Ice Angel by Elizabeth Hanbury Page A

allowed to join in.’
    Julia laughed. ‘It’s true – I was a hoyden who didn’t enjoy the more sedate activities that girls are supposed to adhere to.’
    ‘Then you have four older brothers, Lady Julia?’ queried Isabella, a trace of envy in her voice. As a child, with no mother and only an elderly father for company, she had spent many lonely hours longing for siblings and the halcyon view of childhood described by Lord Bramwell struck a chord – it was exactly what she would wish for Dominic.
    ‘Oh no – Hal and Theodore are older, but Lukas and Hugo, who are twins, are sixteen and still at school.’ Julia gave Isabella a mischievous smile and added, ‘However, it is only Hal who tries to be high-handed with me—’
    ‘—and fails miserably,’ observed her brother in a dry voice. ‘Julia is more than a match for her brothers, Lady Vane, both in spirit and obduracy.’
    Isabella joined in with the laughter that followed this remark and began to relax. Julia’s manner was warm and refreshingly open and it was clear that Lord Bramwell was very fond of his sister.
    Half an hour later, Isabella had also realized that he was knowledgeable, with intelligent opinions on a number of subjects. He was well versed on the situation in Europe, including Wellington’s imminent replacement at the Congress of Vienna, but he interspersed this with gently satirical observations on some of the ridiculous figures in London society and gave sensible advice on which attractions to visit and which to avoid. She found herself enjoying his company more than she had anticipated, but the instant this thought registered, she became alarmed at her weakness and her reserve returned. Isabella knew she would be happy to cultivate a friendship with Lady Julia, but her nerves soon felt strained to breaking point by Lord Bramwell’s presence. She managed to remain outwardly self-possessed, willing the visit to end, and yet, when her visitors rose to leave, disappointment mingled with her relief.
    ‘I am certain, Isabella—’ Julia hesitated as she collected her reticule. ‘You do not mind if I call you Isabella? I feel as if we have been acquainted for far longer than an hour.’
    ‘Not at all – indeed, I wish you would,’ replied Isabella.
    ‘Then I am certain, Isabella, that we shall be firm friends. I shall introduce you to my mother as soon as can be arranged and, as well as sending you an invitation to my come-out ball, Mama and I will ensure you receive Almack’s vouchers.’
    Isabella paled and stammered, ‘Th-thank you, but it is out of the question – we cannot attend.’
    ‘Why ever not?’ said Julia, looking at her in surprise. ‘I understood you have put off your black gloves?’
    ‘No! I mean, yes, I am not in mourning any longer, but …’ began Isabella.
    Julia raised her brows and remarked brightly, ‘Then I shall allow no objections – to keep your beauty hidden would be scandalous and besides, you deserve a little enjoyment and we shall have the pleasure of providing some of it. Don’t you agree, Hal?’
    ‘It would be a pity to deny the ton your company, Lady Vane,’ he said, smiling.
    Isabella had no choice but to accede, even though the notion of going into society filled her with dread. However, since she could not articulate her reasons for this, she remained silent. Her cheeks grew warm under Lord Bramwell’s shrewd grey gaze and she felt relieved that his visit was about to end.
    But just as she was preparing to show her visitors out, the door was flung open by a tearful Dominic, who rushed into the room and threw his arms around his mother.
    ‘Mama! You must come!’ he cried. ‘I let Jemima out of her cage, and then Joshua came in the room and tried to catch her. Now she won’t come down and … and … Joshua is stuck on top of the fireplace! Aunt Harriet has tried to help, but she couldn’t catch him, and Mary and Silwood both look very cross. They said I shouldn’t disturb you, but