The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth

by William Harrison Ainsworth

  “Of that I’m certain,” said Darcy, as they stopped before the entrance of the Junior United Service Club. “Won’t you come in?”

  “No, thankee,” replied the old baronet.

  “I’d rather not be mixed up in this affair, as I might be. I shall call on Lady Starkey to-morrow. Shall I say anything “Tell her all, and entreat her to pardon my disobedience.” Just as they were about to separate, a tall, fine-looking man came out of the club, and descending the steps, shook hands with the old baronet.

  “I want Sir John to come in and have some luncheon,” said Captain Darcy, “but he declines.”

  “I’ve just heard something that has taken away my appetite,” said Sir John.

  “Nothing wrong, I hope,” said the colonel, staring at Darcy.

  “Nothing whatever,” replied the old baronet. “I hope all may come off well. I’ll call a few days hence, and hear all about it.”

  “Supposing I’m alive at the time,” replied Darcy, laughing. And he entered the club with the colonel.

  CHAPTER III.

  AT DIEPPE.

  NEXT day, late in the afternoon, Captain Darcy and Colonel Ratcliffe, who had just crossed in the steamer from Newhaven to Dieppe, and had been favoured with a very swift passage, took the way from the harbour to the Hôtel Royal.

  Each had a cigarette between his lips, and they were preceded by a porter carrying their overcoats and valises.

  On reaching the hotel, which was not very far off, their first business was to secure a couple of bedrooms, facing the sea, and having sent their scanty luggage upstairs, they ordered dinner at a later hour, and took the opportunity of inquiring of the garçon if he knew where Sir Thomas Starkey was to be found?

  The information required was readily given. Sir Thomas occupied Bellevue, a very pretty villa close to the town. But they need not go there in search of him, for at this hour, he and Madame were certain to be found at the Grand Cafe, the Casino, or on the plage. Sir Thomas had been at the Hôtel Royal that very morning to call on his friend, the Comte de Clairvaux, who was staying there, and they had gone out together. Perhaps the gentlemen had heard of the Comte de Clairvaux. He belonged to the beau monde, and was an élégant of the first rank.

  “I have met him in society in London,” observed Colonel Ratcliffe. “A very agreeable man, with very polite manners.”

  “The Comte’s description exactly,” said the garçon. “He has come to Dieppe expressly to see his friend, Sir Thomas Starkey. Sir Thomas wished him to stay at the Villa Bellevue, but he preferred having a room here. I feel certain if ces messieurs will take a little promenade to the Casino, they will meet them and Madame.”

  “How is Madame looking?” asked the Colonel.

  “Magnifique!” exclaimed the garçon rapturously. “Sans aucun doute la plus belle femme de Dieppe.”

  “Then you are rather badly off for beauty, it seems,” remarked Captain Darcy.

  “Pardon, monsieur, we never had so many handsome women in Dieppe as now,” rejoined the garçonf “and such I am sure will be your opinion when you have looked about you.”

  “Shall we go forth and reconnoitre?” said the Colonel to his friend.

  “I was about to propose a stroll,” replied Darcy.

  Dieppe could not have been seen to greater advantage than on that bright and pleasant afternoon. The picturesque old castle on the cliff overlooking the town, with its tall sugar-loaf towers and bridge, had nothing gloomy about it, and seemed merely built to protect the Casino and the baths on the plage beneath.

  As it chanced to be market day, the streets were full of Norman paysannes in their tall caps, and quaint costumes; and as the garçon had asserted a great many pretty women were to be seen with a vast number of smart attendants; but Captain Darcy could not discover the persons he sought.

  However, they were not very far off, and if he had entered the Grand Cafe, in the main street, instead of the Casino, he would have found them.

  There they were — Madame and the two gentlemen — seated at a small table, in the inner room, chatting gaily, and eating ices.

  Certainly, Madame’s charms had not been exaggerated, and on looking at her no wonder could be felt that she held Sir Thomas in thrall.

  Cast in an exquisite mould, her delicate features were lighted up by eyes of tenderest blue. Her complexion was ravishingly fair, and her tresses golden. Her figure was slight and graceful, and the pretty seaside costume she had adopted suited her admirably.

  With Sir Thomas’s appearance we are already familiar, so we need not describe him. But he certainly looked more at ease than he did at the bank in the Strand.

  The Comte de Clairvaux was a very brilliant personage, and had an air of great distinction.

  Though he could not be called young, he was remarkably well-preserved. Not a single grey hair could be detected amid his dark and still luxuriant locks, and no lorgnon, hanging from his neck, proclaimed that his sight was failing him. He was slightly inclined to embonpoint — but no one thought him too stout — and was attired in the last Paris fashion.

  But it was the Comte’s manner that chiefly excited admiration. So easy and agreeable was he, that all with whom he came in contact were charmed.

  Faults he had, no doubt; but people were so fascinated by his manner that they entirely overlooked them.

  Sir Thomas Starkey, we need scarcely say, liked him exceedingly, and often consulted him when he wanted advice. It was at his suggestion that Sir Thomas had first paid over the large sum we have mentioned to Lady Starkey. The Comte thought it the proper thing to do, and Sir Thomas agreed with him, and did it.

  “I’m sure you must feel better satisfied with yourself, mon cher, since you have made her ladyship this pretty present, than when you took no notice of her,” said the Count “She cannot now complain that you give her nothing.”

  “She has a larger income than I have myself” rejoined Sir Thomas; “and I have left her in undisturbed enjoyment of it. It is not my fault, as you are aware, that the bonds that tie us together are not broken.”

  “No, no — I know that — and think her very foolish — very foolish indeed. But as you are still linked together, and likely to remain so, you are bound to show her every consideration — particularly as you have experienced no annoyance from her.”

  “We know why her ladyship won’t separate from Sir Thomas,” said Madame.

  “She is influenced by mixed feelings,” rejoined the Comte. “Jealousy of you, and attachment to her husband.”

  “She is Very provoking,” cried Madame. “Can’t we force her to separate?”

  “I’m afraid not, dearest Aline,” said Sit Thomas. “She won’t come to any terms. But her patience must be worn out in time, when she finds I won’t leave you.”

  “Leave me!” she exclaimed, looking at him. “That could never be.”

  “Don’t alarm yourself, dearest Aline. The passion I felt for you from the first is entirely unabated. The Count can bear witness—”

  “That you rave about her continually — I am sure you were wretched when you went to London though you were scarcely absent a couple of days.”

  “You are right, mon ami, I was miserable; and never more enchanted than when I got back again.”

  “Well, I hope nothing will occur to disturb your happiness,” said the Count “Nothing is likely to do so,” cried Aline. “We only live for each other.”

  At this moment two tall personages — evidently Englishmen — entered the cafe and looked around.

  “There he is,” said the foremost to his companion. “We have found him at last.”

  “And Madame as well,” replied the other. “That is the Comte de Clairvaux with them.”

  “By Jove! that’s lucky,” said Darcy. “Perhaps, he may act as Sir Thomas’s second.”

  “Not unlikely,” replied the Colonel. “What will you do? You won’t go into that room I suppose? Shall I ask Sir Thomas to step out and speak to you?”

  �
�That will be the best plan. The place is clear. Everybody is outside just now.”

  The entrance of the new comers had not passed unnoticed by those in the inner room. Sir Thomas recognised them both, and wondered how they came there; Aline felt alarmed she knew not why; and the Comte de Clairvaux regarded them with a certain curiosity, for he remembered having met Colonel Ratcliffe in London.

  But all were surprised when the Colonel entered the room, and bowing to the party, addressed Sir Thomas.

  “Captain Darcy wishes to have a word with you, Sir Thomas,” he said.

  “Excuse me for a moment, Comte,” replied Starkey, rising.

  CHAPTER IV.

  THE CHALLENGE.

  DARCY, who had moved on one side, bowed stiffly as Sir Thomas canoe up.

  “You may possibly guess what has brought me here, Sir Thomas?” he said, in a low, stem voice. “You must have heard my opinion of your treatment of my cousin — your much-injured wife. I have come to call you to account.”

  For a moment Sir Thomas looked surprised, but the expression of his countenance quickly became as menacing and haughty as that of Darcy himself.

  “I do not see what right you have to demand an account from me, sir,” he said.

  “I am your wife’s nearest male relation,” replied Darcy; “and her wrongs have touched me deeply. Do not force me to give you my opinion of your conduct, and tell you in Colonel Ratcliffe’s presence what I think of you!”

  “You have said quite enough,” rejoined Sir Thomas, with difficulty repressing his anger. “I will not disappoint you. We will settle the matter as soon as you please.”

  “Let it be to-morrow morning, then, at an early hour,” said Darcy. “Shall we meet here — at Dieppe?”

  “It will suit me better than elsewhere,” replied Sir Thomas. “We can easily find a suitable spot on the road to the Chateau d’ Arques. Pistols, of course.”

  “Of course,” replied Darcy, “you will have already conjectured that my friend, Colonel Ratcliffe, will act for me?”

  Sir Thomas bowed to the Colonel.

  “I have a friend with me here — the Comte de Clairvaux — on whom I can rely,” he said.

  “I have the honour of knowing the Count,” observed the Colonel, “and shall be well-pleased to act with him.”

  Just then the Count came from the inner room, and saluted the new-comers.

  “Pardon my interruption,” he said to Sir Thomas. “I am sent to see what you are about.”

  “You are come most apropos” replied the other, hastily explaining what had occurred.

  “I feared something had happened,” said the Count, “and so did Madame. Of course, you may command my services. But is it too late for an amicable arrangement? If Colonel Ratcliffe will lend his aid, I shall be delighted to assist.”

  “The attempt would be quite useless, Count,” replied the Colonel, glancing at his principal, and receiving no encouragement. “The affair must go on. We can meet by-and-bye at the Hôtel Royal, where we know you are staying.”

  Formally saluting Sir Thomas and his friend, the two officers departed.

  Sir Thomas then flew to Madame, who sprang to meet him.

  “For heaven’s sake, what has happened?” she cried. “Don’t attempt to deceive me! I must, and will, know the truth. Those two officers were Colonel Ratcliffe and Captain Darcy. I recognised them at once. Darcy is come to challenge you, I am certain.”

  “I cannot contradict you,” replied Sir Thomas, trying to force a smile.

  “Have you accepted the challenge?” she cried.

  “Ask the Count,” he rejoined.

  “Sir Thomas could not do otherwise, Madame,” said De Clairvaux. “He could not refuse.”

  “If he is killed, as he may be, I shall die!” she exclaimed.

  “Poh!” cried Sir Thomas, endeavouring to laugh the matter off. “Duels are never fatal now-a-days. We shall meet and have a shot at each other, that’s all!”

  “Perhaps a trifling hurt, nothing more,” added the Count.

  “I wish I could think so,” said Aline. “But I have a great misgiving.”

  “I myself have fought three duels, Madame,” remarked the Count, “and have never yet killed an adversary nor got wounded myself.”

  “You have been lucky indeed, Count,” cried Aline. “I hope Sir Thomas may be equally lucky to-morrow.”

  “Doubt it not, Madame,” said the Count.

  “We must now go home,” said Sir Thomas. “I have a few things to arrange.”

  “I will follow those gentlemen to the H6tel Royal,” said the Count, “and will come to you afterwards.”

  “Good,” replied Sir Thomas.

  And they quitted the café.

  CHAPTER V.

  ALINE.

  SIR THOMAS STARKEY kept a very good establishment at the Villa Bellevue, all his household being French. The chef de cuisine was an artist in his way.

  Though hired, there was not a handsomer carriage in Dieppe, nor a finer pair of horses than those driven by Sir Thomas.

  Madame had a very pretty femme de chambre, named Georgette, who was devoted to her, and thought her perfect.

  As the Villa Bellevue was charmingly furnished, its occupants had everything they could desire, and ought to have been exceedingly comfortable.

  On their return from the promenade, which had ended so disagreeably, Louis, the valet, received them, and noticed that his master looked unusually grave and pre-occupied, but did not venture a remark.

  Proceeding at once to the saloon, Sir Thomas flung himself into a fauteuil, and Madame, fancying he wished to be alone for a short time, left him, and went to her cabinet de toilette, where she found Georgette.

  “Madame has not her usual smile,” said the pretty femme de chambre, regarding her anxiously. “I hope nothing has occurred to disturb her.”

  “Yes, a great deal has occurred, Georgette,” replied her mistress, seating herself. “I have been very much agitated. Give me some eau de Cologne.” Georgette hastened to obey the order.

  “May I venture to inquire what has happened, Madame?” she asked, with an increased appearance of solicitude, as she steeped her mistress’s handkerchief in the spirit.

  “Something terrible has happened, Georgette. I am sure you will sympathise with me and pity me.”

  “What is it, in heaven’s name, Madame?”

  But her mistress could not reply, being half suffocated by emotion.

  Georgette had never before seen her so much moved, and was quite frightened.

  By and by, her mistress partially recovered.

  “What will you say, Georgette,” she cried in broken accents, “when I tell you Sir Thomas is about to fight a duel?”

  “Mon dieu! is it only that?” exclaimed the femme de chambre, who had anticipated something far more dreadful. “Be of good courage, Madame. I have no fear for my master. Sir Thomas is a very gallant gentleman. He is sure to kill his adversary.”

  “I hope your words may come true, Georgette.”

  “Do not doubt it, Madame; I never yet saw the man likely to prove a match for Sir Thomas.”

  “I have no doubt of Sir Thomas’s courage and skill. But fortune may declare against him.”

  “Fortune always declares for the brave, Madame. You will welcome him back a victor. May I ask when the duel takes place?”

  “To-morrow morning early.”

  “Then my first prayer to the Virgin shall be for him, Madame; and doubt not you will have good news.”

  “You give me fresh spirits, Georgette,” cried her mistress. “I will now go to Sir Thomas.”

  “First, allow me to arrange your toilette a little, Madame.”

  This done, Aline descended to the salon, where she found Sir Thomas in the act of folding up a letter.

  “Am I interrupting you?” she asked.

  “No, I have just done,” he replied, putting the letter into his breast pocket “May I ask to whom you have been writing?” she said.r />
  “I can’t tell you,” he replied. “But the letter will never be delivered, unless I fall. Come and sit down by me,” he added, placing a chair opposite him, and taking her hands in his own.

  For a few minutes they gazed at each other in silence; their breasts filled with unutterable thoughts.

  At last Sir Thomas spoke, in a low, tender voice, “Heaven cannot — will not — part two beings so devoted to each other as we are,” he murmured.

  “Oh! no — no — no!” she cried. “Many years of happiness, I doubt not, are in store for us.”

  “I only wish we were wedded, dearest Aline,” he said. “My breast would then be lightened, and a dying pang spared me.”

  “You will escape that pang, dear Sir Thomas,” she cried, clasping his hand to her heart. “I am sure you will. I should not be able to sit here, if I did not believe so.”

  “No doubt, I deserve some punishment,” he continued, in a very grave tone; “and, unless I am mercifully dealt with, I shall not escape it.”

  “You terrify me, dear Sir Thomas,” she cried. “I never heard you talk thus before.”

  “Gloomy thoughts rush upon me unbidden,” he rejoined, “and I must perforce give utterance to them. What has brought this hot-headed fellow here? Personally, I have given him no offence. Nor is there any reason why he should espouse Lady Starkey’s cause. Yet he comes here on a sudden, to challenge me to mortal combat, and I cannot avoid him.”

  “You are not forced to meet him.”

  “As a man of honour, I am bound to accept his challenge, and give him a chance of taking my life.”

  “Still, you might have refused to fight.”

  “True, but I should have despised myself had I done so. No; I had no option. But it does seem hard — desperately hard — to leave one I love best in the world, and forfeit all the enjoyments of life, merely because a quarrelsome fool like Captain Darcy is displeased with my conduct, and chooses to constitute himself his cousin’s champion.”