?" Anne asked as casually as she could muster. She picked her tea cup up from the table and took a small sip of the now cold liquid.
"Well this is where it gets interesting," Louisa replied, her blue eyes widening. She did love it when she had information to share not privy with others. "It would appear Lady Fraser also returned to London in the cover of darkness. Now, what do you make of that? If I did not know the gentleman in question, I would think the worst. How else can one be expected to think under such a circumstance. However, with Lady Fraser being so much... older, it is foolish to assume something untoward.
"Foolish indeed," replied Anne firmly, "so foolish it does not merit repeating."
"Hmph, you sound just like Caro," Louisa moaned. She had thought Anne would be interested in such an odd set of circumstances, especially where a certain Viscount was concerned. Secretly she had been hoping, knowing of Anne's overly friendly acquaintance with Lord Colville, that she may know more on the subject. Her sister was being most missy about the whole thing. It was not Louisa's doing that Lord Colville should leave their company so unexpected.
"It would appear in this case Miss Bingley is all sense."
"Oh, Anne don't be so dull! We all know you and Lord Colville are on much friendlier terms than most of our acquaintance. I was so certain Mr Hurst would know the reason for his mysterious departure. My husband often knows a great deal of things which I am not privy to."
Anne raised her eyebrow but made no response. Mr Hurst was not exactly the sort of fellow whom Anne believed to know a great deal about anything. Yet, for all his apparent shortfalls, he seemed to possess a most dotting wife. One could only assume the gentleman much improved upon closer acquaintance.
"So, you are certain? You have not seen him since his return?" Louisa asked, her disappointed at not knowing the truth evident. She was quite vexed. She had been so certain Anne would know something of the matter.
"I assure you Louisa I have seen nothing of Lord Colville since his departure for Epsom Spa for well over a sennight. You flatter me in thinking he would confide in me any of his personal affairs."
"Such a shame," Louisa said wistfully. "It had been such a lovely party. Lord Colville is such a charming companion. He and my brother seem to get along very well. He was so insistent in the four of us joining him as his particular companions at every opportunity. A most excellent host. Though perhaps, between you and I, that has something to do with my fair sister's charming company to that of my brothers."
Anne bite her lip in order to hold her tongue. Louisa's blind loyalty to her sister in all other matters, was endearing; however, at this moment with regards to the current subject, Anne was in no way interested. Anne knew Caroline was indeed enamoured by Edward, she was rather blatant when it came to her singular preference for the dark-haired Viscount. Poor Darcy was all but forgotten when such a prise as a Viscount was present.
Ridiculous young woman, Anne thought rather harshly, to think Edward would be drawn to such a vapid young girl. She bite her lip again in thought. Would Edward ever be interested in a woman such as Caroline? No, there was no way such a lady could hold the interest of a man so sensible and good as Edward. Anne's brow furrowed as she considered the two. Caroline was beautiful, there was no denying such a fact. Would a man such as Edward place beauty above that of good sense and character?
"Louisa, I am afraid but the hour is late, and I am expected at the Darcy's for dinner this evening."
"Oh, how is dear Georgiana, it seems an age since I last spoke with dear little Georgiana."
"She is very well, when last I spoke with her; but Louisa I must be away to dress for dinner or I shall never be ready on time."
"When are you due to arrive?" Louisa asked as she stood from her seat, smoothing the crease in the linen of her skirt.
"Not until seven, but I must make haste."
"Of course, of course, my dear I would not detain you. Well, I shall be off, no need to see me out, I shall see you tomorrow if not a moment before. Goodbye Anne."
With a flurry of movement and the rustle of her skirts, Louisa swept from the room. Seconds later the front door opened and the house was once again at peace.
Anne stood a moment unsure what to think of Louisa's conversation. So, Edward was back in London and had missed the race entirely; whatever would bring him and Lady Beatrice back so suddenly? She headed for the hall and began to climb the stairs to her room. It was puzzling indeed, perhaps she would call on Lady Beatrice in the morning to check nothing was amiss.
As she reached the top of the landing, she came to face with her own reflection in the large gilded mirror which hung at the top of the staircase. She looked at the woman who stared back with the same dark eyed intensity. She was not plain, but she was no radiant beauty. Could she compete with a raven-haired beauty of at most one and twenty? She shook her head of such thoughts. She was most certain if Edward wished only for a bride with youth and beauty he would have married by now. There was no shortage of beautiful young ladies amongst the Edinburgh set, and he had shown none of those ladies any particular inclination previously. No, Anne was certain her Edward was looking for far greater qualities in a potential wife.
She opened her bedroom door to find Hennie inside tidying items of her toilet.
"Hennie I must apologise for we are going to have to work as quickly as your skilled fingers will allow. Oh wonderful, you have the green dress, it shall be perfect. Do not worry about my hair, it is still very much as you so skillfully styled earlier. I must be ready to depart within the hour.
Richard stood looking out of the window as Darcy's valet removed the very last section of shaving soap from his cheek, leaving his skin entirely fresh and smooth. It was good of Darcy to allow him to use Williams during his stay. His cousin was always the most generous of hosts.
The collar of his regimentals shone brilliant and white, as it lay ready to be adorned over the back of a bedroom chair. They had been starched and pressed to within an inch of their life. He always kept his uniform in the very best of condition, yet at this moment it looked as though brand new. The buttons and golden threads shone brightly against the brilliant scarlet red. There would never be a time when he would grow tired of being dressed in such a uniform.
He yawned. He was tired this evening. He took a deep swig from his wine glass, taking comfort in the burgundy liquid. He was getting too old for such antics. He smiled to himself as Williams began to comb and cut his damp hair, placing it just so until it reached the desired aesthetic. He nodded in approval at his reflection, his hair had been curled just as he pleased at the base of his neck. He looked in the vanity, the old dog still had it.
He had spent a most enjoyable morning in the arms of a very pretty young lady. When would people learn not to leave their daughters at home without suitable employment? It almost made it too easy. With both her parents preoccupied with attending some charity luncheon or another, it had left poor Annabelle at home quite on her lonesome. Once eighteen it seemed a girl no longer had any use for a governess, and a ladies companion was altogether a most unreliable chaperone from Richards pleasant experience. He smiled to himself. Annabelle had been most willing to be entertained by a dashing man in his regimentals. However, he had not remained in them long. How willing and eager his golden-haired temptress had been.
He could not be found at fault; he was a man after all. At least this way, all else failing, becoming secured through wedlock to the Carmichael estate and purse strings was a very likely outcome.
He held his arms out wide as Williams dressed him in his shirt and began to close up the buttons. Oh, how he had missed having a man when serving overseas. There was nothing like having an attendant of ones own to dress a fellow. Either way, whichever lady he chose, he would be once again restored to the finer things in life.
He watched as Williams attached his fob to the inside of his waistcoat pocket, it was quarter to seven. Anne would be here within moments. He took another look at his reflection in the vanity. Now fully dressed and clean shaven he knew he cut an impressive figure. Smiling, he downed the rest of his wine glass and descended the stairs to the drawing room.