by Joan Smith
The sensible alternative of seeking privacy with Griffin never occurred to her. She claimed to love her privacy, but one could only conclude that she loved it platonically. She went about complaining of crowds and attention wherever she could find them. Bond Street, Hyde Park, balls, and routs were their usual destinations.
To add another arrow to his quiver, Griffin stuck to his intention of learning the waltz. He managed to squeeze two morning waltz lessons with Alice into his tempestuous schedule. These occurred while Dunsmore was having his chance with his fiancée. Mrs. Newbold was marble constant in her choice of the duke as a son-in-law. She was much too busy to indulge her younger daughter by playing the piano for her, but she was glad to keep Griffin away from Myra and arranged for a friend to do the job. They were to be private lessons, just the one couple and Mrs. Chambers to act as pianist cum chaperon.
“It is really very simply once you get the hang of it,” Alice explained. “The count is three. Right foot forward, left foot forward, right foot joins the left.” But when they tried it, they waltzed smartly into each other.
“You have to dance backward, Griffin."
“Good God! It is difficult enough trying to do it forward."
It was not made any easier, in Alice's view, by the fact that Griffin held her so tightly in his arms. Unaware of the fine points of waltzing etiquette, he crushed her firmly against his broad chest, with their bodies touching intimately from shoulder to knee. She was in no hurry to enlighten him as to the proper distance. When he began to get the hang of it, he relaxed and enjoyed it.
His head inclined to hers and his dark eyes gleamed mischievously. “I could get to like this. Do you think society is going to hell in a hand basket? Nothing like this delightful debauchery was permitted when I left England."
The chaperon cleared her throat in a meaningful way, and Alice said, “Actually you are holding me too tightly, Griffin. Our bodies are not supposed to touch. The chaperons say they should be able to see two inches of air between.”
“I knew there would be a catch to it,” he laughed. “They could see more than air between a couple dancing like this, if they kept their eyes open. This teasing dance has to be a French invention."
As Griffin made no move to loosen his arms, Alice stepped back the necessary two inches. “The waltz comes from Austria, actually."
“That surprises me. The Germans usually take their music so seriously. Sorry,” he said, as he stepped on her toe.
“Maybe you should just be quiet and count, Griffin,” she suggested.
Being quiet was virtually impossible for this inveterate chatterbox. “I am making strides with Myra,” he said.
“She was pleased with that lace mantle from Portugal, but I suggest you leave Snow White home the next time you drive with her."
“Pity. It was Snow White who catapulted her into my arms at the park. We went for a stroll. Snow White tried to disengage Myra's hand from mine. She shouted—Myra, that is, and flew to my arms to be rescued. I kissed her."
“In the park, in broad daylight?” She missed a beat and walked on his toe.
“Just a small kiss. She did not object. Sorry."
“That was my fault. So she let you kiss her?” This seemed an evil harbinger. Myra was nice to a fault. If she was letting Griffin kiss her, she must have made up her mind to have him.
“Yes, and tonight, I plan to increase the pressure."
“What is happening tonight? We are attending the theater. Oh, Griffin, you are not going to do something foolish like address her from the stage? Truly, I do not think she would like that. It sounds vulgar—though it sounds very romantic, too,” she added wistfully.
“Don't be a goosecap. Of course I am not going to embarrass her publicly. No, I have a different surprise."
“Tell me. I shan't tell anyone."
“You have no notion of discretion,” he said thoughtlessly.
Alice took this charge amiss. Was she not hiding the greatest secret of her life in her bosom? Griffin had no suspicion that she was madly in love with him. He treated her like a friend, and she did not betray by so much of a flicker of an eyelash that her heart was breaking.
“I won't tell. I promise."
“Very well then, but remember, you promised. We are not attending the theater after all. I have been invited to a different party, and plan to take Myra with me. Dunsmore is not invited,” he added, and laughed.
“Then she won't go."
“I think she will. It is more or less a command performance, you see. The Prince of Wales has invited me to Canton House. He has arranged a small soiree especially in my honor. Only the crème de la crème will be there. You and your mama are also invited, by the by."
“Really!” she exclaimed, eyes wide. “Oh, Griffin, we have never been there. She will love it of all things. And you have not told Myra?"
“No, I mean to surprise her. I shall pretend we are going to the theater, then switch course and deliver her to Canton House. I feel I ought to hire white chargers for the occasion."
“Drive whatever you like, but tell Myra where she is going. She will want to make a special toilette."
“Myra is always dressed to the nines. I want to surprise her. Don't spoil my surprise, brat."
“But really, I don't think—"
“You promised."
The waltz ended and as the hour was up, they thanked Mrs. Chambers and took her to join Mrs. Newbold for tea, then returned to the music room to put away the music.
“I think you are making a mistake not to tell her,” Alice said.
Griffin was not the sort of gentleman to be plagued by self-doubts. “No, I'm not. I know Myra as well as you do. Can you keep another secret?"
“Yes."
Griffin reached inside his jacket and drew out a small box. He flipped the lid, revealing a very large round diamond, set in gold. Sunlight struck the facets, sending off a myriad of tiny, intensely colored rainbows. Red and purple, green and orange shimmered in the sunlight.
“It is beautiful, Griffin! And so big!"
“Try it on. I want to see how it looks on,” he said, and took it up to put on her finger.
As their hands fumbled together, Alice had to bite her lips to keep from moaning. She felt tears rush to her eyes, for she was overcome by the symbolic meaning of the gesture. If only it was really meant for her.
“Do you think she'll like it?” He held her hand, twisting it this way and that, to catch the light.
His hand felt warm and strong as it held hers. Alice was overcome with a swelling of grief that nearly killed her. “How could she not? I never saw anything so beautiful in my life,” she sighed.
“It is a beauty, is it not? A flawless stone. It is called a blue diamond, although it is not really blue. It is ten carats. I saw the thing Dunsmore gave her. Not more than five, and the setting is ugly."
“It belonged to his grandmama.” She reluctantly pulled the ring off and handed it to him. “You don't feel you are rushing her, Griffin? She has not said anything to indicate that she is ready to make up her mind."
“She let me kiss her. Damme, she's had a week. How long does she plan to lead the two of us about on a leash? I don't know about Dunsmore, but I am getting demmed tired of it."
This was the first chink in the armor of his love, and Alice heard it with renewed hope. But she would not say a word to widen the chink. “It is hard for her. I daresay she does not want to hurt Dunsmore's feelings. He is—"
“I know. Sensitive.” Griffin frowned, trying to reconcile himself to Myra's dawdling ways. “A week should be long enough,” he said.
“What will you do if she says no?"
“I shall go to Mersham, as I ought to have done a week ago. I have heard from Monty."
“What did he say?” she asked. “I expect he was very upset. Poor Monty. One has to feel sorry for him, losing out on his expectations."
“I have no doubt he was devastated, but you would never know it from the le
tter he sent, congratulating me, and expressing delight at my safe deliverance. It makes me fear he has savaged the estate."
“Oh no, he is a wonderful manager, Griffin. Better than—that is, Mersham has never been in better shape."
He lifted a black brow. “Do I sense a little disapproval in there, brat? You disapprove of my wandering ways?"
“A man should be at home to look after his estate, especially when he has such a valuable one as Mersham."
“Fear not. I plan to settle down. I have promised Myra I shan't peel off to South America again.” His voice held just a hint of resentment.
Alice felt an instinctive urge to console him, and reached for his fingers. “You have had one excellent adventure anyway, Griffin. That is more than most people. The only exciting things that ever happened to me were measles and a broken collarbone when I fell off my mount.” When she realized what she was doing, she shyly withdrew her hand.
Griffin patted it unthinkingly. “You are young, Sal. Your turn for excitement will come. Mine is past.” She looked at him, frowning. “You misunderstand me. I am ready to settle down with Myra. That will be excitement enough for me."
They stood a moment in silence, pondering this thought, both in their different ways, then Griffin said, “I had best be leaving. I have half a dozen gentlemen calling this afternoon. I shall be here at eight this evening. You'll make sure your mama and Myra are ready? One cannot be late for Carlton House."
“Of course not, but don't expect the prince to be punctual. What should we wear?"
“The finest rags and jewels you possess. No danger of outshining Prinny. His costumes would put fireworks to shame. But remember, don't tell the others my surprise.” He bowed, said, "Atea logo," and left. He often threw in these foreign phrases. Alice found them charming, even if she didn't know what they meant.
She sat on alone in the music room, thinking over the visit. She was angry at Myra's insisting that Griffin not travel anymore. He agreed to it now, to win her, but she was by no means sure he could stick to it. Nor was she sure Myra had the right to demand it of him. Collecting rare specimens was his work, as the Corn Laws were Dunsmore's. If she loved him, she would not set these conditions. The trouble was, Griffin didn't understand Myra. She was just a homebody, whose head was turned with all the attention she was receiving.
Dunsmore had seemed the perfect match for her. Oh, why had Griffin not delayed his return by another month, and everything would have been all right. This “surprise” was a wretched idea. Myra didn't like surprises. She never wore her best gowns to the theater to get crushed by an evening of sitting. She would end up at Carlton House in a second-best gown, and be furious. Perhaps the diamond ring would smooth her ruffled feathers. Alice relived that moment when Griffin had put it on her finger.
Then she went to her room to sort through her gowns and choose the best one for that evening. Tonight would settle it one way or the other. Myra would either accept the ring and turn Dunsmore off, or she would refuse it and turn Griffin off. Alice was on thorns, wondering what would be the outcome.
If Myra turned him off, he would return to Mersham. She would soon return to Newbold Hall, right next door. Griffin would need someone to solace him in his sorrow, and she would be there.
Chapter Five
“You are not wearing that gown!” Alice exclaimed, when Myra appeared for dinner in one of her less elegant creations. It was another ice-blue gown, her favorite color, to match her eyes.
“It is comfortable,” Myra said. “I shall wear my paisley shawl over it."
“And those pearls?” Alice said, thinking of the diamond necklace that would at least add a touch of glitter to the ensemble.
“Good gracious, Alice, we are only going to the theater. One would think we were going to Carlton House, the way you speak."
A strangled sigh caught in Alice's throat as she bit back the secret.
When Griffin called for them, he noticed nothing amiss with Myra's toilette. “Charming,” he said, bowing to his beloved, and tossing an inclusive smile to the other ladies.
“We shall meet Dunsmore at the theater,” Myra said. “It was kind of him to give us his box. He and his cousin will use the other seats."
This theater party was Myra's doing. She thought she might find it easier to make up her mind if she had her two fiancés together, side by side, for an evening. Usually she went out with them one at a tune. Dunsmore had not been happy with her scheme, but she could always bring him ‘round her thumb. Griffin, on the other hand, seemed to relish any chance to be in the same room with Dunsmore, and pester the poor soul.
No treachery was suspected as Griffin's carriage wheeled past Piccadilly. The left turn on to Pall Mall was still heading toward the theater. It had to slow down at the row of Ionic columns and round arch of Carlton House as there was a gathering of carriages there awaiting entry.
“I hope we are not going to be late,” Myra said. “I doubt the party will get underway without us,” Griffin replied.
“Don't be silly, Griffin. They will not hold the curtain for us,” Myra laughed.
When the driver wheeled in at the round arch of Carlton House, Mrs. Newbold let out a shout. “No really, Griffin! You go too far! One is not allowed to drive around within the prince's private estate, although I should love to see the gardens. There is no saying he might not be out taking the air, and he hates being stared at. Small wonder. He has grown to elephantine proportions."
“I shall ask the prince to give you a tour,” Griffin said.
“Oh, this is horrid!” Myra squealed. “We shall be locked in the tower. Do make your coachman turn around, Griffin. And besides, we shall be late for the play."
“We are not going to the theater,” he said, with the air of one conferring a great treat. “We are invited to Carlton House."
“Carlton House!” Myra gasped. “Don't be absurd. I cannot go to Canton House. I am not even wearing my diamonds."
“You are a diamond of the first water. What need have you of lesser stones?"
“I am wearing my blue gown,” she said, her voice rising shrilly.
“I noticed it in particular. It is charming."
Mrs. Newbold, while not loath to get a toe into Carlton House, was beside herself with chagrin at not knowing beforehand, and being prepared. “You might have told us, Griffin. I would have had my hair done. One never dresses up for the theater. I don't know what the prince will think."
“I told you so!” Alice said angrily to Griffin.
Mrs. Newbold turned a beady eye on her younger daughter. “You never mean you knew all the while and did not give us a word of warning! Upon my word, I have been harboring a viper in my bosom."
Other concerns had occurred to Myra. “What about Dunsmore? He will be wondering what has happened to me."
“I sent him a note. He should be receiving it about now,” Griffin said. He was disappointed that his treat had failed to please. At Myra's next question, his disappointment rose to vexation. There was no pleasing the wench.
“Will he be joining us here?” she asked.
“No, he is not invited,” he said curtly.
“We shall leave early and meet him after the play,” Myra announced, to repay him for his sharp tone.
“Goose!” her mama said. “One cannot leave a party until the prince leaves.” Carlton House hove into view through the carriage window, and she was distracted by it. “I call that shabby,” she said. “It is all covered in filth and grime. Why does he not give it a coat of lime wash?"
As her wandering eye espied the lavish use of torches and royal footmen in their dark blue livery festooned with gold lace, her spirits rose. No doubt it would be better inside.
And indeed it was. It was a regular Versailles, so far as gilt and trim went. When the prince, all aglitter in white satin, his medals a tinkle, bowed over her hand, the last of her annoyance faded, to be replaced by unadulterated bliss. The prince was as fat as everyone said, but it was every
ounce royal fat, and full of breeding. Even the squeaking of his corsets had a regal sound.
“Mrs. Newbold,” the prince said. “And these would be your charming daughters, of whom one hears so much."
Myra and Alice performed stiff curtsies, and both had the distinction of being proclaimed incomparables. It was His Majesty's unimaginative compliment to any lady too young to interest his jaded taste.
It was soon clear where the prince's true interest lay. He got Griffin by the elbow and led him off to display him like a trophy, before steering him to a private office for a good coze. “About this Princess Nwani, Griffin. A bit of a goer, was she? Is it true the ladies go about naked to the waist?"
Prinny's departure left Mrs. Newbold free to take an inventory of the gold and glitter hiding behind the smoked facade of Carlton House.
It was well-known among the prince's intimes that he held himself responsible for winning the Battle of Waterloo, and before the evening was over, he also assumed credit for having discovered Brazil. He quizzed Griffin on his adventures, and urged him to write the whole up in a book for posterity. “We will be proud to have it dedicated to us,” he said with a bow.
The ladies were not entirely abandoned. The prince handed them over to his bosom beau, the Countess de Lieven. This lively shrew was married to the Russian ambassador. The countess collared Mr. DeSouza, the Portuguese ambassador, and the ugliest man in Christendom, to entertain Mrs. Newbold with his salacious stories. The provincials liked to be shocked. The younger girls were taken to the ballroom, and partners were found for them. There was dancing, and at eleven o'clock, dinner was served. No turtle soup, quails, or capons graced the table. The guests fed on cold cuts and custard. The prince was once again on a diet. At eleven-thirty, the prince retired, and the guests were free to go or stay, as they pleased.
Griffin suggested they leave. He planned to top off the evening with a champagne party at the Pulteny Hotel. It was on the wave of royal favor, crested with lavish servings of champagne, that he meant to present the diamond ring and win Myra once and for all. Myra hoped they would meet Dunsmore there, and agreed to go to the hotel. She was eager to frighten the duke with the wonderful evening Griffin had arranged.