Shadows in the Night

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  On the Wednesday, having discovered the whereabouts of Wentworth Hall from Mrs Knight and finding it was within walking distance, Julia set off in fitful sunshine, accompanied by Smithers. After some forty minutes they came to the entrance of Sir Henry’s establishment and paused to look around. Sheep grazed contentedly in the surrounding fields, and, beyond the fields, the vista opened out to the Romney Marshes with a glimpse of the sea in the distance. Away to the east lay the steep hill of Rye with the old Cinque Port perched dramatically on its summit.

  Julia and Smithers made their way to the front door whereupon they were duly ushered into a yellow salon by the butler. They were greeted by the charming sight of Lady Wentworth with her daughters grouped around her, examining a fashion pictorial.

  After the first exclamations of surprise, Julia was made welcome while Smithers was taken by Lady Wentworth’s abigail to the housekeeper’s room. For the next hour, Julia was subjected to a quizzing on life at Court, the royal family, London fashions and town topics in general. In turn, she learned that the eldest son of the household was serving in the army; that Harry, the second son, was studying for Holy Orders; and Gareth, the youngest, was away at school.

  ‘The reason Susan is currently at home and not enjoying a London season is due to an unfortunate attack of quinsy from which she is now almost fully recovered. It is to be hoped she will return to her Aunt Maria in the next few weeks,’ Lady Wentworth whispered to Julia. It was before the season’s end that a certain party was expected to declare himself.

  Her daughters, meanwhile, argued over the merits of a swansdown-trimmed cape in the pictorial. With Caroline due to come out next year, it was imperative that Susan was spoken for as it simply wouldn’t do for Caroline to beat her sister to the post in the marriage stakes. Julia recognised the propriety of this, as the beauteous Caroline would put any young lady in the shade. While Lady Wentworth chatted on, Julia had a sudden vision of Philip Stratton’s face before her and so found herself consciously forced to concentrate on what her hostess was saying.

  ‘Oh, do say you will come with us, Miss Farraday?’ begged Susan. ‘The new Assembly Rooms in Rye will be of no consequence after what you have been accustomed to, but I would so like you to come with us.’

  Somewhat confused for she had not been fully listening, it was again explained to her that on Saturday night there was to be a ball, which Susan and her parents were attending, and they would be delighted if Julia would accompany them.

  ‘We will collect you in our carriage and return you home in good time, I assure you,’ insisted Lady Wentworth.

  Julia felt sure there was nothing her great uncle could object to and consented readily.

  ‘That is most kind of you and I do assure you I would very much like to see the Assembly Rooms and meet some of the of the county people I have come to live amongst.’

  Caroline, who was too young to attend, was somewhat put out and sighed despondently at the thought of the proposed revelry in which she could not participate.

  As they made their way down the driveway towards home, Smithers prattled on about the Wentworth household and the hospitality she had received, while Julia listened with only half an ear. The talk of her previous life at Court had brought back so many memories and her mind was full of the handsome Mr Stratton, and she wondered if he was still in attendance on the Queen. She forced herself to dismiss Philip Stratton from her mind.

  The breeze had increased and some dark clouds were beginning to look threatening, so Julia urged Smithers to increase her pace and both ladies hurried homewards before the first raindrops fell.