‘Nay, Miss Nell,’ Hannah patted her shoulder, her own voice gruff with emotion. ‘I know you would have kept me better informed, had it been possible. It was enough for me to know you were safe.’
‘So much has happened since I last saw you.’ Elinor sank down upon the sofa, drawing Hannah down beside her. ‘I hardly know where to begin.’
‘Lord Davenham has told me much of your story, my dear ma’am.’ The careworn face creased into a smile. ‘Such a considerate gentleman, and when he told me that his father had been such a close friend of your own dear papa, I knew you were in good hands.’
‘Did he also tell you about the brooch? It was vital evidence against Lord Thurleigh and I – I allowed him to regain possession of it!’
‘Well, the viscount is a most resourceful gentleman and I daresay he will think of something,’ replied Hannah complacently, displaying, in Elinor’s opinion, unwonted faith in Lord Davenham’s abilities, considering their short acquaintance.
‘Tell me,’ said Madame, shaking off such ungenerous thoughts. ‘In what order are things at Knight’s Bridge? I understand Lord Thurleigh frightened away my staff.’
Hannah’s eyes snapped angrily.
‘Aye. He came to call, and turned the house out of doors looking for the brooch. When he couldn’t find it he flew into a violent rage.’
‘And the list, the one I obtained from Poyntz?’
‘My Lord Davenham found it inside the family bible, just as you told him it would be, and he has it safe now.’
‘Thank Heaven for that! But – poor Hannah! I am so sorry you had to suffer for my sake. Did the marquis hurt you?’
‘Nothing more painful than such ravings and threats one would expect from a madman. I took little heed of it, but he terrorised the servants and they all ran away, save Cook and myself, and one poor dab of a maid who has nowhere else to go. Lord Davenham sent his own servants to help secure the house, and he has promised that they will continue there for the present.’ She saw her mistress’s frown and added defensively, ‘I thought you would not object, Miss Nell, for I hardly liked to leave the house with only Cook and little Clara in charge.’
‘No, of course not. You did right to accept my lord’s help.’
‘And I have brought with me your clothes,’ added Hannah, anxious to relieve the moment. ‘The trunks have been taken up to your room ready for unpacking.’
‘Then let us go upstairs immediately,’ cried Elinor, jumping up. ‘I have been living in country fashions and cast-offs for so long I am longing to step into one of my own gowns again!’
Later, attired in a gown of russet-coloured silk embroidered with green acanthus leaves, Madame de Sange made her way to the earl’s book-room. There she found the viscount engaged in writing a letter. He rose as she entered and came to meet her.
‘I was told you were still here,’ she said, holding out her hands to him. ‘I wanted to thank you for bringing Hannah to me. You have made a hit there, my lord, she thinks you a most competent gentleman!’
His eyes reflected her smile.
‘If one wishes to win a lady’s favour, it is always wise to be on good terms with her servant. Mistress Grisson has been with you a long time, I think?’
‘Yes, for as long as I can remember. She was Mama’s maid, I think, before she became my nurse. And she is extremely attached to me. That is why it was so good of you to fetch her yourself. A mere note summoning her to join me would have put her in a rare taking, but you were able to allay her worst fears. Thank you.’ Realizing that he was still holding her hands, Elinor blushed and gently drew them away, continuing in a rallying tone, ‘And you must also know, sir, that I am most grateful to have my own clothes again. I have been away so long I had forgotten the half of my wardrobe.’
‘I am pleased to have brought you so much pleasure, ma’am.’
Elinor paused, running her fingers along the edge of the desk as she asked carelessly, ‘Will you be staying to dinner this evening, sir?’
‘Unfortunately not. I must return to my own lodgings in Warwick Street very shortly. Just as soon as I have completed the note I am writing for my father.’ He indicated the letter lying on the desk, the paper half-covered with a neat, dark script.
‘Of course. There must be any amount of business requiring your attention.’ She smiled. ‘I must not delay you any longer from your task.’
She turned to go, but looked back when the viscount called her name.
‘I may be able to call in for a few moments after dinner, ma’am, if you think you would not be too tired to receive me?’
She made him a small curtsy.
‘I shall look forward to it, sir.’
* * * *
‘I pray you, Mistress, keep still or I shall never finish your hair!’
Hannah’s stern voice called Elinor to order and she obediently assumed a posture of statue-like immobility, only her eyes dancing as she watched her old nurse’s reflection in the mirror.
‘Oh do hurry, Hannah! It wants but a few minutes to dinner and I have yet to decide whether the pearls or the emeralds would be best with this gown.’
‘Such a fuss over a quiet dinner with the earl and his lady! Well, the way your eyes are shining, Miss Nell, you have no need of jewels tonight.’
Elinor laughed. ‘Pray you be serious, Hannah! Which is to be?’
Before Mistress Grisson could give her opinion, there came a light scratching at the door, and Lady Hartworth hurried in.
‘Oh Elinor, my dear, such a to-do! My lord has this minute come in and now all our plans must be changed.’
‘What is amiss – the viscount?’ cried Elinor, growing pale.
‘No no, my love, ‘tis nothing to do with Jonathan. Hartworth has learned that there is a reception at St. James’s this very evening in honour of some ambassador or other, and he has decided we should go. You look astonished, my dear, and indeed I cannot blame you. To be obliged to put on court dress at such short notice –’ She broke off, as a sudden horrifying doubt assailed her. ‘Heavens, Elinor, do you have a court dress?’
Mistress Grisson drew herself up and answered somewhat indignantly in her mistress’s defence. ‘But of course! Madame, do you not remember, we had the embroidered satin made up shortly before we left Paris. It will take but a minute to fetch it out.’
‘Then do so immediately,’ cried the countess, ‘Oh – and you must powder your hair, Elinor. I have told Cook to put dinner back half an hour, which I hope will be long enough for me to achieve a creditable appearance. I must go now; I will see you at dinner – but hurry!’
Upon these words, my lady bustled out of the room, leaving Elinor staring after her, feeling very much as if she was caught up in a whirlwind. Upon Mistress Grisson, however, the news that Elinor was to attend court acted like a spur, and she alternately coaxed and bullied her mistress into her clothes until, some forty minutes later, she was able to send Madame on her way, safe in the knowledge that no-one would be able to fault her appearance.
Elinor’s chestnut locks had been heavily powdered and a touch of colour added in the form of a fine emerald aigrette that nestled amongst the curls. Emerald drops hung from her ears and a matching necklace was clasped about her neck, the brilliant colour enhancing the tiny green leaves embroidered upon her gown of gold-brocaded Italian silk. Gold lace ruffles trimmed the sleeves, a delicately painted fan hung from her wrist and matching shoes peeped out under the wide-hooped skirts, creating a picture of elegance that caused Lady Hartworth to utter a little cry of admiration when she caught sight of Elinor descending the stairs.
‘Magnificent!’ she cried, crossing the hall in her own lavishly embroidered silk robe. ‘What a pity Jonathan will not be there to see you!’
‘He is not coming with us to St. James’s? He said he might call here after dinner.’ Elinor tried to sound unconcerned but she had an uneasy feeling that Lady Hartworth was not fooled.
‘Well, if he does the servants will tell him whe
re we have gone – unless you would like to dash off a little note for him?’
Blushing, Elinor disclaimed any wish to contact the viscount and resolutely turned her thoughts to the evening ahead.
The spring night was chill, yet the crowded reception rooms of the palace were warm and airless, and Elinor made great use of her fan as she walked beside Lady Hartworth.
‘Goodness, what a crush,’ murmured the countess from behind her own painted fan. ‘I can never understand why so many people wish to attend these affairs. Look, there’s Lord Thurleigh and his wife.’ She saw Lord Hartworth beckoning them and tapped Elinor’s arm, saying in quite a different tone, ‘Come my dear. Hartworth wants you to go with him – I think he is going to present you to the marquis.’
Looking across the room at Lord Thurleigh, Elinor shivered. Even in such a public place she was afraid of the man.
‘Elinor?’
The concern in Lady Hartworth’s voice gave her courage, and putting up her chin, Madame de Sange moved away from the countess and stepped up resolutely beside the earl, aware that Lord Thurleigh was observing their approach with an inscrutable stare.
‘Ah, my Lord Thurleigh – my lady.’ Lord Hartworth bowed low to the Marchioness. ‘May I present to you my young friend, Elinor de Sange?’
The marquis gave the smallest of bows, his eyes ever watchful.
‘Your servant, Madame. You have but recently returned to London, I believe. Do you stay in Town?’
Elinor dropped a curtsy, but did not give him her fingers to kiss.
‘I am for the moment residing with my Lord and Lady Hartworth. I consider myself fortunate to have found such friends here.’
‘Fortunate indeed,’ murmured the marquis, glancing across at the earl, who had engaged Lady Thurleigh in conversation. ‘Tell me, Madame. After such a long sojourn in France, do you now plan to make your home in your native country?’
‘I have yet to decide, my lord. There are certain – injustices – that need to be resolved.’
‘Indeed? In my opinion the only injustice is that such a beautiful woman as yourself should still be a widow.’ When she did not reply, he continued quietly, ‘Set your heart on Davenham, have you not, my dear? Perhaps I could help you there, describe to him the delights that await him…’
A look of revulsion crossed Elinor’s face.
‘You sicken me!’ she muttered, turning away.
Although she had not heard what was said, Lady Thurleigh had been observing Elinor closely while she talked to the marquis, responding mechanically to Lord Hartworth’s conversation. Now with a word she excused herself and stepped forward, smiling brightly and holding out her hand to Elinor.
‘What a pleasure it is to see you here, Madame de Sange! We have met upon occasion, but we have had no opportunity to converse. Pray, Madame, allow me a little of your time now – come and sit down with me for a few moments.’
Startled, Elinor looked across at the earl for guidance. Lord Hartworth nodded slightly and she allowed herself to be borne away by the marchioness.
‘Such a delightful young woman,’ murmured the earl, watching the two ladies walk away together. ‘And with such an interesting history.’
‘Really?’ replied Lord Thurleigh politely, ‘I would not know.’
‘No, of course. Even you, my lord, are not omniscient. Did you know, for example, that Madame met your old friend Julian Poyntz upon his last fateful trip to Paris, and that he was kind enough to furnish her with a list of names that he considered she might find – ah – useful?’
‘Really?’ repeated the marquis, but this time the watchful look had returned to his grey eyes. The earl appeared not to notice and continued his almost casual discourse.
‘Yes. Madame has given the list to me for safe keeping, and I have taken precautions to look after it. You may not credit it, my dear sir, but while I was at Hart Chase we were visited by house-breakers! Can you imagine?’
‘Oh? Did you lose anything of value?’
‘Nothing of any great importance.’
‘I think, my lord, that you should consider yourself fortunate that no one suffered any hurt,’ drawled Lord Thurleigh. ‘I understand these ruffians can be very violent.’
The earl appeared to consider the matter.
‘No,’ he said at last, ‘I think in this case it is the villains who should consider themselves fortunate, for although I have every confidence that I shall eventually bring them to justice by working within the law, if harm had been done to any persons living under my protection, I fear I should have been compelled to take matters into my own hands to avenge them.’
‘You are so sure of catching these – villains?’ asked Thurleigh, his lip curling.
‘Oh yes,’ murmured my lord, ‘I am even now arranging the matter.’
With a smile and tiny bow, the earl turned and sauntered away, leaving the marquis scowling over their conversation.
Chapter Twenty-three
The final hand
‘Considering everything, a most successful evening.’ Lord Hartworth allowed himself a slight smile as he leaned back against the luxuriously padded interior of the coach that carried the party away from St James’s. ‘I think our dear friend Guy Morellon understands that he must move soon, or not at all.’
‘He did not look at all pleased after you had spoken to him,’ remarked the countess, ‘and I quite feared that some plot was being hatched when Lady Thurleigh walked off with Elinor. My dear, whatever did she wish to say to you?’
‘Nothing to the point,’ returned Elinor, puzzled. ‘She asked me a little of my childhood, and if I had been happy, but all the time she seemed very nervous, and kept glancing towards her husband, as if she expected him to come over and drag her away. I confess I was a little surprised that he did not do so, after he had finished speaking with you, my lord, but instead he disappeared into the crowd, looking murderous.’
‘Yes, I observed that,’ remarked the earl. ‘He immediately sought out Lord Thomas… I wonder?’ he paused, then turned his attention back to Elinor. ‘And Lady Thurleigh said nothing suspicious? She did not try to arrange a meeting, or ask you to call upon her?’
‘No, for I was very much on my guard, as you can imagine, but she did not seem to wish me harm. Quite the reverse, in fact. She was quite concerned that I should be properly attended at all times. I found it very strange, for Lady Thurleigh has been described to me as a very different creature.’
‘Perhaps the marquis put her up to it. I can imagine that he would be relieved to see his wife spending so much time talking with another woman – it is more usual for her to be arranging an assignation with a gentleman,’ observed the countess drily.
‘You do not care much for the lady, my sweet?’ murmured the earl.
‘Emphatically I do not!’ came his wife’s swift retort. ‘The woman has the soul of a strumpet. I should not wish a son of mine to have such a wife, although in Guy Morellon’s case it is no better than he deserves.’
She broke off as the carriage drew to a halt outside the earl’s town house and the ladies had scarcely reached the hall and shaken out their full skirts before they were informed that Lord Davenham awaited them in the morning room. Without waiting to take off her wrap Lady Hartworth led the way, greeting her son with a motherly kiss and demanding to know why he had not joined them at the reception.
‘There was no time, Mama. I arrived here only minutes before you. And you are aware, dear ma’am, those receptions are not my style. How was it? Crowded as usual?’
‘It was a sad crush.’ My lady sighed. ‘Too many people for comfort. I wonder why we make so much effort to dress for these Court functions? It is far too crowded to display a gown to advantage.’
‘Well, there is ample space here, Mama, and I will say you look splendid – both of you,’ he added, smiling at Elinor.
‘What did you learn tonight, Jonathan?’ asked the earl, following the ladies into the room and closing the door.
‘My man discovered that Thurleigh’s people are in constant readiness to leave Town at a moment’s notice. As you know, that is nothing out of the ordinary for the marquis, but this time his good lady must be ready to leave with him, and that has set the household by the ears.’
‘I can well imagine it,’ smiled the earl. ‘We must watch him carefully. I don’t want him to slip through our fingers. By the bye, what do you know of Lord Evelyn Thomas?’
The viscount shrugged.
‘Very little, save that he is now a Lord of the Bedchamber and Thurleigh has struck up an acquaintance with him. They have a common taste in gambling hells.’
‘A strange alliance,’ mused the earl, ‘especially as Thomas was Cumberland’s protégé. I think we should look more carefully at that young man.’
‘But what of Thurleigh?’ cried the countess impatiently, ‘Surely you should lay your suspicions before the King’s ministers, my lord. You alone cannot expect to thwart his wicked plans!’
‘The marquis is a powerful man, my dear. I need proof of his treachery before I dare go to the King.’
‘And the ruby would have provided it,’ muttered Elinor, ‘had I not let it go!’
Lord Davenham came across the room to take her hands.
‘You must not blame yourself for that, Elinor. In fact, I have a plan, and if it works, the marquis can be arrested for treason.’
She looked up at him hopefully.
‘Poyntz’s list?’
He shook his head.
‘That merely confirms that five men met together all those years ago, but they could have been meeting for any reason – to agree to a plan of support for the King, for example. No, what we need is a written statement from the only other man mentioned on that list who is still alive. Bishop Furminger.’
‘Will he confess, do you think?’ murmured Lord Hartworth. The fellow lives in fear of Guy Morellon.’
‘Oh I think I know a way to make him tell us what he knows,’ Davenham smiled, turning his gaze towards Elinor. ‘But I shall need your help, Madame de Sange.’
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