'How can anyone be angry with you, my lady?" Francois asked, and Pandora dimpled.
'Do you mean to say Lord Asheville did not recognize his own wife?" Jeanne asked in astonishment. "I find that exceeding odd."
'I wish you had been there to see it for yourself," her cousin replied.
'I was never more afraid in my life," Pandora added with a chuckle. "I can scarce credit it even now. There was not a flicker of recognition. I vow!"
'If Lord Asheville is angry with you now, my lady," Jeanne ventured, "will he not be even more so when he discovers what you are about?"
'I am of the opinion, he cannot be more angry than he is now. Naturally," she added with a sigh, "if this little ruse goes wrong in any way, I am like to be banished to Tunbridge Wells, where his awesome mama is in residence. That possibility is too awful to contemplate. On one occasion I overheard her telling my husband he had taken leave of his senses for marrying me, when there were so many other more suitable matches available."
Francois frowned. "One thing I cannot fully understand is why you wish to do this, my lady."
'
'Tis quite simple, I assure you," Rosamond explained. "Lady Asheville does not wish to miss all the diversions here in town."
'In addition," Pandora supplemented, "I hope to catch Asheville in an indiscretion of his own."
'I had hoped you might have abandoned that idea," Lady St. James said wryly.
'I am more than ever in favor of it," came the reply.
'If you will pardon my saying so," Jeanne ventured, "I consider this plan a mite crackbrained."
Francois glanced at his sister sharply before saying, "Be assured, my lady, we will render you every assistance in this matter."
'That is exceeding kind of you," Pandora murmured.
'What exactly is it you would have us do?" Jeanne inquired, and it was clear she was far from assured.
'It was necessary for you to know what we were about," Rosamond went on. "From now on, Lady Asheville is to be known as Louise de Chambray. It did occur to me that she will be expected to be accompanied by a French maid. Jeanne, would you be willing to accompany Lady Asheville in that capacity when she is abroad? In this house her own abigail will attend her."
The girl looked understandably startled by the suggestion. "A maid! You wish me to act as a maidservant?"
'All you will be expected to do is accompany me in public," Pandora explained.
'Well, yes, I suppose it is possible for me to do that," the girl replied, still not certain. "It would be a great lark, would it not? But Mama intends to introduce me into Society here in London, and would it not look odd that a lady's maid… ?"
'No one ever looks at an abigail," Rosamond explained. "You need not fear for that, my dear. When it is time for your come-out, no one will connect you with Louise de Chambray's maidservant."
'Does Lord St.
James know of this?" Francois asked, and the viscountess's face took on a look of horror.
'Indeed, he does not! Roddy couldn't possibly keep a secret, not for a moment. He would blurt it out, even though he wouldn't mean to. Roddy must never know of this, poor dear."
Francois got to his feet. "Then it is all settled. Madame, we will assist you in any way you desire. I am your servant. It will be my pleasure to make Lord Asheville rue the day he ever made you unhappy. The man can scarce be human to use you so."
Such a gallant declaration should have heartened Pandora, but strangely, she found herself feeling suddenly bereft.
FOUR
It appeared to Pandora that she would be much safer within the confines of St. James House, but she acknowledged that this course might defeat her objective, so when Francois came down to breakfast and suggested an outing, she recalled she had several purchases to make at various emporiums about the town.
Accompanied by Jeanne, who wore a dowdy gown and chipstraw hat pulled low over her face, and Frangois, Pandora set out in the St. James carriage for Bond Street
.
'From all I have observed," Jeanne murmured, "the emporiums of Bond Street
are not as fine as those in Paris."
'I am quite sure you're correct," Pandora agreed, "although I have never, alas, visited Paris."
'It can be of no matter which are best," Francois pointed out. "You only have Bond Street
in which to buy your gee-gaws, Jeanne."
The girl cast him a disgusted look. "What Ma-man would say if she should see me dressed up as a ladies' maid, I do not know, but I own it is an experience."
'She would wholeheartedly approve," her brother told her. "I am very happy to play my part."
'Have you suffered a change of heart, Jeanne?" Pandora inquired. "If you have, you will not be obliged to continue."
The girl looked away quickly. "No, 'tis only that I quite like Lord Asheville and feel guilty at helping to hoodwink him."
'You are not obliged to do any such thing," Pandora assured her. "I would not for anything wish for you to do anything against your will."
'I have given my word, my lady. I will do whatever is necessary to render you a service."
'If you are certain… You too, Francois."
'It is for a gentleman to always come to the rescue of a lady in distress," he vowed.
'You may be sure I am indebted to both of you," Pandora told them in heartfelt tones. "Without your aid I fear this ruse will not succeed."
'Have no fear, my lady, we will make it succeed," Frangois assured her yet again. "You are bound to be uncertain today on your very first outing in town."
'You have so many worries of your own," Pandora answered sympathetically. "Mine pale to insignificance when compared to your hardship of late."
'That is only a temporary madness," Frangois pointed out cheerfully. "As soon as the King regains control of the country, we shall return to Fon-tenac."
'Providing Fontenac is still there for us to return to," his sister pointed out.
'I refuse to consider that possibility," Frangois told her in a firm voice.
'Well, I for one have no wish to return," Jeanne told him pointedly. "I like London, and I would like to stay and make my debut here. It would be nice, I think, to marry an English gentleman."
'How do you know it would be nice?" her brother asked. "You have encountered so few gentlemen since you arrived here."
'What I have seen of them I like," Jeanne insisted.
'We shall see if they like you," her brother said, and Pandora was relieved that they had reached their first call.
'If you do remain," Pandora told the girl quietly, "by then I should be well established as a Society hostess, so I shall endeavor my best to promote you when you make your debut."
With uncharacteristic humility Jeanne lowered her eyes, murmuring, "I am obliged to you, my lady."
It was only when Pandora entered the first emporium and surveyed the wonderful goods on display that she discovered a serious drawback to her plan. She needed to make several purchases, which she was naturally unable to charge to the account of the Countess of Asheville, and having only a small amount of pin money by her, Pandora was temporarily at a loss as to how she could afford to buy what she required. However, she soon discovered that mercers were more than anxious to extend credit to the newly arrived emigres, many of whom were able to bring much of their considerable wealth with them, so Pandora opened an account in the name of the Comtesse de Chambray and resolved to pay as soon as she became Lady Asheville once more.
As they returned to the carriage after their last call, Pandora realized she had encountered several people of close acquaintance, including her own godmother, who had passed her by as a stranger. Accordingly Pandora looked upon the expedition, which had been a means of testing her disguise, as a complete success. Naturally she had attracted many curious glances—that was only to be expected of a stranger—but no one had exhibited any sign of recognizing her.
Feeling much mor
e confident now, Pandora climbed back into the carriage, having had to remind Jeanne in a low voice on more than one occasion that it was her duty to carry the parcels and walk behind her mistress, something the girl exhibited a definite reluctance to do. Not for the first time did Pandora wonder if they had asked too much of her, for it was evident Jeanne would have preferred to join in the choice and purchase of gewgaws.
'That was a most successful outing, I believe," Frangois declared as the carriage prepared to return to Curzon Street
and the St. James house.
'If Lord Asheville himself did not recognize his wife, it is doubtful that a mere acquaintance would do so," his sister replied with no such enthusiasm.
'I am enjoying this immensely," Pandora confided, hoping to instill some of her own enthusiasm into Jeanne. "I feel as if I am seeing everyone and everything in quite a different manner."
'It must be a trifle peculiar," Jeanne ventured, "that one's husband is living at another address in the same town."
Pandora laughed. "How old-fashioned of you, my dear."
Not accustomed to being laughed at, Jeanne responded, "Are you not afraid that in your absence Lord Asheville will find another lady to his fancy?"
Pandora's smile faded. "I certainly hope so—as long as that lady is Madame de Chambray."
However, the barb had hit home, and Pandora was now concerned for her husband's love life, which had been known to be vigorous before their marriage. It was not likely he would exist for long without a woman in his life, Pandora was certain, and the knowledge disconcerted her in no small measure, something no doubt intended by the mischievous French girl.
'Lord Asheville is not deserving of her ladyship's devotion," Frangois told his sister.
'The entire affair seems exceeding strange to me, but if I am to remain in this country, I dare say I must learn to understand English ways." Having done her mischief, Jeanne turned to peer out of the window. "How odd that we should be speaking of him, for I declare that is Lord Asheville over there."
Alert now, Pandora peered out of the window, too, immediately catching sight of the earl's curricle, which was standing at the side of the road. Pandora gasped and then groaned with dismay when she saw him in conversation with Fanny Courdon. As the carriage rattled past the conversing couple, the earl looked up, attracted, no doubt, by the sight of the St. James carriage. For a moment his eyes met Pandora's and reflected not a flicker of recognition before she withdrew her head. When the carriage had passed by, she glanced out of the back window to discover he had returned his attention to Fanny Courdon and was continuing what appeared to be an interesting conversation.
'If a gentleman as handsome as Lord Asheville were my husband," Jeanne said slyly, "I doubt if I would dare leave him prey to the attentions of other ladies. Some of them can be unscrupulous in their pursuit, I fancy."
'It was not my choice," Pandora snapped, and then sank back into the squabs, planning her revenge.
The salons in Devonshire House were crowded even more than those at Repton House a few evenings before. The Duchess of Devonshire's routs were always well attended, and indeed, she was a most popular hostess. Invitations to her assemblies were always eagerly sought by all those who deemed themselves a part of the beau monde. The duchess's predilection for deep gaming found favor among those who invariably prospered from it.
Wearing a ravishing gown of green satin covered in seed pearls, Pandora felt both at home and a stranger there. It was extremely difficult for her to resist the urge to accost acquaintances of several years standing and engage them in conversation as she was wont to do.
'I hear some of your countrymen have been obliged to flee France in their bed clothes," one old friend commented, naturally expecting a Frenchwoman's expert opinion on the matter.
'It appears the King has completely lost control of the situation," said another, her voice hushed with the horror of it.
Keeping her fan constantly covering one part of her face or another Pandora managed to murmur a suitable reply and contrived to dance as much as was possible in order to obviate such conversation, which might expose her as a fraud. She danced with Francois, who was almost always available to her, Lord St. James, and others who, she discovered, appeared to find Louise de Chambray just as fetching as Pandora Asheville.
When she walked out onto the dance floor with Sir Aldan Buckley, she was more than ever satisfied with her disguise. He knew her almost as well as the earl, having pursued her relentlessly throughout her debut Season, so standing up with him was as great a test as any she had so far undergone.
'Those terrible events across the water," he told her, "have been a great good fortune for us, ma-dame."
'I cannot conceive why that should be," she replied, affecting the French accent evoked by memories of her governess.
'We benefit from the influx of beautiful ladies, of course."
Lady St. James's cousin had contrived to send all of her valuable jewel collection out of France with her children, and it was agreed by them, Jeanne rather more reluctantly than Francois, that Pandora should have use of a few pieces. On this particular evening she was wearing a magnificent collar of pearls, which Sir Aldan appeared to find fascinating.
Despite his ogling her jewels, Pandora smiled and looked suitably abashed. "Tell me, monsieur, is there a Lady Buckley? I confess, I do not recall meeting her."
'Alas, not."
'But surely a man of such presence and wit… ?"
'It is a great misfortune, I own, but the truth is I have never lost my heart, and love is the only reason I would ever marry, madame."
Pandora affected surprise while being furious with him for his duplicity. On countless occasions he had declared his undying love for her.
'Never, Sir Aldan? I confess to finding that strange in so worldly a man as yourself."
'Well, let us say I have not met a lady to whom I could entrust my affections, at least not until now, madame."
The orchestra struck up, and Pandora reflected that her disguise had various benefits she had not, at the outset, envisaged. As Madame de Chambray, a newcomer, she was able to judge people more easily than before. Perhaps she would even come to know Asheville better before the masquerade was ended.
The dancing precluded more conversation, but as the sets moved around, Pandora was startled to find herself partnering none other than the earl, who was, as usual, the picture of sartorial elegance. Pandora could not help but admire his fine evening coat and the diamond pin fastening the perfect folds of his cravat. Momentarily she took pleasure in the fact that her husband was possibly the most handsome man in the room, but then reality beckoned when she recalled his cruelty toward her.
'Madame de Chambray, is it not?"
'Yes, it is remarkable that you remember me, Lord Asheville."
'Now we have met I am not like to forget you, but I own to be astounded that you recall my name."
'I have an excellent memory for gentlemen as fine as you, my lord."
'I am honored by your favor. Tis only that all the emigres I have yet encountered appear to be totally confused for weeks after their arrival, which is only to be expected." He smiled, something which smote her heart, for it had entranced her on so many other occasions much like this one. "Be assured, madame, I am full of admiration for your bravery."
It was a great relief when she returned to her original partner, noting that her husband was standing up with one of her rivals of the previous year.
When the dance ended, Sir Aldan began to escort her back to where Lady St. James was holding court.
'Do I dare to hope I will be granted the honor of standing up with you again this evening, madame?"
'You may hope, Sir Aldan," she condescended, and was relieved when the Duchess of Melway swept by without so much as a glance in her direction.
Before Pandora could reach the haven of Rosamond's group, the orchestra struck up the national anthem, which bro
ught everyone to a standstill, an odd sight at such a gathering. Just as the last note died away, the Prince of Wales, accompanied by several of his cronies and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, entered the ballroom.
Pandora knew the Prince and most of his entourage well, but was obliged to feign ignorance. "What an honor this is for me on one of my first assemblies in London," she enthused.
'You are like to see him often in the future," Sir Aldan assured her, "for Prinny enjoys his diversions more than most."
'How handsome he is," she murmured as he passed by and she dropped into a deep curtsy.
'And disappointed, I'll warrant." When she glanced curiously in his direction, he went on eagerly, "You may not know of it, but his wishes have only recently been thwarted. It was thought that the Prince was to become Regent at last, but it appears the King has regained his senses. Prinny can continue his round of pleasure unabated, but I am persuaded he'd far rather be Regent."
'He surely cannot be sorry his father's health has improved," scoffed Pandora, although she knew full well what Sir Aldan had told her was the truth of the matter.
'Oh, indeed, he can," Sir Aldan replied, casting her a malicious look. "I was at Carlton House myself when the news was brought to him. It was thought he might have a seizure, so great was his dismay. I confess to be in a fidge to see the Prince's new marine pavilion at Brighton. Mayhap you would ride down with me to see the alterations that have taken place of late."
'What a pleasure that would be for me, but, alas, it cannot be in the foreseeable future, for my diary is quite made up for weeks to come."
As they spoke quietly to one another, the Prince's entourage stopped from time to time as it progressed through the ballroom so that His Highness could speak to acquaintances. When he stopped to address Lord Asheville, the earl bowed low before him.
'Asheville, it is an age since you were present at one of my soirees at Carlton House. That is very remiss of you."
'Your Royal Highness, I own it is most regrettable."
'No doubt your recent nuptials have had some bearing on your absence. I do understand, as I am in the happy situation of enjoying a similar congeniality."
Rachelle Edwards Page 4