Jane Feather - Charade, Unknown [great novels to read TXT] 📗

be necessary," she stated frigidly andwent off with as much dignity as she could muster in the direction oftheir bedchamber.

Linton looked after her with quivering lip. She was definitely going tobe more than the Earl of March and his countess could manage alone. Hissuspicion that the peaceful pattern of an existence ruled only by hisown desires and comforts had been permanently destroyed on that sunnyApril afternoon in Paris was rapidly becoming a certainty.

The post chaise was light and well sprung—an infinite improvement onthe heavy conveyance that had accommodated them through France—and theymade the twenty-mile journey in three hours reaching

My Lord's townhouse in Grosvenor Square soon after the noon hour. Danielle forgot heraggrieved sullens as they clattered through the London streets. Thesights, sounds, and smells of this seething metropolis entranced her.So different was the atmosphere here from the dreariness of Paris withits sense of brooding menace hanging in the narrow, fetid alleys. Therewas squalor and poverty here too, and the gutters ran malodorously withthe soil of the city's inhabitants in the crowded houses risingalongside the cobbled streets, at times almost seeming to touch theiropposite neighbor, forming an archway over the narrow lanes. But therewas elegance too and Danielle gazed open-mouthed at the quiet squareswith their tall mansions, the constant traffic of barouches, landaus,phaetons, curricles passing down the broader thoroughfares, theirexquisite passengers bowing and smiling to acquaintances. She gazedlongingly at the riders, briefly glimpsed behind the railings of HydePark, and for the first time in months felt an unaccountable urge to berid of her boy's clothes. But, however did women manage to walk inthose wide hooped skirts, those enormous panniers at the side? And thecoiffures! Enormous powdered creations, adorned with waving ostrichplumes, stuffed birds, and even more exotic articles. The isolated lifeof Languedoc had not required the extravagances and fripperies of thefashionable city and indeed was many years behind in fashion—a factwhich her mother had frequently lamented but had never repined over. Orif she had, Danielle frowned suddenly, had certainly kept it to herself.

*  *  *

Her companion, guessing fairly accurately at what was passing throughhis ward's mind, watched her open delight and wide-eyed wonder withamusement and a degree of pity. It had been an act of near criminalnegligence to keep this enchanting scion of a noble family from herbirthright, immured in the fastnesses of a wild, uncivilizedbackcountry.

The chaise drew up outside Linton House and instantly the enormousfront door swung open. A liveried footman let down the steps, openedthe door, and bowed his lordship and the disheveled scrap of humanitybehind him onto the pavement. Danielle hung back, suddenly shy, but theearl took her hand in a warm, reassuring grip.

"You have nothing to fear. These are my people. Just say nothing and doexactly as you are bid."

For once that instruction provided comfort rather than irritation. Shefollowed her guardian up the flight

of well-scrubbed steps into anenormous high-ceilinged hall with a wide curving flight of shallowstairs rising gracefully to the floors above.

"Welcome, my lord." A most elegant, black-clad figure moved sedatelywith measured tread across the gleaming tiled floor to greet them. Hisgaze flicked across Danielle but the shocked surprise in those calmgray eyes was instantly extinguished.

"Thank you, Bedford. I shall be in town only one night to transact somebusiness. The lad is to have the Blue Room. Have it prepared and hotwater for a bath sent up. I will also require Petersham in aboutfifteen minutes and if Mr. Haversham is in the house please ask him towait on me in my bookroom in one hour. You may bring some Madeira intothe library." Still holding Danielle's hand, the earl turned brisklyand went through the door held by an impassive footman into theluxurious book-lined saloon on one side of the hall, facing the street.

Danielle looked around appraisingly. She was not awed by themagnificence of the Aubusson carpet, the delicate Sheraton andChippendale furniture, the heavy brocaded curtains at the long windows.The de

St Varennes chateau, albeit in the wilds, had commanded all theelegancies of life. Neither was she intimidated by Milord's servants,although they carried themselves with a deal more consequence thanwould have been tolerated under the feudal regime operating inLanguedoc. But she was very interested

in His Lordship's life-style. Hewas clearly a man of considerable wealth.

A discreet knock at the door was followed immediately by Bedford with asilver tray on which reposed a cut glass decanter and two crystalwineglasses. No one was to know the anguish that had wracked thisaustere gentleman as he wondered whether he was to provide a glass forHis Lordship's extraordinary companion. To do so could be anunforgivable solecism but there was something about the way the earlhad been holding the lad's hand, a sort of proprietorialpossessive-nessthat caused his butler to opine that a lack of courtesy to this unusualguest might be an even more unforgivable solecism. He was muchrelieved, therefore, when His Lordship made no comment on the contentsof the tray.

"Would Your Lordship care for a nuncheon?" Bedford inquired.

"I think not, but you may have a tray sent up to the Blue Room." Lintonpoured the golden wine and handed his brat a glass, waiting until thebutler had left the room before raising his own in a toast.

"Let us drink to the end of this masquerade,

mon

enfant

. A few moredays will see the finish. It is unfortunate that your grandparents haveremained in the country for the Season, otherwise I could have restoredyou to them within the hour."

Danielle was not convinced that this was an unfortunate circumstancebut kept her reflections to herself, merely sipping her wineappreciatively, surprising His Lordship with an informed comment on thevintage.

"You know wine, child?"

"My grandfather's cellar was renowned throughout France. I wasinterested, so he taught me," she said carelessly. "I am thought tohave an excellent palate.

Grandpere

always trusted my judgment at thetastings."

Linton wondered how many more surprises this brat had up her sleeve. Hestrongly suspected that he