As he suspected, Rotten Row was largely deserted by the aristocracy who were compelled to hunt grouse at the end of August, as if England would be overrun by the birds if the peers did not slaughter them annually. The majority of those riding through Hyde Park were in uniform, military men who would not have known of Maddie’s existence until she was presented at court. But for a chance encounter, she might have remained anonymous.
The carriage rolled along and Jack acknowledged his colleagues and the nods of fellow officers who knew the trumpets of battle would soon sound. What was a quiet drive erupted into a gaggle of giggling and squealing when Maddie spotted an old schoolmate. To refuse to be introduced after that was unthinkable, just as it was unthinkable to deny Maddie’s request that Mrs. Monroe and her daughter Eliza be invited to drink tea. After a scene was created and attention attracted, it was not long before the silver salver in the foyer was covered with cards from ladies initiating the calling ritual. How easily did Lady Gravier take advantage of the smallest opening, to position her grandson at the head of the pack before the race was officially opened.
The assault began with a probing maneuver that was masked as an afternoon call. Drops of praise for Maddie’s many fine qualities fell like a gentle shower, condensed into a trickle of admiration and formed a river that swept the girl into an informal dinner of family and close friends of the Thompson clan, with Lady Gravier at its head. It was an ordeal that gave Jack severe indigestion, even though he observed his stepdaughter behave in the most appropriate manner. In accordance with her age, she spoke only when spoken to and retreated into the background, but she spoke a great deal because Julian Thompson kept the conversation going in a monopoly that bordered on indiscretion.
He had no idea how to broach the subject of Maddie’s apparent infatuation with the Thompson boy, her first possible beau. Always fond of the direct approach, he launched into the discussion over breakfast the next morning. “Will you be coy at Lady Gravier’s card party, or will you be ruthless?” Jack asked. It was Julian himself who had begged Maddie to attend, and the tilt of her head, the shy smile when she accepted, were images that Jack would not soon forget.
“Ha, I shall give Tarleton’s quarter to that dullard,” Maddie said. “His sole interest lies in games of chance. Well, we shall see how he takes another loss at the tables.”
The little girl had grown up and become a woman, unreadable and deceptive, masking her true thoughts for the sake of appearances. She would cause him no end of worry with her play-acting. “Once humiliated, he will never return and you are well rid of him,” Jack said.
“Rid of him, and saddled with his right honorable cousin,” she said.
“His mother styles herself a marchioness already. As such, she will never accept your colonial heritage. But do be friendly, at least. The Thompson clan may prove useful to you in the future. They are loyal to a fault.”
“Not suited for a marchioness, but quite adequate for display in her drawing room,” Maddie said. “I have a mind to dress in the Stars and Stripes and parade around the room quoting from Thomas Paine.”
“You will enjoy the music, in spite of the company,” Jack said. “Many times in our lives we must tolerate that which is unpleasant or difficult. Look to the entertainment and the rest will not signify. Indeed, you should be pleasant and win those around you, even if they have done nothing to earn your consideration. Husbands can be tedious and a wife must always smile through his difficult days.”
“Not if I marry a man like you,” Maddie said.
He savored the sweet taste of her words, sincerely given. “Then too you might keep Lucy in mind. Perhaps some new acquaintance would be a good match for your cousin. You do not have to keep them all for own amusement.”
“Well, if they do not amuse me, they are not worthy of Lucy’s time,” Maddie said.