Rachelle Edwards

Rachelle Edwards Page 7

by Sweet Hoyden (lit)

  When she reached the hall, he took her hand and raised it to his lips, a gesture that set her heart racing, something that made her feel quite foolish.

  She was behaving like a mooncalf, and she hadn't been like that during his courtship of her.

  'How rare it is for a woman of such beauty to be prompt for an appointment," he told her.

  'My governess always instilled it into me that it is invariably best to be prompt and thus invite no anger."

  'How wise of her to do so; she has my profound gratitude," he replied as he handed her up onto the box. "I have lost count on how many occasions I have been obliged to cool my heels while waiting for Lady Asheville on just such occasions as this."

  'That must be exceeding irritating for you."

  He laughed. "You may be sure of that, madame."

  A moment later he climbed up beside her and took up the ribbons before they set off in the hand­some equipage for the short ride to Hyde Park, where it was fashionable to be seen abroad at that hour of the day.

  'When Mrs. Huxtable made mention of your wife the other evening," Pandora ventured, "you made the most remarkable statement to the effect you did not miss her. For a gentleman who has been wed for so short a time, I find that a mite odd, my lord."

  The earl was skillfully negotiating his way be­tween two carriages, and when that was success­fully completed, he turned to glance at her, bestowing a most charming smile that went a long way to melting the hardness she felt about her heart. She was all at once tempted to reach out and touch him, to reconcile their differences and return to their former amiability, which seemed just then to be nothing more than a long-ago dream.

  'Oh, I do trust that little remark was not mis­interpreted, madame," he said, with such obvious insincerity that the moment was instantly gone.

  'I do not know how it is to be interpreted, my lord. I should not like to regard you as hard-hearted, when your wife is evidently so good as to care for an invalid regardless of her own desires. I am per­suaded she would far rather be in London riding with you in your carriage."

  The approaches to Hyde Park were crowded at that time of the day, not only with carriages but with horses and pedestrians, too. Her presence in Lord Asheville's phaeton was causing no small amount of interest, which came as no surprise to Pandora. Individually she and the earl had always been the object of scrutiny, and as a married couple that interest had become even more intense. As she had surmised, her apparent departure in the mid­dle of her first Season as the Countess of Asheville had set tongues clacking all over town, and she doubted if anyone believed that she was caring for an invalid relative.

  'I realized soon after I had spoken," the earl was saying, "what I had said was open to being mis­understood. The truth is, madame, Mrs. Huxtable makes me as mad as a weaver."

  'From all I have heard, she has that effect upon everyone, which is one reason to be guarded in what one says."

  'I am delighted you have realized that fact. I in­tended to advise extreme caution in her company. Guard your tongue well, and as to what I said the other evening… I would not have you, of all peo­ple, think ill of me, madame."

  'Then you did not mean it?" she prompted, un­able to keep the anxiety out of her voice.

  'Not precisely as it appeared, I confess. Let me assure you that Lady Asheville and I enjoy such a closeness of spirit, not even her departure for Brocklesby Hall can remove it. Wherever she is, I feel she is always close to me. That is all I meant, I assure you."

  What humbug, she thought. When she turned to look at him, however, through angry, narrowed eyes, his expression was not a telling one, and she replied in a sweet tone, "That is a charming senti­ment, my lord."

  'And you express an inordinate interest in my wife, madame," he commented, at the same time as he nodded to an acquaintance who was hacking by.

  His remark caused her to look away quickly, and she resolved to hold her tongue on that subject from then on, for it would not do to be found out at this early stage. No, indeed it would not. The game was only just beginning.

  'Shame on you, Asheville!"

  The earl's carriage drew to a halt at the sound of Fanny Courdon's voice. Pandora bit back her an­noyance and forced a smile to her face. After all, it was she who was occupying the place of prominence in the earl's carriage, and that was bound to annoy the marchioness.

  'Lady Courdon, what an honor!" he responded, appearing delighted to see her.

  'Shame on you," she repeated as her carriage drew abreast of his.

  'What exactly should make me feel shame on such a delightful afternoon as this?" he bantered, and she dimpled prettily.

  'Why, poor Lady Asheville is incarcerated in the country, and here you are, enjoying the company of one of the most sought-after emigrees in London. You are evidently relishing every moment."

  'Oh, it is surely evident what I am about," he countered. "It is incumbent upon me to afford Ma­dame de Chambray as warm a welcome as is pos­sible. She is, after all, a cousin of Lady St. James, and I am an old, old, friend of that family."

  'How conscientious you are about your duties, my lord."

  'I have always considered myself to be so."

  Lady Courdon looked thoughtful. "I am of the opinion that Lady Asheville will be delighted to know of it when she is informed."

  'Indeed, she will," the earl replied, retaining his appearance of good humor. "And I am certain I may rest assured that you can be relied upon to inform her. Indeed, you would be doing me a service, for I am such a poor correspondent."

  Thwarted in her attempt at mischief, Lady Cour­don turned her malicious gaze upon Pandora then. "How elegant you look, madame." As Pandora ac­knowledged the compliment with an inclination of her head, the other woman drew a deep, exagger­ated sigh. " 'Tis amazing how Frenchwomen lead in fashion, even when their country is in turmoil."

  'Mayhap it would be more in keeping if I dressed as a Jacobin," Pandora waspishly replied, some­thing that made Fanny Courdon laugh, albeit harshly.

  'La! What a funster you are, madame. au revoir."

  As the marchioness's carriage continued upon its way, Pandora muttered, "She has more hair than wit, I fear."

  Lord Asheville urged his team into a trot and re­plied, " 'Tis quite amazing, I do believe you have taken her in dislike."

  'I think there is nothing amazing about that."

  'Lady Asheville does not much like Lady Cour­don, either."

  'Your wife is evidently a lady of good taste."

  'It has always been held that she is, as you are, madame. There are great similarities between you. Even your eau de cologne is so like the one Pandora wears."

  'Pandora?" she asked in a bemused way, for she was shocked; having taken so many pains to change her appearance, she had continued to wear the eau de cologne mixed especially for her requirements in Bond Street

  .

  'Lady Asheville," he explained, smiling at a young debutante who had driven past accompanied by her mother.

  'I brought my cologne with me from Paris, my lord," she hastened to assure him. "It cannot pos­sibly be the same as your wife's."

  'Lady Asheville has hers especially mixed, so I doubt it, but it is similar, I assure you, and most delightful."

  For once Pandora was glad to see Sir Aldan Buckley approach them. He was riding a chestnut mare and accompanied by a group of his rakish cro­nies.

  'Lord Asheville," he said severely, "I insist upon taking you to task."

  'Do you, indeed?" the earl responded, looking not the slightest bit pleased at the interruption this time.

  'It is grossly unfair upon the rest of us that you persist upon keeping the most delightful ladies to yourself."

  The earl laughed then. "Must I apologize to you for that, Buckley? Or shall I merely admire your good taste?"

  'And I yours, Asheville." Sir Aldan looked then to Pandora, who had been feigning disinterest in his presence, smiling and inclining her head to many who were passing by.r />
  'What a picture of radiance you present, ma­dame," he enthused.

  'I thank you, Sir Aldan," she replied demurely.

  'Tomorrow you must ride with me."

  At this she turned her full gaze upon him. "Must, Sir Aldan?"

  'Only if you wish it," he quickly amended. "I am totally at your service." He gave the earl a mean­ingful glance. "I should like above all things to drive you in my curricle."

  Pandora cast a mischievous glance at her hus­band, who was beginning to look rather angry. "I believe I would like that, Sir Aldan. Until the mor­row, then."

  Triumphant now, the baronet rode off, leaving the earl still looking annoyed. "Madame," he began, "I feel it incumbent upon me to warn you of that par­ticular gentleman."

  Pandora's eyes opened wide in mock surprise. "What can you possibly warn me about, my lord?"

  'He is not all he seems."

  She laughed. "Are any of us, my lord?" A mo­ment later she added, "From all I have observed, Sir Aldan Buckley is a fine figure of a man and, I am bound to admit, a thoroughly pleasant compan­ion."

  'How little you females know," he murmured, looking straight ahead.

  'Are you questioning my judgment, Lord Ashe­ville?" she asked in outraged tones.

  He looked at her then. "No, indeed. I would not for the world have you think so. I meant only that he is a tongue-pad, easily able to hoodwink gullible ladies. You would not be the first, I fear, but do not take what I say amiss, madame. My only desire is to protect you."

  'How kind of you," she replied, appearing mol­lified. "It appears that you must be well acquainted with Sir Aldan to be able to speak of him with such sure knowledge."

  'I know him well enough," the earl answered somewhat shortly. "He happens to be a fellow member of Boodles, which affords me some knowl­edge of him. Unfortunately he is well known for being in dun territory. Accordingly he is obliged to pursue heiresses, including my own wife, in regular attempts to repair his finances."

  'That is true of so many gentlemen, alas."

  'Those of us who are not strangers to his ways are aware he is once more deep into dun territory."

  'I must admit to being shocked, Lord Asheville. I can scarce believe it of him, although," she was quick to add, "I am certain you would not seek to mislead me. As a married man yourself, you would have no motive for doing so."

  He turned to look at her once more. "Be wary, madame, that is all I ask of you."

  Pandora smiled. "If it pleases you, I will, my lord, but knowing these unfortunate facts about Sir Al­dan does not mean I cannot ride out in his splendid curricle on the morrow."

  He did not reply, but when another mutual ac­quaintance showed signs of stopping to engage them in conversation, the earl whipped up his team, and the carriage left the footpath.

  As the phaeton plunged into the fields, Pandora held onto her hat and cried, "Lord Asheville, what are you about?"

  'Sir Aldan's team, you will discover, are daisy cutters compared to mine. I thought I would like to show you what my rum prancers will do, so that you will be able to discern the difference on the morrow."

  'It is well known that you have the finest horse­flesh in London. I must own it is famous." Pandora sat back, prepared to enjoy his show of bravado. "When I left Paris such a short time ago, I was devastated, but after all the kindness that has been shown to me by everyone I have encountered, I am much heartened."

  The earl drew in the ribbons to slow the phaeton, which was now far away from all interruptions. "Madame de Chambray, you have no notion how charming we English find French ladies."

  'Am I to be flattered by that remark, Lord Ashe­ville?" she asked coyly.

  He turned to give her a considered look, which caused her heart to flutter unevenly yet again. "You are an amazing woman, madame, but 'tis not flattery I speak, just the truth."

  Pandora smiled and said gently, "I do not think you know me very well as yet, my lord."

  'Then, with your permission, I shall seek to know you better in the time to come," he said harshly before directing his team of horses toward one of the gates that led out of the park and back toward Curzon Street.

  SEVEN

  Roderick St. James threw his last hand of cards onto the baize and declared, "I am all dished up, gentlemen."

  'I fear that I am in a similar situation," Lord Asheville agreed. "I have been roundly drubbed this afternoon."

  One of their gaming partners smiled as he pock­eted his winnings. "Is it possible your good fortune is now ended, Asheville?"

  'For today only, you may be assured," came the reply as the earl got to his feet and walked away, accompanied by his friend.

  One of those who remained murmured, "Mayhap Lady Asheville's defection has affected him more than he will own."

  'That would not surprise anyone," the other re­plied. "If she were my wife, I would be desolate, but there is more to that matter than we have yet seen. Rum business. Lady Asheville is not gone a sen­night before he is to be seen wooing a French widow. I could understand it if Lady Asheville were not so fetching."

  'Every man should be able to enjoy the company of a French widow. It has nothing to do with the handsomeness of a fellow's wife."

  As they left the gaming room, Roderick St. James said, " Tis true, you did not game with your usual panache, Asheville."

  'I cannot win every time, much as I would like to."

  'No, indeed. That would be outside of enough. However, it is apparent to me that you have ap­peared troubled of late. Missing her ladyship, eh? Shouldn't blame you if you do."

  'Truth to tell, I have not had the time," the earl replied.

  'Ah, yes," the viscount murmured, smiling wryly. "I recall you have been somewhat busy, which may have some connection with the arrival of Cousin Louise. Her presence cannot help but be diverting. You have made much of her. Mayhap too much for a man so newly wed."

  'Do you object to my making that poor creature welcome in our country, St. James?" the earl asked in some surprise. "I feel certain that Pandora would not. I thought you would have been glad of it."

  The viscount chuckled. "If that were all."

  The earl looked shocked. "My motive is quite sin­cere, I assure you, my friend. Would you have me ignore her?"

  'Not for anything." He chuckled again. "In truth that baggage puzzles me. She is not at all what I expected after Rosa's description of her."

  Lord Asheville looked interested. "In what man­ner does she puzzle you, may I ask? She appears entirely straightforward to me."

  His friend shrugged. " 'Tis odd how high-spirited she is. I supposed she would suffer constant me­grims for the loss of her estates and country."

  'Mayhap she expects to return home before long. Bad as it may be, it cannot continue forever."

  Roderick St. James nodded. "I dare say that is the truth of it."

  'Tell me a little about her background," the earl asked. "I fear she is reluctant to talk about it to me, which is quite understandable in the circum­stances, and I have forebore to ask her too many questions although I confess to being curious."

  The other man looked a little vague. "Truth to tell, I don't know that much about her. Rosa prat­tles on so, there are times when I scarce heed what she is saying. Madame de Chambray is a widow and evidently of some worth, for we have not been called upon to stump the blunt since she arrived. Her father was Rosa's uncle, her mother's brother. Beyond that I know very little. Meanwhile the house is full of females, with another due to join us before long."

  'I fully understand how trying it must be," the earl told him with a smile. "Lady St. James and Madame de Chambray are always seen to be in high snuff."

  'Not to mention Cousin Louise's niece." Again the earl looked interested. "I don't believe I have met the lady." Lord St. James waved one hand in the air. It was becoming clear he was not much interested in his wife's relatives and was growing weary of the con­versation. "The chit is scarce out of the schoolroom. I tell you,
when the three of them get together 'tis like Bedlam in the house."

  The earl laughed. "I can well believe it. I recall full well the times I have walked in upon Pandora and your wife, which would no doubt present a sim­ilar scene of mayhem." The earl paused for a mo­ment or two before adding, "Arriving at your house the other day, I did encounter Madame de Chambray's abigail."

  'Oh, yes, I believe I do recall some bracket-faced creature mooning about the landing. Can't say I take much account of serving wenches."

  Lord Asheville's eyebrows rose a little. "Bracket-faced? She appeared quite fetching to me." They wandered out of the club past the lackeys and paused while their carriages were brought round. "Regrettably, I shan't be able to accompany you to Tattersall's on the morrow," the earl said thought­fully after a moment.

  'As you wish," his friend answered good-naturedly, "but I thought you had it in mind to purchase a new hunter."

  'I do, but it will have to wait awhile longer. I have more pressing business to attend out of town. Be sure you convey my apologies and good wishes to Lady St. James and Madame de Chambray."

  'Certainly I will, but I cannot think why you deem it necessary."

  'They might take my absence amiss." The earl's phaeton arrived, and he took the ribbons, raising his hat to his friend. "Good day to you, St. James. I shall make contact with you on my return."

  'I do believe that toady would wish to make me his ch&re amie," Pandora declared when she discov­ered Rosamond resting on her daybed on the follow­ing afternoon.

  Lady St. James sat up when Pandora entered her sitting room, where she was being entertained by Francois. "Are you referring to Buck Buckley?"

  'No, Asheville."

  Rosamond St. James laughed. "Is that not what you wished?"

  'Indeed, but it is exceeding bothersome when one's own husband acts in such a fashion. And sometimes he says the oddest things. There are oc­casions when it seems that he knows, but that can­not possibly be."

  'Have you had sight of him today?"

  'No, but as he was aware Sir Aldan was taking me riding, I am persuaded he will be sulking some­where. I was obliged to go out early today to pur­chase a new stock of eau de cologne. Asheville told me that mine reminded him of his wife's."

 

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