With a hand that shook slightly, he removed his jeweled snuffbox from his waistcoat pocket, took a pinch before he put it away again, and all the while his formidable mother regarded him with great severity.
'
'Tis unusual to see you in town nowadays, Mama. Have the diversions of Tunbridge Wells palled already? I feared that they would."
'In that you are quite wrong, Asheville. I still find Tunbridge Wells a very tolerable place to live and am like to continue doing so for the foreseeable future."
Hopefully he ventured, "Then it is like you will not be staying for long in London, which you have grown to dislike."
'That is quite so. I shall remain in town for only as long as it takes to settle one or two matters I consider of some import."
'Ah, now I understand, Mama," he said with false heartiness. "You wish to patronize your mantua maker, milliner, and so on? That is quite understandable."
'That is not my reason for making that abominable journey. Do you think I have windmills in my head, like some green girl?"
'Indeed not, Mama."
'My sole reason for coming up to town is to have a coze with my son on a matter which has come to my attention of late."
Just then the earl experienced a good deal of foreboding. "It must be a matter of great import to bring you to town with such haste."
'Indeed, it is, so, let us not mince words any longer. I have received a letter from Meg Chisholm, the contents of which have greatly alarmed me, I confess."
'The queen of the tattle-baskets," the earl responded sarcastically. "You should not concern yourself about anything she imparts."
'Don't be so insolent. Lady Chisholm is an old and honored friend."
The earl looked penitent. "I beg pardon, Mama. The title was not one I bestowed upon her."
'I have not come here to discuss Meg Chisholm, so do not divert my thoughts."
'No, Mama," the earl responded with a sigh.
'Lady Asheville is the reason for my visit—your wife."
'Pandora."
The dowager made a noise that indicated her irritation. "It is perfectly plain to whom I refer. It has been brought to my attention that your wife of no more than three months is now living at Brocklesby Hall while you remain here in London. Is that true, Asheville?"
Once again he drew a sigh. "Yes, Mama, it is."
'I confess I am at a loss to know what to think on it."
'You may be assured, it is nothing for you to be in a fidge about, Mama," her son answered smoothly.
'Indeed, you are incorrect there. It troubles my head and is like to do so until I have an explanation. How do you suppose you can fill your nursery when Lady Asheville is in one place and you are in another?"
' Tis a parting of short duration, you may be certain, and nothing over which you should get into a pucker."
'I find it most unusual and quite alarming. Admit it, Asheville, you and she have parted brass rags."
The earl laughed. "No, Mama. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pandora and I are in perfect accord."
'Then why… ?"
He could not meet his mother's keen gaze and instead stared into the leaping flames of the fire. " 'Tis most unfortunate, I own, but a distant relative of hers—injured most grievously during the war in the Americas—is in need of nursing. Pandora thought it incumbent upon her to bear him company for a short while in order to raise his spirits a little. She is adept, you must own, in doing so."
The dowager looked astonished. "That goosecap nursing an invalid? That is a notion I find exceeding difficult to comprehend."
Rallying now, the earl chided, "Truly, Mama, you have no need to trouble your head on this matter."
'Your marriage is of great import. You took an unconscionable time in choosing a bride. I'd have thought the last thing you wanted was to part, however short a period it may be."
'Rely upon it, Mama, neither of us relishes the necessity."
'That is all very well, but you have a duty. The Ashevilles are an old and great family, as you well know. Your ancestors date back directly to William the Conqueror. The line must be perpetuated without delay. I was of the opinion you were fully aware of it, but I am not so certain that crackbrained wife of yours is."
The earl was fast becoming irritated by this oft repeated tale, but he scarcely showed it. "I assure you, in the fullness of time you will have many grandchildren to gladden your heart, Mama."
The dowager grunted. "You have always known my opinion of your choice of bride, Asheville."
'Yes, Mama," he replied with the air of one who was sorely tried, "but at least you can have no quarrel with her antecedents."
'Nor I have, but the chit has windmills in her head. I have always thought so. When you decided to offer for her, I confess, I could not envisage how you could deal with her."
'I assure you I do, and this parting is of a very temporary nature. It is all a nothing."
'In truth it surprises me to hear of her charity."
Lady Asheville conceded. "Mayhap I have judged the chit wrongly after all."
Her son allowed himself a small smile of relief. "I have always told you so, Mama. Pandora has virtues that are not always apparent."
'Her portion was ample, I grant you," his mother added.
Seeking to end the discussion on this note, the earl took out his gold hunter and glanced at it. Noting the gesture, his mother, her manner considerably softened now, told him. "No doubt you have an engagement this evening, and in view of my unexpected arrival, you need not feel obliged to remain at home on my account."
'It is a long-standing engagement; otherwise be assured I would remain at home to bear you company." He bent to kiss her again, and as he straightened up, he added, "Now you have contrived to reassure yourself as to the state of my marriage, I trust you will feel free to return to Tunbridge Wells. I know how tedious you find London."
'I am not so young anymore, my dear. The journey was a tiring one, and I feel quite done up, so I shall remain only long enough to regain my spirits. Naturally it would be tolerable if I was to see your wife before I return to Tunbridge Wells."
The earl bit back a cry of irritation. Females, he thought vexedly. They were the very devil. However, he continued to smile at his mother as he replied, "It is quite like that you will. Pandora will be very soon back at my side where she belongs."
'That news gladdens my heart, m' boy."
He moved away from her quickly, saying, "I will bid you a very good night, Mama."
Just as he reached the door, she said in an uncharacteristically casual manner, "It is, of course, none of my concern, Asheville. You are a grown man long out of leading strings, but it would do better if you were to delay taking a chere amie until after there is an heir in your nursery."
Lord Asheville turned on his heel, his irritation apparent now. "Mama, what are you about?"
The dowager smiled sweetly. "The French doxy with whom you have been seen abroad of late. No doubting she makes exceeding pleasant company, but remember, duty always comes before pleasure. Recall that is the motto on the family coat of arms. Mayhap you should read it the very next time you climb into that phaeton of yours."
'Madame de Chambray, for 'tis obvious it is to her you refer, is no doxy. She is a cousin of Lady St. James and has suffered great deprivation in her flight from danger. It is incumbent upon all of us to ease the sorrow of these emigrees. It could, after all, have happened to us."
Lady Asheville was evidently horrified at the notion. "Here in England? What tush, Asheville. Whatever can you be thinking of to suggest it? There was never any possibility of it happening here. The English have too much good sense."
'Nevertheless, Mama, I have merely helped to ease her pain a little."
'Very commendable of you, my dear," his mother replied dryly. " 'Tis to be hoped, you would do exactly the same if the lady in question had been hagridden."
&nbs
p; 'What makes you think she is not?"
'I take leave to doubt it. Well, you may go along to your pleasures now. I have delayed you for long enough."
Still appearing piqued, the earl bowed low before her before he made a grateful exit. As he came down the stairs once more, he was no longer looking forward to the company of Madame de Chambray. The arrival of his mother had quite spoiled the anticipation of that particular pleasure.
Seated on the other side of Pandora at the recital was Francois, who frequently cast dark looks at Sir Aldan. The baronet, however, was totally unaware of the boy's malice as he listened with apparent ecstasy to the music.
When Signora Marella's last note faded away, the audience began to applaud enthusiastically, and Francois whispered, "Do not allow Sir Aldan to take you in to supper. I wish to have the honor."
'Frangois, I must not allow you to monopolize my company, however pleasant that may be for both of us. It is important to the plan for me to be with Sir Aldan as often as is possible. Moreover, 'tis unnatural for one's nephew to be so attentive. Lord Asheville has already commented upon it."
'Lord Asheville," the boy said contemptuously. "I care nothing for what he says or thinks."
Casting one last dark look toward Sir Aldan, Francois got up from his chair and walked away. Pandora drew a little sigh as Sir Aldan leaned closer to her. "What a voice. Such delicacy of tone. It is most rare."
Pandora began to fan herself, for she had become averse to the baronet's company since her estrangement from the earl, and yet she knew she must tolerate him for now.
'I am delighted to hear you enjoy the recital, Sir Aldan."
'Did you not? You do seem a mite preoccupied this evening."
'I am flattered you have observed that in me. I had not thought it noticeable."
She glanced around, but there was still no sign of the earl, and she was beginning to wonder if she was truly glad about that or not. It was beginning to be apparent to her that she was unable to enjoy any diversion if he was absent.
'You must be certain, madame, I note everything about you," Sir Aldan was saying. "May I have the extreme honor of escorting you in to supper?"
Once again she glanced around and then resignedly replied, "I thank you, Sir Aldan. That will be quite congenial."
As they wandered into the supper room, he said, "I do trust the cause of your megrims is not serious."
'Indeed, it is, Sir Aldan. How can it not be? I am concerned for my family in France, my friends, too."
Sir Aldan shook his head, the powder from his hair dusting his shoulders like snow. He was wearing a brocade coat with paste buttons, and his face was as liberally powdered as his hair. Pandora could not help but compare him unfavorably with the earl, who at all times was a picture of sartorial elegance. Just then she wondered how she could have ever considered this man one of her suitors.
'
'Tis a bad business," he agreed, "but be assured, madame, you are now among friends. Not only are you perfectly safe from any harm, but made very welcome, too."
Pandora's cheeks grew pink. "I could not help but be aware of it. My heart is constantly warmed by the way I have been received."
'I do hope that means you feel you will be able to settle here."
'Do I have a choice, Sir Aldan? I think not. I cannot return to France however much I wish to do so. That would be most foolhardy at the present time."
'What I mean is… no more nonsense about entering a nunnery. You did make mention of the possibility."
'I have not entirely dismissed the notion," she answered airily.
'Madame de Chambray, if I may be permitted to say so," he said in an agitated manner, "that would be a sinful waste."
Pandora laughed. "About that matter we shall have to see. To enter into the service of one's God cannot be deemed a waste."
'For you, I am persuaded it would be. You would be obligated to miss so much you evidently enjoy. I am persuaded you are diverted by evenings such as this."
'I cannot help but agree with you on that score, especially when I am in such company as yours, Sir Aldan. Then the pleasure is much increased." She watched him preen himself before she added, almost chuckling at her own duplicity, "But I must confess, if I were to leave London, it would not trouble me at all. What is most disappointing, I find, is the lack of court life. In France most of us lived at Versailles for a great part of the year. Here no one goes to Windsor."
'Our sainted King and Queen are unlike yours, madame. They prefer a quiet life with their family, and naturally, the King's illness has somewhat curtailed his public life."
'Ah, now I understand the better. On reflection, thinking of all that is happening in France, mayhap King George is the wiser."
When they reached the supper room and the splendid buffet set out for their enjoyment, Pandora and her escort helped themselves to plentiful servings of ham, chicken, and savory mousse. Solicitously Sir Aldan settled her in a seat before going to fetch lemonade. As Pandora glanced around anxiously, she caught sight of Francois. He glowered at her from across the room before marching toward the door, even though she gave him an encouraging smile.
Sir Aldan soon returned with the lemonade and seated himself next to her. "I cannot conceive why I accepted your invitation to supper, Sir Aldan," she said, lapsing into the flirtatious role that came so easily to her.
'Madame, you did so because you find my company as congenial as I do yours."
'You are, I confess, diverting."
'A lady of your beauty and charm cannot help but attract attention, but in truth, madame, I wish to be more in your company than I am able."
'Before you continue, I feel it only fair to confess that Lord Asheville warned me against you," she said maliciously.
The baronet almost choked on his ham. "Madame! How dare he! I had always considered him a scapegrace, but this is outside of enough. I must protest. It is most unfair."
'I cannot conceive why he should do such a thing," she went on when he had finished his outrage. "You have always been so amiable."
'I am delighted to hear you say so," he answered, only slightly mollified, "but I am bound to say, there are things about Asheville you do not know. He has, I do not doubt, put the saddle upon the wrong horse. He is the one you should treat with the utmost caution. I have taken him in extreme dislike…"
'That much is very evident," she told him as she heedlessly continued to eat her supper, "but I am bound to confess that Lord Asheville has always appeared most agreeable to me."
'He always exerts a good deal of charm toward any handsome lady, but in truth he is a rake and a scapegrace. His tongue is too smooth and he gambles too deep."
'A fault in many men," Pandora pointed out.
'Madame, I feel I am falling into the trap of sinking down as far as my Lord Asheville. Suffice to say there are good reasons, quite unwarranted, I assure you, for his malice toward me."
Pandora paused in her enjoyment of the food and look interested. "I am truly intrigued, Sir Aldan. Do tell me. I am in a fidge to know."
At this he appeared to become extremely uncomfortable. His cheeks had taken on a decidedly pinkish tone, and she wondered if it was because he had been overindulgent with the rouge and hare's-foot.'
'Tis a matter of the utmost delicacy. I could not betray a sacred trust."
'Now would I wish you to, but I feel our relationship transcends pretense, and I can assure you, you may rely upon my discretion. I can be as close as oak when I wish."
'Very well," he conceded with a sigh. "You are, in a way, concerned in the matter, so it is right you should know. I would hate for you to be deceived by that man."
'Indeed, I should dislike making a cake of myself."
'Be assured, I shall not allow that to happen, madame. I would defend your honor with my life."
'Sir Aldan, I am totally overcome," she answered, betraying no trace of her amusement as she re
called his quick exit from the garden on the evening Lord Asheville found them together. "However, I must urge you to continue with your on dit."
'You may not be aware of the fact, madame, but Asheville and I were once rivals for the hand of Lady Asheville. The truth is," he added, glancing at her quickly, "that dear lady favored my suit. Indeed, she did. However, it was parental pressure that ensured that it was Asheville who finally triumphed."
'I certainly did not know that," she agreed, astounded at the overweening arrogance of the man.
'
'Tis true, alas for me. You may imagine the devastation I suffered. Moreover, Asheville was well aware of his wife's true feelings, which did nothing to endear him to me. After their marriage I was left to grieve the loss of my dear love. However, on her eventual return to town it was evident to me the poor chit bitterly regretted her marriage to that poltroon, which was no more than I expected, in truth, although it grieved me anew for her sake."
'How shocking," Pandora murmured, holding her irritation in check, of necessity.
'Ah, yes, indeed. The sadness we both endured was incalculable. To see her wherever I went, so beautiful, so ill-used, was almost more than I could bear. Inevitably, madame, nature in such matters being what it is, she could no longer conceal her feelings for me." He sighed. "I know she tried. For the sake of propriety we both did, but I am ashamed to confess, Lord Asheville caught us committing a slight indiscretion. Oh, be assured, I would not have caused her pain for anything, but she begged me for a sign I still cared for her, and it was beyond me to refuse her."
As he cast her a piteous look, she murmured, "So that is why Lady Asheville is gone to the country."
'Precisely, madame. A rose that blooms only in the full light of town diversions is banished from all she loves and from all who love her. 'Tis tragic, you must own."
Pandora smiled at him. "My dear Sir Aldan, it is quite evident to me that you still love her deeply."
'Alas, I shall always harbor a fondness for Lady Asheville. However, the truth is—dare I admit it?— I have met another, a lady who is free to return my affection in the abundance in which it is given."
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