Page 24 of A Single Obsession

“As one connoisseur to another, I am eager to know what you think of Hall’s Haemon and Antigone.”

Harriet glowed at his attentions, but hesitated to offer her opinion. “It is a very fine piece.”

“Hmm. I confess I’m not keen on the way he has painted the lights. They’re like scattered grapes—but perhaps you have a different perspective. I would be delighted if you would give me your point of view.”

William offered Harriet his arm, and after a moment’s hesitation, she took it. Though not wishing to appear inconstant to the absent Beau, she could not resist the lure of walking around the gallery on the arm of a handsome gentleman. And even his sisters admitted their brother was a very good-looking young man.

“Would you join us?” he asked, offering his other arm to Lady Harting. She took it, and the three of them moved away, leaving Eliza and Charlotte to lag behind.

With her eyes set on the prize of a visit to Tattersall’s, Eliza seized the opportunity to approach their neighbour from Hampshire. “How do you do, Miss Austen?”

The two girls dipped into a curtsey and the lady acknowledged them with a graceful nod.

“We did not expect to see you in London,” Eliza said. “How are your mother and sister?”

“In good health, when last I heard. I’m staying with my brother Henry in Sloane Street. Your father and mother, are they well? And all your family?”

“Yes, thank you. We’re residing with our sister in Berkeley Square.”

“Ah, yes. Lady Castleford. I must congratulate you on her marriage. It was a love match, was it not?”

“It was.”

“I am delighted for her. I believe everyone should have the chance to marry for love if they can. And what say you, Miss Charlotte? Do you approve of your sister’s marriage?”

“I am happy for her, but I say there is no shame in remaining unmarried.”

“No,” said Miss Austen, her eyes shining. “Provided she is rich, there is no need for a lady to marry, but spinsters have the deplorable habit of becoming poor. To always have to depend on others is not pleasant. It is best to marry for love, however, so my advice to you both is to be prudent about where you bestow your affection, and if at all possible, make sure you fall in love with rich men. To be poor is not…comfortable.”

She paused for a moment, lost in her thoughts, but then continued in a brighter tone. “But I have no cause for complaint. I’m blessed with a large family and a dear sister and plenty to occupy my time. Which puts me in mind of something. My brother’s wife is holding a party next week and has hired some excellent players. I believe she has already invited Lady Castleford, but knowing how much you love music, Miss Charlotte, I shall ask her to send a note, including you both in the invitation. I do hope you’ll be able to come.”

“You are most kind,” said Charlotte, “but I trust it’s not too presumptuous of me to ask you to invite Lord Castleford’s brother rather than my sister? I assure you, Mr Warren would appreciate the music a great deal more.”

Miss Austen’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she agreed to Charlotte’s suggestion, and Eliza wondered if she believed she was forwarding a romance. Eliza wasn’t about to disillusion her. She was too grateful to Charlotte for saving her from the concert, and did not want to jeopardise her narrow escape.

They took their leave and returned to their aunt’s side. It was doubtful whether Lady Harting had even noticed their absence, as William had kept his audience enthralled with an endless supply of comments about the artwork they were viewing.

Eliza found the rest of their visit to the British Gallery more pleasurable. Time passed much faster now their brother was with them. And although she still did not appreciate the paintings, she could savour the delicious prospect of the next day, when—for a few hours—she could escape from her skirts, and all the restrictions that went with them.

Chapter 10

The following morning, Eliza escaped from the house undetected. She was glad she had invested in one of the robe pelisses that were currently in fashion. If she kept the loose-fitting coat pulled close, it covered her jacket and breeches, whilst her wide-brimmed hat hid her wig. She hoped no one would notice the rather mannish boots poking out underneath.

When Eliza arrived at the mews, Finch was already saddling up her horse.

He turned to greet her, but his brow puckered as he met her gaze. “I know that look. What mischief are you brewing now?”

“Can’t you guess?” she asked, moving to the back of the stall and whisking off her coat and bonnet. “Let’s just say that I shan’t be needing the side-saddle today.”

“Mr Robson,” her groom said in a voice so full of disapproval that Eliza could almost taste it. “I did not expect to see you in London.”

Finch tutted as William appeared at her side, and handed her the top hat she’d been unable to put on earlier. “I might have guessed.”

“We’re going to Tattersall’s,” she said, with a defiant lift of her chin.

Her groom grunted. “I suppose there’s no point trying to dissuade you?”

“None at all.”