Lady Barbara's Dilemma Read Free Page A

Marquess of Wardour. At the very least, she would discover whether their feelings for one another could support a marriage. She thought they could, hoped they could, for if he made an offer she was determined to accept. It would be delightful if she could love him, but she knew she could respect him and was ready to settle for respect and affection. She was tired of being “Auntie Barbara” to Sophy and to Robin’s two boys. It was time she had a husband and children of her own.
     

Chapter 3
     
    The Season started slowly, with Lady Harlech’s ball the third week of April expected to be the first real crush. The Duke and Duchess of Sutton planned to attend, for Lord Harlech was a noted Whig. It was likely to be one of Judith’s few large events this year because of her pregnancy, and for that reason she was determined to make the most of the occasion and host a small dinner party of friends beforehand.
    “Robin and Diana. Jeremy and Miranda. Nora and Sam. Barbara…whom shall I invite for Barbara, Simon?” asked Judith as she wrote out her invitations.
    “Wardour?”
    “No, no.”
    “I thought you said he appeared interested?”
    “Yes, he did, but it would be much too soon and too obvious,” Judith explained. “Can you think of anyone?”
    “What about David Treves?” Simon suggested after a few moments’ thought.
    “Yes, he would be perfect. Someone who shares an interest in music. A potential friend but not suitor.”
    The evening of her dinner party all of the guests but one had arrived when Judith came down a little late and a little breathless. “Sophy always seems to demand one more story when she knows that guests are coming,” she explained. Diana gave her an indulgent smile. Judith had always been unconventional in her parenting habits, but Simon seemed not to disapprove. She herself, however, much as she loved her twins, was always grateful to turn them over to their nurse, and Robin, thank goodness, encouraged her to do so.
    Judith sat herself down next to Viscount Vane and joined in the debate over Ireland. In a few minutes all, with the exception of Diana, Barbara, and Nora, who were discussing Miss Austen’s final novel, were caught up in the debate, and the butler had to announce the final guest twice.
    “Sir David Treves, your grace.”
    Barbara looked up first, for Judith had told her that Sir David would be her partner at dinner. Her friend had said it straightforwardly and with none of the assumed nonchalance of one who was making an attempt at matchmaking, so Barbara had decided Sir David would be older and not attractive. In reality, he looked only a few years older than she, and was very handsome, albeit in an un-English way. She wondered idly if he was Welsh on his mother’s side, for he had the black hair, brown eyes, and dark skin that occur amongst Celtic people. Or perhaps Spanish, she thought, as she noticed the clean, sharp planes of his face and aquiline nose.
    Simon, who had finally heard the second announcement, stood up and made his way to the door. Sir David tactfully moved forward to meet him, Barbara noticed with approval, and extended his hand and greeted the duke so Simon would know immediately where he was.
    “Come,” said Simon, “let me introduce you to a few of the ladies before I pull you into our debate.”
    Although she had seen it again and again, Barbara always marveled at how easily, despite his blindness, Simon moved when he was in a familiar place. He knew the exact placement of the furniture and immediately located Barbara and her companions by the sounds of their voices.
    “David, I would like you to meet Lady Barbara Stanley, Lady Vane, and Lady Stanley.”
    David bowed.
    “Lady Stanley and Lady Barbara are sisters-in-law,” Simon explained.
    “I have heard you are a talented musician, Lady Barbara,” said Treves with more than polite interest.
    “You have heard correctly,” interjected Simon. “I’ll leave you two to discuss your