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17bbcda
|
Y'know, dear old boy- not my business- but she don't mean an ounce of harm! Only saying to George last night; dear little soul! Not up to snuff at all!' 'No, my God!' agreed the Viscount feelingly. 'Tell you what, Sherry: if I had a wife, which I'm deuced glad I haven't, I'd rather have one like your Kitten than all the Incomparables put together.' 'You would?' said Sherry, staring at him. 'I would,' said Mr. Ringwood firmly.
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|
hero-wantage
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
f127114
|
Thought the world of you, did Kitten. Wouldn't hear a word against you; wouldn't even admit you can't drive well enough for the F.H.C. That shows you! Always seemed to me she only thought of pleasing you. If she took a fancy to do something she shouldn't, only had to tell her you wouldn't like it, and she'd abandon it on the instant. Used to put me in mind of that rhyme, or whatever it was, I learned when I was a youngster. Something about loving and giving: that was Kitten!
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|
loving-and-giving
hero-wantage
nursery-rhyme
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
c0a77de
|
It was not until dinner was nearly over that the Viscount noticed that he was being waited on by his valet. Since the party consisted of Lord Wrotham, the Honorable Ferdy Fakenham and Mr. Ringwood, he had no hesitation in demanding the reason for this departure from the normal, freely hazarding the guess that Groombridge was lying incapable on the pantry floor. Bootle, who disapproved of such unceremonious behavior, returned a noncommittal answer; but Jason, who was waiting to deliver the next course into his hands, put his head into the room and announced that both Groombridges having piked on the bean the Missus was cooking the dinner, and in bang-up style. Upon receipt of this amazing information, the whole party repaired at once to the kitchen, Sherry having the forethought to take the wine-decanter along with him, and Ferdy pausing only to secrete his watch-and-chain in one of the vases on the dining-room mantelpiece. Hero, delightfully unconscious of disheveled tresses, flushed cheeks, and a smut on her nose, made them welcome. They drank her health, ate up all the apricot tartlets she had prepared, sampled the contents of the jars on the big dresser, and wondered that they should never before have had the happy thought of invading a kitchen. After that they swept Hero off with them upstairs, leaving the servants to wash up the dishes. Bootle and the superior abigail exchanged speaking glances, the kitchen-maid retired to indulge a mild fit of hysterics in the scullery, and Jason, seating himself at his ease at the table, requested the page-boy to flick him some panam and cash. This intelligent lad, who had for months been enriching an already varied vocabulary from Jason's store, at once complied with the request by cutting the Tiger a large slice of bread and cheese. On the following day, Bootle, whose sense of what was due to himself would not allow of a repetition of the previous night's performance, volunteered to find and install a respectable couple to fill the Groombridges' places. He magically produced a cousin of his own, who, with his wife, almost immediately took possession of the kitchen. There was no noticeable diminution in the household bills, but since Mrs Bradgate grilled kidneys just as Sherry liked them, and always agreed smilingly with everything Hero said; and as Bradgate's depredations on the cellar were too discreet to attract attention, the young couple were able to congratulate themselves on having made a change for the better.
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|
hero-wantage
hospitality
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
17e5497
|
Hero might have enjoyed the evening spent at Almack's Assembly Rooms, but it had not been one of unmixed pleasure for her escort, while for one other person it had been an evening of almost unleavened annoyance. Miss Milborne, seeing the most ardent of her admirers enter the rooms with Hero on his arm, had suffered something in the nature of a shock. Never before had she seen George in attendance on any other lady than herself! When he came to Almack's it was to form one of her court; and when she did not dance with him he had a gratifying habit of leaning against the wall and watching her, instead of soliciting some other damsel to dance with him. Now, on the heels of the most obdurate quarrel they had had, here he was, looking perfectly cheerful, actually laughing at something Hero had said to him, his handsome head bent a little to catch her words. Hero, too, was in very good looks: in fact, Miss Milborne had not known that her little friend could appear to such advantage. She could never, of course, aspire to such beauty as belonged to the Incomparable, but Miss Milborne was no fool, and she was obliged to own that there was something particularly taking in the bride's smile and mischievous twinkle. Watching George, she came to the reluctant conclusion that he was fully sensible of his partner's charm. He had given his adored Isabella nothing more than a common bow upon catching sight of her, and it was plain that he meant to devote his evening to Hero. Miss Milborne could think of a dozen reasons to account for his gallanting Hero to the ball, but none of them satisfied her; nor could the distinguishing attention paid to her by her ducal admirer quite restore her spirits.
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|
jealousy
isabella-milborne
hero-wantage
love-triangle
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
36f49a6
|
"It was some time before Hero came downstairs, but after about half an hour she put in an appearance, still wearing her silk and gauze ball-dress, but with her jewels discarded and her curls a little ruffled. She came quickly into the room, a look of great distress in her face, and went towards Sherry with her hands held out, and saying impetuously: 'Oh, Sherry, it is so shocking! She has told me the whole, and I never thought anyone could be so wicked! It is all too true! That dear little baby is indeed Sir Montagu's own child, but he will not give poor Ruth a penny for its maintenance, no, nor even see Ruth! Oh, Sherry, how can such things be?' 'Yes, I know, Kitten. It's devilish bad, but- but we have only the girl's word for it, and I dare say, if we only knew-' 'Might be a mistake,' explained Ferdy, anxious to be helpful. She turned her large eyes towards him. 'Oh no, Ferdy, there can be none indeed! You see, she told me everything! She is not a wicked girl- I am sure she is not! She is quite simple, and she did not know what she was doing!' 'They all say that,' said Mr Ringwood gloomily. 'How can you, Gil? I had not thought "you" would be so unjust!' Hero cried. 'She is nothing but a country maid, and I can tell that her father is a very good sort of a man- respectable, I mean, for no sooner did he discover the dreadful truth than he cast her out of his home, and will not have anything to say to her, which always seems to me shockingly cruel, though Cousin Jane says it is to be expected, because of the wages of sin, which comes in the Bible! Indeed, she is quite an innocent girl, for how could it be otherwise when she believed in Sir Montagu's promise to marry her? Why, even I know better than that!"
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|
care
compassion-and-kindness
hero-wantage
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
5023b52
|
"Hero, who had not failed to notice Miss Milborne's roses, and George's haggard appearance, took the earliest opportunity that offered of following him to his retreat. Her tender heart ached for the pain she knew him to be suffering. It was a pain she was not quite a stranger to, and her own susceptibility made it seem the more imperative to offer such comfort as she could to George. She found him sitting moodily on a small sofa, a glass of brandy in his hand. He looked up, with a challenging expression in his eyes, but when he saw who had come in his brow cleared, and he rose, setting down his glass, and managing to conjure of the travesty of a smile. Hero clasped his hand between both hers, saying: 'Dear George, do not heed it! Indeed, she could not have carried violets with that gown!' 'She is wearing Severn's roses,' he replied. 'Oh no! You cannot know that!' 'Mrs. Milborne told Lady Cowper so within my hearing.' Hero looked dismayed, but rallied. 'It can only be because they were more suited to that gown. Sit down, George! I am persuaded you refine too much upon it.' He allowed himself to be pulled down on to the sofa beside her, but gave a groan. 'I told her that if she wore my violets I shouldn't know what to think. I have had my answer, and may as well go and blow my brains out without more ado.' 'Oh, do not say so! You know, George, I think you should not have sent that message. Perhaps she may not have quite liked it. Have you spoken with her?' He shook his head. 'I could not trust myself. Besides, if I came within reach of that curst fellow, Severn, I should very likely find a means of picking a quarrel with him.' 'No, no, don't do that! Should you like it if I were to try if I can discover Isabella's feelings upon this occasion?' 'Thank you! I have observed her to be in excellent spirits!' he said bitterly. 'That one so fair should be so heartless!' 'Indeed, I am sure she is no such thing! She has a little reserve, perhaps, and she does not confide in one, but I feel quite certain Severn has not engaged her affections.' He was silent for a moment, pleating and repleating the handkerchief he held, his attention apparently absorbed in this foolish task. His lip quivered; he said in a hard voice: 'She will marry him for his possessions, and his rank. It is plain enough.' 'Oh, no! You are unjust, George!She has more heart than you believe.' 'Once I believed-' He stopped, and dropped his head in his hands, with a groan. 'It don't signify! I beg your pardon! I should not be boring on about my affairs. But you cannot know the anguish of having one's love scorned, indeed, I dare say hardly regarded!' 'Dear George, do not say so!' Hero besought him, putting up her hand to smooth his unruly locks. 'I know- oh, I know! But do not allow yourself to think there is no hope of her affections animating towards you! It cannot be but that if one truly loves-' Her voice became suspended; she was obliged to wipe a tear from her cheek. He put his arm round her, in a brotherly way, and gave her a slight hug. 'Yes, yes, where there is a heart to be won, of course you are right, Kitten! But in "my" case-! There, do not let us dwell upon it any longer! I am the greatest brute alive: I have made you cry, and I would not do so for the world!' She gave a shaky laugh. 'Only for your sake, dear George! Indeed, I am the happiest creature imaginable, in- in general!' He turned her face up. 'Are you? I hope you may be, for you deserve to be.' She smiled mistily, and because it seemed a natural thing to do under the circumstances, he bent his head, and kissed her. There was nothing at all passionate in this embrace, and Hero had no hesitation in receiving it in the spirit in which it was clearly meant."
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|
compassion-and-kindness
george-wrotham
hero-wantage
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
65a1803
|
"George, who had been standing gripping the back of a chair, demanded in a voice which boded ill for the absent Viscount. 'What has Sherry done to you?' "He has not done anything yet. That is why I had to run away, to prevent him! I could not bear it, I "could" not!' 'By God!' George swore, his brilliant eyes beginning to smolder. 'Only tell me!' Mr Ringwood emerged from his stupefaction at this point. He poured himself out some brandy, tossed it off, and set down the glass with the air of a man who was now competent to deal with any emergency. 'Hold your tongue, George!' he commanded tersely. 'So Sherry's home, is he, Kitten?' She nodded, two large tears rolling down her cheeks. 'I take it it's this curst race of yours?' 'Yes. How could I have been so wicked and stupid as to- Oh, Ferdy, if I had but listened to you this morning!' He shook his head sadly. 'Pity,' he agreed. 'Thought so at the time.' 'But even then it would have been too late, for Sherry says they are betting on me in the clubs, and my reputation is quite ruined! Everyone is talking of me, b-bandying my name about-' 'Let anyone bandy your name about in my presence!' said George, grinding his teeth. 'Only let them mention your name, that's all I ask! "I" shall know what to do if Sherry don't!"
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|
hero-wantage
protectiveness
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Georgette Heyer |
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ceb8acc
|
Ferdy, who had been standing with his mouth open, staring, suddenly rose superbly to the occasion, and offered his arm to Hero with a graceful bow. 'Let me escort you back to the ballroom!' he said. 'Yes, but- Sherry, you must not mind George's kissing me!' said Hero, looking from one to the other in a little dismay. 'Indeed, there was not the least harm in it, was there, George?' 'Dear Kitten,' promptly replied George, bowing with even more grace than Ferdy, 'there was much pleasure!
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|
hero-wantage
|
Georgette Heyer |
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af33fd9
|
Get up, brat, and for the lord's sake, smooth your hair! You look the most complete romp!' Miss Wantage did her best to comply with this direction, but without any marked degree of success. Fortunately, the exigencies of the particular mode of hairdressing affected by his lordship obliged him to carry a comb upon his person. He produced this, dragged it through the soft, tangled curls, tied the hood-strings under Hero's chin, and, after a critical survey, said that it would answer well enough. Miss Wantage smiled trustfully up at him, and the Viscount made a discovery. 'You look just like a kitten!' She laughed. 'No, do I, Sherry?' 'Yes, you do. I think it's your silly little nose,' said the Viscount, flicking it with a careless forefinger. 'That, or the trick you have of staring at a fellow with your eyes wide open. I think I shall call you Kitten. It suits you better than Hero, which I always thought a nonsensical name for a girl.' 'Oh, it is the greatest affliction to me!' she exclaimed. 'You can have no notion, Sherry! I would much rather you should call me Kitten.
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|
hero-and-anthony
hero-wantage
nickname
kitten
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Georgette Heyer |
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90956ac
|
Nothing could have appealed more strongly to Miss Wantage's youthful taste, so as soon as she had changed the chip-straw hat for an Angouleme bonnet of white thread-net trimmed with lace, she sallied forth once more with Mr. Ringwood, tripping beside him with all the assurance of one who knew herself to be dressed in the pink of fashion. The Angouleme bonnet most becomingly framed her face; she had taken great pains to comb her curls into modish ringlets; and if the figured muslin gown was less dashing than a certain pomona green silk which Mr. Ringwood had assured her, in some agitation, Sherry wouldn't like at all, no fault could be found with her little blue kid shoes, or her expensive gloves and ridicule, or with the sophisticated sun-shade which she carried to the imminent danger of the passers-by.
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|
hero-wantage
shopping
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
db7f4b1
|
Later, when she appeared before him in the sea-green gauze, he stared at her in great surprise, and said: By Jove, he had never thought she could look so well! Encouraged by this tribute, Hero showed him a cloak of green sarsnet trimmed with swansdown, which she had purchased that morning, and upon his expressing his unqualified approval of this garment, confided, a little nervously, that she feared he might, when he came to see the bill, think it a trifle dear.
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|
hero-and-anthony
hero-wantage
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
64f4e67
|
"The Honorable Ferdy, who had been pondering at intervals all day how his cousin's wife came by such a peculiar name, now introduced a new note into the conversation by saying suddenly, 'Can't make it out at all! You're sure you've got that right, Sherry?' 'Got what right?' 'Hero,' said Ferdy, frowning. 'Look at it which way you like, it don't make sense. For one thing, a hero ain't a female, and for another it ain't a "name." At least,' he added cautiously, 'it ain't one I've ever heard of. Ten to one you've made one of your muffs, Sherry!' 'Oh no, I truly am called Hero!' the lady assured him. 'It's out of Shakespeare.' 'Oh, out of "Shakespeare," is it?' said Ferdy. 'That accounts for my not having heard it before.' 'You're out of Shakespeare too,' said Hero, helping herself liberally from a dish of green peas. 'I am?' Ferdy exclaimed, much struck. 'Yes, in the "Tempest," I think.' 'Well, if that don't beat all!' Ferdy said, looking around at his friends. 'She says I'm out of Shakespeare! Must tell my father that. Shouldn't think he knows."
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|
shakespeare
hero-wantage
name
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
5e37b78
|
Hero soon lost interest in the conversation, and left her chair to go and look out of the window into the busy street. When the Viscount at last rose to go she was employed in drawing faces on the dusty window-panes. 'If ever I saw such a troublesome chit!' exclaimed Sherry. 'Now look at your glove! What's more, I dare say Stoke don't like to have his windows looking like that.' Mr. Stoke, watching in some amusement her ladyship's conscience-stricken scrutiny of one dirty finger-tip, said that he thought her window sketches brightened the room, and earned a grateful smile.
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|
hero-wantage
whimsical
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
24e7000
|
Hero was left with Mr. Stoke, and at once shocked and enchanted him by confiding that she had no notion how many servants she ought to employ, but hoped he would not think it necessary for her to have too many. 'For I dare say I shan't know how to go on at all. At least, just at first I shall not, though I expect I shall soon get into the way of it.' Finally, it was decided that a cook, a butler, two abigails, and a page-boy or footman should, in addition to his lordship's man, her ladyship's personal maid, a coachman, two grooms, and the Tiger, be sufficient to ensure the young couple a moderate degree of comfort. Mr. Stoke engaged himself to interview all menials applying for the various posts, and to hire those he considered the most desirable. He then took his leave of his patrons and went away in an extremely thoughtful mood.
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|
hero-wantage
thoughtfulness
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
bcc1b33
|
When Hero learned that she was now the owner of no fewer than three carriages and eight horses, she turned quite pink, and after struggling for a few moments to express herself suitably, stammered out: 'Oh, Sherry, it is just like K-King Cophetua and the beggar-maid!' 'Who the devil was he?' demanded Sherry. 'Well, I don't precisely remember, but he married a beggar-maid, and gave her everything she wanted.' 'Sounds to me like a hum,' said her skeptical husband. 'Besides, what's the fellow got to do with us?' 'Only that you made me think of him,' said Hero, smiling mistily up at him.
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|
hero-and-anthony
hero-wantage
|
Georgette Heyer |
|
f9c33aa
|
Did you come here alone, Kitten?' 'No, Maria is with me. She is my maid, and oh, I never knew how much she liked me until to-day, for she never seemed to like me at all! But- but she came to me when Sherry had gone away, and she said a piece out of the Bible, about Ruth and Naomi, in the most touching way, and she is in the hall now, with my baggage, for I could not carry anything besides my clock and the canary, and those I had to bring!' Ferdy surveyed these two necessary adjuncts to a lady's baggage rather doubtfully. 'Dare say you're right,' he said. 'Very handsome timepiece.' 'Gil gave it to me for a wedding present,' Hero explained, her tears beginning to flow again. 'I have your bracelet too, and how could I bear to leave Gil's dear little canary? It is named after him! And Sherry- Sherry does not love it as I do, and perhaps he might give it away.' 'Quite right to bring it,' said Ferdy firmly. 'Company for you.
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|
friends
gilbert-ringwood
hero-wantage
wedding-gifts
familial-love
|
Georgette Heyer |