Secret Heiress by Anne Herries Page A

younger girls. Lady Roberts has a very nice daughter, Eliza. I see no reason why you two should not be friends. It will be good for you to have some acquaintances in Bath.’
    â€˜Yes, it will be pleasant when I know more people,’ Eliza agreed, though she was not certain that thedaughter of a titled lady would necessarily wish to know Lady Sarah’s companion.
    â€˜Come, my dear. The horses are standing. Coachman never likes his horses kept standing. We must leave.’
    Eliza helped her to gather her shawl, fan and reticule, and then they went down to the carriage. Lady Sarah whiled away the journey by looking out of the window and pointing out places of interest or people they passed that she happened to know, but the journey only took a few minutes and could easily have been walked.
    The footman came to open the door and let down the steps, helping first Lady Sarah and then Eliza to descend. They went into the hall and then up the stairs, where their hostess was waiting to greet them. Lady Roberts was a tall thin woman with a hooked nose, which her daughter had unfortunately inherited, though she was elegantly dressed. They both greeted Lady Sarah with affection and Eliza politely. Almost immediately, another guest was announced and Eliza noticed that Susanne’s face lit with pleasure, making her look almost pretty. Turning her head to look at the newcomer, Eliza felt a shock of recognition. It seemed that she was destined to meet Mr Seaton yet again.
    â€˜Lord Seaton,’ her hostess gushed. ‘How delightful to see you this evening. We were so pleased you could come—were we not, Susanne?’
    Eliza felt her cheeks flush. He had not told her that he was Lord Seaton and she felt foolish for having misused his name several times.
    â€˜Yes, Mama,’ Susanne replied and giggled shyly. It was clear that she believed he had come for the purpose of seeing her and enjoyed the prospect of being courted.
    â€˜I was happy to be invited, ma’am.’ His gaze movedto Lady Sarah and then Eliza. His expression did not change, though Eliza noticed a little pulse flicking at his temple.
    â€˜Have you met my good friend Lady Sarah Manners and her companion Miss Eliza Bancroft?’
    â€˜I do not think I have had the honour of meeting Lady Sarah,’ Daniel replied. ‘However, I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Bancroft at my uncle’s estate a few weeks ago. I trust you are well, Miss Bancroft?’
    â€˜Yes, thank you, my lord. ’
    â€˜Ah, yes, the dear earl.’ Lady Roberts moved smoothly on, obviously not impressed that he should acknowledge acquaintance with a mere companion. ‘I believe he was not well a few months back.’
    â€˜My uncle still mourns the loss of his son,’ Daniel replied with a frown. ‘I think his health is well enough otherwise.’
    â€˜Yes, such a sad occurrence.’ Lady Roberts looked at her daughter pointedly. ‘You are released, Susanne. Take our guests into the drawing room. I have only one more guest to greet and then I shall join you.’
    Susanne looked expectantly at Lord Seaton. He offered his arm and they moved forwards into the large drawing room, where Lord Roberts was entertaining three other guests and a footman was standing with a tray of champagne. Eliza followed with Lady Sarah. She was offered a glass of champagne by the footman, which she accepted, but made no attempt to drink. Lady Sarah led the way to a rather beautiful blonde lady dressed in grey silk, smiling and greeting her with pleasure.
    â€˜Julia Henderson, I had no idea you would be here this evening. I am delighted to meet you again.’
    â€˜Sarah dearest. We arrived in Bath only yesterday. How wonderful to find you here.’ The two ladiesembraced and then Julia turned enquiring eyes on Eliza. ‘And this is…?’
    â€˜My companion, Miss Eliza Bancroft,’ Lady Sarah said.
    â€˜Your companion? For a moment I