Juliana

Part 9

She turned to look at him, a puzzled question in her eyes. His handsome face did not betray his emotions and she could not pretend to be an expert at reading his mind, much as she was inclined to think that it would be of strategic advantage to have that particular accomplishment in that gentleman's case.

On second thought, perhaps not.

Unbeknownst to Juliana, her facial expressions provided the Viscount with quite an accurate picture of her thoughts. And yet his lordship seemed to be at his most phlegmatic as he continued.

"I admit it is not the setting I would have chosen for the event, yet it seems foolhardy to pass on the opportunity. I am at your disposal, madam."

She blinked.

"Sir, I-"

"I assure you, I meant what I said to you at the ball." He smiled quizzically. "I am not generally so solicitous, you must know."

"That I can readily believe!", she informed him without hesitation.

"Come, that is much better!" His lordship's tone was all that was approving. "Now we begin to understand each other."

This only added to her suspicion. She had, by then, a fair notion of what he might be alluding to.

"I believe, my lord, that you wish to quarrel with me."

His mobile brows lifted incredulously. "But what can have given you such an idea? I am not at all quarrelsome."

That was rather too much for her composure.

"You are the most odious, provoking, conceited - oh!" Her unruly tongue! She had allowed herself to be goaded into impropriety, no matter how just she felt her accusation to be after all that had recently transpired. And he did not seem to be at all shaken by it. And, upon closer inspection, to be laughing at her! Detestable creature!

The detestable creature had taken this assessment of his character with wonderful equanimity, as it seemed.

"Well, yes -- ", he agreed apologetically. "But surely that does not surprise you? How could I otherwise have had the effrontery of attempting to detach my brother from your incomparable cousin and the rest of your inspiring relations? How came you to be saddled with them, by the by?", he added, as if in afterthought.

Juliana, debating with her various conflicting emotions, eventually took a deep breath and ventured to answer the Viscount in a more sedate manner.

"Lord Langton, do you admit that that was your design?", she enquired.

"Miss Leighton, I do."

When no further communication was forthcoming, he studied her profile from aside, a small smile on his lips. Then he addressed her once more, in a more serious tone than she had ever heard him use before.

"Does that disturb you? I had not assumed that you were in favour of the match."

"No, of course not. That is -- " There was no point in observing the proprieties now, after all. "I do not blame you for your intention. I see why you should have taken it upon yourself to interfere, but the methods you apply to shield your brother from harm can only result to the same effect -- they must be painful to him."

"How clumsy of me", he pondered, having retreated behind his cool aristocratic façade, which Juliana found almost as provoking as his pronouncement. She was on the verge of sharing more of her views of his character with him when he forestalled her with an unexpected concession. "No, don't fire up at me! I assure you, my conceit does not prevent me from accepting the justice of your assessment." One corner of his mouth went upwards as he looked at her doubtful face. "An unexpected occurrence, I admit, but let it not distract you."

Disarmed of her wrath by the understanding smile in his eyes, which accompanied the suggestion, there was only one thing for her to do -- she laughed.

He smiled.

"Cry friends with me, Miss Leighton. I apologise if my -- methods - as you call them, should have put you into an uncomfortable position. Believe me, I had no such intention."

Juliana's own disposition was not a resentful one and, not insensible of the compliment behind this admission, as well as mindful of her own share in their disagreement, she was not unwilling to call a truce. Moreover, she was surprised to see this different side to his character -- and not altogether displeased by it.

"I must also beg your pardon. I should not have lost my temper, no matter how great the provocation."

"Do not give it another thought!" His lordship seemed to be quite unperturbed by both her response and the suggested implication of the same. "Have I not given you leave to abuse me at your leisure?" Upon reflection, his voice became a little graver. "But you are right. Perhaps it will teach me to be less solicitous in my allowances."

She choked.

"Lord Langton -"

"I see your cousin is most impatient for you to return to her side." They had by then reached the pond at which Miss Charwood made one of a small group, the lady's blue eyes staring at them incredulously as she beheld her cousin at the Viscount's side. "I shall not detain you any longer then." He betook himself of her gloved hand and brought it to his lips. "Goodbye, Miss Leighton. I am most grateful for your assistance to my nephew."

A bow, and he was gone -- leaving behind an astonished Juliana; and her furious cousin, who, for the moment, appeared to have forgotten all that she had been taught about precedence and seemed to consider a Viscount of rather greater importance than all the Dukes of the Realm.

The Viscount, oblivious to the stir he created amongst some of the female delegation that had found itself assembled in the Park -- his shoulders and fine figure most advantageously represented in his riding clothes -- purposefully strode back to where he had left his horse in the care of nurse, nephew and groom; if perhaps not in that particular order.

He found himself hailed by a rider and paused to look up, an inexplicable frown following the movement.

"Must you, Charles?" he demanded of the newcomer, in a voice heavily suggestive of revulsion.

"Yes, I must. What a question to put to me."

Colonel Albury, a credit to his profession in full regimentals, shook his head atop of his stallion, a little boy securely placed before him.

"But if it should go quite against your notion of what is acceptable, it will comfort you to know that I only came in search of you to thank you for returning Felix to Nurse's care -- and to warn you that my Lady Farnborough has made it her mission to ambush you once you should reappear to claim your horse." The Colonel tousled the mop of fair hair before him, from where a giggle had escaped at the end of his communication.

"Your chivalry quite warms my heart", the Viscount was moved to reply. "But I cannot possibly leave my horse to her ladyship's mercy. And -- " his lordship subjected the smaller of the stallion's burdens to his scrutiny "- neither your first born, as it would seem."

"We are not afraid of Aunt Augusta!", contributed the younger twin resolutely from behind the reins, his hat stubbornly refusing to rest at its dedicated position and obstinately falling into his face whenever he moved forward.

The Colonel turned his son's face upwards to his own by the simple technique of applying a finger to the tip of his chin -- a conspicuously innocent expression meeting his own. Colonel Albury was well trained. "Harry, I have told you, you are not to put a frog into her ladyship's reticule."

Master Harry did not seem at all convinced of his father's opposition. "But papa..."

"Do strive to show a little compassion for your pets, brat!"

The reprimand on the Viscount's part was too much for the little boy's composure; like his twin, Harry was prone to succumbing to an attack of giggling in the presence of his formidable uncle. A fact that witnesses generally found rather surprising, as his lordship was not at all addicted to gentle coaxing or lenient dealings when it came to his high-spirited nephews.

The Colonel smiled in patient amusement.

"To think that my wife should entertain the notion that it is I who is corrupting the boys...."

"But can you wonder at it?", enquired Lord Langton at his most amicable. "Must not a woman always be suspicious of a man who outshines her in his ornaments?"

The Colonel did not seem at all shaken by this suggestion. "You do not know my General." He nodded at the Viscount and then addressed himself to his son. "Make your bow, Harry, we shall leave your Uncle to the interrogation of his Aunt. He does not deserve that we come to his rescue, if he will have no respect for a red coat."

"You wrong me, Charles", Langton responded. "How could I help but be in awe of such magnificence?"

Colonel Albury chose to ignore this. He had given his horse the spurs and, already a few paces away, turned back to his brother-in-law once more, to share the following with him -- in a voice of deep -- and unashamed - satisfaction.

"I should warn you that Felix is most convinced that your fondest wish is for you to enjoy the opportunity of escorting him home. I fear it would quite break his heart were you to insist he relinquish the reins."

The Viscount merely lifted an enquiring eyebrow.

"And you did not think to claim your superior rights to his affections?"

"Really, Langton, as if I would begrudge you his company." The Colonel smiled. "Sophia will, moreover, be happy to see you at your most filial. Good day."

"That was Langton, was it not?", inquired a young lady in a breathless whisper.

"Oh. Yes, we are quite good friends with him", replied Miss Charwood in a voice that was intended to impress not only Miss Brandford, with all her Parisian airs. She did her best to pretend that she was not at all affected by his unexpected appearance -- and arm in arm with her cousin, too!

That his lordship's escort of Miss Leighton had, by all appearances, been all that was proper and gentlemanly -- both his arms mindful of their sense of decorum - had failed to impress the Beauty. He should, at the very least, have had the good manners -- and wish! - to remain with them for a little while; instead of merely bowing and immediately taking his leave. And for him to kiss Juliana's hand... and she did not care that he had merely been gallant, what had her cousin done but talk to an ill-mannered little boy....

Juliana, having offered, to all but her cousin's ears, a suitable, albeit edited, explanation for her delay, had not been at all interested in a performance of a Greek tragedy for her benefit, and had shown herself most resolute in her disinclination to enter further into the subject of the Viscount and his outrageous behaviour.

She only hoped that an unsuspecting Duke would materialise within her cousin's vision without further delay.

"Well. Here you are at last." Her ladyship timely remembered that she was quite in charity with him again, all vexation - she was not fond of being kept waiting - forgotten under the influence of her newly found knowledge, and schooled her features into a suggestion of a delighted smile. "You look well, even if a little -- " Her piercing eye fell onto the evidence of Master Felix´ adventure. She grimaced. " - dishevelled. "

The Viscount, glancing at his young nephew from the corner of his eye, who shot him a look of desperate entreaty -- he had been forced to sit beside her ladyship for longer than even his stout little heart could bear, enduring a lecture on badly brought up little children and suggestions of establishments that might cure him and his twin of their deplorable energy -- and correctly interpreting the speaking frown on his groom's lined face, resorted to a highly effective measure -- strategic retreat.

"That being the case, I am certain your ladyship will excuse my abruptness. I must go and make myself presentable again." He took the reins to his horse and turned to hold out a hand to his nephew. "Well, Felix? I understand I am to be the recipient of a high treat." He eyed the little boy speculatively. "Or have you changed your mind?"

Felix needed no more encouragement; he jumped down from the carriage with complete lack of ceremony and ran over to his Uncle, his face shining.

"Really, nephew,", exclaimed Lady Farnborough disapprovingly, "I am sure he is quite spoiled enough already."

"I am happy to see we are of one mind, madam. In this case, however --" he lifted his nephew up in one swift movement, " - I fear it is I who is expected to be, err, grateful."

Felix beamed down at him.

"It is a pleasure, Uncle Tristan, isn't it?"

The Viscount looked up into his nephew's joyful face.

"For you or for me?"

"For you, of course!" Felix´ tone suggested that he was thoroughly convinced his Uncle should be thankful to him for arranging their journey together.

"Thank you," replied his lordship meekly. "I shall strive to remember it when I have delivered you to your paternal doorstep."

True to form, Felix collapsed into giggles.

"Well, I dare say there is no harm in you taking the boy home." Lady Farnborough thought this showed promise for the future -- it might recall to her nephew the pressing need of providing his House with an heir. "But I wished to speak to you about my proposition. I am convinced you must look at the match favourably now, given the circumstances. Have I not told you so from the outset?" Her ladyship was pleased to smile upon reflection. Lord Langton´s enthusiasm did not quite go as far, or so his forbidding countenance would have suggested to anyone who should have been less convinced of their own superior intellect. My lady was pleased to think she knew where the sudden reluctance sprang from. "The sweet little boy has told me all about your meeting with dear Juliana, yes." She reached out to tap the Viscount's arm with her fan. "But I knew how it would be. You could not be so disobliging to an old woman."

The Viscount, having taken a mental note to never, in the future course of his life, present any member of the female congregation with an object he found he had a vehement dislike to, followed his nephew's suit and launched himself onto the black stallion; whose nostrils had been impatiently flaring since a few moments hence.

"Your ladyship may be reassured. When I choose to be disobliging, I do not make allowances for age. Good day."

"Well, upon my word - !"

It was left to Lady Farnborough to swallow the rest of her retort, lest she should wish to give a disadvantageous notion to the curious onlookers, be they insolent in passing carriages or on foot. She had to console herself with giving relief to her agitated emotions by using her walking stick to great effect -- the horses sprang into action. It was time to put a stop to the shilly-shallying.

The lovely Miss L-, heiress to Lord M-´s estate and fortune, is expected to give her hand in marriage to Lord C-, son and heir of His Grace The Duke of B-. The editor wishes to present his compliments to his lordship on this triumphant occasion and is confident that the lady's manifold charms will console his noble person over the loss of many of his friends and acquaintances -- who will no doubt bemoan the cruelty of fate -- and his young lordship - for snatching such a Prize from their hands.

"Oh no!"

Lady Charwood locked up from her needlework at her daughter's exclamation.

"What is it, my dear one? Have you had some bad news? Is the blue silk not to be ready for the ball after all?" Her ladyship knew when she was to commiserate with her daughter.

"No, mama. Madame Celeste promised me it should be ready by Wednesday. Here -- Cecilia sent it to me." She held out a piece of paper that looked conspicuously like a section from a periodical her ladyship knew her son subscribed to, but which generally held no particular interest to her daughter. Indeed, it was her ladyship herself who had taken it upon her to furnish Cassandra with the few delicious bits of gossip and news the paper might, occasionally, include for their benefit.

She pursued the article.

"Well, it was to be expected, I dare say. Burton would be a fool if he did not seek the connection. Juliana must write to them, of course." Then she looked at her daughter, who sat beside her, an image of furious loss." But my love, what is it? Surely you did not -- "

"It is all my cousin's fault!" Cassandra's hands shook as she rose. "She should have introduced me! It is all jealousy -- and pride !"

The door opened at that moment and Juliana came in, dressed to go out.

"I hope you are happy -- you have ruined my life!"

The door slammed behind her.

Juliana, unprepared for this newest outburst by her cousin, could only lift her brows in brief bewilderment as she came into the room to inform her Aunt of her intention to leave the house to visit her former governess in -- Street.

Her ladyship had no wish to detain her, but could not resist to subtly enquire whether her niece had had any prior knowledge of the upcoming event.

"So Lord Carrington is to marry Miss Linwood! Well, I'm sure I wish them happy, although I must say I consider him quite young to -- but that is neither here nor there, I suppose. 100 000 pounds and the estate at Morton!"

"Has there been an announcement?" Juliana seemed to greet this news with pleasure, ignoring her Aunt's further communication. "I hoped there would be. They will be very happy together, I think."

"Well, I dare say it is a certainty." She looked down at the informative piece of paper once more, not particularly caring whether she might have puzzled her niece.

Juliana had, meanwhile, chanced to glimpse the article that had evidently roused her ladyship's interest in that noble family, and her brow cleared. She smiled.

"Oh, I see. I-"

"If only he had met Cassandra first --" Lady Charwood looked up at her niece again at this. "But you evidently did not think of your cousin's happiness. It should not surprise me." She shook her head as if to put emphasis on her disappointment. "Now go. And have Jameson come to me." She dismissed Juliana with a wave of her hand.

Juliana, not even blinking at this new attack on her wits, was only too happy to obey this command.

The door to the house in Hanover Square having closed behind her, she looked up into the crisp blue sky, sighed, and then permitted herself a smiling shake of her head.

Her ladyship folded the paper with unwonted dedication, a self-satisfied smile on her lips.

Then she rang the bell.

Part 10

"Any messages for me, Wilton?"

"My Lord Langton called to see you, sir."

Theodore looked up from the pile of letters and notes he had been skimming through half-heartedly.

"My brother? Why?"

If Mr Wilton thought this query somewhat beyond his mental abilities -- perhaps he had been labouring under a misapprehension, but he had always supposed that it needed no special reason for a display of filial affection -- he had the presence of mind not to disappoint one resident at his employer's house and ventured to inform the same that his lordship had left a message with his own person for Master Theodore to call in Mount Street upon his return.

Theodore, having gone off to Brighton for some days with the purpose of securing lodgings for himself in that fashionable resort for the summer, had, thus far, successfully eluded any attempt on his elder brother's part to engage him in what he assumed would only result in a lecture on his recent romantic entanglement. He had himself begun to realise that the picture he had painted for himself of the lady had been, almost solely, the fabrication of his imagination rather than representing the actual truth - and it had been a painful conclusion. And not merely to his afflicted heart -- he had come to learn, even if reluctantly at first, for he had believed his affections to have been engaged into their deepest, that the blow to his pride and temper had been just as heavy. He had allowed himself to be made a fool of, falling prey to a beautiful countenance and affected sensibilities, like a schoolboy, freshly arrived in Town for the first time. And if Theodore abhorred anything -- apart from a shamelessly exhibited lack of taste in one's tailoring -- it was to be considered green behind the ears, which he knew to have been attributed to him on more than one occasion -- his own open, warm temper in seeming contrast to that of his formidable elder brother's.

And the knowledge that the Viscount had taken it upon himself to extricate him from his foolish predicament had done nothing for his already agitated emotions. It had started to dawn on him during their trip to Richmond, but he had not then wanted to credit his brother for his assessment of the situation and had allowed jealousy to torment his mind and thereby silencing his growing doubts.

Until they could not be silenced any longer.

In his disappointment, Theodore had yet to fully forgive his brother's interference, which, even if he could accept the purpose behind it, had laid him open to ridicule -- or so he judged it. Thus he had no wish to discuss the matter any further for the moment being and had even forfeited the opportunity to help himself to one or more items from his brother's inspiring wardrobe, not paying one visit to Mount Street in the days following the ball, which even inspired the faithful Thompson to ponder the possibility of Master Theodore's having met with any harm.

Theodore -- if you do not come to see me, I will come to see you.

"Well, I'm here. Don't expect me to be polite, mind."

Theodore presented himself in Mount Street the day after he had returned from Brighton. At his most reluctant. But since his brother had chosen to be most high-handed in his dealings once more, there had been nothing for it. He had sent a note to his brother's house informing him that he found himself unable to call for the present, due to prior engagements, pointing out that he would surely meet his brother at dinner at their parental home presently.

He had mistaken his brother's character, as it had seemed.

A note had been brought round to Grosvenor Square that very same day, the wording such that it had prompted a thoroughly nettled Theodore to immediately stalk off to Mount Street with more than a few notions of what he wished to share with his overbearing brother.

"My dear Theodore, I hope that we shall not have to resort to that."

Theodore, having seated himself into one of the armchairs in his brother's study, had leaned back into the chair, his arms crossed, eyeing his elder defiantly.

"You won't, of course."

"Do not be impertinent." The Viscount had positioned himself in front of the fireplace and frowned at his brother. "You appear to be in health, at all events. I must make a note to inform Thompson of it."

"I dare say you had rather I had succumbed to the effects of a broken heart."

One corner of Lord Langton´s mouth went upwards.

"I thought we had established that it was your heart that I had been, err, interested in preventing from being harmed."

"Much you care for that! You only wanted to prove to me what a fool I am! Well, let me tell you, my lord, that you have quite succeeded -- " Theodore's tone suggested the degree of his gratitude " - I give you leave to censure me -- no doubt you think yourself in the right to do so."

If Theodore had expected to be congratulated on this conclusion, he had been mistaken.

"The only thing I feel a strong inclination to reprimand you for, my addle-brained little brother -- " his lordship exhibited great control over his forbearance "- is your calm acceptance of the fact that had you allied yourself with that lady, you would also have acquired a brother-in-law who would, ultimately, have provoked me to seek refuge on the Continent. Such disloyalty on your part I find hard to forgive."

Theodore, wholly unprepared for such a response to his tirade, was momentarily shaken out of his feeling of ill-usage. He blinked, his jaw dropping. After a moment of contemplating silence, an unwilling laugh escaped him.

"Oh -- you are such a devil, Tristan!"

Lord Langton took this with great composure, merely crossing the room to put an appeasing hand on Theodore's shoulder.

"You cannot really think, Theo, that my aim was to injure you in any way." His tone had become unusually serious. "I am sorry if it gave you pain. "The grip on the shoulder tightened. "I only meant to protect you from disappointment, even if the means were perhaps not the most diplomatic, shall we say." He smiled almost ruefully.

Theodore eyed his senior speculatively for a moment. Then his shoulders visibly relaxed.

"Yes, very well. I do know that. But you could have talked to me!"

"Really, Theodore, do credit me with a little more sense." His lordship's mobile brows had lifted. "I should have sooner given you leave to raid my wardrobe. And I should be loath to dispense with Thompson's services -- which, I fear, would be the result of such openly displayed perfidiousness on my part."

A speculative grin was drawn from Theodore, as he looked up into his brother's face.

"Tristan, can I - ?"

"No." The Viscount was nothing if not to the point in his response.

Theodore threw back his head and laughed -- not at all perturbed by the message behind his brother's answer. Before long, he was determined to attempt to convince his brother that he deserved, at the very least, to be allowed a glimpse of a particular waistcoat he had taken an interest in; given the circumstances.

"Have you had a letter from your grandfather, Juliana?"

Juliana looked up from her book, a little puzzled as to her Aunt's enquiry. She did not usually profess an overwhelming interest in her niece's correspondence, or indeed the cultivation of her family connections - or friendships.

"Not recently, madam. But he is, as you know, not the greatest correspondent. "She smiled at this reflection. The General had made it clear to his granddaughter -- of whom he was very fond -- that she should not expect him to subject himself to the exhausting task that was the mending of pens, crossing and re-crossing of sheets of paper and remembering to frank them, if he had not something of very great importance to convey. He had also made it clear that he expected her to keep up a frequent, albeit one-sided, correspondence with him, as he wished to be shaken out from his boredom at his designated seat for the ensuing weeks, as he had phrased it.

"How singular. Well, I dare say he will write at one point, "said her ladyship to no-one in particular, her frown having cleared.

As no other communication was forthcoming, Juliana returned her attention to her book. She had, that very morning, been obliged to inform her Aunt that she had received a letter from the Duchess of Burton, who had personally wished to inform her of her son's upcoming nuptials and had issued an invitation to her to the engagement ball that was soon to take place, which had resulted in her cousin walking out of the room with great dignity, and an insincere congratulation on the beauty's mother's part on her very good fortune. If her ladyship had hoped to be included in the invitation, she had made no reference to her disappointment.

An energetic tug at the bell drew her out from her musings.

"I am sure my niece will be honoured, your ladyship."

That she considered the same also undeserving and fortunate was, if not in words, conveyed by Lady Charwood´s tone, when she had sent Juliana away to put on her cloak and gloves.

To say that Lady Charwood was accustomed to the presence of young -- and, by all appearances, energetic -- children in her drawing room was to stretch the truth rather more than a little, but her ladyship strove to make the best of the situation that was the unexpected call by Lady Albury and her sons. She invited the children to sit down on the sofa and offered refreshments to her guests, which were declined, as the purpose of Lady Albury´s visit was to thank Miss Leighton for her kindness to her son and to invite her to join herself and her children -- on Master Felix´ expressed wish -- on a visit to the park.

Felix, his brother in tow, had immediately run up to Juliana, his hat in his hands and a beaming smile on his face.

"We are going to the park!", he informed her by way of a greeting.

Harry, the lack of acquaintance not seemingly giving him any reason to be less forthcoming than his twin, was quick to add his confidences.

"And if we are good, mama will buy us ices!"

"Oh dear, now we are exposed. "Sophia shook her head sadly. "Miss Leighton will now think twice about joining us, surely."

The younger twin was not so easily shaken in his confidence.

"But why should she not come? I can show her where I found the frog -- and then we can all eat ices together!"

"And the squirrel!", contributed his brother.

"But she knows that already, silly!" Harry rolled his eyes in a droll manner, as if to put emphasis on his verdict.

"But you don't. And mama might wish to draw it!"

"No, she would want to have a picture of my frog -- "

Lady Charwood, aiming to curb her young visitors -- and at loss why Lady Albury should not exercise her parental authority over her high spirited offspring (she was happy in the knowledge that her own nursery had long been lacking in residents) -- let her own genius guide her in her dealings with the young.

"I am sure your mama will be happy to oblige you another time. When you have found worthier objects for the canvas. Small animals never show to advantage in art."

Felix -- his brother appearing to be quite crushed - drew in breath on his and his own behalf and was about to protest vehemently - when his mother forestalled any such intention; the smile having quite gone from her eyes as she addressed Lady Charwood.

"I fear my sons quite exaggerate my artistic talents, madam." Then, with more warmth in her voice, she turned to Juliana. "Even if we should not be able to practise our art, Miss Leighton, can we persuade you to join us? I promise you we need not regard conventions when it comes to our refreshments."

Juliana, faced with the pleading look of one twin -- and the engagingly confident one of the other -- came to understand that it needed a stronger character than hers to resist the combined forces of both.

"Felix tells me that my brother came upon you in the park -- I hope he did behave himself?"

Sophia, seeing the questioning look on Juliana's face, laughed.

"Oh, I am sorry. Of course you would think -- I did mean my son. Although, I could, in all justice, ask the same of my brother." Her eyes danced. "But in this case I think I can absolve him. He did take Felix home on his horse, after all, and that should weigh heavily with me. It does so with Felix, at all events."

"I imagine it does." Juliana smiled. "I had the impression that he is very fond of his uncle."

"Yes, they both have a marked preference for him. Inexplicably so, as he will tell you, but there it is. But I have a duty to discharge to you, Miss -- no, I will not stand on ceremony with you! I hope we shall become good friends." Sophia smiled at her. "I have long wished for one who is not without sense and yet does not tremble in the face of such calamities as a little boy mistaking a squirrel for a playmate (Lady Farnborough had been most forthcoming in a missive about the same), so I must warn you, you shall not find it easy to be rid of me again." She twinkled; at that moment looking more like a young, mischievous girl than a respectably married mother of two sons. "You must call me Sophia. And no ladyship-ing. It makes me feel odiously old! Now --" She frowned. " Oh, of course. I am to convey my brother's compliments and to assure you that he has not, even if appearances suggest otherwise, forgotten about your engagement. I did venture to suggest to him that you might perhaps prefer a play -- but he seems to understand that you wish it to be the opera. You are, if you please, to choose the day of the performance -- and to graciously accept my addition to the party!"

Juliana, who found it not at all difficult to comply with Lady Sophia's wish - having instantly liked her frank, if unconventional manners - had listened to her with laughing eyes, and had, thankfully, learned enough of the Viscount's character as to not be shaken off her balance by his sudden mindfulness. Thus she managed to answer his sister without betraying her rather more uncharitable sentiments on this newest evidence of high-handedness, no matter how much she wished to acquaint his lordship with them.

"You ask no great sacrifice of me, I assure you." She smiled. "But your brother is mistaken -- there was no fixed engagement. Please assure him that I have no thought of it."

Sophia appeared to be a little puzzled.

"But he seemed quite convinced that -- well, it did seem a little odd to me, I confess. My brother has no taste for the opera, you see."

"It was all a misunderstanding, I assure you."

"I dare say it was. But I will admit this -- I should have enjoyed the spectacle. Langton forced to sit through 3 hours or more of Italian arias." She raised an impish eyebrow. "Are you quite certain that you have no wish to change your mind?"

The two ladies exchanged a look -- and then dissolved into laughter.

Part 11

"Will you stay for tea? I should like to introduce you to my husband -- if he should not still be in the barracks, or parading his uniform in St. James´ Street."

"What a misguided notion you seem to be entertaining of my duties, my love --" said a male voice from one of the doors, "- if I were so inclined, I should, of course, recall that only in Bond Street my poor scarlet coat might show to real advantage. A shocking display of yellow pantaloons and florid waistcoats -- or so young Theodore persists in telling me." The Colonel made his bow and smiled at Juliana. "You must forgive my wife, Miss Leighton; she would have much preferred to find me a member of the Navy and cannot quite reconcile herself to my being merely a poor soldier under the Duke's command."

"Now you are being absurd, Charles!" His lady promptly informed him. "Blue would not at all be complementary to you." Then she turned to Juliana. "You must not pay any heed to my husband, Juliana, he is only disappointed that we were not there to admire him." She rolled her eyes. "But you, I think, will understand me - is not your grandfather an army man?"

"Yes, he is." Juliana smiled; the smile reaching her eyes. "And I perfectly understand you -- we should never prefer a blue coat over a scarlet uniform!" She shook her head as if to state that the mere idea would be presumptuous.

"I am glad to hear it", the Colonel replied gravely. In a more serious tone, he addressed his wife again. "We have a visitor, Sophia. Two, in fact -- but I have selflessly engaged myself to entertain one of them, and, I dare say, if we persist in keeping the other waiting only a little while longer, she might retreat again at her own inclination."

Sophia puckered her brow at this. "My Aunt! I wonder -- " She sighed. "No, I suppose I must see her. Only let me send the boys away with Nurse first." She looked at Juliana again, an audacious eyebrow lifted in enquiry. "You are acquainted with Lady Farnborough, are you not? I beg you will not desert me now -- she might be quite in charity with me for cultivating your friendship." Seeing the amused -- and slightly bemused -- expression on her new friend's face, she continued unashamedly. "Yes, it is quite ignoble of me, but I am rather too exhausted today as to be able to endure her overwhelming personality on my own."

Her husband seemed to frown at this.

"Sophia - ?"

"No, no, you may go and make yourself agreeable to our other visitor." Then it occurred to her that the same person's name was, as yet, a mystery to her. "Who is it?"

"Merely your brother."

"Oh!"

"Thank you, Charles," said a cool voice from behind them.

Juliana was surprised to see Lord Langton before her -- not that his presence at his sister's house should be anything out of the ordinary, but she had not been in his company since their last meeting in the Park and had not at all been prepared to see him again before soon.

"Miss Leighton. Sophia."

Juliana replied to his bow in the accepted fashion. His gaze seemed to briefly flicker at her, before he turned to his sister, who was not on such terms with him as to shower him with common civilities.

"Tristan! Why could you not discourage her from awaiting my return? It is most provoking of you!"

His lordship raised an eyebrow in mild astonishment.

"My dear Sophia, much as your faith in my powers of persuasion warms my heart, I should not attempt anything so foolhardy. I should very likely be obliged to follow her ladyship's example, if I did."

A sound that was quickly turned into a cough came from Juliana's direction.

"Nonsense." Sophia waved the thought away. "Charles would have been obliged to you."

Her spouse did not seem to be at all discomposed by the suggestion -- he merely regarded his wife in patient amusement; not visibly stimulated to enter into the energetic debate with her brother.

The Viscount, however, appeared to be a little pained at her declaration.

"I hesitate to contradict you, but it could not be possible."

Lady Sophia knew when to leave her brother to his obstinacy.

"Very well. If you think so-"

"I do."

"Do you know, my dear Juliana --" her ladyship had addressed herself to her guest again, her sigh quite audible to all present, "- sometimes it quite puzzles me how it is that men, in general, are considered the more courageous sex. They always leave the Aunts to us to cope with, if they can."

"Then we must not disappoint them. How poor-spirited it would be of us to crumble in the face of a mere Aunt!"

She caught the Viscount's provoking eye, but before she could respond to it --

"Is that you, Sophia?! If ever I saw such a ramshackle creature as yourself! It quite ... My dear Juliana! How charming!"

Lady Farnborough, quite belying her advanced age, showed herself in admirable control over her presence of mind -- she masterfully turned an impatient tirade into an expression of wondrous delight.

Colonel Albury, his displeasure at his wife being addressed in such a fashion clearly visible on his handsome face, would have reacquainted his great-aunt by marriage with the altogether more military side to his person, had not Sophia, very well acquainted with his character and correctly interpreting the signs, expertly intervened -- by admitting to her crime with disarming charm; which had yet to fail her in such precarious moments as these.

"Dear Aunt, had I known that you were to pay me a visit, nothing could have prevailed upon me to leave the house merely in pursuit of my own pleasure, of course." She dared not catch her brother's eye. "I hope you have not been waiting long?"

Considerably mollified at this suggested concession, her ladyship was pleased to smile benignly.

"As to that -- I have called here on my return from Lady Convington's. But I see you have been happily employed. Gentlemen, I am certain you have business elsewhere." She almost shepherded the ladies into the drawing room. "Langton, I should like a word before you leave."

Colonel Albury subjected his brother-in-law to his thoughtful scrutiny.

"It almost appears to one, my lord, that her ladyship is taking an uncommonly friendly interest in the poor girl."

"As ever, your powers of observation quite unhinge me."

The Colonel did not seem to be moved by this observation as he continued in an unimpressed tone.

"And you do not, I suppose, consider yourself at all accountable for her plight."

The Viscount lifted both his brows. "What an abstruse notion you appear to be having of my influence."

The Colonel merely smiled mildly. "So it would seem."

The gentlemen had retired into the library at that.

"Begging your pardon, my lady, but you are wanted in the nursery."

The servant that had brought these tidings was all that was respectful -- no-one would have suspected that he considered his errand beneath his estimable person. If Nurse Brooke was not capable of supervising her charges on her own, she should at least take it upon herself to extract their mistress from her visitors´ midst. He was not at all partial to being subjected to Lady Farnborough's displeasure.

"Oh dear, what have the boys been up to now --" Sophia smiled apologetically at her guests. "Please excuse me for a moment, I shall be back directly."

As it happened, the servant would not at all have been obliged to feel himself ill-used. Her ladyship was quite satisfied with the turn of events. It was almost providential. She took no time in turning to Juliana with a knowing smile on her powdered face.

"I see you have become quite one of the family already. But I knew how it would be." Her ladyship gave all the appearance of one being satisfied with the fruit of her labour. She took Juliana's hand and pressed it briefly -- much to the same´s surprise. "My nephew could hardly fail to be convinced of your suitability."

Juliana had drawn back her hand in alarm -- surely Lady Farnborough could not possibly mean ...

"Madam, I -- "

Her ladyship was pleased to attribute her reluctance to becoming reserve.

"Of course, my dear." She tapped Juliana's arm with her fan. "It is most proper of you not to wear your heart on your sleeve -- men do not take well to that." She rose from her seat. "I shall look forward to the announcement."

Juliana had no wish to permit the old woman to labour under a thoroughly mistaken apprehension.

"Indeed, your ladyship, you are quite mistaken! There is no understanding between-"

Lady Farnborough did not seem to pay any heed to her protestations.

"Your wedding should take place in Westminster Abbey. It would only be fitting to the House of Denham. Ah -- Sophia, I shall take my leave of you now. I would have a word with your brother before I go, if your husband will spare him."

Lady Sophia had returned to the room and was puzzled to not only see her Aunt on the brink of taking her leave, but also that Miss Leighton seemed to be a little flushed.

"Of course, Aunt -- Charles will have no objection. But I believe my brother is just about to take his leave as well."

"He will spare me a moment." Her ladyship seemed quite convinced of the fact. She turned to Juliana once more and smiled regally at her.

"Goodbye, my dear. You will remember my advice, I am sure." Then she took leave of her niece, who, still a little surprised, had attended her into the hall, where Lord Langton had just been putting on his gloves.

"Are you quite well, Juliana? Forgive me --" Sophia added with a worried crease on her forehead, "- I do not mean to pry. But something seems to have upset you?"

"Oh, no, it is merely a sudden headache. I am sorry." She attempted a comical little smile. "It is a poor guest who succumbs to such a triviality as that."

"Then I shall have the carriage convey you home." Sophia made to ring the bell, when Juliana forestalled her.

"Please do not trouble yourself on my behalf. I had much rather walk." She smiled at Lady Sophia's visible reluctance." I am convinced it will clear my headache."

"Very well. But I will not have you go on your own." The ladies had moved out into the hall by then. "One moment --" Sophia briefly deserted her guest in search of an adequate solution to her problem.

She found it.

More than one lady was surprised - and even more envious -- to witness Lord Langton escorting Miss Leighton through the busy streets of Mayfair.

And they would have been even more shocked had they learned that the lady was not at all gratified by that condescension.

Various conflicting thoughts and emotions had to be considered and disentangled. That Lady Farnborough should entertain such a far-fetched idea had not unsettled Juliana as much as her attempt at interference and unwillingness to accept any response to the same as went against her acquired conviction. The former she would have been able to dismiss as the folly of a meddlesome relative -- she knew to have been blessed with such an specimen herself -- but that her ladyship should go so far in securing that her wishes should be fulfilled as to ignore the opinions of at least one party concerned sparked an even greater sense of opposition in her breast.

And the even more dominating consideration - why?

Juliana knew of no sensible reason why her ladyship should exert herself on behalf of the marital aspirations of one she could hardly boast a connection with and with whom she was, moreover, hardly acquainted. And she found it also unlikely that Lord Langton should appreciate any interference in his personal affairs, so what could have provoked her to take such an ingenious step... She did not assume for a moment that he had been the prevailing force behind it - her vanity being under admirable control.

Pondering this, she only made the most commonplace of observations when addressed by his lordship, listening with merely half an ear at times. As he was part of the riddle she was determined to solve -- and not impossibly, to a certain part, responsible for her present consternation, she felt - she was not quite in charity with him.

"You relieve me."

This drew her out of her musings; she looked up at him, a surprised question in her eyes.

"I own, it came almost as a blow to me - but I felt certain that my sister had to be mistaken."

His sister -- oh! Surely she had not just agreed to spend an evening at the Opera House after all? She had best assure him that nothing was further from her mind. Well, almost, upon consideration.

"Oh, no - Lady Sophia was quite right."

"But how could she be -- when you just assured me that you could not think of a more pleasant evening's entertainment?" His brows seemed to have reached exaggerated heights.

She really had not the patience to enter into that subject with him at that moment.

"Sir, please believe that I suffer under no false modesty. I have no wish to see an opera."

"Most willingly, Miss Leighton." His lordship was at his most accommodating. "But I beg you to consider my position. I must consider myself in honour bound."

Juliana had had quite enough.

"Lord Langton, do you wish to provoke me?"

"No, but I wish you will tell me what it may be that has vexed you", he stated unexpectedly, his grey eyes fixed on her face.

Her first instinct was to deny that anything of the sort had occurred, she hardly knew what to think herself, her thoughts were as confused as her feelings mixed. She pursed her lips in deliberation, her brow puckered.

"I am not vexed." She at last responded, attempting an untroubled smile. "I am only a little puzzled about something that I have been told, but it is of no consequence."

"Now you puzzle me. I make no complaint, you look charmingly when you are angry -- yes, just so - " he smiled, "- but I own I cannot like that a mere something should be the cause behind the frown that is presently clouding your face."

Juliana raised her chin defiantly.

"I suppose, sir, you had rather it had been at your instigation?"

"No, when you do look at me, I hope it shall be without a frown."

She was too surprised by his sudden change of manner to answer immediately -- her thoughts thoroughly confused. She was to learn that she had forgotten to list obstinacy in her recent assessment of his character.

"What is it?"

One glance up at him convinced her that any attempt at evasion would be futile.

"Very well." She sighed. "Your Aunt seems to have the --", she hesitated briefly, her cheeks a little rosy as she raised her eyes back to his face "-- absurd notion that you should wish to make me an offer of marriage." She caught his eye, his expression unreadable, and hastily continued. "I have tried to tell her that it is all nonsense, of course, but I do not think that she quite believed me."

"I am certain she did not", his lordship responded quite calmly.

Juliana blinked. She had accepted that he was of rather an imperturbable disposition, but that he seemed to be quite unmoved by her communication surprised her nevertheless. It was almost as if -- a suspicion made itself felt...

"Lord Langton, did you - ?!"

His lordship obliged her.

"I did." He smiled at her in his provocative manner. "Did you not guess it? I did think you would. I really must make you my apologies for my lack of chivalry at the ball, but I dared not evict my Aunt from the house just then. My mother has very strict notions."

"Of course -- the ball!" She seemed to ponder this, then raised her eyes to his in doubt. "But why should she wish that you - ?"

"We each of us have a parent to blame." He responded gravely. "My mother, I understand, was so disobliging as to not let herself be persuaded into marriage to your father, and when her ladyship was reminded of your existence -- "

"-- she thought that we ... oh dear!" An involuntary laugh escaped her. "It is so absurd. How can she think that either of us would agree to such a scheme?" She shook her head, her eyes dancing. "Poor Lady Farnborough. To be twice disappointed in her hopes..."

He said nothing, observing her assessment of the situation with a pensive smile.

"But let us be serious, sir. What are we to do now?" She furrowed her brow. "I am not very well acquainted with your Aunt, of course, but I should not suppose that she can easily be discouraged from her conviction?"

She merely encountered a sardonic eyebrow.

"No." She smiled, and continued after a brief pause. "Well, then, I think, we can only rely on your resoluteness."

"My what?", demanded his lordship, his brows snapped together.

"Why yes. Your Aunt can hardly expect me to propose to you -- it would be highly improper! - so she could merely advise me to throw out a lure; or to be at my most charming, in order to convince you of my suitability." Juliana's eyes twinkled. "But sadly, as she must know, you are quite immune to such endeavours. You will only have to remain true to your principles, you see."

A momentary silence occurred. Then the Viscount spoke, in measured accents.

"Miss Leighton -"

She looked at him quite frankly, a hint of a smile in her eyes still.

"If it did not occur to me that I would subject myself to very great punishment, I should feel a strong inclination to forgo all my principles, as you call them, and to endear myself to her ladyship with unrestricted submissiveness."

Juliana seemed to consider this ominous reflection. Then she smiled.

"Yes, but then you would still have to secure mine."

There was a gleam in his lordship's eyes.

"What you are, my dear -- "

"Juliana! Here you are at last!"

Juliana, taking her leave from the Viscount at her Aunt's doorstep, was obliged to conjure up all her resolution lest she should give way to the almost irresistible urge to succumb to an attack of mirth.

The expression on his lordship's face when he found himself so rudely interrupted by her Aunt clearly spoke of his wish to consign her to the devil, as the saying went. He rejected Lady Charwood´s offer of refreshment with awful civility, bowed to Juliana and turned into the street towards Grosvenor Square.

"Your edifying communication has been most affecting, madam. It almost moved me to write to my granddaughter to advise her to snatch your Viscount from under your daughter's nose at her earliest convenience -- but I suppose I should consider Juliana's wishes as well."

The gentleman seemed to be quite unmoved by her ladyship's sharp intake of breath.

"Just so. Now-" he continued unscrupulously. "Have the goodness to send for my granddaughter. I shall have her removed from your presence without further delay."

Part 12

"Well, there is that, then. I own it almost shocked me to find your Aunt running out of ammunition so soon, but I dare say she is not in the habit of considering her strategies before launching an attack. Deplorable, but it need not concern us any further."

"No, sir."

The General turned to his left and shot a quizzical look at his granddaughter from underneath his thick brows.

Juliana laughed.

"Oh, grandpapa-"

"Now don't you grandpapa me, young lady. I am very angry with you", the old gentleman interrupted her gruffly. "I should like to know, Juliana, why you omitted to inform me that I quite clearly took leave of my senses when I placed you with your Aunt." His piercing gaze did not waver. "Well?"

His granddaughter primly put her hands in her lap, as she peeped up at him. "But would that not have been highly improper of me, sir?"

The General held his granddaughter's gaze for a moment, then lent back into the carriage, both his hands on his cane. "At all events, your wits seem not to have come off the worse for it." He appeared to be quite satisfied with this conclusion. "Park Lane, James!"

One energetic knock and the horses sprang into action.

General Leighton laid aside the spoon which he had applied to a freshly boiled egg at his breakfast table and made an observation to no-one in particular, or so it seemed. He was inspired to do so having observed his granddaughter studying a letter she had received that morning from beginning to end -- and end to beginning; as well as jumping to an information situated more in the middle of what he judged to be lines that had sprung from a female hand -- and then go back to the end, undecided, as it seemed, as to the degree of pleasure the missive had brought her.

"How strangely unlike Miss Spaulding it seems."

Juliana was momentarily shaken from the complexity that seemed to be her correspondence. She looked up at her grandfather, a puzzled question in her eyes.

"I had judged her to be a most excellent young woman when I recommended your mother to engage her as your governess, but there are skeletons in everyone's closet, I am now inclined to believe."

The idea that a skeleton -- or indeed any other creature -- should have been resident in her former governess's closet -- or elsewhere in her nearer vicinity - appealed to Juliana's ready sense of humour. She could not but reflect that the formidable lady would have been most resolute in discharging with such an unwelcome guest in her chambers.

"Possibly", the General agreed, a quivering muscle well hidden behind his well-kept beard. "However, it would explain how it comes about that she forwent to inform you, her charge, that excessive frowning during one's younger years can -- and you find me an unwilling witness of the same! - ultimately, result in not inconsiderable disfiguration on one's countenance at a more advanced age. I would prefer for you to remain unwrinkled for some time yet, my child."

"Did I frown?" Juliana's eyes danced. "I beg your pardon. I shall try to exercise more control over my features in the future."

"I am glad to hear it. Have some more toast." He offered a buttered piece of the same across the table, which she duly took. Her grandfather seemed to have taken it into his head that she had not been fed as she should have been and, no matter how earnest her protestations, had made it his mission to personally see to her nourishment. "Good girl. Now -- if you should have been the recipient of another insolent missive by your Aunt, you will leave the matter to me. It will afford me great pleasure to call in Hanover Square." The General seemed almost hopeful that he would be called upon to take on this mission.

Juliana had received a crossed and re-crossed letter by her maternal Aunt only days after her return to her grandfather's house in Park Lane, in which Lady Charwood, not at her wisest when feeling herself shamefully used, had taken it upon herself to abuse her niece with regards to her conduct and to reprimand her for her complete lack of feelings, amongst other wonderful train of thoughts. Juliana could not deny that her grandfather's early return had been a blessing to both her patience and forbearance, she was glad that her residence at her Aunt's house had come to an end, and with it the absurdities and jealousies that she had endured ever since the appearance of Lord Langton on the scene. That her Aunt seemed unwilling to curb her remonstrations in that regard and continued to view herself as the root of all evil she could only shake her head over; reason and fact could not win over determined foolishness in this case, as it had become apparent.

They might now only meet in Society occasionally, but Juliana could not repent that. Relations between her mother and her elder sister had not been at their most cordial before the former´s untimely demise, but the General had let himself be convinced that his granddaughter should not snub her maternal relations and thus had agreed that she should spend a few weeks with her mother's family in Hanover Square following her stay at Burton - and then return to her own home as soon as he should have returned from the Continent.

"Oh, no! It is only -- I have received an invitation to a play next Tuesday. Lady Sophia's brother has engaged a box in the theatre and they have kindly invited me to join them."

General Leighton appeared to be a little baffled as to how this could provoke his granddaughter to exhibit an unusual mixture of consternation and hesitation -- he knew her to be fond of the theatre, as it were. Well, it called for investigation.

"And this play is not to your taste?"

"No, no, I should very much like to see it. Only --" She frowned again, then shook her head. "I am being merely stupid. Why should I not go, after all."

Her train of thought was not entirely comprehensible to the General, but instinct -- and experience -- told him that it would be of interest to him to get to the gist of it. His granddaughter, he flattered himself, was not at all missish, in general. He would have quickly seen to that, had any such inclination shown itself in her nursery career. And he felt quite confident that his son would have entered into all his feelings on the matter.

"Seeing that it is evidently not the play that you object to, one can only surmise that the company you should find yourself in holds a certain repugnance to you." He had taken up his spoon again to make away with his egg once and for all. "Is the brother an oaf?", he enquired pleasantly.

Juliana almost choked on her tea.

"Grandpapa!"

"I see that he is not. Which leads me to think that you believe you cannot leave an old man to his lonely fate." He disposed of some crumbs that had fallen onto his coat. "Your scruples do you credit, my child, but I shall be able to bear my solitude for one evening."

Juliana regarded him steadily. "I have not yet finished it, sir."

"No?" The thick brows rose. "Then I shall make sure to mark the page for you."

An unwilling laugh escaped her. "Of all the shabby things..." She shook her head. "Very well. I shall accept the invitation -- and will try to finish my book before the appointed evening."

"Very considerate." General Leighton had by then completely disappeared behind his paper. "It would be very much beneath Carlton's dignity, I fear, to search a lady's chamber for what he would undoubtedly consider a mere novel."

Juliana thought it wise to take a sip of her tea. Suddenly -- no, she must have imagined it. But then --

She let go of her cup and moved a little backwards on her chair, as if to investigate the possibility of --

"Carlton!"

The General's booming voice was loud enough to awaken even the most persistent of sleepers in his household; should anyone, at this point, not have had noticed that the sun had long past risen that morning. His granddaughter was in the happy possession of phlegm enough as to not feel inspired to jump in her seat at this unexpected outburst; nevertheless, it was not usual in the master of the house to take to such measures at such a time of the day.

"My lord?"

The door had opened almost immediately after the General's call and admitted a rather stoical, elderly servant. The degree of ominousness in the tone that had requested his immediate appearance on the scene seemed not to have shaken him.

"Have the goodness to enlighten me as to why this -- " General Leighton had reached down to his side and produced a grey fur ball to the unblinking valet-" - disreputable animal seems to consider it incumbent upon him to present himself at my breakfast table, instead of in the kitchen -- " - the cat loudly protested against being held by its scruff, its paws paddling in the air until gravity permitted it to find a much more comfortable position on the General's shoulder -- " - where, if memory serves correctly, you had been under orders to deposit him?"

Carlton found himself subjected to not only his master's dispassionate scrutiny but also to a pair of two dark eyes that seemed, generously, to suggest to him that having found its rightful place on its own, there was no need for anyone else to exert themselves on its behalf.

"I did venture to hand him over to Cook, my lord, but-"

The cat made a strange noise that almost could have been an indignant huff, as it scratched its ear.

" -- he seemed to be so -- dissatisfied - with this arrangement that we thought it best to admit him here and to await your lordship's further instructions."

"You disappoint me, Carlton. I was used to think you incorruptible by even the most accomplished flirts." The valet's outraged protestation at this went unheeded. The General, meanwhile, had freed his shoulder from the intruder and addressed the same from his full height. "You are advised, sir, to try and make yourself agreeable to my granddaughter. Let me assure you that I shall know no scruple in dispensing with your presence should you fail in your allurements!" The cat, its bushy tail sweeping leisurely from one side to the other, regarded the old gentleman serenely, as if quite convinced that any such endeavour on his part would meet with success as a matter of course. And indeed -

"I am afraid you will think it quite paltry of me, sir, but I fear I am quite won over already."

Juliana, having exchanged one speaking look with the charmer, had already bent down to make his better acquaintance -- the new member of the General's household evidently considering her person worthy of his attention as it purred quite happily and loudly brushing against and circling her in the pursuit of declaring his good will.

Mr Carlton had, by then, strategically retired from the room, not entirely convinced that this easy victory on the hands -- or paws -- of the furry animal would immediately restore him into his employer's good graces. He had been shocked to find the General bent on permitting the animal to join him in the carriage upon their return from the Continent, even if he should have addressed the dirty and pitiful creature in none too coaxing terms; but the fine trimming on behalf of the old gentleman - directed at the misbegotten youths that had abused the animal on the road from Dover -- that he had been privileged to witness had not only pleased but once again confirmed him in his conviction that he had been most right in his refusal of the very handsome offer that he had received by the Duke of S -- to enter into his services.

No one but General Lord Leighton knew how to make himself quite understood with so little exertion, he reflected.

"Tristan!"

The Viscount turned his head and smiled at his sister.

"Well, George?" His gaze fell onto the number of parcels she was holding in her elegantly gloved hands. One eyebrow rose. "I beg you will not tell me that I am to present myself at another ball. I assure you, the memories of the last are still most prominent on my mind."

His sister's eyes sparkled.

"It was wonderful, was it not? Although I do not think that papa would wish for another so very soon." Her brow wrinkled. "Shall you be at the Sefton´s? Mama will be taking me and I think Charles and Sophia mean to attend as well. And Theo."

"I am afraid I shall be called out of Town", the Viscount responded gravely.

Georgina laughed.

"Are you trying to make me think that you do not care to see so many of us so soon? I shall not believe you -- you would not have invited us to the play in that case."

He leaned forward and flicked her nose with a careless finger.

"Very wise, nymph."

"And quite too much credit, too, I suspect." Lady Albury had by then joined her sister in front of the shop in Bond Street. "How do you do, dear brother? You will be happy to learn that I have complied with your orders - and now expect a high treat in return."

The Viscount looked down at her. "I need not wonder, I see, where your sons receive their inspiration."

"Yes, people always suspect Charles", his sister replied cheerfully. "Well, I hope you shall be feeding us at least. And now we must leave you, we have yet to visit Hatchard´s and try if we can obtain another copy of "Sense and Sensibility"." No-one knows who the author is, she merely inscribed herself "A Lady", but it is quite wonderful. Although -- the flannel waistcoat .... " She shot her brother an audacious look. " Would you - ?"

The Viscount communicated his position in firm accents.

"Certainly not."

"Oh no! How can you, Sophia -", interpolated Lady Georgina, half amused and half in awe of her elder sister´s vivacity.

"Very easily, dear Georgie. It does him so much good, too."

On this parting note, she steered her younger sister towards the carriage, which was to take them to Piccadilly, waving jauntily at their brother who had accepted this tribute with great composure.

"Well?"

"I beg your pardon, my lord. There is a visitor who is wishful to see your lordship."

Lord Langton studied the servant, a pained look on his face.

"And you did not think to turn him away?"

The servant was admirably stoical in his response.

"I ventured to inform the gentleman that you were not at home to visitors, my lord."

"Something tells me that I had better turn you out of the room now, Warren. Very well. What did this gentleman have to tell you in return?"

"He advised me not to be insolent --" the footman's face was a mask of respectful aloofness "- and to not provoke him with my pretensions. I thought it best to inform your lordship of his persistence."

The Viscount sighed.

"I see I shall have to come to your rescue. Very well. Send the gentleman in."

"General Lord Leighton, my lord."

"I must beg your pardon, my lord. I am not usually so remiss with my duties, but I have only just returned to Town. Still --" The General lifted his eyebrows as he went on. " - in my time -- you may consider it antiquated formalities -- rather the reverse was expected. Or I may be senile. A prevailing condition at my age, or so I am told." The thought did not seemingly disturb the old gentleman.

Lord Langton, having not expected to make his visitor's acquaintance at any altogether close date, experienced a mild sense of foreboding at this cryptic observation. But even if so, his lordship was not so easily shaken off his balance.

"You have the advantage of me, sir", he responded in his customary cool manner. "I am quite at a loss as to why I have the honour of your visit."

General Leighton was not discouraged by this civility.

"Is that so?" He made good use of his white beard. "Then it behoves me to enlighten you." The General rested his other hand on the desk, a signet ring on one thin finger, some of which seeming to be tempted to give in to the great impulse that was permitting themselves some exercise by way of drumming on the surface they had found temporary residence on. But they did not get that far. "I have been the recipient of an inspiring missive from Augusta Farnborough - and an altogether bewildering one by my Lady Charwood. Interestingly, they share a common idea -- "

He drew two sheets of paper from his pocket, unfolded them with great leisure, and inspected one through his looking glass.

" -- ah, here we are. A little too florid for my taste, but we shall let it pass. My grand-nephew has thoroughly succumbed to your dear granddaughter's manifold charms and I should be much mistaken if we shall not hear of an announcement very soon. To think that my darling Charlotte's grandchild shall be united with the heir to the Denham Earldom! I am convinced that you, my dear General, must rejoice at this news."

The General looked up at from under his heavily set brows.

"I confess to have been a little bemused when I received this edifying communication -- I should be very much hurt to learn that for some reason or other, my granddaughter should believe it necessary to withhold such happy news from me! -- but then it all became quite clear -- " he picked up the second letter and held it up for the Viscount's benefit. " -- Your granddaughter, sir, seems bent on allying herself with the Viscount Langton, and through such means as compel me to apply to your influence -- not only repeatedly standing up with that gentleman at a ball -- but, I fear, appointed meetings in the park and heaven knows what else. I write to you in place of her mother and must beg you to counsel Juliana on the appropriate conduct expected of young ladies of good family.... And more such tremendous insolence to that effect."

The General seemed to repress his emotions with strong effort. "I flatter myself that I am rather well acquainted with my granddaughter." He placed his right hand on the table. "You will own, my lord, that between the hysterics of two harebrained females, there is still something that should strongly appeal to a mindful guardian's curiosity."

"I will own that it should -- depending on the something." His lordship seemed to be at his most phlegmatic.

"Quite. But this something, I feel, is something he should know about - if there should, indeed, be a something."

"It would certainly be his privilege."

The General subjected the Viscount to his penetrating gaze.

"At all events, you do not appear to be lacking in sense - "

"I hope not."

"We shall see. Now --" The General rose from his chair and put on a glove. "Is there, or is there not, an understanding between my granddaughter and yourself?"

"At present, no," Lord Langton replied coolly.

The General permitted himself a short pause before he spoke again. "You appear to be of a singularly taciturn disposition, my lord." The second glove followed suit, a task the old gentleman applied himself to with dedication. "I understand that my granddaughter has accepted an invitation to see some play or other in your company", he stated gruffly.

"Miss Leighton has done me the honour."

The General's gaze rested on the Viscount for a pensive moment.

"Yes." Then his brows lifted. "Well, that is settled then. I will see myself out. Good day."

Back

Back to Novel Idea