She nodded and said, a little stiffly, “Of course.” There was a brief silence and she added tentatively, not wanting to disturb him further, “I thought you were out riding.”
“No. I wasn’t quite in the mood this afternoon.”
Again, there was a silence. And it seemed to Wendy that Tony’s distress had deepened. Impulsively, she said, “Tony, what’s wrong?”
If it seemed a strange question coming from her, Tony gave no sign that he thought so. “Wendy, when did you tell Richard you were not engaged to Kevin? That you had fobbed off his proposal?”
“I didn’t,” she replied, puzzled. “He must have found out from his investigators or Kevin. Why?”
It was a while before Tony answered. And even then, it was with some hesitation, and with a question. “I-how do you really feel about Kevin, Wendy?”
At another time, she would have been indignant. Now, Wendy only sensed the answer was somehow important, and she tried to be honest. “I don’t know, Tony. That’s why I’m out here, now. Last night, Kevin asked me to marry him, and I didn’t know what to say. He doesn’t seem like the same man anymore. Or rather, he hasn’t really changed, but he doesn’t seem like the man I need.”
“Perhaps because, by contrast with someone else, he seems less than he did before?” Tony suggested gently.
“Y-yes, maybe that’s partly it,” she conceded, “though by contrast with who, I’m not sure.”
Tony stared carefully at the ground. “I think Richard intends to cause trouble between you and Kevin.”
“I’m not sure it matters,” Wendy blurted out. Then, embarrassed, she tried to explain, “I mean, I’m not sure he could do anything that would make a difference.”
Tony wasn’t reassured. “I’m afraid he’ll try.”
She rested her hand on his. “Don’t worry, Tony. The worst he could do is make Kevin and me realize we don’t trust each other. And if we don’t, what is our relationship worth anyway? Kevin and I might as well find out now if we can handle such things. And if we can talk to each other about them.”
Tony smiled wryly. “It must be nice to have such confidence in yourself. All right, it’s none of my affair. I hope you’re right, Wendy.”
They suddenly both became very much aware that her hand still rested on his. She self-consciously withdrew it and again there was a long silence. Wendy avoided looking at Tony and so did not see that his face still looked troubled. After a while, she asked, “Why haven’t you married, Tony? Is it because of Sylvia?”
He stiffened. “No, it’s not because of Sylvia.” Then he relaxed and his tone became dry. “She may be a good friend, but that doesn’t mean I would ever want to marry her. Good lord, what a disaster it would be. No, I haven’t married simply because I haven’t found the proper woman. I take marriage very seriously.” He paused and laughed self-consciously. “Well, that’s a stock answer for you, but true, nevertheless.”
Wendy glanced at Tony oddly. “I shouldn’t have asked, of course. But I so rarely find it easy to really talk with men about such things and find out how they think.”
He smiled again. “I, on the other hand, have a great deal of experience with women. And it seems to make no difference. I still often misunderstand them.”
“Do you, now?” Wendy asked dryly. “I never should have guessed!”
“Wendy, I-” He broke off. “No, it’s no use. In this case I know we understand each other. About Richard. You told me so often enough while Sylvia was here.” He ran a hand through his hair and stood, his voice gentle. “I believe it must be teatime. Shall we return to the castle? If you’re not there, Richard and Kevin would probably send out search parties.”
“Okay,” she agreed quietly, conscious of a desire to go back in time and change so many things she’d ever said or done.
Tony gently but firmly helped her to her feet. He was right, of course, about Richard looking for her. As they emerged from the orchard, they saw the Earl striding quickly in their direction from the castle. As he spied them, Richard slowed and waved. By the time the three met, he was smiling. “Came to call you. Teatime, you know. Your young friend is rather anxious about you, Wendy.”
She grinned. “He’ll survive.”
As they walked toward the castle, Richard ex plained, “We’re to have tea in the garden, today. Your fiance, by the way, Wendy, is an excellent horseman. And he indicated you enjoy the sport.”
“I do,” she answered uneasily, “but I haven’t a British seat. It always looked too uncomfortable to master.”
“Spoken like a true rebel!” Tony observed.
“Hmmm, but only because she’s never had the proper instructor,” the Earl countered.
Bewildered by undertones she sensed but did not comprehend, Wendy grew increasingly disturbed. But then they reached the garden, where Kevin was waiting to drop a light kiss on her forehead. And it no longer seemed to matter what the Earl was thinking. Almost immediately, the ever efficient servants appeared with tea. They also brought out a chess table and set it between Lord Richard and Kevin. The latter flashed a grin at Wendy. “Sorry, luv, you know I can never resist a good game.”
She smiled indulgently. Tony, on her other side, handed her a cup of tea. “Do you play also?” he asked her quietly, so as not to disturb the other two men.
“Sometimes,” she admitted. “And you?”
“Sometimes.” They both laughed and he added, “But I’m generally not very competitive about games. I simply haven’t the proper spirit, of course. Games never seem important enough to get upset about. Other things matter too much more.”
For a moment Wendy didn’t answer. When she did, she said carefully, “It’s an unusual philosophy-for a man.”
He shrugged. “I stopped caring, long ago, what the `usual’ qualities were for a man. I decided that I had a more important commitment, to do the things I felt important and to set my own standards as to what matters. That makes it harder for some people to accept me, but at least I can accept myself.”
Wendy was impressed by the sincerity with which he had spoken and couldn’t think of any answer that wouldn’t sound hollow by comparison. Her distress must have been evident for, after a moment, Tony said, “It doesn’t matter. I didn’t really expect you to understand. Though I rather hoped you could.”
“I understand more than you think,” she said softly. “If we had met anywhere else, I think we would have been friends. But-”
She hesitated and he finished for her, “But as it is, we’ve each seen the other at their worst. I can’t forgive you for being a gold digger, and you can’t forgive me for being a bloody, meddling fool!”
Wendy glanced quickly at Richard and Kevin. They were deep in their game and had not heard. She gave an unconscious sigh of relief. When she looked at Tony again, his face was lined and grim. Hers was much the same and he forced himself to smile gently. “Never mind. We mustn’t talk about such serious matters. Particularly as neither of us is likely to change. Shall I pour you more tea?”
“Yes, thank you.”
As she took the cup, Tony said, “How is your work progressing?”
“Well enough,” she admitted. “It’s really fascinating, you know. To be able to translate something well, you have to learn to think like the author of whatever you’re translating. And that in itself is a challenge.”
For several minutes, they talked about her work. Then Kevin glanced up as he realized his cup was empty. “Pour me more, luv, will you?” he said.
“Who’s winning?” she asked as she gave him the tea.
Kevin grimaced. “I’m not sure. It’s a tight game.”
“Oh, I’ll win,” said the Earl, glancing up. “I always win. More tea, please, Wendy? And perhaps some of those fresh scones? Your turn, Kevin.”
His face flushed, Kevin turned back to the board. Lord Richard continued to smile easily. He was still smiling when, two hours later, they rose. “I told you I always win,” he said genially.
“Of course.”
As they started to walk back to the house, Kevin gently rested a hand on Wendy’s shoulder. They fell back behind the two men. “Hey, luv, you’ve mud on your pants,” he told her with some amusement.
Dismayed, Wendy realized he was right. And on the white pantsuit the stains were very obvious. Oh, well, at least she wouldn’t have to worry about cleaning the pants. There were some advantages to being a guest in an earl’s castle. Abruptly, she realized Kevin was talking to her. But she relaxed again as soon as she found he was merely discussing the chess game.
“Tomorrow I’ll surprise his lordship. I underestimated him, but I won’t again. I’m starting to really admire Lord Richard. I can see why you find him attractive.”
Wendy opened her mouth and closed it again. Kevin continued, “And, of course, having money and a title can’t hurt. Good thing I have first claim on you!”
They had, by now, reached the castle door near her room and, impulsively, Wendy said, “I’ve a bit of a headache, Kevin. I think I’ll have to lie down for a while.”
“Sure, luv.” His face was concerned. “Perhaps it was the sun.”
“Perhaps.”
When the door was safely closed behind her, Wendy gave a sigh of relief and leaned against it. Then, feeling strangely depressed, she slowly moved to the bed and sat down on its edge. After a moment, she pulled a pen and writing paper from the little table and began a long letter to her father.
When she finally stopped writing, Wendy found it was time to dress for dinner. She washed up and combed out her hair, then turned to the wardrobe for a dress. And halted. Staring. For in the place of the five long dresses that had hung there the night before, was a dress she had never seen. Astonishment turned to anger and she began searching through her other clothes and the drawers. After several minutes, Wendy was forced to admit the dresses were really gone.
Reluctantly, she pulled out the new dress. It was, she had to admit, beautiful. White, with silver threads, it would have suited her perfectly. Even without the label, she would have known it came from one of the most exclusive shops in London. For a moment, she held the dress against her as she looked in the mirror. Wistfully, she thought how she would look wearing it: competition even for Lady Sylvia.
Then, resolutely, she hung it back in the wardrobe and closed the door. She looked at her watch. They would all be assembled by now. Unconsciously squaring her shoulders, she moved out into the hall. The slow pace forced by the cane gave her added dignity.
As she entered the James Room, all three men turned to stare. She paused, absorbing the sight of velvet dinner jackets and startled faces. Then, her own face an uncompromising mask, Wendy walked over to Lord Richard. “Where are my dresses?” she demanded.
He quirked an eyebrow. “Dresses? Why do you expect me to know?”
“Are you claiming you didn’t order all of the long dresses taken from my room and replaced by another? A white one?” she asked sarcastically.
“Oh. Yes. It had-er-slipped my mind. Didn’t you like the dress? I thought you might since you liked the other three so well,” he answered casually.
“Three? Three dresses?” Kevin said.
Wendy ignored him. “That is not the question, Lord Richard! I don’t want your dresses. I want my own!”
She felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Tony’s. “Is it so important?” he asked reasonably. “Why not wear the dress for one evening?”
She pulled free, fighting to control her temper. “Yes, it’s important! I want my dresses back, Lord Richard.”
He shrugged. “I shall give the necessary orders …tomorrow.”
“Very well. It seems I shall just have to wear pants for dinner, then,” she retorted.
“What is this talk about dresses, luv?” Kevin demanded. “Have you really accepted three from his lordship?”
“No!”
“Yes!” the Earl corrected her.
She glared at him and turned back to Kevin. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Lord Richard insisted I dress for dinner while I was here at the castle. I had nothing appropriate so he insisted I borrow three of his mother’s dresses.”
“I don’t like it, luv. Why didn’t you write me to send up your dresses?” Kevin demanded.
“Because I didn’t think you would understand,” she began miserably.
“You think I find this easier to understand?” He was incredulous.
“Kevin, I-”
She was cut short by the appearance of Charles. “Dinner is served,” he said impassively.
Well trained as he was, only his eyes betrayed Charles’s shock at her unorthodox attire. Nor did he do more than stiffen slightly as he noticed the mud stains.
At the table, the atmosphere was strained. Kevin could only glare at Wendy. And if Lord Richard was annoyed, he hid it behind an urbane manner calculated to irritate the two. Tony was the only one not involved and he sat as though isolated by more than the distance between places. What they talked about, no one could remember later. It certainly was not the subject on everyone’s mind.
After dinner, Lord Richard insisted on playing a piece by Mahler, which relaxed no one. Finally, not caring if she was being rude, Wendy rose and strode out of the music room. As she entered her own, she locked the door. A little later, there was a knock and she told whoever it was to go away. Eventually, it was possible to sleep.
The next day, Wendy’s dresses were returned, but the white dress remained also. Kevin had apparently carefully thought over the matter, for when he saw her that morning, his manner was entirely different.
He sought her out in the library. “Cheers, luv. Working hard already?” She nodded warily and he continued, “I’m sorry, ducks, I was so upset last night.”
Wendy relaxed slightly. “Oh, Kevin, I get so mad at Lord Richard sometimes! Tony warned me he was going to cause trouble between us.”
Kevin squeezed her shoulder. “Not to worry, luv, he won’t cause any more trouble for us. If you were wearing my ring, he might not even try, though.” Kevin saw the concern on her face and he backed up hastily. “I’m not trying to crowd you, ducks. Take your time to decide.”
She gave him a grateful smile. And after a few minutes, feeling quite satisfied, Kevin left Wendy to her work. But soon the Earl wandered in to work also. At her glare, Lord Richard merely smiled. “Not to worry. You may stay. You won’t disturb me.”
Without replying, Wendy turned back to her own desk. Eventually, she managed to become absorbed again in her work. Her concentration was shattered, however, by the feel of a hand gently stroking her neck. She jerked her head around. Lord Richard stood behind her. The offending hand now rested on the back of her chair.
Frozen with fury, she couldn’t speak. But the Earl did. “You really are angry with me, aren’t you? I don’t quite understand why. Unless you don’t want to chance Mr. Lisle seeing. But, my dear, you can’t expect me to sympathize with that. For one thing, he’s so common. You know, I really had thought the dress would please you. I spent some time choosing it.”
Wendy stared at Lord Richard blankly. “I-you-” What could she say? How could she argue with a man so sure of himself? “Believe me, Lord Richard, you’ve made a mistake. I-”
She stopped as they both heard a sound. It was Tony in the doorway of the library, looking very embarrassed. After a moment, the Earl smiled, shrugged, and, pushing past Tony, left the room. Tony came in and closed the door behind him.
“Go away!” Wendy snapped. “I don’t want to talk to anyone!”
But he sat in the chair by her desk and waited until she was calmer. Tony’s face was grave. “Are you happy?” he asked softly. “You seem to have won with the Earl. Or are you beginning to wonder if that’s what you really want?”
Wendy answered angrily, “Listen to me, you conceited windbag! I’m tired of your constant interference. You’ve never once given me a chance, never onc
e listened to what I had to say. The last thing I need now is you giving me a lecture or gloating over me!”
Tony stood slowly. “I never meant to gloat,” he said quietly.
Then he was gone. Wendy felt an urge to call him back, but did not. It would have been no use. He would never really understand her. Softly, she began to cry.
Sometime later, when she was a little calmer, Wendy gathered together her papers and things. She could not work here again. In fact, as soon as she could find Kevin, she would ask him to take her back to London. It didn’t matter what threats the Earl made. It would be worse to stay.
In the hall, she encountered Gwen. “Oh, good morning, Miss Pratt. Lord Richard said to tell you that he and Mr. Lisle will be gone until evening. Dr. Witler is expected for tea.”
“Thank you, Gwen,” she said quietly.
So. She couldn’t leave Trondelaine before evening at the earliest. But she could pack. Taking refuge in her room, Wendy carefully folded her clothes and placed them in her suitcases. She lunched alone and emerged from her room only when it was teatime. Again, tea was to be served in the garden. She seated herself there and waited for Tony and the doctor to arrive.
Roger was first, smiling. “Well, let me look at the foot,” he said.
Roger was quick and efficient. He seemed quite satisfied with what he found. He flashed a boyish grin at her. “I wish all my patients were as easy to take care of as you are!”
Wendy laughed. “How soon will I be off the cane?”
He frowned. “Maybe a week. Don’t be too quick to give it up. Check with your doctor in London first. Unless, of course, you’re still here in a week.”
She nodded, then said, “Please sit down, Roger. Gwen will be bringing tea in a few minutes and Tony should be joining us, also.”
“Richard?”
“Out somewhere with Kevin until this evening,” she replied.
“Kevin?”
“Oh, I forgot you hadn’t met him. My boyfriend,” Wendy explained.
Roger was about to reply when Gwen arrived with tea, followed by Tony carrying the teacups and plates. “Hello, Tony! Still here? Well, considering Wendy’s presence, I’m not surprised,” Roger said cheerfully.
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