The Rakehell Regency(324)

Pamela was correct in her assessment, for it wasn't long before many of her best items had been 'borrowed,' and Marjorie was the center of male attention wherever she went.



Fortunately, she would not be able to attend many of the evening functions because she had not been brought out yet, nor presented at court. But she was certainly thrusting her way into the London social scene with all of the dash of a Napoleon bent on conquest.



Pamela herself was to be presented next week, once she was certain that her gown was just the thing, and Mrs. Easton was over the touch of spring catarrh she was suffering from at the moment.



Other than the excitement of being presented and having her final fittings for the formal, old-fashioned gown and train which was de rigueur for the occasion, there was the thrill of seeing the sights in London and expanding her circle of acquaintance.



Pamela started her day with a ride in the Ladies' Walk. Occasionally they would ride in Rotten Row, but there was always quite a crush, and Pamela's borrowed mount was a bit skittish and not very tractable in crowds.



After the ride, there was her bath, breakfast and correspondence. After taking care of her letters, they paid calls upon the Eastons' particular friends. Most were very pleasant people, though she was always wary of running into the Duke and his entourage, or spending too much time with the Earl, and so confined her visits to the regulation fifteen minutes which the Ton dictated. They usually paid calls about three mornings per week, and were at home themselves the other two.



On the Thursday a week after they had arrived, Pamela was told that the Duchess of Ellesmere and her sister-in-law had come to call. She steeled herself for a confrontation, but Charlotte could not have been more charming.



"I wanted to see how you had settled in, and to remind you not to be a stranger now that you are here."



"I had not thought you would be pleased to see me after my abrupt departure from Bath," Pamela said in a low voice, while her aunt renewed her acquaintance with the charming young Elizabeth Eltham.



"Don't be silly. Jonathan has told us something of the matter. We quite understand. I'm so sorry things have come to such a pass. But Thomas and I are very fond of you. If there's anything we can do, you have only to ask."



"That's very kind of you, and more than I deserve," Pamela said, feeling near tears.



"Nonsense." Charlotte patted her hand with true sisterly affection. "In any case, I understand you are to be presented at Court shortly. I wondered if you might allow me the honor of presenting you. Unless the Honorable Mrs. Easton would object?"



"No, I am sure she would be delighted for me. A Duchess is more than I could ever have hoped for."



"Not always a Duchess, as you well know. You recollect me when I was plain old Charlotte Castlemaine."



"Never plain, and certainly not old."



The dark-haired woman smiled. "Ah, but I'm to be a mother in the late autumn. That will put years on me, I'm sure." She patted her stomach with a look of pure joy which belied her words.



Pamela offered her congratulations. "I'm sure not. Vanessa Stone looks lively and happy enough as a mother."



"And is also expecting another little visitor in the summer."



Pamela clapped her hands. "Wonderful news! The best."



"Now if only Jonathan could be so happy."



Pamela was relieved to see her aunt approach to speak to Charlotte, and switched places with her to talk to Elizabeth.



"Are you to be presented after all?"



She shook her raven locks. "My brother will not let me enter the Marriage Mart until I am at least eighteen. I shall have a bit longer to wait."



"Still, it seems so unfair."



She shook her head. "Not at all. I'm content with my lot. I want to get to know the world a bit better before I rush into anything. My poor sister-"



She made a choking sound, and stood up. "Forgive me, I quite forgot myself."



Charlotte rose from her seat, and said, "Oh dear. Elizabeth is rather overcome with the rigors of London society. In any event, we shall pick you up tomorrow at nine. Unless of course you can join us for supper?"



"No, I shall be too excited to eat anything. Another time, though?" Pamela asked eagerly.



Charlotte patted her on the shoulder. "Of course, my dear. Any time you like. Au revoir for now."



She took Elizabeth's arm and led her out.



Pamela watched them go, and wondered why, in all the times they had spoken, no one in the Duke's household had ever mentioned another sister...





Chapter Twenty-eight



Clifford and Jonathan carried the last of the valises out of the house, and took a final look around.