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

Her husband remained unmoved throughout the tirade, looked merelybored, in fact. When she fell into

a frustrated silence, he pinched hercheek carelessly and said he hoped she had sufficiently relieved herfeelings.

Danielle made a sound like an infuriated kitten and flounced out of theroom. It had been months since Justin had treated her like that andDanielle knew full well that if he had made up his mind on the matter,to Mervanwey they would go. She toyed momentarily with the idea ofsettling on one of the Bath houses herself and presenting him with afait accompli, but in her heart of hearts knew that such childishdefiance would not work. It was interesting, though, that he wasprepared to spend the summer away from the charms of MargaretMainwairing, or perhaps he intended to leave his wife safely out of theway in Cornwall while he took his own pleasure elsewhere. Well, if thatwas his plan he would find himself obliged to revise it.

Justin took himself to White's, deciding that fighting with his wifewas infinitely more satisfying than the cool polite distance of recentweeks. At least she was forced to respond to him in a familiar way hecould handle.

The Earl of March had been waiting for three days for hisgrandson-in-law to return to town. No one seemed to know when to expecthim, not even Danielle, and Charles had stationed himself at White'swhere he knew Linton would come within hours of his arrival inGrosvenor Square. Accordingly, he was much relieved when his patiencewas rewarded by the sight of the powerful figure in dove gray britchesand a superbly cut coat of blue cloth with silver buttons. A diamondpin nestled in the immaculate folds

of his cravat and his hair was butlightly powdered.

Linton greeted friends and acquaintances with casual ease but a slightfrown showed in the blue black eyes as he recognized the unmistakablesigns of constraint in the returned courtesies. He could almost

feelthe speculative eyes on his back as he made his way to the Earl ofMarch, who had been betrayed into an urgent gesticulation when he hadcaught his eye.

"What's to do, March?" he asked bluntly. "I have the distinctimpression that my appearance has caused

a degree of embarrassment."

"No doubt." March sighed heavily. "You had best talk to Lavinia withoutdelay, Justin. She has been in such a taking, I have been at my witsend to know what to do for the best."

"So Danielle has set the town by the ears in my absence," Justinobserved, his lips tightening.

"You must talk to Lavinia, dear boy. She is better able than I toexplain."

"Then I will do so at once. I'm obliged to you, March." Justin bowedand turned'on his heel. Whatever the little wretch had done this time,it was clearly more serious than one of her usual pranks.

Lady Lavinia was not the calm matron Justin was accustomed to. Shegreeted him with a mixture of reproach and relief that he wiselyallowed to run its course before saying, "You had best tell me thewhole, ma'am."

"It is such a scandal, Justin." Lavinia paced the drawing room. "Icannot think what you were about to leave her alone for such a time.And your mother has been here every day, insisting I do somethingbecause Danielle will not mind her. But what can I do? The child willnot mind me either."

"Ma'am, I am quite in the dark as yet,1' Justin prompted, beginning todespair of ever hearing this horrifying story.

"Justin, she has been seen entering and leaving D'Evron's lodgings anynumber of times in these last two weeks, at all hours of the day andnight, and quite unaccompanied," Lady Lavinia moaned tragically.

"Notthat it would be much better if she had been. She is also always to beseen driving in his company, but they do not drive in the park oranywhere respectable, they are always heading out of town." LadyLavinia's geographical knowledge of London was confined exclusively tothe few square miles inhabited by the ton, any area outside that was aforeign land.

"Am I to understand, Lavinia, that Danielle is considered to beD'Evron's mistress?" Justin took snuff with an

insouciance

that amazedthe countess.

"That is what is said," she replied with a defeated sigh. "I have noidea whether or not it is true, but she

is so indiscreet and . . ." Shehesitated before continuing bravely. "You will forgive me for sayingthis, Justin, I cannot but have helped noticing that there has beensome estrangement between you recently.

If you have angered her in someway . . . she is so impulsive." Her voice faded.

"So, you are suggesting that she has taken a lover in revenge? I thinknot, ma'am. My wife, as you so rightly say, is both indiscreet andimpulsive, but she is not vindictive. She has business with D'Evronconcerning her compatriots who find themselves in difficultcircumstances. This business has my

approval and it would be wise tolet that be known widely and without delay. However, I do not approveof her manner of conducting that business in my absence, but you maysafely leave that matter in my hands. The scandal can be easilyscotched if D'Evron is seen also in my company and their work

togetherwith the emigres is made open knowledge."

"I will do as you say." Lavinia nodded thoughtfully. "I think I willarrange a dinner party with D'Evron

as guest, you and Danielle, ofcourse, and several others of importance. Yes, that will serve verywell. But you will put a stop to her jauntering?"

"You may rest assured that I shall do so," Justin said, a grim note inhis voice that quite reassured Lady Lavinia.

Linton went next in search of his cousin. In truth, he was not assanguinely convinced of Danielle's fidelity as he had led Lady March tobelieve. He thought it unlikely but not as impossible as he would haveconsidered it two months previously. Danielle had changed out of allrecognition and he was no longer sure