The Rake's Progress - Chapter 11

I am Miss Louisa Ayling, and I welcome you back to the world of Regency romance as we continue the story of a Regency Rake in The Rake’s Progress. 

It is the start to a pleasant Saturday morning with Horatia receiving a surprise, then a visit to the famous Pump Rooms in Bath with her mother, to taste the waters and to mingle with a new society to discover what it has to offer, allowing her to continue to make  new friends.

Will there be any gentlemen sparking her interest here in Bath? 

Could Horatia be successful at finding someone worthy, that will truly dismiss Matthias from her thoughts and her heart?

Let us find out in Chapter 11.

Transcript

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I am Miss Louisa Ailing, and I welcome you back to the world of Regency romance as we continue the story of a Regency rape in The Rake's Progress. It is the start to a pleasant Saturday morning with Horatia receiving a surprise, then a visit to the famous pump rooms in Bath with her mother, to taste the waters and to mingle with a new society to discover what it has to offer, allowing her to continue to make new friends. Will there be any gentleman sparking her interest here in Bath? Could Horatia be successful at finding someone worthy that will truly dismiss Matthias from her thoughts and her heart? Let us find out in chapter 11. Last Saturday in September, 1810, visiting the pump room, Bath. It was a Saturday morning after the ball, and it was going to be a busy one. Before Lady Stanwyek and Horatia had even sat to break their fast, there had already been the delivery of a most large beautiful bouquet of pink and white roses from Captain Sherrington. It had a note attached stating that she was more beautiful than any flower in bloom. Lady Stanwyck was very pleased, as Horatia only received a few scant posies during the last two London seasons, and now in Bath, she had only attended the one assembly ball, and this seemed as if it was a declaration of real interest. It was a shame that the young man was destined for the peninsula next year. They are very pretty, Horatia. A please asked Peggy to get them placed in a vase, then they can be displayed in the drawing room in a prominent position. I agree, Mama. They smell delightful as well as looking beautiful. The captain made a good choice, I think. Horatia asked the butler to organize it for her, then returned the sunny breakfast for her repast. Horatia then sat at the table after filling her plate, then pouring a cup of tea for both her mother and herself. Well, shall we be going to the pump room today? Horatia inquired. I believe the ideal time is after 11 but before noon. Lady Stanwyek replied. Horatia looked up at her mother in inquiry. I could easily organize a sedan chair for you, Mama. Not this time, Horatia, maybe it is something I may consider for my return journey, but a gentle walk would be good for me. Of course, Horatia replied then took a sip of tea before biting into her buttered toast and a portion of her eggs. I am looking forward to this evening's performance at the octagonal room. It was very kind of Lady Winters to extend her invitation to us. Yes, it is, and I am looking forward to it too. Your father would have enjoyed attending it, but sadly he decided to forego the pleasures of Bath, to remain in London. Her mother mentioned, but Horatia had her suspicions that he had a mistress in London and did not wish to forego his own pleasures. The more she heard about gentlemen and their entertainments, the more she maligned her own ability to find a good reliable gentleman, with whom she could trust to be monogamous during the married state. Who would love her as she would love him. She was not naive, but the one gentleman she wanted was a definite rake, so no wonder she was still unwed after two London seasons, there probably wasn't one who was not part rake at times. Well it was not what she wanted in a husband. Now dressed in a sea green spencer over a pale aqua gown, she walked sedately with her mother with her pale aqua silk bonnet with sea-green ribbons covering her warm caramel hair, carrying her matching reticule and sea-green umbrella, making their way towards the pump room. It was a gentle walk, and when they arrived there were quite a few people, who were already there, so they made their way through the assembled crowd towards the water tasting counter, paid their dues and then started to circulate. After tasting the waters, neither were convinced that it had any medicinal powers and it tasted disgusting in Horatia's view. As they strode slowly within the crowd circulating the room, Lady Stanweek nodded to a few acquaintances she recognized, whereas Horatia did not seem to know anyone really, except the few dance partners from last evening. She had not noticed the tall figure dressed in his red uniform, determinedly marching through the crowd in her direction. Lady Stanweek, Miss Stanweek. They turned around, and he bowed. Such a pleasure to see you both again. My aunt sends her apologies, as she is not feeling up to coming here this morning. She does not want to miss the concert this evening, so has decided to preserve her energy for the event, so she sent me in her stead. I hope I will suffice. Thank you, Captain Sherrington. Please give your aunt our best wishes, will you? And I hope to see her this evening. I will, Lady Stanweek, you may count on it. Lady Stanweek nodded and decided she would take a seat for a while, but said that the captain and her daughter should continue to circulate. He nodded. Shall we, Miss Stanweek? Horatia agreed but was concerned for her mother's health. You are worried about your mother, Miss Stanweek. I am. She is rarely ill, sir, so yes I am worried. Horatia turned her attention back to her handsome companion. I wish to thank you for your thoughtfulness, Captain Sherrington. The bouquet you sent was beautiful, and they were immediately placed in a vase for all visitors to observe. I am pleased you liked them. I had a feeling you would appreciate them. My aunt likes you, by the way. She is often very wary of young ladies around her nephews. Her son is already married, you know, but sadly not happily, so she tends to vet any of the young ladies who venture into our vicinity. Well, that's good to know. She obviously has discerning tastes, but you trust that I am not one of those young women who tease and taunt or lead you into anything unwanted. Yes, I must say that I feel safe, that you are not one of those who are reckless and focused on the pursuit of a title. No, Captain. I prefer friendships to develop slowly. Getting to know people is a very much more important and worthwhile occupation when surrounding yourself with new friends. There are too many false friends around, sadly, one has to be selective and circumspect. I totally agree with you, Miss Stanweek. He looked down at her appreciatively, as her head turned slightly and a broad smile welcomed a newcomer. It's your friend, the Major, he's just arrived. She exclaimed, making him look up and discover him traversing the gathering crowds in the pump house. Good day, Miss Stanweek, Sherrington, so glad I've caught you both. Sadly, I've been called to London, so we'll miss the rest of my planned sojourn in Bath I'm afraid. The Countess directed me to find you here to allow me to say my au revoir. When do you leave, Major Forsyth? Directly I return to my lodgings, Miss Stanweek. What a shame you have to miss this evening's concert. Yes, it is. But duty calls and all that. Well, Forsythe, is Mrs. Dupree aware of your sudden departure? The captain asked in a more personal manner, but with a lifted brow. Yes, I visited her earlier, so she knows the situation. Pontefract will be most pleased and eager to take your place, I'm sure. Yes, and he is welcome to her. I've had my fill of her bounties, so on to pastures new. Harisha listened, then realized the meaning of their conversation and felt her cheeks blush at its implication. I'm sure you will, Forsythe. Miss Stanwyek, it's been a pleasure to make your acquaintance although short-lived. He bent over her hand and raised it to his lips. Keep well. Thank you, Major, and please keep safe wherever life sees fit to send you. Thank you, I will try. Sherrington, they took each other's hands to shake in farewell, but then pulled each other into a friendly embrace. Look after yourself, my dear fellow, until next we meet. Very soon, my friend, I hope. Behave yourself, Forsythe. The Major and Captain saluted each other, the Major turned on his heel and swiftly marched from the room and out through the exit doors. Horatia's thoughts became melancholy as she thought that it might have been the last time she ever saw the Major. She wandered quietly beside the captain, understanding what it was like to have family members leave for war, as she had two brothers already in the peninsula. His departure has saddened you, Miss Stanweek. Just remembering that I already have two brothers fighting on the peninsula, Captain, it just brings it all in focus again. She looked up at him. When you are a sister, you are very much aware that your brothers are not at home as they grow up. They go to school and then to university, so they are not in your presence as your sisters are. They are absent from home, and now again as adults. My brother Harold is a lieutenant in the 3rd Dragoon Guards, and Russell is a lieutenant in the Royal Marines. I miss them both. Yes, being apart from family is always difficult, especially for us boys and then men. Coming home is always emotional, although we are not supposed to show it. Will you be going to the peninsula in March, Captain? Maybe, Miss Stanweek, unless fate decides differently. They continued to complete another circuit, and suddenly he stopped. Miss Stanwyek, is it possible that you would permit me to call on you? He looked into her eyes, then they started to move again, as they were gaining attention. Maybe you would like to go out for a ride in my carriage. Say tomorrow afternoon if the weather permits. After church. Horatia swallowed in surprise, but this handsome gentleman, that she had only just met, wished for her company, it was an enlivening thought. Why, that does sound very pleasant, but what about a chaperone? Well, that would not be possible as it only carries two people, but it is an open carriage. I will need to check with my mother to see if she approves. Then let us go to her now and ask. Horatia, with the captain following behind her, made her way through the crowd, to where her mother was sitting with a couple of other ladies, whom she was deep in discussion with. At their approach, her mother looked up. Ah. There is my daughter now. With a handsome officer in her wake, I see. Lady Carpenter noted. Horatia, my dear, this is Lady Carpenter, who lives near Arundel, so not far from us, and Mrs. Gibbons, her niece. Horatia curtsied politely. Good afternoon, Lady Carpenter, Mrs. Gibbons. May I introduce Captain Sherrington? Good afternoon, Lady Carpenter, Mrs. Gibbons. Have we not met before, Mrs. Gibbons? I'm sure I've seen you at a military event. I do believe we are acquainted, Captain. I was a good friend of Major Forsyth. He is not with you? I'm sure I noticed him here earlier. Horatia wondered if this was one of the many particular friends that the Major seemed to keep company with. No, he left for London this morning, he was summoned to horse guards. Oh, that is sad, Captain Sherrington, we will miss his company. Lady Stanweek added. It is, as Miss Stanweek was informing me earlier, that you already have two sons out in the peninsula, my lady. Yes, both lieutenants, one is in the Royal Marines and the other is with the dragoons. It is always such a great worry when one's offspring are away from home, but to be on the front line in a war must be terrifying, exclaimed Lady Carpenter. I must say I do worry about my boys every minute of the day, but I have to put them in God's hands as I have no control on their daily lives or their destiny, all I can do is pray. That must be so reassuring for them knowing you pray for their safety, Lady Stanweek. I hope my family would feel the same if I am in your son's position. So many of our good young men will probably perish on that foreign soil. It's very sad. Captain Sherrington realized that the words from Mrs. Gibbons were upsetting Lady Stanweek, so he steered the conversation in a different direction. Lady Stanweek, may I ask you whether you would permit me to escort your daughter for a drive in my carriage tomorrow? Why? Of course, Captain, that's if Horatia is agreeable. I could allow a maid to attend as a chaperone. Sadly, that will not be possible as it is a carriage for two, my lady. Horatia watched her mother's reaction. Oh. Well, Captain, under normal circumstances I would say no, but I believe I can trust you to ensure that my daughter is safe in your company. Most certainly, Lady Stanweek, upon my honour as a gentleman. So, Miss Stanweek, it is your choice. She looked up at his earnest expression before making her decision, he smiled wryly and raised his brows questioningly. Should I trust you, Captain? Hmm. I think I will, so my answer to your kind invitation is yes, sir. Thank you, Miss Stanweek, I am looking forward to it. Will you be attending the morning service at the Abbey or at St. Swithin's? Both are a distance from our townhouse. Mama, have you decided where we will attend? As you are more familiar with Bath, which do you suggest, Captain Sherrington? Lady Stanweek asked. Well, Lady Winters, my mother and myself attend St. Swithin's, I could ensure that a carriage will arrive to pick you up at 10 in the morning, that's if you have decided on the earlier service. Well, that is most kind of you, Captain, thank you. So, until this evening, Lady Stanweek. Miss Stanweek, good day. Captain Sherrington Bode then strode from the pump room with a very satisfied smile touching his lips.