The Fortune Hunter Page 0,42

for centuries; Somerset House, the Royal Circus, and the Lord Mayor's House were new additions. Mrs. Claybury promised Amy visits to many of these places in the weeks to come. Almack's Assembly Rooms were pointed out, and the homes of some of the famous - Holland House, Carlton House, and Devonshire House.

Amy thanked her warmly, for she could see the lady took genuine pleasure in pleasing others, but she couldn't help a pang of dismay. Here she was gawking like a yokel at places to which she was entitled entry by birth.

Had she come to London as Amy de Lacy of Stonycourt, the daughter of a rich baronet, rather than the poor guest of a merchant's widow, she might well have attended a ball at Holland House, and received vouchers for Almack's. It was more than likely that she would have attended an event at Carlton House.

But she firmly put such unworthy repinings behind her. She had set her course and would hold to it. Her family depended on her.

That very evening she was given the opportunity to begin. Their hostess had an invitation to an evening of cards and music to which she had been urged to bring her guests.

"Clara Trueblood always does things very well," said Mrs. Claybury. "There'll be plenty of younger people for Amy, and," she added meaningfully, "some older, warmer ones, too."

Amy had insisted that their hostess know of her plans, but this plain speaking made her color.

"Don't you be missish, dear," said Nell comfortably. "Most young ladies are out to make a good marriage, and with your looks you'll have no trouble at all. There's a lot to be said for knowing what you plan to make when you start to bake. Not but what," she added thoughtfully, "you might do better to introduce yourself to some of your highborn connections and move in better circles. Looks like yours come once in a decade, dear."

Amy had regained her composure. "It would not serve, ma'am. It would be much more expensive to cut a dash in Mayfair. Even the rent of a house is beyond us. Besides that, many of the ton are land rich but not overendowed with cash to put into Stonycourt."

"You had best make sure any gentleman who courts you is willing to lay out his blunt, dear, or you could get a sad surprise, be he ever so rich."

"Oh, I know that," said Amy. "I intend to be completely honest about it when the time comes."

Nell nodded, but she still looked dubious. "Even if you are seeking a wealthy city man, it would do no harm for you to attend a few fashionable affairs. In fact, it would doubtless raise your value considerably."

Amy experienced a stab of alarm. Cutting a dash among the ton was no part of her plans. "I do hope not, ma'am, for I have no intention of moving in those circles. I doubt if I could anyway. Our connections are limited. My father had only one sister and she lives in Cumberland. I have cousins but I don't know if they are in Town. There are doubtless friends, both from school and from home, but not close enough for us to expect them to sponsor me." She smiled at Mrs. Claybury, for she had developed a genuine fondness for the lady. "Not everyone is as generous as you, ma'am."

The woman colored with pleasure. "Oh poo. I simply hate being here all on my own. The next few months are going to be the most delightful I've had in years. The whole of London will be in festival for the victories, and I will enjoy it a great deal more in young company. Besides," she added naughtily, "I can't wait to see all the gentlemen of my acquaintance make perfect nodcocks of themselves over you."

Amy joined her new friend in laughter and felt a good deal better about everything.

The Claybury party arrived at the Trueblood's rout fashionably late, and to Amy's eyes it appeared grand enough to be a ton affair. The hosts had hired rooms at the Swan, and by the time Amy and her party arrived, those rooms were pleasantly full of a hearty throng. The gentlemen were all fine; the ladies smart. There was no shortage of beautiful garments and costly jewels.

Tables were set up in one room and were being well used by card players. Amy was pleased to see, however, that there was none of the tense atmosphere she would expect from high