Sussex Summer by Lucy Muir

climbed into it with bolstered confidence.
    * * * *
    When the Hamptons were shown into the green drawing room at Haverton Park, they discovered they were the first of the guests to arrive. Jane suspected Lady Tremaine had sent the carriage early so Fanny would meet Jamie with no onlookers from outside the family, and appreciated her delicacy of thought. Lord Tremaine, dressed like Mr. Hampton in a blue coat and cream breeches, welcomed the Hamptons warmly and drew the clergyman aside for a talk. Lady Tremaine, attractive in a high-waisted gown of green-and-yellow-striped lutestring, bade the sisters sit on a green brocade sofa and took a seat across from them.
    “You both look charmingly,” the viscountess complimented them, and her obvious sincerity appeared to lessen Fanny's nervousness.
    "Edward and James will join us shortly," Lady Tremaine continued as Fanny glanced about the room, obviously looking for the Tremaine’s sons.
    Even as Lady Tremaine spoke, the two brothers entered the room, and Jane felt Fanny tense beside her. While Edward and James paid their respects to Mr. Hampton, Jane regarded them critically. Edward was looking much better in one of the new suits made to fit his newly-slim figure, but the tailoring was obviously country—a coat, waistcoat, and breeches all of plain olive green. Jamie, in contrast, was complete to a shade in a bright yellow coat, skin-tight cerulean blue nankin pantaloons, a red neckcloth, and striped waistcoat. As he and Edward turned from Mr. Hampton to greet the sisters, Jane noticed that Jamie appeared quite ill-at-ease. As well he might, thought Jane indignantly.
    "Good evening, Miss Hampton, Miss Fanny," Edward said easily. "I am pleased you were able to come this evening."
    As Jane and Fanny responded to Edward's greeting, Jane saw Jamie start when he finally directed his gaze at Fanny. Jane could tell by his expression that Jamie was surprised to see Fanny looking so well, and she felt easier for her sister.
    "Good evening, Miss Hampton, Miss Fanny,” James muttered, repeating his brother's words. "Must say you're looking well. Pleased to see you at Haverton Park again, Fan."
    "Thank you," Fanny said briefly, a trace of irony in her voice evident to Jane's ear.
    The other guests began to arrive, and Fanny was spared a long conversation with Jamie. Baron Archer and his family were the first. Lady Archer was a handsome woman of middle age who was a close friend of Lady Tremaine's. Her son, Christopher, was of the same age as Jamie, and they also were close friends. Marianne, the Archer’s only daughter, was a shy girl of seventeen, not yet out.
    The Archers all expressed their pleasure at seeing Fanny back in society, and Fanny’s apprehension appeared to lessen. Marianne, who had always admired the older girl, immediately took a seat by her side; Fanny's changed appearance had evidently not caused her to go down in the younger girl’s esteem. Christopher, too, stayed near Fanny and engaged her in conversation. The hunted expression Fanny had had when she first entered the drawing room vanished, and Jane began to relax.
    The vicar of the parish, Mr. Fairchild, and his wife arrived soon after the Archers, along with Squire Shirley and his lady. The children of these couples were too young to attend a dinner, and had been left at home. The Archers and Shirleys also expressed their pleasure at seeing Fanny in society again, but Fanny was not the centre of curiosity and speculation she, and Jane too, if she were honest, had feared. Most of the speculation was about the new earl as they waited expectantly for his arrival, curious to see what their new neighbour was like.
    "Charles Grandville, the Earl of Staplefield," Dawkins finally announced with a flourish.
    Everyone looked to the door of the drawing room and conversation ceased. The new earl paused a moment at the door before advancing into the room. Jane sensed he knew of the curiosity surrounding him and was purposely