Wife Errant by Joan Smith

to her.
    “There is no question of bringing him up to scratch, Mama. Indeed I do not care for him in that way,”Tess replied. “He is too much like Papa.”
    Mrs. Marchant stored up this leveler for her husband. "I never imagined he could be serious about you,”her mama allowed. “What excuse does he give for calling?”
    Thrown for a loss by the question, Tess said, “I daresay his mama suggested it when I mentioned how little I was getting out.”
    “A fellow like that could destroy your reputation. You had best be busy the next time he calls.”
    “He did introduce me to Evans, and several other young gentlemen,”Tess mentioned.
    “Sly puss! Go on using him then, but no more of these late returns, or your papa will cause mischief.”
    “Will you see Lord James again?”Tess asked.
    “Why would I not, when he is making your papa green with jealousy?”her mother replied, and left laughing.
    “It’s nice to see her in a good mood for a change,”Tess said to her sister. But she had not discovered what she wanted to know. Had Revel dropped Lord James the hint he must continue calling a little longer?
    “I think Lord James is a dead bore,”Dulcie replied, and left in the sulks.
    Cheered by her husband’s efforts to win her, Mrs. Marchant took her daughters to Milsom Street the next morning and bought them all new finery. Neither Esmée Gardener nor Mr. Marchant was spotted. There was no assembly at either the Lower or the Upper Rooms that evening.
    Mrs. Marchant was edgy at the thought of spending a night at home without company. She wondered that James had not called. A moment later, she wondered that Revel had not called, and at last in a fit of boredom, she wondered that Mr. Evans had not called. Through her litany of names, the real question bedeviling her was why Lyle had not called.
    All her wondering and worrying were soon at an end. Lord Revel came, bringing with him their evening’s entertainment. His aunt, Lady Corbeil, was having an impromptu rout party that evening. The ladies must excuse the late invitations, but auntie had just arranged a scrambling little party for a few friends—about fifty in all. There would be dancing, cards for the older folks, and a midnight supper. All exceedingly informal.
    “How very obliging of your aunt. I do not believe I have made Lady Corbeil’s acquaintance,”Mrs. Marchant said leadingly, for she wished to learn whether this invitation had come at Lord James’s behest or Revel’s. If the latter, then the lad was indeed becoming serious. Tess had mentioned the idea coming from Lady Revel, which suggested that dame was pushing for the match. Lou noticed that Revel exchanged a few sly smiles with Tess.
    “Auntie mentioned she had not the pleasure of your acquaintance, but you will know several of her guests. Mama and I will be there, and Cousin James.”
    “To be sure. It sounds lovely, Revel. Your aunt may count on us,”she said graciously, still wondering who had come up with the idea of asking them.
    “I am delighted. No need to write a reply. I am delivering the cards and taking back a verbal answer. Perhaps you would like to come with me, Tess?”Revel suggested, as though an afterthought.
    “She would like it of all things,”Mrs. Marchant said. “We were bored to flinders, sitting here with nothing to do.”Her eyes slid to Dulcie, who might well be included in this little outing. But then there was no saying that Mr. Evans might not call.
    Seeing where she was looking, Revel said to Tess, “I should be leaving immediately.”
    Tess darted upstairs for her new bonnet and pelisse.
    “Don’t be late, dear,”Mrs. Marchant called as Tess and Revel left. That was her only injunction. She would not like to offend Revel when it seemed Tess actually had a possibility of landing this excellent parti.
    When the couple was seated in Revel’s handsome carriage, Tess said, “Do you think you should be out all morning when you are recovering from the