Sir Philip's Folly (The Poor Relation Series Book 4) by M. C. Beaton Page B

you would… you would like to see me at the ball, to see me being brought out, then… then she might just let me go.”
    The idea of being a father to this girl made him feel jaded and old, but he had to accept the good sense of what she was saying. But he hesitated. “Perhaps I will put this idea of yours to those odd people at the hotel. They have a great deal of good sense.”
    They walked into Green Park past the lodge. The sunlight sparkled on the waters of the reservoir. There were no Fashionables about. The hour was too early. “There is a certain freedom in being a servant,” commented the earl.
    “Only to pretend servants,” said Arabella. “Were I a real servant I would hardly ever get out. There is no real freedom for any woman.” She gave a little sigh. “I am plotting and planning with you and the others to make my come-out without ever considering the end of it.”
    “Happily ever after?”
    “Only in rare cases, I think. I will need to reward Mama for my clothes and my dowry by marrying well. Provided the gentleman is willing and rich enough, I will not be allowed to refuse his offer. Then I will be led to his bed to bear his children, one after another, until I am too old.”
    “So young and so cynical,” he mocked. “Marriage often means freedom for any lady. She has her own establishment, her own servants. Her husband is often in his club or on the hunting field. She has her own circle of friends…”
    “And takes lovers, or so I have heard,” interrupted Arabella.
    He looked down at her half-exasperated, half-amused. “Do you never dream of romance, of love?”
    “Yes,” she said simply, thinking of all her rosy dreams of being married to
him
. “But, you see, I know they are dreams and nothing more. I read novels but I am sensible enough to know that they are only stories.”
    He felt a stab of pity for her. She should have been surrounded by friends of her own age, giggling about beaux, talking about gowns.
    “I am sure you will find happiness,” he said. “Does Lady Carruthers attend Lord Fremley’s banquet this evening?”
    “I believe so. The footman said something about it when he brought in my supper.”
    “You are not even allowed to go to the hotel dining-room?”
    “Not even when I am supposed to be well.”
    “I have accepted an invitation to the banquet but I can always send my man to say I am unwell. You have the key to your room. Perhaps, after the hotel dinner has been served, we can meet the others in the sitting-room and discuss the ball. Now I have spoken to the prince, it must go ahead.”
    Her eyes shone at the idea of seeing him again so soon. He took her arm in his and they strolled under the trees and he told her of his home, Bramley Hall.
    “Do you have children?” asked Arabella.
    “No, no children. My wife was in poor health. I think after this famous ball I shall return to the country. I am not really happy in Town.”
    Her eyes clouded over. She thought, I would be happy anywhere with him. Why cannot he feel the same for me?
    “How is Mr. Davy getting along with Mrs. Budge?” she asked after a short silence.
    “That is something we must find out.” She glowed at that “we.” “He is a charming fellow.”
    “He sang most beautifully that evening,” said Arabella. “If he is that good, then why is he not employed?”
    “Unless one is a Kean, a Garrick, or a Siddons, actors can be easily forgotten. The managers have their favourites. Perhaps I will see if there is anything I can do for him. It is a pity he has been hired to flirt with Mrs. Budge.”
    “Why?”
    “Miss Tonks is a lonely lady, I think. Mr. Davy is a courteous gentleman.”
    “Oh, but Letitia is so unworldly in her way and Mr. Davy would surely find her very tame and dull compared to the actresses he has known.”
    “He might find her a refreshing change. I must say the hotel fascinates me. I look forward to spending the evening in their sitting-room. Besides, as I said, I