“It was — most kind of you — to think of this,” she said, breathlessly. “Th-thank you for your thoughtfulness. I am so happy to be — well again —”
“You stutter a little, as your cousin Gabrielle does at times,” he said. “I had not noticed that before.”
“Oh, we are much alike — that is, outwardly,” she said hastily.
“She is a very changeable person,” said Oliver. “We became quite well acquainted the past three weeks. Yet tonight she does not seem to remember some matters we had talked about.”
Oh, heavens! Minna went still with fright, and lost her step. He caught her more strongly by the waist, holding her against him for a long moment, so she felt him all down her slim body.
“Did you slip?” he asked softly.
“Y-yes. I’m so sorry.”
He held her, then, and she finally got her step again, and they went sailing on in the waltz.
“I was able to add to my jade collection,” he said, as the dance ended and the orchestra members paused to wipe their moist brows. He tucked her hand in his arm. “Come and see what I purchased at the auction.”
She went with him gladly. They paced through the drawing rooms, from one to the other. Most were filled with little tables at which the older people and some children were playing loo and whist. She shook her head, smiling, when she was invited to stop and play with them.
“Not just now, perhaps later,” she said.
Oliver commented, idly, “You seem to have lost some of your shyness, Minna. I am glad to see it. Perhaps being out of the world for a time was good for you! You appreciate your friends more.”
“Ah — I believe I do,” she said sweetly, clutching her fan tightly with her free hand. Was she betraying herself? Should she act more as she had in the past? No, she did not want to be like that shy old Minna! “I did miss people. Being alone all the time is not very comfortable! With the chicken pox, one is not supposed to see people, you know.”
“Very contagious, I understand. I hope you were not in pain, dear Minna?”
They had come to the room with the jade collection. He stepped over to a case, and taking a key from his pocket he opened the glass door.
“Oh, no, no pain, just the fever,” she said. “Oh, how beautiful!”
He had taken from the case a statue about ten inches tall, in green jade, of a Chinese goddess with a sweet face.
“This is a Kuan Yin statue,” he told her. “She is the Goddess of Mercy. The Chinese are very fond of her, and I think I shall be also.”
He put the statue in her hand, and she caressed it gently. The jade was cool and smooth to the touch, except where it was carved for the little hands and feet. The face was exquisite, the expression serene and sweet. Minna studied the face intently.
“She looks — merciful,” said Minna. “I think she looks something like the statues in the Roman Catholic churches, of the Virgin Mary. Perhaps that is a universal wish, for a goddess that is merciful and loving.”
“Yes, I believe it may be,” he said. “It certainly appears in a number of religious beliefs. A mother figure. Someone who loves one no matter how naughty one is. Surely your mother and mine are like that, don’t you think so?”
She started and blushed. Certainly she had tried her mother’s patience these weeks! “I suppose so,” she mumbled. “Does your mother have much to forgive you for, Oliver?” she then said, flickering a glance up at him mischievously.
He laughed softly, and put the Kuan Yin back in the case. He took out another figure, an animal, and put that in her hand. “Not recently,” he said enigmatically. “Do you like this? — a horse, like those the Mongols rode. Look at his head, the warlike carriage of it —”
She admired it very much. She also admired other things he showed her: a pink jade vase, a white mutton-fat jade carving of a whale, a huge jade piece of a house and garden like those of China.
“I have not yet found the French jade pieces I wish to add to my collection,” he said seriously, as he carefully set back the last pieces.
Minna glanced at him quickly. Was he serious, or did he tease her? Was he speaking in double meanings? Did he know she had pretended to be Gabrielle? He had said that about the French jade to Gabrielle!
“Indeed,” she said, inadequately. “I hope you find what you wish?’ she added politely, and turned to leave as he offered her his arm.
Instead, he bent down, and his lips smoothed her cheek. “How glad I am that you are well again, Minna. I have missed you,” he said kindly.
She caught her breath. He need not sound so like a — a brother!
“Thank you, Oliver,’ she said, rather forlornly. He half smiled, and turned her face up to his with his strong hand.
“And did you miss me?” he whispered, and set his mouth firmly on hers. He kissed her tentatively, as though tasting her mouth. Then he moved his lips more firmly over hers, and she felt the familiar thrill go down her spine, as his free hand moved over her back down to her hips.
She did not rebuke him, and he noted that. He was grinning when he stood erect, and his grey eyes sparkled.
“Yes, you have changed, Minna,” he said. “You would not have allowed me to kiss you — before your illness! I highly recommend fevers to young shy girls!”
She gasped at his boldness, and the double meaning — if that was what it was.
“Indeed — you caught me by surprise,” she said feebly.
“I must do it again!” he said, and took her arm to escort her back to the drawing rooms. She went with him in a daze. She did not know how to act. Gabrielle Dubois could allow kisses, and bold words. She was a widow, and no innocent girl. But Minerva Redmond — that was another matter!
Oliver brought her to one room where Denise Lavery and Percy played cards with another lady.
“We need a fourth, Minna,” said Denise, with a smile. “Do come and join us.” She indicated the empty chair at their table.
“Thank you, I will,” and Minna sat down there. Oliver bowed and left them. Minna could not help looking after him as he moved gracefully, bowing to one, speaking to another.
They shuffled the cards, dealt them, but all seemed more interested in conversation than in cards. Percy was quite poor at cards tonight; he seemed intent on Denise’s lovely face and her words.
“Where is your cousin, Madame Dubois, tonight?” asked Denise presently. “You do not hang on her shoulder tonight, Percy!”
He started and flushed. “There is no need.” He shrugged, giving Minna a wary look. “She knows everybody here.”
“Oh?”
“And besides,” said Minna quickly, “her beau came from France, Monsieur Claudel. He escorts her all about. They are old friends.”
“Oh, I see,” said Denise thoughtfully.
“I feel quite free — to — ah — dance with whom I wish, and play cards, and all that,” said Percy hopefully. “Not a worry in the world!”
“Indeed?” and Denise gave him a mischievous sideways look of her pretty violet eyes. “No worries at all, Percy? What a heavenly state of mind!”
Minna chuckled, and Percy turned beet red. “Well — that is — I would not if — I mean —”
Minna rescued him, loving her brother’s look of helplessness. He was a dear good man. “Only one or two, which I am sure can be resolved with some good will,” she said smoothly. “He is not a flirt, he knows his mind, he is not easily swayed by fashions of the moment. I am sure Percy knows his own mind always, and is faithful to his family and those he loves.”
“What an excellent tribute from a sister to a brother,” said the older lady with them, approvingly. “Six — seven — eight — I do believe I have won the hand!”
She had; the other three had paid no attention to their cards. She presently departed, to find people more intent on gaming than on love affairs.
Just then, Oliver Seymour came through with Gabrielle swaying on his arm. She looked triumphant, a sly smile on her lips as she caug
ht Minna’s look. Oliver gave Minna and Percy a bright smile.
“Well, I never —” muttered Percy indignantly as they went on through. “Is he so fickle, then? He just took you away, Minna, and now he — ouch!”
She had kicked him hard under the table. He went red again, under his red thatch of hair, and rubbed his leg.
“You don’t have to kick me, Minna. Denise knows what’s what,” he said furiously. “Excuse me.” And he got up and went away.
Minna sighed. “I am wrong again,” she said. “Percy is not underhanded. He would rather come right out and say something, than to take sly hints and nudges and kicks under the table!”
“Yes, he is ever honest and honourable, and hates lying and deceit, it is one of his many admirable traits,” said Denise, laying the cards on the table. “Minna — would you tell me frankly —”
“Oh, yes?” encouraged Minna, as the other girl paused.
There was a becoming pink in the pretty cheeks. “I think — sometimes — that Percy likes me — more than a little. Yet, he did escort your cousin about so devotedly for two weeks. Is he — does he — feel his duty so?”
“Yes, he does,” said Minna decidedly. “I know he regretted that he had to spend so much time with her, but he felt it his solemn duty! She was our guest, and I was — unable to be with them.” She could not say to the serious violet eyes that she had been sick. “But I know he is devoted to you, Denise,” she added softly.
“Oh, is he? I have felt — I know my own heart, but it is so difficult to know the heart of another,” sighed Denise, frankly. “You are close to Percy, you know him, even more than most sisters know most brothers —”
“Yes, and he loves you dearly,” said Minna bluntly. “I know that because Percy is so frank, he has told me so! And Mother also! We know his dearest wish is to win your hand. He wished first to get the estates in order, and he has worked so hard. And he wanted you to have your seasons in London, and have fun before you were married and tied down. Yet he wishes to speak his heart to you, I know it.”
“Oh, Minna, you are simply — splendid!” said Denise, pressing her hand to Minna’s on the table. “I wish every girl had a man with a sister such as you! It would be so much easier! And he is a fine man, is he not? He has no vices, or you would tell me, wouldn’t you?”
“Well, his bluntness can be uncomfortable,” said Minna. “He does not hesitate to tell me when I displease him! But he does not sulk. He is frank and honest. He would never lie to me or to Mother. He works hard, as hard as any of his men. And he would lie down and die for any of us, if it would do any good, he has said it. But I think he would rather stand up and fight for us! That is more his style!”
“Oh, I know it! Percy is wonderful!” breathed Denise, starry-eyed. “I do wish he would speak to me — and to Papa!”
“I do too,” said Minna. “Shall I speak to him?”
Denise gave a little shriek, blushing wildly. “Oh, I pray you, do not! Oh, I am so embarrassed — here he comes!” And she put her hands to her hot cheeks.
“Don’t worry — I won’t if you don’t want —” Minna reassured. “But do encourage him, Denise! Smile at him, for heaven’s sake!”
Denise gave Percy a wavering smile as he brought the tray to the table and set it down. “Something cool to drink, how lovely,” she quavered.
“I asked the waiter for some punch without liquor,” he said cheerily. “The other stuff is too strong for words! Minna would fall down under the table, I’m sure!” And he handed the glasses to them.
Minna laughed, and thanked him.
“Oh, you are kind,” said Denise fervently. “I am always afraid to try the punch myself. Papa usually does it for us. Umm, this is delicious, and so cool!”
“Well, any time you want me to try the punch for you, just say so,” said Percy gallantly. “Happy to oblige,” and he looked at her with his heart in his green eyes.
François Claudel came up behind Minna. “Where is Madame Dubois?” he asked.
Minna almost choked on her punch.
“She is with Mr Seymour,’ said Percy. “They went that way.” He pointed.
François looked furious, but finally sat down with them, and glared down at the cards. “She is very enchanted with him,” he said bitterly.
Minna felt the same way, but could not say it. Oliver and Gabrielle had been gone quite a time. Gabrielle must have seen how wealthy he was, the house, the sapphires on his hands, the elaborate party he gave, besides the decorations of the house. And his jade collection. Was he showing Gabrielle his jade? Or kissing her?
Denise kindly encouraged François to join in a game of cards with them.
“How much are the stakes?” he sighed, then, picking up his cards.
“Not for money, just for fun,” said Percy bluntly.
“Oh — really?” said François. “Very well. The English have strange habits,” he remarked, half to himself.
“Keeps one’s friends,” said Percy, to him. “I’ve known many a silly fight to start over wagering. Doesn’t do, you know. Not worth it. Rather keep my friends.”
“You are a good man,” said François.
“I think so too,” said Denise softly. Minna noted with satisfaction when Percy’s fingers went slowly over to Denise’s, and pressed hers for a moment.
François noted it also, and raised his eyebrows briefly to Minna. She nodded. He was very perceptive.
“I was more fortunate,” said Percy, clearing his throat. “I do not know what I would have done without my father’s presence, his advice and wise counsel. He told me about the estates from an early age, I always went with him when I was home from school. When he — died — and I had to take over — I was more prepared than most men would have been.”
“I wonder if he knew — or had some premonition —” said Denise soberly.
“I don’t think so. He just believed in being prepared,” said Percy. “I shall treat my children so,” he added firmly.
Denise blushed, and raised her fan of cards to her face briefly. Minna half-smiled to herself, and bid.
The play went on idly. All were more interested in their conversation, and Minna was watching more and more anxiously for Oliver to return with Gabrielle from the other rooms.
Then her mother and Mrs Seymour returned, looking grave. They paused once more at the card table. François and Percy jumped up, but the ladies refused the seats.
“No, no, be seated again, please. Who is winning?” But Betsy Redmond did not seem concerned much with the play.
“François is,” said Percy. “He has a keen mind, and I think he memorizes all the cards played!”
“And I am unlucky in love,” sighed François.
A footman came through the rooms, bowing, announcing that supper was served. Several guests rose, to make their way to the buffet.
Percy turned to Denise. “May I have the pleasure of your company for the supper?” he asked.
She smiled, and put her hand on his arm as she rose. François glanced nervously towards the other rooms, where Oliver and Gabrielle had disappeared. He was about to turn to Minna and her mother, when Gabrielle and Oliver were seen.
Minna saw them first, and her jaw went tight. Gabrielle was definitely mussed, her hair in a glorious tangle. And as they came closer, Minna saw a smear of lipstick on Oliver’s jaw. They had been kissing.
Something exploded in her. Gabrielle should not have him! He was too fine, too good for someone like her. He deserved better! If he was not for Minna, at least she would save him for someone else in the future!
Mrs Seymour and Mrs Redmond turned also and saw them approach. They did not seem surprised, but Minna caught the look of uncertainty and disapproval in Mrs Seymour’s face. Oliver smiled gaily at his mother, his arm holding Gabrielle’s hand tightly to his vest.
“Ah, here you are,” he said in what could only be called a jolly manner. “Supper is announced, and I must admit I am starving! Gabrielle, will you do
me the honour?”
And they went off together. Minna stared after them, then took one of François’s arms in silence. Her mother took the other. Mrs Seymour went with Percy and Denise. All were quiet, thinking.
The food was delicious, but it might as well have been bread and water to Minna. She nibbled at the veal pasties, ate a peach, drank some champagne recklessly, then went off to dance with Teddy Bailey. She laughed a lot — probably the champagne — because she felt miserable.
She kept seeing Oliver’s head bent over Gabrielle’s red locks. In spite of his very polite manners, he danced with that one guest half the evening, and people were whispering.
Gabrielle was triumphant! But it was not her triumph, Minna kept telling herself. It was Minna who had paved the way. It was Minna who had attracted him. It was Minna who, dressed as Gabrielle, had drawn him these weeks. And now Gabrielle Dubois was getting all the attentions from him. It was not fair!
She was dancing with an older man, when Oliver paused beside her. “Minna, may I have the next dance?” He smiled kindly, as though to a child. “I meant to celebrate your return to us!”
She smiled, and went into his arms at the beginning of the next dance. But he held her at arms’ length, and looked at her in the old way, half-mockingly, half-nicely.
“Well, well, little Minna is growing up!” he said.
Between her nice pearly teeth, she bit out, “I am grown up! I am twenty!”
“So you are, so you are,” he said, as though a child had told him she was three and three-quarters years old. “And you have no ill effects from your long sickness?”
She wished he would stop harping on that sickness! She was heartily sick of her sickness.
“I am fine,” she snapped. He reached out and touched her forehead for a moment.
“You sound as though you might be taking a fever once more, you are quite cross,” he murmured, solicitously. “Do you feel hot, Minna?”
She did, but not from sickness. It was from being near to his warm masculine body.
“The room is a trifle warm,” she muttered.
“You must take care, perhaps you should go home early!” he suggested.
French Jade: A dazzling Regency love story Page 13