The Belle Dames Club Read Online Free

come out wearing that dead-and-done-for look?’ Barnabus Norwell shook his head at his friend’s sober mien. ‘For God’s sake man, smile .’
    Marius Lexington, ninth Earl of Alresford, raised his black brows.
    ‘I am not aware that I look so gloomy. It must be my nature.’
    ‘That I cannot allow! I think it is that you have got out of the habit of being sociable. When we were boys together you were awake upon every suit, always ready to run a rig.’
    ‘But I have grown up since then.’
    ‘Grown old, more like. There is still much to enjoy in life, Marius. I vow you are my despair.’
    Only someone as well acquainted with Lord Alresford as Mr Norwell would have noticed the slight softening of his look.
    ‘I admit I am a trial to you, Barny. I do not know why you bother with me.’
    ‘Because you are a good friend, and you can be excellent company when you wish to be.’
    ‘But I so dislike occasions such as these. The false smiles and simpering looks – the matrons determined to catch a husband for some fusby-faced daughter.’
    Mr Norwell gave a crack of laughter.
    ‘The matrons gave up trying to catch you years ago, Marius. And you may as well try to enjoy yourself. Mama is bringing Margaret to town next week and you know very well she will be calling upon you as an escort.’
    ‘I shall tell her I am otherwise engaged.’
    ‘Oh no you will not,’ retorted Mr Norwell hotly. ‘If you think I’ll go gallivanting around town with m’sister on my own you are wrong. As our cousin it is your duty to attend us! So you must brush up your social skills, my friend.’
    Lord Alresford did not reply, his attention caught by a group just entering the ballroom and he laid a hand on his friend’s arm.
    ‘Well then, I had best make a start. Will you introduce me to a lady, Barnabus?’
    Mr Norwell’s eyes gleamed hopefully.
    ‘A lady? A young lady, Marius?’
    ‘Yes, Lady Wyckenham’s companion. But do not jump to conclusions, sir. I merely wish to be civil.’
    ‘Well, I know Lady Wyckenham, so let us begin there.’

CHAPTER SIX
    ‘Dear ma’am, I have been away for so long it is like coming to town for the first time.’ Clarissa paused as they entered theball-room, momentarily stunned by the noise and bustle and light. ‘Everything and everyone is new to me.’
    Lady Wyckenham smiled up at her.
    ‘Believe me no one looking at you would think you apprehensive . I have little doubt that I shall be besieged by your admirers tonight.’
    ‘Mama-Nell!’
    ‘It is true – and here come the first two now. Good evening, Mr Norwell.’
    Lady Wyckenham turned her wide smile upon the young man, who bowed over her gloved fingers.
    ‘Your servant, ma’am.’
    ‘And where is your lovely wife this evening, Mr Norwell? I made sure to see her here.’
    ‘Oh Julia is here, ma’am, dancing, I think. But never mind that: I have brought with me a friend, who is most anxious to meet you. Pray allow me to present the Earl of Alresford to you, ma’am.’
    Lady Wyckenham’s shrewd gaze flickered over the young men, noting their surreptitious glances at Clarissa, who was standing a little behind her. My lady smiled: it was not at all surprising. Clarissa had always been a spirited little thing, but now, dressed in a deceptively simple cream muslin, a slight blush suffusing her cheek and the candlelight glinting on her luxuriant dark hair, Lady Wyckenham felt a glow of pride for her stepdaughter, as she presented the gentlemen to her. They had not been in the ballroom five minutes and already the child was a hit!
    Mr Norwell laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder.
    ‘Well well, Alresford, this is fortunate! Since Miss Wyckenham is so new to Town she has no dances reserved and you will be able to take advantage of her state and lead her out – what say you, sir?’
    Lord Alresford’s naturally sombre look deepened to a frown.
    ‘Barnabus you are too forward.’
    ‘No, no – you ain’t promised for this dance are