Ice Angel by Elizabeth Hanbury

her from snatching a few moments alone with Hal.
    Portland would not notice her absence; he went to his club every evening and Felicity had even had to insist that he reserve a box at Drury Lane on Friday instead of going to Watier’s again. However, she knew she would soon welcome Portland being away from home as it would provide her with more opportunities to enjoy Hal’s virile company. She smiled, this time with satisfaction, as she began to search her jewel box for a necklace and ear-rings to match her gown.
     
    ‘I wonder why Hal decided to book a box for us at the theatre?’ asked Julia, as she sat waiting for her brother in the drawing-room.
    ‘It is rather odd,’ mused Lady Bramwell. ‘He was most particular that it must be tonight too.’
    ‘Perhaps this has something to do with Isabella – Hal seems animated recently.’
    ‘I had noticed.’ Marguerite looked at her daughter and added, ‘I have also noticed that you have been subdued since Freddy’s visit.’
    Julia gave a weak smile, but said quietly, ‘We quarrelled and it was partly my fault. I – I want to apologize and have sent Freddy a note asking him to call.’
    ‘I’m afraid it must wait a little longer, Julia: Hal tells me that Freddy has gone to the Newmarket races. He was in high dudgeon, it seems, and wanted no company.’
    ‘He did not tell me he was leaving town,’ said Julia, startled at this news.
    ‘If you have quarrelled, that might explain his sudden departure .’ Lady Bramwell had a good idea of what had passed between her daughter and Mr Isherwood; Julia was a vivacious but headstrong girl and Freddy was as much in love and jealous as any young man could be. She studied Julia from under her lashes, and continued, ‘However, he will definitely be attending your ball next week. Hal made him promise to be there so you can speak to him then.’
    Julia’s expression brightened. ‘I am relieved to hear it – I dreaded hearing that he would not come.’
    Hal, who came into the room at that moment, raised his brows in surprise on seeing his sister. ‘So you are here already, Julia. I thought you would need at least another hour to finish dressing – indeed, I was sure we would miss the first act.’
    Julia was obliged to laugh. ‘Wretch! I am quite ready, as you see.’
    ‘What is a sister for, if not to tease a little?’ replied Hal, wryly. He kissed his mother on the cheek and said, ‘Do not wait up. We will be late, so you shall hear our review tomorrow.’
    ‘Enjoy your evening and take care to acknowledge everyone of our acquaintance,’ said Lady Bramwell.
    They set off for Drury Lane, and Hal was not surprised to see the crush of people there. The theatres provided another arena for social display, and the play usually came a poor second to the gossip. Hal had no time for the flirting and chatter that were, for most of the ton , an essential accompaniment to the performance , but he wanted to be here this evening after overhearing that Sir Seymour had booked a box. He was desperate to see Isabella again and also admitted that he was jealous of Dinny enjoying her company.
    Hal had suffered moments of doubt in the last two days. He meant every word that he had said to Isabella, but he was afraid that he had spoken out too soon. She might even refuse to see or speak to him again, a situation he could not bear to contemplate because she had become integral to his life. However, he could not help declaring a little of how he felt and hoped that in doing so he had not frightened her away. Isabella was like a spring flower emerging in the sun; some terrible hurt had caused her to retreat from the world and now her feelings were slowly beginning to unfurl.
    He and Julia went through the entrance hall and climbed the elegant staircase to find their box. Chandeliers hung from the domed roof, illuminating the crowded pit and, as they took their seats and waited for the performance to begin, Julia scanned the faces among the