Lady Ellingham and the Theft of the Stansfield Necklace: A Regency Romance by Miriam Rochester Page A

of him.  She
found him attractive and somewhat mysterious and desired to be near him but at
the same time, she lived with the constant fear of discovery.  Would he by some
quirk of fate recognise her as the youth who had burgled him or the mysterious Lady
in the grey pelisse?  She found the possibility of detection unnerving and yet
exciting at the same time. She could always deny it of course but she did not
think herself a very good liar.
          The Lealholme
carriage arrived at Lady Lancaster’s London Mansion along with many others.
Felicity alighted along with Richard and her mother and they made their way
into the hallway amidst the thronging crowds.   Lady Lancaster was obviously
abreast with the times for instead of candles lighting up the rooms and
passages she had installed gas lighting. The innovation was relatively new.
Westminster Bridge had been lit up only a few years before in 1813 but it was
still relatively new in homes. Felicity looked about in wonder for they still
had not such a luxury in Upper Brook Street.  The ballroom itself was ablaze
with light, highlighting the many landscape paintings that adorned the wood
panelling.   Lady Lancaster was obviously an ardent admirer and collector of
art.  The ballroom was awash with the colour of autumn flowers planted in
ornamental stands and situated in the alcoves.  The flowers gave off a
wonderful fresh, sweet aroma and added to the ambience of the room.  The
atmosphere was thrilling and expectant and Felicity was excited.
          The Countess
spotted her friends Mr and Mrs Haswell with their daughter Patricia standing
beside one of the flower displays half way down the ballroom and together with
Richard and Felicity; she weaved her way through the crowd to meet them. The
music had not yet started but the musicians were limbering up to start and
people were standing in groups happily chatting, drinking and arranging their
dance partners.
          Felicity had just
granted Mr Haswell her hand for a country-dance when Alex Sheraton walked up to
the little group.  As he had not been introduced to most of the company, he
addressed Richard. ‘Good Evening Lord Lealholme.  I am pleased to see you
looking well, would you be kind enough to introduce me to your charming family
and friends.’
          Considering the
occurrences of this last week, Richard could hardly refuse and made his
introductions.   Felicity of course he already knew, but for the sake of
appearances, Richard made the introduction anyway and presented the others in
turn.  Thorndale gave the Countess his most boyish, charming smile and asked
her if she would honour him with a country-dance.  After Richards’s portrayal
of him the previous week, The Countess was slightly taken aback and looked at
her son for some indication that she should refuse. None was forthcoming, and
not wishing to appear rude she reluctantly but gracefully accepted.  As they
had just arrived, her dance card was free and the first dance of the evening
was to be a Minuet. She pencilled in the Marquis’ name and nodded her thanks.
           Thorndale after
having procured dances from Mrs Haswell and Patricia respectively turned his
attention to Felicity.  Felicity took out her dance card which of course had
only one entry, that of Mr Haswell, and she was just about to suggest her
preference when Thorndale held out his hand. ‘May I?’ he asked as he took the
card from her hand.  He ran his keen eyes swiftly through the list and marked
his name next to all three waltzes of the evening. Handing the card back he gave
her a mischievous smile and kissed the laced fingers of her gloved hand.  His
unorthodox behaviour had not gone unnoticed and Lady Ellingham gave Richard a
disapproving look.  Thorndale noticed and grinned, The Countess would have to get
used to his ways but it would not hurt to treat her with the respect she
deserved in the hope that she would warm to him.  He would have to