Belgrave Square - Anne Perry [25]
In the distance the band had begun the valse.
“If you will permit me?” Charlotte seized the opportunity to abandon the subject and move away.
But they would not permit her to escape so easily.
“Did you enjoy it, Mrs. Pitt?” the pink lady inquired with great interest.
“I beg your pardon?” Charlotte was totally confused.
“Ruddigore!” the lady explained patiently.
“I regret I have not seen it,” Charlotte admitted. “I wonder—”
“Oh you must! I am sure—”
“Of course.” Vespasia cut across and took Charlotte by the arm. “We are monopolizing you, my dear. Come with me, I shall introduce Lady Byam to you. I am sure you will find her most agreeable.” And without permitting anyone to interrupt her again, she swept Charlotte away.
“You did that on purpose,” Charlotte whispered fiercely.
“Of course,” Vespasia agreed without a shred of remorse. “Laetitia Fox is a fool and not a particularly pleasant one. She bores me silly. But you will like Eleanor Byam, and her husband is a most important man. He has great power not only in the Treasury, but within political circles in general. His approval will help Jack. Although of course Lord Anstiss is the one whose patronage you really need.”
“Tell me more about him,” Charlotte requested. “I know he is a great patron of the arts and has benefited many galleries and theaters, and that he has also given a great deal of money to charities of all natures, but what is he like as a person? What are his tastes, his likes and dislikes? What shall I speak to him of?”
“You want a great deal, my dear.” Vespasia nodded courteously to people as they passed. She knew and was known by almost everyone who mattered in society, although few of them could claim more than an acquaintance with her.
Charlotte glanced at the band, who were still playing vigorously; the center of the floor was swirling with dancers.
“Regina Carswell,” Vespasia said absently as they passed the Carswells engaged in conversation with a group of elderly gentlemen. “Agreeable woman, and more sense than many, but three more daughters to marry, and that is no easy task, especially when they are all much the same.”
“But she has both position and money,” Charlotte pointed out as they skirted around a general in scarlet and two subordinates.
“Indeed. Addison Carswell is a magistrate,” Vespasia agreed. “But three daughters is still a formidable task. It is to her credit that she has kept any sense of proportion at all.”
“Lord Anstiss,” Charlotte prompted.
“I heard you, Charlotte. He is a man used to great power, great wealth and the respect that those things bring with them, the ability to support arts and sciences as he wishes.” Vespasia accepted a glass of chilled champagne from a footman in livery. “To patronize individuals and causes,” she continued, “which of course means people court his favor. All this considered, he is remarkably gracious and restrained.” She nodded to an acquaintance. “There is nothing vulgar about him and he abhors ostentation, although he does enjoy good company and is not so noble as to despise admiration.”
“Very good,” Charlotte said softly. “Do you like him?”
“That is irrelevant,” Vespasia replied.
“You don’t.”
“I neither like nor dislike him,” Vespasia said in defense. “I know him only publicly. He has qualities I admire, and his acts I certainly approve. Personally I have spoken with him little.” She sipped her champagne. “Although he has intelligence, and that always appeals. No my dear, you will have to make up your mind yourself. Just remember he has great power, never forget that, and at the moment it is Jack who matters.”
“I shan’t.”
Vespasia smiled.
“Thank you,” Charlotte said sincerely.
“Then you had better be about your duties,” Vespasia prompted, and Charlotte obediently took her leave, at least temporarily. And since Emily had also stressed his importance, she felt it obligatory to make a specific effort to speak again to Lord Anstiss and assure as far as it was possible that he was in good company and aware of his welcome.
She found him with little