La Bella Isabella Read Online Free Page A

ladies, all chattering at once about ball gowns, bonnets, and baubles, created many decibels.
    After twice clapping her hands for attention, Amanda climbed onto a chair and then clapped harder and louder. This time, she was heeded, and the noise gradually subsided. “ Sooo grateful,” she drawled, drawing giggles. “And my dears, I am so pleased you all managed to make it here today in this inclement weather.” More giggles. “Has anyone any problems? Are there any worries?”
    “Only Mr. Lennonford insisting he wants to write an ode to my shoulders,” said one young debutant scornfully. “I may have only come out properly this year, but really.” She wrinkled her nose. “My shoulders, for goodness’ sake. I had to attend a dreadfully boring poetry evening with my mama last night—for that.” Her tone showed her disgust. “I would so much rather have been elsewhere.”
    There was more general laughter and some good-natured ribbing. Lady Elizabeth Brightstone, the young lady in question, might have only just been presented, but in the vernacular of the day, was more than up to snuff. Three older brothers had seen to that.
    “Anything else?” Amanda wondered what the reaction would be if she said she thought she might be about to have problems. Of the large lord male variety. However, she merely laughed along with the others before turning to the real business of the day.
    “Well ladies, I believe from what I hear, La Bella Isabella and her Dancing Girls gave another very successful performance last night. I think they should be congratulated.”
    “Where did you hear that?” Elizabeth asked in an interested voice. “I never hear any such interesting on-dits.”
    “Brothers at the breakfast table,” Amanda replied. “They didn’t know I was outside the door.”
    “They don’t go to the performances, do they?” Judith, who was more than half in unreciprocated love with Stephen, Amanda’s eldest brother, asked her anxiously.
    “My elder brothers? No. Only Michael has any idea of our doings, and he is sworn to secrecy. I know so much about him; he is with us. The others? From what they were saying, they don’t get one of the coveted invites and are wondering how to get their names on the list. Such a shame it will never happen.”
    “Never?” Judith persisted.
    “I wouldn’t think it was likely, would you?” Amanda said with a smile. “So, shall we practice our dancing?
    There was general assent. Amanda, only daughter of doting parents, was in most gentlemen’s minds, on the shelf. At four and twenty, she had enjoyed several seasons and refused many offers. Tall, dark-haired with deeply penetrating dark gray eyes, she had a figure many of her friends—and nonfriends—were envious of. But luckily, her sunny nature and lack of malice prevented catty remarks about her single state. Only she and her parents knew why she had refused any offer made to her, and diffused even more before they were made. And it was not a reason she cared to think about until she had to.
    “No music today, unfortunately, but I’m sure we will manage. Ready? One two and…”
    The girls began to dance, their natural rhythm more than making up for the lack of music. For almost half an hour, they smoothly changed tempo and dances, finishing with a very bawdy number that they would certainly not see at any ball they attended. Laughing and flushed, Amanda went to the bell pull to ask for refreshments. “Whilst I remember, ladies, I thought you might be interested to know that La Bella Isabella and her Dancing Girls have no engagements for two weeks. The weather, you know. Not, I think, because the ladies would have any problems in accessing their venue, but because the gentlemen might.”
    There was a universal howl of laughter at this remark. It was well-known no gentleman wanted to flaunt the fact to others less fortunate that he was a chosen invitee, so most walked or used handsome cabs to get to the venues. As many