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

sharp tongue was busilyemployed in witty observations on the company. She continued to holdhis hand, scorning the offer of his arm and Justin shrugged—what did itmatter that she made her pleasure in his company so obvious? Hisfingers twined around the small gloved ones which squeezed back warmly.

At supper, Danny, contrary to her earlier statement, displayed a heartyappetite and kept their party

much amused with her comments on thescene. In addition to Julian and his usual cronies, the Earl andCountess of March joined them, together with D'Evron and several youngladies of Danielle's age whose mamas considered the chaperonage ofLinton and Lady March tobe unimpeachable. The young ladies, for their part, enjoyed theflattering attentions of Jules and his friends, blushed prettily whenaddressed by the formidable Earl of Linton, and gazed enviously at hiscountess who treated her husband with no apparent deference and whosegown made them long for the time when they too could lose theirmaidenly decorum.

It was well into the early hours of the morning when Justin andDanielle finally regained Linton House where a sleepy night porter letthem in. "You must maid me tonight, milord," Danielle said softly asthey ascended the wide staircase. "I told Molly not to wait up."

"It will be my pleasure, my love. However, since I fear I was not soconsiderate with Petersham you will wait for me, I trust."

"I fail to see how I may do otherwise," Danielle responded. "This hoopis so enormous, I cannot imagine how I may rid myself of it alone."

"I will not keep you waiting long." Justin disappeared into his ownchamber, unable to hide his grin from the dozing valet who sprang tohis feet at My Lord's entrance. The grin died as Linton submitted toPetersham's ministrations and prepared himself mentally for thedisclosure he must make.

"Thank you, Petersham." He adjusted the folds of the long velvet robe."I shall not require you further this night."

"Good night, my lord." Petersham bowed himself out of the chamber andLinton went through the connecting door.

"I have been waiting this age," Danny said indignantly. "Did you have acomfortable coze with Petersham?" She had contrived to rid herself ofthe overgown and to loosen her hair which now tumbled over hershoulders. The patch had gone, also, but the scent of freesias filledthe room and Justin smiled at this evidence that his wife had beenfreely applying his favorite perfume.

"Now do not be cross, Danny," he said, unbuttoning her. "I was notenjoying a comfortable coze with Petersham, merely preparing myself forthe night."

At that she laughed. "Help me out of this ridiculous hoop, love. I wishto hold you and cannot when this wire puts such a distance between us."

He did so swiftly and then took her hands. "Danielle, I have somethingto tell you. It is best told now."

"Milord Chatham?" Danielle looked at him seriously, all play vanishedfrom her eyes.

"How did you know?"

The slim shoulders in the white camisole shrugged. "You have looked alittle distrait this evening. Is the news bad then?"

"No, not exactly." Justin turned her and began to unlace her stays."Pitt wishes me to visit Paris."

"Oh, I should like that of all things." Danielle spun around as thelast lace was released. "I have been homesick for France for manymonths and there is much to be learned that one cannot learn simply bylistening to . . ." Her voice died away as she read his expression. "Iam not to come with you?"

He shook his head. "No. My love, I don't wish to expose you to danger."

"Such nonsense!" she exclaimed. "There will be no danger and I am wellable to protect . . ."

"No, Danny," he repeated quietly.

"Why not?" She reached behind her to unfasten the pearl necklace, hervoice soft as she prepared herself for battle. She would achievenothing by throwing a tantrum, only by sweet reason. Justin clearly hadsome misguided opinions on chivalry and she would put him to rightscarefully and unobjectionably.

"I would never know where you were," her husband told her directly. "Orin what guise. I'll not having you roaming the Paris slums in britchesagain, Danny."

"And if I promise not to do so?"

"The answer is still no. Listen to me for a moment." He reached againfor her hands but she twitched them away impatiently. "Danny, you havework enough to do here. I will be gone but two weeks and when I returnwe shall go together to Mervanwey. It is too soon for you to return toParis—the

memories are too strong . . ."

"Am I not to be the judge of that, milord?" Danielle held herself incheck. "I think it is the right time for me to return to those scenes.I am quite at peace with the memories and recollection will only serveto

lay the ghosts to rest."

"Danielle, I must travel incognito and swiftly." Justin tried again,desperate to find a reason that she

would accept and that would preventhis having to rely on the unquestionable veto that was the husband'sright. "I cannot do that in your company unless we travel as we oncedid, and that I will not countenance under any circumstances."

Danielle thought rapidly. The idea of traveling again with her husbandas master and servant, sharing bedchambers— although this journey theywould also share beds—playing the urchin role in the kitchens made hertoes tap with glee. Sadly she relinquished that plan. While it would bemost amusing, it would not do except in dire emergency. But there hadto be some way she could convince Justin that she would be useful andin no way an impediment.

"Justin, we do not have to travel in that manner. Neither must wetravel as the Earl and Countess of Linton. We will be two members ofthe bourgeosie, if you prefer. I can carry that role withoutdifficulty.

I will pad my skirts to give a matronly impression andspeak as the shoemaker's