Jane Feather - Charade by Unknown (howl and other poems .TXT) 📕

But neither the earl nor his countess were foolish, and having raised afamily of two sons and one very high-spirited, self-willed daughter,were well aware of the dangers inherent in a premature announcement tothe mercurial Danielle as to her future.

"And what of your subsequent journey, Justin?" March refilled his glassand passed the decanter to his guest.

"One beset with alarums and excursions, sir," Linton said with a ruefulhalf smile. "But I think we contrived to keep Danielle's identity asecret from the world—except for Pitt." He explained their sojourn inLondon and the meeting with the prime minister. "Pitt has promised bothhis discretion and his friendship, so I think we need have no fears inthat quarter."

"Danielle traveled as a boy all that time?" Lady Lavinia spoke for thefirst time in a tone of shocked incredulity.

"Yes, ma'am. As my servant, actually. Although it is not a role she isparticularly adept at," Linton murmured.

Danielle took a deep breath into the sudden silence before speakingwith some difficulty. "I realize, milord, that I have not alwaysappeared sensible of your many kindnesses and that perhaps I might haveseemed ungrateful for your protection ..."

"Danny!" the earl exclaimed, interrupting this fumbling beginning. "Youare not about to thank me, are you? If you do so, I shall begin tothink your experiences have quite overset your reason!"

"I was intending to apologize, as it happens," she replied acidly."Whilst I was not grateful for your interference, I could perhaps havebeen a little more amenable."

The earl's eyes danced. "You were certainly an unpredictable travelingcompanion."

"Yes, well I should not have teased you about your headache when youwere foxed in France, and then got into a fight with that

bete

Jacques," Danielle continued doggedly, determined to rid herself ofthis unpleasant confession and thus missing Linton's warning look. "Andthen I came up on deck when you had said not to and nearly got sweptoverboard and then was horribly seasick and you had to look after meand then I made Lord Julian notice me and . . ."

"I think, Danielle, that we do not need a catalog of yourindiscretions," Justin broke in very softly. "Your grandparents willnot find them edifying."

Silenced, she glanced at her grandparents, who were both lookingthunderstruck at the chasm of impropriety revealed by her artlessrecitation.

"Lord Linton is quite right, child," Lavinia said hastily. "Those fewdays you spent in his company had best be buried as deep as possible.Although, I must confess to feeling a degree of compassion for you,Justin."

"Not necessary, ma'am, I assure you," he demurred with a smile.

"Well, we must think now of how best we can brush through this affair,"March declared firmly. "I think, my dear, that Linton and I shoulddiscuss this alone."

"Yes, of course." Lady Lavinia rose instantly. "Come, Danielle, I haveasked Hannah to sort through some clothes that we might be able toalter for you, until we can have your wardrobe made up. Let us

go andsee what she has discovered."

"No!" Danielle exclaimed suddenly. "You do not understand—none of youunderstands. I cannot remain here."

Only Linton showed no surprise at this impassioned statement. He tooksnuff and with great deliberation flicked a speck from his sleeve witha lace handkerchief before saying, "Enlighten us, Danny."

"I have to return to Languedoc before the situation in France becomesso bad that all travel is impossible. We have perhaps two months, nomore, and maybe less if the States General produces confrontation." Shewas talking quietly, desperately now, turning to her stunnedgrandfather. "I have it all planned, sir, but I will need some fundsand passage to France. If you still have

Dream Girl,

I can sail toBrittany and make my way on horseback, traveling as a factor, perhaps,on a journey to oversee his master's estates.

I have not quite workedthat out, but it will serve, I think. I can travel in relative comfortand safety in that guise."

"Why?" Linton sat up, resting his elbows on the table, looking closelyat the pale, set face opposite.

"You would not understand," she said quietly, turning her head away.

"That seems to be a favorite accusation of yours, brat. I suggest youput me to the test."

"All I have left is there." Her voice sank to barely a whisper. "I mustbring back

Mamman's

jewelsand

do something for the cure and .. . and .. . find out what has happened to the chateau and the bodies of myfamily. It is not finished otherwise."

The Earl of March opened his mouth and was instantly silenced by aquick frown from his guest.

"Do you trust me, Danielle?" Linton asked what seemed to Danny acomplete non sequitur and she

gazed at him blankly.

"But of course, milord. What an idiotish question!"

"It is not idiotish and it is most certainly not courteous of you tospeak in that fashion." This down-to-earth rebuke in the face ofDanielle's extraordinary scheme had the effect of returning reality tothe dining room. The Earl and Countess of March relaxed once again,more than willing to leave this matter in the clearly capable hands ofthe Earl of Linton.

"I will make the journey for you," he continued coolly. "You willfurnish me with a letter for the cure, maps, and all relevantinformation. Whilst I am gone, you will remain here arid practice someof the gentler arts of being a lady. Is that a fair exchange?"

"It will be dangerous, milord, and the danger should be mine notyours," she responded with quiet dignity.

"You will, however, allow me to assume that dangerfor you. I canaccomplish the task with much more facility than you, and much morespeed. Is it agreed?"

Danielle struggled with herself for long moments. Her pride rebelledagainst allowing someone else to take on such an unpleasant anddifficult task for her. She had expected total opposition and theassumption that even to wish for such a