by Jane Ashford
Jane nodded. “As late as I could manage without arousing the duchess’s wrath. A ball is what I dislike more than anything.”
“Do you?” asked Elisabeth a bit wistfully. “This is my first, and I must admit that I’m enjoying it excessively.”
“Of course you are. So should I if I had partners clamoring for my hand at every dance. But it is very unpleasant to have only partners forced to ask one by the hostess.”
“Well, most of the young men here are more interested in my fortune than in me,” said Elisabeth.
“Perhaps a few,” agreed Jane. “But not so many as you think.”
“Oh, I must tell you what happened. I nearly forgot,” exclaimed Elisabeth. “I had a very unusual visitor.” And she told Jane about her mysterious caller and his warning.
“That is strange,” said Jane when she’d finished. “He wouldn’t tell you his name?” Elisabeth shook her head, and Jane looked thoughtful. “Very strange,” she repeated meditatively.
“I’m even more determined to find out about Mr. Jarrett,” said Elisabeth. “He seems quite gentlemanly, you know, not like the sort of person my caller described.”
“Perhaps he was exaggerating. If his sister was hurt, he would naturally be vehement in blaming the man involved.”
At this moment, Belinda and the duke came to join them, and further talk of Mr. Jarrett was impossible. Belinda seemed very excited, and after a while it became clear that she wished to speak to Elisabeth privately. Jane excused herself and left the three alone.
“Oh, Cousin Elisabeth,” blurted Belinda as soon as she’d gone, “John has asked me to marry him. I hope you will approve.”
Elisabeth must have looked rather surprised, because the duke spoke quickly. “I know it is rather early in our acquaintance, but I’m certain of my feelings, I assure you. We needn’t announce it just yet, if you do not care for it, but…”
Elisabeth held up a hand. For some reason, she felt rather old suddenly. “You have no need for my permission,” she said. “Belinda isn’t my ward. I wish you every happiness.”
The duke beamed, and Belinda sighed ecstatically. “Let us go to my mother,” said the young man. “She’ll be very pleased.”
Elisabeth smiled as she watched them approach the duchess. She wondered if her reaction would be unalloyed happiness. As she mused, someone behind her remarked, “Sherbourne appears smitten by your cousin.”
Elisabeth turned. Derek Wincannon was smiling down at her. “Yes. If you will keep it in confidence, I’ll tell you that they are just engaged.”
His eyes twinkled. “And if I will not?”
She laughed. “Then you are ungentlemanly, sir. But I daresay it will be talked of everywhere after this evening. Belinda will tell your sister or another of her bosom friends, and that will be the end of it.”
He nodded. “Well, I wish them happy. They are both nodcocks, so I daresay they will be.”
Elisabeth raised her eyebrows. “Do you associate happiness in marriage with stupidity?” she asked.
“I do not,” he replied. “But I’m glad you have at last admitted that your cousin is a silly little gudgeon.”
“I did not,” began Elisabeth.
He laughed. “No, no, you can’t retract it now. I came over to ask you to dance. Will you do me the honor?”
She looked up at him ruefully for a moment, then inclined her head, and they started out onto the floor. “Tell me,” said Elisabeth as they joined the set, “have you seen anything of Tony today?”
Mr. Wincannon gazed down at her with an odd expression. “Tony. Somehow it always comes down to that. Do you know, Miss Elham, that many young ladies would consider it an honor to be asked to dance by me? I don’t wish to sound like a coxcomb, but it’s quite true. I very rarely dance.” As Elisabeth stared up at him in surprise, he went on, “Exactly. You are an excellent antidote for vanity. To answer your question, no, I haven’t seen your young scamp of a cousin today, and I cannot say I’m sorry for it. I wish I could rid myself of the notion that you talk to me chiefly because I foolishly promised to look out for him.”
Elisabeth was considerably embarrassed by this speech. “But I…of course, I…I am very sensible of the honor…” she stammered.
He shook his head. “You needn’t try to turn me up sweet now,” he said, smiling slightly. “I see how it is. Is Tony missing, then?”
“I expect he has only forgotten the ball. He went out this afternoon and didn’t return for it. I daresay he’s at home now, wondering where we’ve all gotten to.”
Her partner looked thoughtful. “I would say you’re right. A boy of his age is not much interested in balls and evening parties, you know.”
“I’m learning,” responded Elisabeth wryly. “The interests of young men are extremely peculiar. I believe he spent the greater part of an evening last week watching two roosters tear each another apart. Ugh.”
“A cockfight? Yes, young Tony is enjoying his freedom. But he’ll come out all right.”
Elisabeth was relieved to hear him say so.
When the music ended, Derek escorted Elisabeth back to the edge of the dance floor. “May I get you some lemonade or orgeat?” he asked her.
“Thank you. I should like some lemonade. Oh, there is your father. I must speak to him.”
He bowed. “I shall join you there in a moment.”
The viscount welcomed her cordially. “I’ve just been told,” he said, “that your cousin has captured one of the greatest matrimonial prizes in London within a month of her come-out.”
Elisabeth smiled. “Has it begun to be talked of already? And Belinda swore me to secrecy.”
“Did she indeed?” said Lord Larenby. “Amelia told me as if it were public knowledge.”
“No, no. I was only funning. I see no reason why we shouldn’t announce it. I’m very happy for them. I think they will suit.”
He nodded. “I hope you will wait a while before following her example. If all the young ladies marry so soon out of the schoolroom, we old men will have no one to flirt with.”
Elisabeth laughed. “I have no ambitions of that kind. You may rest easy.”
The viscount looked at her a bit sharply, she thought, but he said only, “Will you risk dancing with an old man?”
“I should be delighted,” said Elisabeth. “Where is he?”
The viscount offered his arm. “Your kindness matches your beauty.” Just then, his son returned with a glass of lemonade for Elisabeth. As they walked away from him, the viscount grinned and said, “You may drink that yourself, Derek. Miss Elham and I are going to dance.” His son looked down at the glass in disgust.
The viscount, Elisabeth found, was an accomplished and elegant dancer. “Has your son told you of the party I am planning?” she asked him. “He said you would like it above all things.”
“No,” answered Lord Larenby interestedly. “What is it to be?”
“I’m going to invite all the odd people I’ve met in London to an evening party and introduce them to one another,” said Elisabeth. “I expect it to be excessively diverting.”
He laughed. “It sounds rather like one of Prinny’s fetes. But who are these odd people you’ve met?”
“Well,” replied Elisabeth, smiling, “there is a fortune hunter and his family. He calls his mother Lachrymose, but she is really quite willowy. Then, there is a Byronic hero and his pursuer.” She frowned. “Though I don’t know the latter’s name, so I suppose it will be difficult to invite him.”
Her partner was laughing.
“And there is also a wonderful literary young lady, whom I truly like. And your son.”
The viscount continued to smile, but his eyebrows lifted. “A fortune hunter, a blackguard, a bluestocking, and my son. That will be interesting. I hope you will invite me as well.”
“That
is what he said you would say.”
“Dare I ask why you include Derek in this menagerie?”
Elisabeth’s smile faded slightly. “I’m only joking you, you know. Most of them are quite nice and highly respectable. I included Mr. Wincannon merely because he’s so outspoken. He has fallen into the habit of telling me all his faults before I accuse him. I thought it just a trifle…not odd, of course, but…” She trailed off in confusion.
“Does he indeed?” said the viscount meditatively. “I wonder what can be his object with that? Or if he has one?” Since Elisabeth had no idea, she remained silent. Her companion stared into space for several moments, then recalled himself. “I beg pardon,” he said. “It’s just that Derek hasn’t seemed quite himself lately. I’ve been wondering why.”
“I…I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Nor am I, actually.” He looked over her head into the crowd, then he glanced down with a smile. “Are you enjoying your first ball in London?”
“Oh, very much,” she replied. “It’s my very first ball anywhere, you see. I feel quite like a seventeen-year-old.”
Before Elisabeth knew it, it had begun to grow late. Guests were bidding their hostess farewell, and the ballroom was emptying. With some regret, Elisabeth’s family also took their leave.
When they reached the house, Elisabeth went first to Ames. “Has Tony come in?” she asked him.
The tall butler shook his head. “His valet has heard nothing, and we have received no note or letter,” he answered.
Elisabeth frowned. “I daresay he has forgotten to tell us he meant to be out late.”
“Yes, miss.” Ames’s expression was highly disapproving.
Elisabeth thought for a moment, then sighed. “I don’t see that we can do anything now,” she said finally. “I have no idea where Tony may be.” She turned and started slowly up the stairs.
Elisabeth found Ketchem waiting in her bedroom. She’d given up telling her that she needn’t wait up. “I’ve torn my hem just a trifle, I’m afraid.”
Ketchem looked down at it. “Yes, miss.”
Elisabeth made ready for bed in silence. She was thinking about Tony and that she must make certain he told them where he was going in future so that they needn’t worry like this.
Ketchem had been observing her expression, and as she brushed out her hair, she said, “Has Mr. Tony come in yet, miss?” When Elisabeth shook her head, Ketchem nodded; her expression seemed to say “I told you so,” though Elisabeth couldn’t imagine why. “At least he’s taken that animal with him,” the maid said.
Elisabeth looked up in surprise. “He’s taken Growser?”
“Yes, miss. And very glad everyone is belowstairs, I may say. That animal is a menace. Just yesterday, he chewed up the housemaid’s…”
“Never mind, Ketchem,” said Elisabeth absently, not even noticing how the dresser bridled. “I cannot think what Tony was about,” she continued to herself. “Oh, I wish I knew where he was.”
Thirteen
Elisabeth rose at dawn the next morning, after a restless night, and walked down the hallway to Tony’s door. After getting no response to a soft tap, she opened it and found that what she feared was true. Tony had not been in his bedroom that night. Elisabeth looked around, but she could see nothing out of the ordinary. The room looked neat and completely undisturbed.
Sleep was out of the question. Elisabeth returned to her bedchamber, sat down at the dressing table, and tried to calm down. Tony had become so independent lately, she told herself, that it was very likely he had simply forgotten to tell anyone that he wouldn’t be home. Perhaps he was staying with some friend. She bit a fingernail. Why had he taken the dog, she wondered. Where could he be that such a large energetic animal would be welcome? She made a wry face. Surely no house in London. She tried to recall what he’d said when she saw him yesterday; they’d met at breakfast, and she’d teased him about the florid pattern of a new waistcoat he was wearing. Elisabeth frowned. They had said nothing of consequence, as far as she could remember. She looked at her reflection. “The really frustrating thing,” she told her image, “is that I can do nothing whatsoever for hours yet. No one will be up.”
The intervening hours were indeed hard. Elisabeth washed and dressed. She paced about her room. She went down to the library and paced there for a longer time. Several times she sat down at her desk and stared at a blank sheet of paper, pen in hand. Finally, she wrote a note to Derek Wincannon, asking him to call as soon as possible. It was the only thing she could think of to do. She then went in to breakfast and tried to reassure Cousin Lavinia, whose concern over Tony was only partly overshadowed by Belinda’s great news.
Derek arrived soon after, and Elisabeth breathed a sigh of relief. Now, at least, something would be done. She held out her hand. “It was kind of you to come so quickly. Tony has not turned up, and I’m beginning to worry about him. You will say I’m being foolish. Indeed, that may be why I’ve called on you, so that you will say so. I’m in need of reassurance.”
But Mr. Wincannon was frowning. “He didn’t return all night?” Elisabeth shook her head, and his frown deepened. “Graceless young pup,” he murmured.
“Do you think something has happened to him?” asked Elisabeth anxiously.
“What?” He looked up sharply. “I beg your pardon. I do not. But I think he has been very thoughtless indeed not to tell you where he’s gone.”
“You…you think he may be visiting friends, then, or… You do not believe he is in any kind of trouble?”
“No more trouble than any youngster thrown on the town for the first time may get into,” he replied. “But I did think he was more sensible than to worry you.”
“But where do you think he is?”
Wincannon shrugged. “He may have dipped a bit too deep and stayed at one of his cronies’ rooms to sleep it off. That is what I think most likely. He has not, ah, expressed any interest in females? You will pardon me for asking.”
Elisabeth smiled ironically and shook her head. “Oh, no. It can’t be that. He took Growser with him.”
“The dog?” asked her companion. And as Elisabeth nodded, he frowned again. “That is odd. And he left no word with anyone?” She shook her head. Derek looked thoughtful. After a while, he said, “May I speak with his valet? Privately.”
Elisabeth cocked her head. “Do you think he will tell you something he would not say to me?”
He shrugged. “Perhaps. At least he may be able to give me some idea of Tony’s usual haunts.”
The valet was duly fetched, and Mr. Wincannon was closeted with him for some time. Elisabeth, not wishing to be idle, questioned Belinda about Tony’s friends and collected a list of his closest companions. She managed to do this without alarming Belinda too much, though she had to admit that he hadn’t yet returned. Belinda thought it typical of her brother that he hadn’t informed them, and she maintained that he must be staying with Mr. Penswreath.
When she returned to the library, Elisabeth found Derek thoughtful. He glanced up as she entered. “I got very little information,” he said.
“I’ve found out who his best friends are,” she replied. She mentioned them.
He nodded. “Well, I suppose we have enough to go on with. I’ll look for him. But I must tell you that I shall give him a rare dressing down if I do find him.”
“I hope so,” answered Elisabeth. “I plan to do that myself.”
He smiled down at her. “I should like to see that. May I?”
“Certainly. If you bring him back, you may help me beat him.”
“So motivated, I cannot fail,” he said lightly, as he made ready to go. “I shall keep you informed of my progress.”
“Thank you.” Elisabeth held out her hand and smiled. “It is so kind of you to do this. It must be excessively annoying. I don’t know how to thank you.” He look
ed at her with an unreadable expression for a moment, then bowed over her hand and went out. After he’d gone, Elisabeth felt an immense relief, as if her problem had been lifted from her shoulders. She also felt a bit shaky, but she put this down to worry. “How I shall scold him!” she said aloud to herself.
The afternoon was interminable. Elisabeth could find no task that held her attention. When Ames came in to tell her that Mr. Jarrett was below, her first impulse was to refuse to see him, but then she decided that the time might pass more quickly if she had someone to talk to.
They exchanged greetings and a few commonplaces about the weather. As they talked, Elisabeth recalled the scene in the street and the peculiar warning she’d received. She eyed Jarrett with renewed interest. Their conversation faltered.
Mr. Jarrett watched her narrowly for a moment, then said, “I don’t mean to pry. There is nothing I dislike more than thrusting myself into others’ affairs unasked. But I would be of help if I could.”
“Help?”
“Pardon me. You seemed worried about something.” He looked at her. “You may tell me to sheer off, you know. I won’t take offense.” The concern in his eyes appeared genuine.
“There’s really nothing wrong. It’s just that my care-for-nobody young cousin forgot to inform us of his plans, and I have been a little worried about where he may be.”
Mr. Jarrett frowned. “He’s missing?”
“Oh, no,” answered Elisabeth quickly. She already regretted having said so much. It would not do to have the story of Tony’s disappearance spread. “I expect him to turn up at any moment. It is of no consequence.”
The man looked at her closely again. “Of course,” he agreed. “But would you like…that is, if you should care for it, I might poke about in town to see whether I can get word of him.” He said this diffidently, as if he did not wish to push himself forward.