Juliana

Part 13

"But I am not a visitor. And what's more -" Theodore broke off as the door to his brother's study opened, and a tall, elderly gentleman came into the hallway, briefly inclined his head to him and went out into the street.

He stared, momentarily stunned. Then he rounded onto the attendant footman.

"Now look, here, Warren -- I, at least, am family!"

The servant remained firmly rooted on his spot, but ventured to offer, quite kindly, to enquire whether his lordship was now at leisure to receive him.

"Well upon my word - !" Theodore expostulated.

"Am I to rescue you again, Warren?" enquired a cool, faintly amused voice. "The role of knight in shining armour is, I own, rather a novelty to me, but I am not unwilling to do it justice."

Mr. Warren knew when he had been dismissed and promptly took himself off.

"Well, really!"

Theodore was somewhat incensed.

The Viscount, calmly putting on one of his gloves and reaching for his hat, then addressed his brother.

"Well, Theodore? I really am rather touched that you should be wishful to see me again so soon after our last encounter -" He looked up, a sardonic eyebrow directed at his young visitor. "Or can it be that it is not precisely me that you were hopeful to obtain a, er, glimpse of?"

Theodore grinned.

"Well - that, too."

"A lowering thought", reflected his lordship. "But it shall not unsettle me." He smiled. "Do you care to walk with me to St. James's Street? Something suggests to me that George will be most happy to offer you the advice you seek."

"Oh! You mean - ?" Theodore's eyes had lit up at this observation.

His lordship, thankfully, was most accomplished in dealing with his younger brother's bouts of enthusiasm. "Yes, I can see that you consider it a great failing in me, but I really cannot pretend that the folding of my neck cloth -- or yours, for the matter -- is so very close to my heart."

Theodore was quite unabashed by this tribute.

"Well, if you are meeting the Beau, I will come with you!"

"Thank you", his lordship replied meekly. "I am quite honoured, I assure you."

Lord Langton left Theodore in the care of his friend Mr. Brummell, who, mindful of what he owed to himself and his reputation, stressed to his lordship that he considered it a great proof of his regard for him that he had agreed to take over the supervision of his brother -- and the poor boy's neck cloth - for the rest of the morning.

He was merely rewarded with a mild smile and the grave assurance that his lordship knew both to be in excellent hands, before the same unscrupulously strolled away towards the general direction of Berkeley Square.

His lordship was more than usually swift in his progress through the streets of Piccadilly and Mayfair and his countenance was rather forbidding -- to those who knew him more intimately. In fact, one of his friends, recognising him from across the street, reconsidered his intention to hail and ask him for his opinion on a bit of horseflesh that his appreciative eye had fallen on, and swiftly turned on his heel in pursuit of another quarry. He had no particular ambition to be had for the Viscount's second breakfast, as it were.

There were those, however, who had no patience with such consideration.

"Well, son? And what has provoked you to terrify half the population of London into keeping their distance? Your mother would think she has erred in her upbringing of you. But then, I dare say we may safely lay the blame at your tutor's door."

Lord Denham had no qualms in addressing his heir in such a fashion. It had proved to be a fruitful approach for as long as he could remember; no matter how much his lady might protest at the unfeeling wording he chose to prefer in his dealings with his male offspring. His daughters were quite another matter. Much to his own disdain, but he had yet to find an adequate remedy in their case. But everyone had their weakness. And he had, interestingly, proved himself to be in no particular hurry in that respect.

His son, rather well acquainted with the Earl, did not appear to be visibly affected by his musings.

"Quite so, sir."

His lordship was not to be distracted by this suggestion of compliance.

"Women trouble?"

Both the Viscount's mobile brows had gone up.

"Well, in my experience, it usually is the case. Before I met your mother -" The Earl waved the thought away as quickly as it had occurred to him; much to the appreciation of his son. "As it is, your brother seems to have recovered from his affliction with surprising speed! Almost it provokes me to assume that you must have provided him with ample compensation for his trouble."

The Viscount smiled. "I fear he would accept no bribe below the magnificence of my greys."

"Which relieves me of one of my anxieties. I knew you could not be so foolhardy." His lordship was mounting the steps to his carriage. "But I really do think that you should present him with that -- by all accounts -- exemplary waistcoat he has been plaguing my ears with over breakfast. If only to enable me to enjoy the same in silence." The Earl squinted across his heir's shoulder. "Ah, I see I am keeping you from your admirers." Chuckling at the pained expression he met with, he gave a sign to the coachmen and then took his leave. "Come to dinner tomorrow."

The admirers Lord Denham had observed from the corner of his eye were two young ladies, who had been standing a few yards away, whispering and giggling to each other behind their fans when not shooting quick looks at the Viscount. Langton made a point of turning around and returning their stares with one of his most appraising, which confused them so much that they did not even object when their companion shooed them away towards another shop.

Juliana Leighton, he reflected, would have declared him to be at his most provocative -- and she would have been right. The conclusion brought a flicker of a smile to his eyes. It also reminded him of the novelty of the realisation that had come to him during the call at his house by the lady's grandfather -- that his first thought had been to put an immediate stop to any further mischief that might result in any harm to her person; and that the second had been an even more pressing urge to strangle her intolerable Aunt with his own hands.

As satisfying as the mental image of the latter should have been, his lordship was well aware that it behoved him to proceed with care -- she had already seemed inclined on withdrawing from him learning of his great aunt's object, and her response to his clarification of the same had left him in no doubt as to her own position on the matter.

One corner of the Viscount's mouth went upwards.

Of course she would.

"My dear Miss Leighton, I confess I have been rather impatient to meet you! How fortunate that your dear grandfather should have returned sooner from his journey."

Juliana's brows lifted.

"I was resident at my Aunt's house in Hanover Square during his absence, madam."

Lady Trent was not openly discouraged by the matter-of-fact tone.

"Of course. You are a cousin to the famous Cassandra Charwood, are you not?" Her ladyship's tone suggested that she did not find this a recommendable position. "In truth, my dear Miss Leighton, my courage deserted me."

Juliana smiled. "I hope your ladyship was not led to think of me as an ogre?"

Her ladyship's eyes briefly snapped together in annoyance.

"Yes, you will laugh -" Lady Trent belied her dislike of her hostess with a wonderful pretence of cordiality "- but then -- no, the situations can hardly be compared. After all -" She lifted her brows suggestively - "- dear Theodore has become a slave of your cousin's, has he not?"

"Your ladyship will excuse me from voicing an opinion on what I am not at all qualified to judge."

Juliana hoped that the snub would put an end to the Countess's musings.

What an unhandsome intervention by fate it had been that persistent rain had obliged her to postpone her ride in the Park that morning -- and then to find herself called upon to sit through a visit with Lady Trent, who had surprised -- and moved -- her elderly spouse that morning by announcing that she should very much like to accompany him on his call to the dear General and his sweet granddaughter to further her acquaintance with both. Her ladyship had not previously shown any such inclination -- unbeknownst to her fond husband, she had taken a great dislike to Miss Leighton during their few meetings following her marriage, and found the General's curt manner insupportable. As a friend of her husband's, he should know what was due to her as his wife. Especially as the majority of the same´s friends had pronounced her to be all that was charming and engaging and deserving of only the very best.

General Leighton himself had very precise notions as to the young Countess's character, and it spoke much for his restraint that he had, thus far, omitted to acquaint the lady with the more pressing of his views. Members of his regiment had been known not to be so fortunate during his military career.

He had accepted the Countess's smiling request of a tête-à-tête with his dear granddaughter with great composure, only betraying his uncharitable opinion in a flicker of his eye towards the latter, and had then guided the oblivious husband to the cosiness of his library.

"How prettily said of you!" Lady Trent smiled, her patience fast deserting her. But the report she had received had provoked her to seek for confirmation -- and had, even in its suggestion, wounded not only her pride but also her vanity. Juliana Leighton!

"I see you will not ask me what I mean. Such proper conduct! But you might have need of it at a later point. After all, one does not change the habits of a lifetime merely because of marriage."

Juliana had no trouble at all to believe that the Countess was speaking from her own experience -- though the statement, even if on the tip of her tongue, remained unspoken. And -- even more provokingly -- she did not dignify this insinuating observation with an answer at all; putting the Countess quite out of temper with her calm demeanour.

"I confess I was a little surprised to hear that you have apparently managed to catch Langton, but I suppose it was only a matter of time for him to realise that he needed to fulfil his duty at one point."

Juliana's initial reaction was a mixture of anger and a little bewilderment. She was hardly on such terms with the Countess that such a suggestion of intimacy was acceptable, and she was, moreover, quite certain that the reason for the unexpected visit was not at all that of wishing to offer her congratulations - but mere curiosity, and it needed not the thinly veiled insult that suggested the same to her. If Lady Trent had taken the trouble to call on her -- and Juliana's vanity was most intact as to the lady's preference for her person -- she was inclined to believe that envy at what she had assumed to be a fact might have had a place in the resolution as well. She was reminded of the evening at Almack´s when the Countess had made it a point of seeking out the Viscount..... Whatever the reason, she had no wish to be made a confidant -- and a very pressing one to shake the person responsible for the notion having come into her ladyship's head in the first place!

Lady Trent mistook her silence for a lack of confidence in her success.

"I see you are uncertain ... You need not be afraid that he should..." She smiled. "It is all in the past, I assure you. It was unfortunate that it should have provoked a quarrel between him and his brother, but as we see, Theodore, at least, seems to be quite reconciled to it."

Momentarily confused, the indication of this speech quickly dawned on Juliana. She almost wished to laugh at the absurd turn of events, but managed to respond to the attack with all the appearance of calmness.

"Then I hope you may be right -- a quarrel, if at all worth it, should always be solved as soon as possible."

The Countess's eyes snapped together briefly.

"It was worth it, I assure you."

Juliana smiled. "I must rely on your better information then. I am afraid I am not on such intimate terms with either as to enable me to offer assurance."

Her ladyship narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Was the insufferable girl suggesting....

"So you are not to marry Langton?"

Juliana raised an eyebrow.

"Your ladyship is suggesting that marriage may only be contemplated by those who share an intimate acquaintance?"

The Countess smiled condescendingly, as she rose from her chair.

"My dear Miss Leighton, my intimacy with Lord Langton did not persuade me to that effect, as you see. But I dare say there are those who can be content in the knowledge that their husband had wished for another to be his wife." She adjusted her hat on her silken curls. "I shall take my leave of you now. My husband and I are expected at Carlton House."

Juliana had risen as well.

"Then you must, of course, on no account be late."

Lady Trent knew not what to make of Miss Leighton's apparent unconcern. She was inclined to interpret it as proof that the confidences to her on the part of old Lady Farnborough had only been the ravings of an old woman; and yet she could not help but feel displeased with the girl's refusal to give a direct response to her enquiries. The mere thought that Langton should have an interest in such a commonplace creature!

Lady Trent's demonstrative reference of her engagement could not have come timelier to Juliana. She had no high opinion of the owner of Carlton House, but in that particular case she almost felt like having some of her grandfather's finest wine presented to him by special courier. And she should have gladly written the card by her own hand.

The anger that she had been constrained to repress she was now able to do justice to -- crossing her bedroom, into which she had retreated in the knowledge that she was hardly likely to be disturbed there, her hands at her side as she took a deep breath, trying to master her agitated emotions.

Insolent girl!

The dashing Countess was no more than a year older than herself -- but very much conscious of her own superiority in not only having made such an advantageous match (for Miss Annabelle Danvers, while of rich, if not titled, family, to marry into the aristocracy was indeed an advancement on the social ladder -- for which she had been able to resign herself to being supplied with a husband long past his prime), and also very much addicted to flaunt her achievement and the advantages that came with her position in front of less fortunate damsels. The restrictions that should come with her marriage had never troubled her ladyship -- and her doting husband had so far not attempted to curb her in what he called her youthful energy. She had fast accumulated a circle of equally minded female friends and an impressive number of male admirers whom the Honourable Theodore St. James, generally the most complaisant of young men, ruthlessly referred to as loose fish.

That everyone seemed to be bent on being convinced of her approaching nuptials was altogether preposterous! Even if it had only been Lady Farnborough's matter-of-fact viewpoint of what had no foundation at all and now Lady Trent's shameless attempt at unsettling her and -- and Juliana did not lack the intelligence as to not comprehend the suggestion -- to discredit the Viscount in her eyes; she could not but question how far the unfounded tale might have spread. Her own Aunt, at all events, had harboured suspicions almost from the moment that she has made his acquaintance, but as it had been motivated from nothing more but thinly veiled jealousy, she had not paid much heed to her remonstrations and had hoped that with her return to her own home, there would be an end to these absurdities. It appeared that she had been mistaken.

And if she was to be completely honest with herself -- even if she had no wish to be married to Lord Langton -- the thought that there should be a connection of whatever sort between him and the Countess did nothing to soothe her mind.

Now she was being ridiculous, too!

She let herself fall onto her comfortable bed and reached for a cushion in which to bury her face...

Part 14

There was one resident at the house in Park Lane who did not consider a closed door as an obstacle on the route to success.

Achilles the cat, who had taken a liking to his new mistress and so saw no reason why he should be parted from her, applied himself to the removal of the barrier between them -- he would not lower himself to the level of some of his fellow creatures and subject it to persistent scratching - by positioning himself before her door, his tail to one side, and proving to himself and the passing household members that his vocal abilities left nothing to be desired.

"Oh, you poor little cat -" remarked a maid on her way to one of the chambers.

Achilles rose, stretched, and sat down again only inches from his previous position, not even favouring his audience with a flicker of a glance.

Then he started his protestations once more.

"Achilles -- no!" Juliana made to rescue the item from his paws.

The cat promptly gave a very creditable performance of losing his fight with gravity and sank down onto the fabric, his dark eyes huge in their innocence as he held his mistress's stern gaze.

"I am already in the possession of a lady's maid, you know. I thank you for your opinion, but I think I shall manage to not embarrass myself without your expertise."

Achilles merely purred loudly.

A laugh escaped Juliana. "Oh, you horrible animal! Very well, the ivory it shall be then. But let me warn you -- should my grandfather find fault with my choice, I shall lay the blame at your door." She bent to scratch him behind an ear, which put Achilles into a state of sheer bliss.

As a sign of his appreciation, he later decided to chaperone her down the hallway and the grand staircase, where the apple of his eye -- as far as those strange humans were concerned -- stood awaiting his granddaughter's appearance. He immediately deserted his mistress and attempted to shower the General with affection -- much to the horrified valet's dismay, to whom the black boots, which his lordship had put on that evening, were very close to the heart - and to whom the mere presence of the confounded animal signalled calamity.

Carlton kept his eye determinedly fixed on the furry creature.

"You may rest easy, Carlton. I have no intention of honouring this cajoler with a seat in my carriage today. Do make sure that he does not devote himself to another of the tapestries in my absence." The General glanced at his granddaughter, who seemed to be inclined to roll her eyes. "My granddaughter has a particular fondness for them."

Juliana, who would have gladly introduced the culprit to all of the detestable objects -- they might have been of great value to some -- sentimental or otherwise -- but to her they were largely oppressive -- and their sole purpose of existence seemed to be to induce unsuspecting passers to sneeze.

She smiled. "Indeed, sir, I would not begrudge Achilles his share."

The General merely recommended her to put on her bonnet and to not tempt him to remember that his surviving sister could well spare with one or more of the species that almost covered her home.

Having left his granddaughter in the company of some of the younger residents of the house, General Leighton had joined its mistress in one of the drawing rooms. The Duchess had rung for tea and had just taken a sip of her own when the General addressed her.

"Well, your Grace? I hear I am to spare Juliana to you for another week."

The Duchess returned her cup onto a small table at her side.

"You are, sir. If you please."

One hand leisurely rested on the silver end of the General's cane.

"And if I should not please?"

"Then you are to pretend that you do." The Duchess smiled unperturbedly. "We need to have a few young people amongst the party as well. It will even out the odds."

The General quirked a bushy brow. "You begin to interest me. In what way would my granddaughter contribute to them?"

"Well, I hope they shall know better, of course, but if one or two of the older generation should succumb to one of their maladies, we can be sure that there will still remain persons enough to make up the dinner table. And then there is your sister -- "

"I hoped you would remember her. But do go on -" the General invited her graciously.

"Thank you. Well, you do know how fond she is of whist! Just think, sir, with so little acquaintance at Burton..."

"Ah. Now we come to the point where I must beg you to reconsider your strategy. Your Grace cannot expect me to agree that my granddaughter should be sacrificed for my sister's amusement."

The Duchess blinked -- and then laughed.

"I am silenced. However -" She resolutely ignored the raised eyebrow. "I beg you will allow Juliana to remain with us after the ball, we should be happy to have her. And it shall only be ourselves and a few friends. No more than twenty, I assure you."

"I am relieved." The General rose from his seat. "Well, if she should wish it, then of course she may stay a few days. Mind, madam -" His voice had become a little gruff at that. "-- no matchmaking! Content yourself with your son's success."

Her Grace was happy in the knowledge that she was of a not at all meddlesome disposition where the affairs of her offspring were concerned -- indeed, Lord Carrington had been able to convince his affianced bride of his virtues quite through his own dedication - and so her uncle-by-marriage's recommendation did not ruffle her motherly feathers. However, she was very fond of her young relative and wished for her to be happily settled in life -- and she herself had first met the Duke at a ball, after all.

The Duchess smiled as she linked arms with the General upon returning to the rest of the family. "Well, sir, it is a ball. And she will marry one day."

The General heaved a sigh.

"I suppose it will come to that."

"I hear you are for the theatre tonight, Juliana. You must tell me how you liked the play! I remember when I first had the pleasure of seeing it -- my sister and I had to resort to our combined charms in order to convince our brother that he wished to take us." Her Grace smiled in reminiscence of her youthful exploits.

"You see, Jon! Mama herself -- I am sure Emily would like it above all things if you were to take us!"

Lord Carrington, attempting to gently disengage himself from his younger sister's fervent hold, rolled his eye at his cousin across her golden head. Ever since The Lady Lavinia Leighton had learned that her cousin was to have the felicity of seeing a play by Mr. Sheridan, she had tried to convince her eldest brother that she should be given this treat as well, even if she should not have made her formal debut yet, at not quite seventeen years of age.

Her brother held both her hands at arms length as he smiled down into her enthusiastic face. "Lavinia, I have told you, you are too young to go to the theatre. I will gladly take you some other time."

"Oh, fudge! Emily is not so very much older than I and you would take her, if she wanted to go!"

"Well, of course, but-"

"Poor Miss Linwood." The Duchess hooked arms with Juliana as they proceeded into the hall, not seemingly moved by her children's dispute. "I dare say her affections for my son must be quite genuine, otherwise, I am sure, she should not hesitate to call off the wedding in view of acquiring such a high-spirited sister-in-law."

This tribute had the happy effect of distracting her daughter from her purpose.

"But of course Emily is in love with Jon, mama - why, she even says she likes his poetry!" Lady Lavinia made a comical face. "I-"

"Yes, very well. Go and practise your music," the harassed brother hurried her out of the room, his cheeks a little flushed. Then he made his bow to Juliana, who had followed the exchange with laughing eyes.

"To think that we shall have to introduce her into Society next year -" The Duchess shook her head slightly and then proceeded to kiss Juliana's cheek. "Goodbye, my dear. We shall see you at the ball."

Mr. Thompson took a few steps back and let his expert eye roam over his achievement, from head to toe, or rather, boots, in which his employer's feet had found temporary residence.

He was, by no means, in haste.

The Viscount proved himself well-trained -- enduring the thorough inspection of his person with wonderful equanimity; no quivering of a muscle, no impatient movement, not even a flicker of a smile in his eyes upon finding himself under such determined scrutiny. On the whole, Mr. Thompson had no reason to suspect his noble employer of what he would consider nothing less but treason. If his lordship should not be quite as shaken by the appearance of a crease in the fold of his neck cloth or a hint of -- the horror! -- dust on his black boots as his valet assumed him to be, he was so considerate as to not share this lack of reverence with the same.

And indeed -- Mr. Thompson at last appeared to be satisfied with the fruit of his labour. He had expected nothing less, but one could never be sure.

He turned and devoted himself to the shirt that his master had discharged from duty earlier on.

The Viscount, correctly interpreting this as approval, at last turned away from the full length mirror, both his brows lifted.

"I am glad to find you in agreement. I did consider the florid one at first, but I really should not wish to be mistaken for one of the acting set."

Thompson barely suppressed a shudder, and yet did not look up from his quarry. A displeased frown briefly appeared on his face when he beheld a small tear in the fabric, but he was not one to demean himself so much as to demand of his employer to be furnished with the cause of it. The Viscount, however, seemed to be in one of his more accommodating moods.

"No, I cannot, in honour, extradite the culprit to you -- but if it should appease you, you may deal with that abominable waistcoat as you see fit."

"Yes, my lord."

By all appearances, the valet did not seem mollified by this suggestion. His mind, however, was most pleasantly engaged in deliberating exactly how he would rid himself -- and his lordship - of the most detestable item his lordship had ever been presented with during the entire period of his own service. He sincerely hoped that his lordship's admirer should never again feel thus inspired. Not even Master Theodore had been able to repress his revulsion when faced with the monstrosity of the garment, after all.

The Viscount, both his gloves in one hand, took one more swift glance at his reflection and then stalked out of the room, calling to Thompson that he was not to wait up for him that evening.

"You may take the seat at my side, Mr. Greene. Theodore tells me that you have been privileged to see this play before -"

Mr. Greene bowed his confirmation, one eye glancing towards the seat next to Lady Georgina, which he had been hopeful to be able to call his own. It was not to be.

"- therefore I count on you to assist me with the different acts. I never seem to be able to remember all that I am supposed to remember."

Lady Sophia caught the Viscount's eye.

"Alas, it is the sad truth. It must be my advanced age." She favoured her brother with a quelling look.

Mr. Greene was quick with his protestations -- her ladyship appeared to be in the highest state of preservation!

"How kind of you to say so!" Sophia's eyes danced, partially hidden behind her fan. "If only all young men were as gallant as you, but I do feel my age, I assure you." She sighed. "Especially next to my lovely young sister."

Mr. Greene instantly transported himself onto the designated seat, but his attention was soon after demanded by Theodore.

"Unworthy, Sophia," a well-bred voice gravely murmured at her other side.

"Surely you did not think I would let him bore the poor child to tears -" her ladyship whispered into the general direction of her elder brother. "I can't think what it is that made Theodore invite him along. All he talks of is his snuff box!"

"But it is a very exemplary one," the Viscount calmly replied.

"Yes, so he appears to think. He even showed it to Juliana -- how she was able to keep her countenance I do not know!" The curtain began to be drawn. "I beg you will rescue her should he next attempt to offer her some snuff," she whispered as the first performers came onto the stage, and then focused her attention on the first act.

The Viscount had turned his head to his left, at which Miss Leighton sat, her gaze fixed onto the stage; seemingly unscathed by the encounter with the aforementioned item -- and its proud owner. Sensing that she was being observed, she looked up - and found herself meeting the Viscount's contemplative gaze. She smiled in question -- but as no communication was forthcoming, she directed her attention to the performers again.

Unnoticed by Juliana, their box had proved to be of more interest than the stage so far, to at least one member in the audience, whose own box was most conveniently situated for the very purpose of subjecting the members of the Viscount's to one's scrutiny.

Juliana, the interval providing her with a few moments to reflect on the performance on the stage and to let her gaze wander across the theatre, found herself observed by Theodore -- and it seemed to her that he was debating with his inner self whether to approach and take the recently vacated seat to her right.

Apart from the initial greetings, he had barely exchanged a word with her during the course of the evening, and this unusual reluctance suggested to Juliana that it might be rooted in her connection to one he had, until recently, shown a marked preference for. She was determined to communicate to him that she was far from bearing him any ill will on that subject and smiled in return.

Theodore seemed to take this as encouragement and betook himself of the empty seat. He did not immediately speak however, presenting her with only a small smile as he sat down. Juliana took pity on him.

"I hope you have not come to tell me that I must admire Lydia for her determination to marry a poor soldier! You will think it sadly disloyal of me, but I own I much prefer Julia."

"Oh, the girl has read too many novels -", Theodore replied dispassionately. He looked across at his younger sister, who was engaged in quiet conversation with Mr. Greene. His brow knitted. "And now that my brother has dragged us here to see this, it will fall upon me to make sure that it does not put any ideas into Georgina's head!"

"I knew I should have declined your sister's invitation - but I confess I did think that it would turn out to be not so very bad in the end." Juliana's tone, as serious as it was, was belied by the twinkle in her eye. "Do you think we should alert your brother to his grave error now or shall we wait until we have seen the rest -- in case all hope should not be lost yet?"

Theodore blinked.

"I did not mean -" A slow grin crept into his face. "Madam, I protest! Of course it is the greatest pleasure on earth to be in your company this evening. How can you doubt it?"

"Oh dear, did I make you believe that I did? What a poor guest I am." She shook her head with a smile.

Theodore found his attention demanded by his friend before he could reply.

"I say, St. James, is that not your Beauty -" Mr. Greene squinted across into the lower level of the theatre. "Seems to me she is trying to obtain your attention, dear boy." He appeared to be wholly satisfied with this conclusion.

And indeed, Miss Charwood was to be seen in one of the boxes, a group of male admirers in her entourage, sending an inviting look at Theodore from underneath her long lashes.

Theodore merely accorded her a polite bow and returned to his conversation with Miss Leighton; to the wrathful astonishment of the lady, who turned on her elegant heel and made a point of pretending to be fascinated by what was communicated to her by a portly gentleman of magnificent dress, whose posture straightened proudly under the notion of having made such a favourable impression on such a pretty little thing.

"Do tell me -- have I been eclipsed?", enquired a subdued voice almost into Juliana's ear.

She all but jumped in surprise -- and turned her head to find that the Viscount had once more taken the seat which had just been vacated by Theodore, who almost forcefully dragged the unfortunate Mr. Greene, who had taken up his conversation with Lady Georgina again, moving his chair a little closer towards her own, from his sister's side and into the vestibule, muttering something about refreshments under his breath.

"Eclipsed."

It was more of a statement than a question.

His lordship briefly inclined his head.

She followed his movement -- just in time to be rewarded with an excellent view of her cousin accepting the arm of a gentleman who seemed to have entertained the mistaken notion that he was attending a masquerade. Or, at the very least, a presentation at Court. But usually, she reflected, it was the debutantes who were constrained to present themselves with a ridiculously long train attached to their dresses of unspeakable proportions and with an even more absurd adornment by way of one or two feathers on their heads. The gentleman, of course, was not wearing any headdress, but the rest of his chosen costume was no less inspired.

Her shoulders began to shake lightly.

She looked up to share her thoughts with the Viscount --

"I -- no !" She shook her head, resolutely biting her lip.

Poor Cassandra!

"And only a Baronet..." murmured his lordship provokingly.

Juliana refused to look at him; repressing the almost irresistible urge to laugh.

"Well, really. One should think that the congregation in her own box would provide her with diversion enough, if Mr. Sheridan's offering is not to her taste." Lady Sophia rolled her eyes and made good use of her elegant fan.

Juliana looked up at this, a little puzzled -- and found herself looking into the suggestive eyes of Lady Trent. The Countess raised her glass in mock salute.

She knew provocation when she saw it and accorded her a curt nod, the smile quite gone from her eyes, before she returned her attention to her own company.

Sophia furrowed her brow. "Are you acquainted with her, Juliana? She seems to think so, at all events. Oh, I wish her husband would bury her away in the country!"

"I-"

Juliana was not obliged to finish her sentence.

"As inspired as we must consider the notion, Sophia -" the Viscount coolly interjected, "- I beg you will not shock Miss Leighton with your lack of compassion. Do, pray, consider the gentleman's advanced age."

Sophia blinked; then laughed.

"Very well. Juliana, you are please to ignore my ignoble sentiment and accept my assurance that I have the greatest respect for those who are in their dotage -", she favoured her brother with a suggestive look -- "- as my brother will be able to confirm."

His lordship accepted this tribute with wonderful equanimity.

At that, their attention was demanded by the progress on the stage once more.

With the actors returning to the stage, a hush had once again come over the theatre.

Juliana was relieved that she had been spared an explanation; she had no wish to be untruthful to her companions, but then - she could hardly have furnished them with what she knew to be the reason behind the Countess's audacious salute. She permitted herself a glance at the Viscount. He had skillfully distracted his sister and she was thankful for his intervention; even if his motive had, perhaps, been founded in his own interests. Or had it? She did not quite know what to think; studying his profile with a frown.

Then she found herself looking into his grey eyes. There was understanding in them, and a suggestion of comradeship.

She offered a quick smile in return.

The expression in his eyes all of a sudden changed, it became almost soft in the candlelight and as she looked away, the colour having risen in her cheeks a little, she noticed that her own, gloved hand was lying dangerously close to his. And -- inexplicably -- she almost had the impression that it had been inclined to cover hers.

Surely she must have been mistaken.

And indeed -- when she looked up at him again, he presented his cool, aristocratic façade to her once more, his attention fixed onto the stage.

Juliana concluded that she must have been misled by her imagination.

Part 15

"At last. Come along, Georgie, it is over!"

"Theo -!"

Lady Georgina shot an apologetic look at Mr. Greene, who had been about to offer her his arm.

Theodore had positioned himself at his sister's elbow the moment the curtain had come down in the attempt to chaperone her out of the box and into the carriage. Following the interval, he had kept an eye on his sister and his eyes had once or twice narrowed when Mr. Greene had happened to lean forward to speak to his sister. He had fast come to the conclusion that he had better reconsider his friendship with the gentleman -- he could bear his fondness of snuff -- and the complementing box - with tolerable composure, but to find him making up to his sister, well, it was the outside of enough!

The unsuspecting Mr. Greene was left behind a little baffled -- had the play been so much to his friend's distaste that he should not have been able to suppress the urge of leaving the scene of his ordeal any longer? Well, he had seen it before and had not previously experienced any such symptoms, but then, he quite liked a comedy, no matter what his mother might say about the greater merit of tragedies. He had once been obliged to sit through an entire performance of "Hamlet" and had afterwards vowed to never again show such consideration for his relative's preferences. He hoped he was not an ungrateful son, but filial duty had its limits.

His mother would at least have been happy in the knowledge that he showed himself a gentleman in every other respect -- he offered his arm to Lady Albury instead, with a flourishing bow, who accepted it with great composure, and -- taking pity on the unfortunate young man - even encouraged him to elaborate on his favourite subject, not daring to catch her brother's provoking eye, but sharing a speaking glance with her friend.

Juliana shook her head with a smile.

Poor Mr. Greene.

Her remaining companion seemed to experience similar sentiments.

"Dear me. I see how fortunate I must consider myself that I have, so far, not had the dubious pleasure of being confronted with an elder brother." Both the Viscount's brows had lifted at this reflection. "Almost it moves me to feel compassion for the aspiring swains."

Juliana chose to revert to the widely practiced -- and rather effective - art of monosyllabism.

"Indeed."

One corner of the Viscount's mouth twitched, but they proceeded to make their way through the assembling crowd in silence -- until at last his lordship spoke again.

"If memory serves correctly, Miss Leighton, you are without siblings."

She resigned herself to the inevitable.

"Yes. But I have begun to believe that it may, perhaps, be a blessing."

The smile she offered his lordship along with her reply did not have the desired effect. He appeared to be provokingly immune to its suggestion. At first, he did not seem disposed to further address the subject; but then -- as they approached the carriage -

"I am happy to see that we are in agreement."

Juliana sighed, a small smile on her lips.

Well, if he insisted --

"I cannot imagine that we are, sir."

The Viscount smiled, then lifting an enquiring brow.

"Should I ask why you seem to find great satisfaction in that belief?"

"Well, you may, of course. But I should then feel obliged to hint to you that it might provoke you to question your judgement in taking me to the theatre tonight."

"I am confident that it should not", he assured her calmly.

"Of course, you would never question it -", Juliana shook her head mournfully. "Very well. I am inclined to think, sir, that your siblings may, perhaps, be the ones to consider themselves a little tried by fate."

His brows had snapped together briefly at her earlier pronouncement, but the frown gave way to such a look of suggested ill-usage mingled with appreciation that Juliana had to firmly remind herself that it would not do at all to give in to the temptation of succumbing to an attack of mirth in the middle of Covent Garden - and in full view of a greater number of members of the Ton. Therefore she had to content herself with silent amusement; only daring a quick sideways glance up at his profile as he handed her into the carriage. It was long enough for her to observe the gleam in his lordship's eyes, but as her attention was then demanded by his sister, she had no further opportunity to engage in battle with him.

She caught his gaze once during their journey back to Mayfair and the intensity of it almost brought a little colour to her cheeks. She thought it best to concentrate on what his sister had to share with regards to the performance.

Theodore had previously invited himself to spend the night at his brother's house and the two gentlemen had withdrawn into his lordship's study following their return from the theatre.

The younger St James had taken up temporary residence in one if the comfortable arm chairs; accompanying the action with a heartfelt sigh of relief.

The Viscount did not look up from the small pile of messages that had accumulated on his desk during the course of the day, his glance briefly fixed on the direction of one of them.

"At least have the grace to pretend that you are grateful for my efforts to contribute to your literary enlightenment."

Theodore opened one lazy eye.

"I am inexpressibly grateful for your lordship's condescension -", he tried in vain to stifle a yawn, "- in dragging me to an infernal place at which I had the very great pleasure of witnessing my cork-brained friend's nauseating attempt of fixing his interest with my sister."

"Theodore."

His lordship's tone was all that was ominous.

"Yes?"

"Go to bed."

The younger man managed a creditable smile as he heaved himself out of his chair.

"Yes, mother."

"My dear General, how delightful!"

"General! Good morning!"

Another hat was tipped in greeting.

Juliana smiled to herself as she rode silently beside her grandfather.

"Quite so. However -", General Leighton had returned the salute with a nod "- I think we need not despair. I entertain considerable hopes that given the hour of the day, we may yet be spared the felicitations of the greater number of those who may think they may claim an acquaintance with me."

Another bow was executed into his direction -- which Juliana observed in growing amusement.

"I am inclined to believe, sir, that you must be acquainted with all of London."

"It appears to be the case." The General did not seem gratified by this reflection. He had met his granddaughter at the breakfast table the morning after her visit to the theatre and had sent her off to change into her riding habit, as it had promised to be a beautiful day and he had, correctly, assumed that she had not much had the opportunity to ride in the Park whilst under her Aunt's roof.

"Now -" He turned his head and quirked a bushy brow. "You find me positively agog with curiosity. Did you have reason to blush for the brother?"

She laughed.

"No, sir."

"How disappointing. Then I can only hope that the play was to your taste. As it is -- "

The General was to find that he was not the only one in the happy possession of early risers amongst his acquaintance -

"Juliana! Juliana! Look, mama, it is Juliana!"

Juliana reined in her horse and turned to see two sturdy young boys running into her direction, their hats in grave danger of falling off their curly heads.

Harry was the first to reach them, pulling off his hat and beaming up at her.

"Juliana!"

Felix swiftly followed his twin, made his bow and then unceremoniously addressed the subject most pressing on his mind.

"Is that your horse?"

His blue eyes were full of hopeful anticipation as he directed them at Juliana.

"Oh dear -- I fear I am too late to convince you that my sons have been taught to remember the manners." Lady Sophia smiled apologetically at the General as she appeared at the scene, having caught up with her energetic offspring. "Please believe me that my husband and I have tried our utmost, but alas; one horse and -" She shook her head with a sigh.

Felix was horrified at such an openly displayed lack of motherly feeling. It was a very fine horse!

"Mama -" he began accusingly.

Juliana came to the mother's rescue.

"Yes, she is, Felix", she broke in, twinkling down at him. "But before I make you known to each other -" -- the mare; shaking her head, made a noise strongly reminiscent of a snort -- "- you must allow me to present my grandfather to you." She turned to the General with laughing eyes, but adopted a tone more suited on such a momentous occasion.

"Sir, this is my friend, Lady Sophia Albury - and Masters Felix and Harry." Felix quickly pulled off his hat as well and both twins made their respective bows -- their eyes briefly darting towards the General's horse as they did so. Juliana continued unperturbedly.

"I had the pleasure of making Master Felix´ acquaintance a few weeks ago, and they have since been so kind as to treat me to ices during a walk in the Park."´

"Yes -- we were good!"

Harry's proud announcement had a curious effect on the adults -- the ladies seemed to have great trouble with the arrangement of their facial expressions -- why was mama biting her lip? -- and the tall, old man seemed not to be impressed by the information at all, merely regarding him steadily from underneath his thick brows.

"But we were!"

Felix was justly incensed on his brother's behalf. He did not see how this could be under question. They had not even befriended a squirrel.

Then the brows lifted.

"I am very glad to hear it." The General heaved himself off his saddle. "I distinctly remember the time when I was at your age -- and how troublesome I found it to acquire such a treat myself."

Felix seemed to consider this, head cocked to one side.

"But you can have them now!"

"No, no -- my granddaughter keeps me under strict observation", he informed his young audience solemnly. "And I beg you will not advise me to raid the kitchen at an unholy hour, young man. At my age, the idea seems strangely unappealing."

Felix´ eyes lit up at that. Perhaps Harry and he could -

"Felix - no."

Lady Sophia thought it best to quell her son's aspiration in its roots. Then, with a smile, and impervious to her first born´s highly demonstrative suggestion of ill-usage, she addressed the General.

"I am very happy to make your acquaintance, sir. And hope that when I assure you that all kinds of treats shall await you at my table -", her eyes twinkled, "- you will have the kindness to join us at dinner tomorrow."

The General, with one enquiring glance at his granddaughter, who signalled her approval, accepted the invitation.

"You find me quite persuaded, madam."

Sophia smiled. "Then we shall look forward to seeing you tomorrow. And now we will take our leave -- Nurse will have begun to wonder what may have happened to us. Felix, Harry -".

Master Harry, who had, for a greater part of the meeting, let his gaze wander until it had become fixed on a family of ducklings in a pond, reluctantly turned away from them to make his bow.

Then a thought occurred to him.

He looked up at the General, blue eyes inquisitive.

"Sir! Do you make boats?"

The General blinked.

Harry considered this encouragement enough.

"For the pond!"

Felix was quick to enter into his sibling's train of thought, his fair curls shaking as he nodded approvingly.

"We could be sailors!" He looked around for support. "Juliana, do you not think we would make good sailors?"

"Certainly -" she responded promptly. "However -- my grandfather is a General, you see. I fear it might be quite against his notions of what is acceptable." She smiled into his enthusiastic face.

"Oh. Papa wears a red coat, too." Felix appeared to be a little torn in his loyalties. His brother, however, was made of sterner stuff.

"Uncle Tristan makes boats".

The information did not seem to meet with the desired effect, so he added to it, for good measure.

"Big boats."

Sophia attempted to rescue the situation, her voice quivering only lightly.

"My brother, sir. Viscount Langton."

"Yes. Uncle Tristan!" Harry rolled his eyes. He did not see what there was to be confused about. "He knows how to make them," he stated unscrupulously.

"He does, does he. In that case -" The General held out a hand to receive the sheet of crumpled paper that Harry had produced from his pocket.

"Sir, I beg you will not-"

The General waved the mother's protest away.

"I must consider it a matter of honour. Well, sirs -- lead on!"

He marched his troops off into the general direction of the pond, leaving his horse in the care of the attendant groom.

Sophia looked after them and was moved to exclaim, with emphasis -

"Well. As if Langton ever attempted anything of the sort in his life!"

"Almost I hesitate to enquire -", stated a foreboding voice from behind them, "- but of what have I been so remiss as to inspire such vehement feelings?"

The Viscount had dismounted and exchanged bows with Juliana. His sister lost no time in explaining herself to him -- her brow lifted in an accusatory fashion.

"Have you engaged to teach my sons the art of paper-boat making?"

His lordship did not appear to be shaken by the suggestion that he might have been so feeble in his resolution.

"I could not possibly comment."

Sophia was not to be deterred. "Harry seemed convinced that you must be an expert in the field."

"Thank you, but I assure you - my conceit does have its limits."

Juliana had to suppress a smile.

"Oh, very well. But I wish you will warn us when you mean to be accommodating." Sophia glanced over to where the General and her sons were in the process of setting sail. She smiled. "Next they will lure their father with your accomplishments -- and he is still in active service!"

The Viscount's brows lifted in mild astonishment.

"Surely there can be no comparison."

"Well, really, Langton! As if you were not very well aware that my sons consider you nothing less but a demigod. Inexplicably so", she added reproachfully.

"But I do not wear a red coat," his lordship reflected gravely.

"Indeed -" Juliana interjected, with laughing eyes, "- I am convinced they will resist any attempt at being drawn into the ranks of the Navy. Even if your brother should be a true proficient when it comes to mere boats."

"So they would. Now -- what I meant to say to you, Tristan -" Sophia had adopted a matter-of-fact tone. "You are, if you please, to present yourself in Berkeley Square tonight. Why my Aunt must make me her messenger quite eludes me, but since I had the very good fortune of meeting you here, I need not further trouble my mind over it."

His lordship smiled.

"It is with considerable regret that I must inform you that it will not be in my power. I am engaged at Burton House tonight."

Juliana, a little surprised, looked up at that -- frowning slightly. She caught the Viscount's eye and quickly looked away, a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Well, in that case, you will have to give her your regrets yourself. But you will be attending the ball then? And so soon after another? Poor Tristan!" Lady Sophia seemed to find considerable amusement in the reflection.

The Viscount, his attention briefly demanded by his horse, who seemed to have taken objection against his bridle and only let himself be pacified by his master's quiet assurances, merely lifted his eyebrows in response.

"It is comforting to know that one is in the possession of such sympathetic relatives."

"Even more than that -" his sister continued unabashedly. "I shall even relieve you of the complex task that is finding a partner for the first dance."

His lordship, his sense of foreboding most intact, attempted to restrain his high-spirited sister.

"Sophia."

She ignored his forbidding tone and twinkled at Juliana.

"I hope you will find that you can bear it, Juliana. I assure you, even with all his protestations; my brother really is a most excellent dancer." She glanced towards the pond. "I suppose I should finally rescue your grandfather from my sons -- Langton, you will stay with Juliana. We shall be back in but a moment."

With one audacious look up into her brother's sardonic face, she quickly made her way towards the sailors.

"My sister -" his lordship was moved to contribute after a brief pause; with feeling.

Juliana could only heartily concur with this sentiment.

"Yes."

A silence occurred between them -- which she was the first to break.

"Lord Langton-"

"Yes, I fear I did teach my nephews - and it was, most certainly, my intention to ask you for the dance."

"Hm."

Juliana did not trust herself to say more, lest she should feel inclined to forget some of the more inspired lessons with her governess.

"Miss Leighton."

She looked up, and found her resolution persistently shaken at.

"Will you do me the honour of dancing the first with me?"

She shook her head. He really was detestable!

The Viscount's brows lifted incredulously -- his eyes alight with laughter.

"No?"

"No -- I mean, yes. Oh!" She nearly stomped her foot. Then she began again. "Thank you, I should be honoured", she stated, in the tone of one resigned to her fate.

"You relieve me. And now I must ask you to indulge me on another matter -" His tone had, rather abruptly, become quite serious. "What, Miss Leighton -"

He was not to finish his thought.

"Juliana, Juliana! Come and see! It sails!"

She turned to the Viscount -- an apologetic smile in her eyes. She was puzzled to see the displeased frown between his brows.

"Sir - ?"

The brows lifted after a moment, and yet she could not but feel that something had to be amiss.

"Thank you, but I had the questionable pleasure only two days ago. I really could not be so selfish."

With that, his lordship swung himself onto the saddle once more.

Still somewhat confused by his sudden change of mood, she nevertheless attempted a smile in response.

"I do not think that they would regard that worthy of consideration."

It seemed to soften a little at that. "That, Miss Leighton, is my misfortune." He nodded at her and then took his leave.

Part 16

"My dear Langton -- how charming!"

"Lady Trent."

The Viscount accorded the Countess the curtest of bows in passing. It did not escape her ladyship that he had no intention of granting her more than this common civility, however, she let it pass and merely mustered him from underneath her painted lashes.

"I wish you will not always run away from me -- is this the way to treat an old friend?"

"My friends rarely have reason to voice that complaint," his lordship replied coolly, immune to her suggestive little smile. "Do not try your games with me, you will only waste your time." He ignored her sharp intake of breath -- "What is it that you want with me?"

Her ladyship gave up all pretence at cordiality.

"I do not play games, Langton. Unlike you, as I hear. Or can you really mean to offer for that girl?" In her ladyship's state of jealous curiosity mixed with ruffled pride, the spark of comprehension in Lord Langton´s eyes quite escaped her. As did the tensing of a muscle in his lordship's face. She continued quite unperturbedly in her observation. "It seems highly unlikely to me. And your Juliana Leighton seemed rather uncertain of it herself. I believe it quite flustered her, poor girl, when I enquired -- "

"Lady Trent", the Viscount interrupted her, his tone dangerously calm. "Miss Leighton's personal affairs are not of the smallest concern to you. I should not advise you to importune her any further on that -- or any other subject. Understand me, madam -" Lady Trent, who had opened her mouth in outrage and was about to speak, almost shrank back at the menace in his voice. "You once had the audacity of attempting to harm a person close to me; and only him to thank that you suffered no repercussions for the same. I shall not have that scruple again."

On that ominous promise, Langton set spurs to his horse once more and directed the stallion towards the Stanhope Gate, not favouring the furiously shaking Countess with one more glance -- or word.

"Well. I should dearly like to know whom we have to offer our thanks for this spectacle." Sophia adjusted her hat, which had been blown off in the wake of the same, with wonderful calmness, as she reflected on what they had just been privileged to witness. "I am certain it must have been a most amiable person!"

Juliana's attention was demanded by Harry, who had something of apparently great importance to communicate to her - judging by the resolute tug at the fold of her dress - but she also could not but permit herself a small smile of gratification at the image of Lady Trent driving her phaeton across the Park at uncommonly great speed -- and in an apparently anything but sunny temper. She had no intention of concerning herself any further with the lady's escapades, and she felt even less compunction for concurring with her friend on the subject of the gentleman's -- or lady's -- thoughtfulness.

A fortnight later, and amidst a torrent of rain, Juliana and the General arrived at Burton Hall -- the ancestral seat of the Leighton family, which was set in the gentle Berkshire countryside; while the family owned estates in the north as well. One of the these, to be found in Derbyshire, Juliana called her home.

They were greeted by the Duchess upon their arrival.

"Juliana! I am happy to see you survived the journey without any harm. We were beginning to despair that this infernal rain should never stop. The Duke, however, experienced some optimism that the state of the roads might deter some of our respected guests."

The Duchess greeted her young guest with a fond embrace.

"Now -- you will want to change your clothes, after the journey. Your grandfather has already been seized by my younger son, who assures me that the satisfaction of his curiosity cannot wait any longer. Which puts me in mind of -- I must have some tea sent to them."

Her Grace chaperoned Juliana upstairs, where one of the most elegant chambers had been prepared for her. She advised her guest to rest a little and then perhaps to catch a breath of fresh air, before dinner would be served.

"As you see, the house and I are in quite a flutter -- I shudder to think how it will be when Lavinia makes her come-out. Oh, and -" She was already half out of the room as she shared the following -- "- a very handsome bouquet has arrived for you. I had it brought up to your room. I will ask you later who your admirer is, for now I must deal with the arrangement of the roses. At least they are not orchids."

Juliana, shaking her head with a smile, discarded her bonnet onto the splendid four poster bed -- her eye catching sight of the flowers on a table at the windowsill. Puzzled, she proceeded to unbutton her coat and went up to search for a card that might have accompanied them.

There appeared to be none.

She lifted the bouquet from its vase -- and still there was no sign that would inform her who might have been so thoughtful. She bent forward to take in the lovely scent. Whoever they might have been, she concluded, with a smile, their taste left nothing to be desired.

"I see how it shall be - I shall not get a glimpse of you all evening. You will be engaged for every single dance the moment we appear at the scene, and if I should feel so inclined as to supervise your partaking of nourishment at least, I shall have to resort to the powers of my quizzing glass and hope that it will impress to the desired effect. But -" The General heaved a sigh -- "- such is the fate of an old, lonely man."

Juliana's eyes twinkled.

"But you may engage me for supper now."

"My principles would not permit it. I prefer to look my adversary in the eye. Well, let us proceed with the absurdities. I wish that when the time comes, Juliana, you will have the courtesy of choosing a partner who is not at all partial to such festivities."

"I shall endeavour to bear it in mind, sir", Juliana responded promptly.

"Good." He took her arm into the crook of his. "You do look like your mother."

Juliana turned, on tiptoe, and kissed his bearded cheek.

"Good evening, Miss Leighton."

Juliana curtseyed to a dark, handsome man in his late twenties, who had excused himself from the little group he had been engaged with when he noticed her amidst the ever increasing throng of guests in the magnificently adorned ballroom.

"Will you give me leave to tell you that you look quite lovely this evening?"

She raised a smiling eyebrow.

"How could I, sir, without appearing horribly conceited?"

The gentleman smiled.

"I assure you, it would not be possible. I hope you will do me the honour of dancing the first with me?

He offered his arm to Juliana.

"Miss Leighton is already engaged. You will excuse her."

Juliana was conscious of two very contrary sentiments in her breast as the Viscount led her off towards the assembling pairs -- one having to be a momentary lapse of her own judgement, for how could she have been glad to hear his voice when he was being so thoroughly high-handed in his conduct. She had barely had the time to convey her apologies to Lord Henley, who had not seemed at all pleased by the sudden disruption at the hands of his lordship; but had accepted her regrets with gentlemanly composure.

"Yes, it was quite abominable of me." The Viscount smiled into her speaking face. "But in all justice to me, madam - I hope you will remember that you had a prior engagement."

Of all the insufferable - !

"Of course I did remember -- and you had no reason to burst upon us in such an unceremonious manner. I was not aware that you had even arrived!"

"Well, I have only just arrived," he responded apologetically.

Juliana caught the look in his eyes.

"Lord Langton -- if you are going to insinuate that I might have missed you; I shall claim a headache and retire to my room."

His eyes were alight with laughter.

"Miss Leighton - you are a darling."

Juliana was fortunate in two instants -- the first being that as they were obliged to perform their part in the dance; it providing not much room for conversation; she was not required to apply to her wits to supply an adequate response to this information. The second was even more providential -- the rosy colour to her cheeks might easily be explained with the helpful combination of the additional exercise by way of the necessary movements and the subsequent increase in heat in the room.

"Juliana! I am so happy to see you -- there are so many people here, it is quite intimidating. Oh, I am sorry, I did not see -- I beg your pardon. Good evening, my lord."

The young lady blushed and dropped a curtsey.

The Viscount bowed, a flicker of a smile in his eyes at her confusion.

"Miss Linwood."

Juliana; with one speaking glance at his lordship, smiled at her friend.

"I quite agree, Emily. One must be very careful if one wishes one's train to escape unharmed. But I see you have been wise." Miss Linwood's gown was fortunately devoid of any such adornment -- "I wish I had had your foresight." Her eyes twinkled. "Now I must not only consider my feet but my train as well."

This had the happy effect of putting Miss Linwood at ease.

"Yes, they can be horrid. But they are also very beautiful. But I do not mean to detain you -- I hope that you will ride out with me tomorrow. There is so much I have to tell you." She smiled shyly at his lordship and then excused herself.

The Viscount, after a brief silence, was moved to enquire in a subdued tone --

"Must I make you my apologies, madam?"

A gurgle of laughter escaped Juliana.

"No, I thank you. My train, as you see, is in no need of rescuing."

"And your feet?"

She, admirably, kept her countenance.

"Lord Langton-" she began sternly.

"I see I have been correct in my presentiment."

Juliana, forgoing her reprimand for the moment, turned and smiled at her grandfather, who had appeared at their side out of thin air -- or so it seemed. Well, she knew what was expected of her.

"My lord -- this is my grandfather-"

"You need not perform the service, my child. We have been introduced."

"Oh. I see." A frown appeared on Juliana's face. How strange. Neither of them had mentioned that they were known to each other. Hm.

That she seemed to ponder this was evident to both her companions; but it was her grandfather who spoke first.

"Yes. Well, I see, my lord, that you have found my granddaughter." The General seemed to be in an accommodating mood.

The Viscount bowed.

Juliana looked up, a puzzled question in her eyes.

Found?

Her grandfather continued philosophically.

"When I consider the inspired number of guests present this evening, I almost feel I should commend your fortitude. For myself, I should have gladly turned away at the door, but it sadly behooves me to keep in mind my duties as a guardian."

"An unenviable position," the Viscount reflected coolly.

The General lifted a brow.

"You think so?"

"I do."

Juliana felt herself inexplicably nettled.

"What Lord Langton means, sir, is that he should find it sadly demanding on his forbearance to exert himself so much with so little compensation to himself." She smiled sweetly. "Excuse me."

The gentlemen watched her diminish among the crowd.

"Well. There is that." The General subjected his lordship to an inquisitive glance. "I hear you are among the guests who will be staying the week?"

"I am."

"Ah. I hope you have a partiality for cats."

He nodded at the momentarily taken aback Viscount and proceeded to follow his granddaughter's example.

His lordship, having withstood the combined forces of a formidable fond mother in a colourful turban and what appeared to be two of her hopeful daughters, had positioned himself at the far end of one room, close to the open doors that led through to the landing. He had exchanged some brief words with an acquaintance, and had stoically endured his more socially inclined brother's inspired musings on -- in no particular order -- the number of people present (a sad crush!), their choice of dress (a shocking display of an addiction to flowery waistcoats!), the prettiness of some of the girls (no, his lordship had not noticed that Miss Morton had uncommonly improved since they had had the good fortune of seeing her last; but he had every faith that Theodore must be a judge on the matter) and the kindness of their hostess in presenting him to some of them (his lordship expressed the hope that he should be spared her circumspection).

But sadly -

"Lord Langton -- I have not yet had the pleasure of welcoming you. Even though I found myself constrained to remain at the head of the staircase for a longer period than I had thought to be possible. How strange it seems!"

The Viscount smiled mildly.

"I own it to be entirely my fault, madam - and will ask your pardon."

The Duchess linked her arm with his.

"Well, I will forgive you -- but you must let me find a partner for you. We are sadly scarce of gentlemen tonight, and I hope I may appease at least one of the mamas in attendance when I present you to their lovely daughter. And your mother will be grateful to me as well."

"Undoubtedly, but I must beg Your Grace will consider my feelings as well."

"Of course. Well, let me think -" She spotted a suitable candidate in the nearer distance." I should like to make you known to my young cousin, Juliana Leighton. But she is engaged at present, as I see." Her Grace squinted across the ballroom. "With Lord Henley, it seems. A most amiable young man, I must say."

The Viscount followed her line of vision, his brows snapping together briefly.

"Miss Leighton and I are acquainted." He bowed. "Excuse me."

"Miss Leighton, I must thank you for a most enjoyable dance. I hope we shall have the opportunity of repeating it soon. Perhaps even tonight?"

Lord Henley, having led Juliana away from the set, smiled and took his leave with a well practised bow.

Juliana, a little flushed from the heat in the room, attempted to make out her grandfather in the crowd of dancers and less physically inspired guests, usually not at all a difficult task given the General's impressive height, but he seemed to have taken refuge in another room. Well, then she would have to go on her own.

"Excuse me-" she made her way through the crowded room, only to find herself halted by a familiar voice to her right.

"Leaving the battlefield so soon?"

She turned her head to defend herself against the accusation, a small smile on her lips.

"Alas, I have been found out. But -" She lifted her chin -- "- you will own, my lord, that at least I did not shy away from the battle itself. Contrary to some others amongst the present company."

"Quite so, madam. But-" The Viscount's brows lifted , "- and to the very great regret of at least two members of my extended family -- I have never indulged in any military aspirations." He scrutinised her face for an unnerving moment, then - "You wish for some air. Come-" He betook himself of her arm and led her out onto the terrace, allowing her no moment for opposition.

The cool evening air was welcome to Juliana -- and she was able to enjoy it in silent contemplation, as the Viscount did not, at first, press her for conversation. How unusually considerate of him, she thought. Well, no. She could accuse him of many things -- some of them even more than justified -- but he had never shown himself inconsiderate towards herself. High-handed, provoking and quite unscrupulous at times; but never inconsiderate. The reflection made her smile.

"Something seems to amuse you, Miss Leighton?"

She shook her head, still smiling.

"Oh, no -- I have only been thinking how considerate it was of you to escort me outside."

"Dear me. I must have been in an unusually mellow mood", his lordship reflected.

"Yes, that is what I was thinking. I -- no!"

"Well?"

"Lord Langton -- sometimes I think you take great pleasure in putting me out of countenance!" Juliana looked him steadily in the eye.

"I admit the temptation proves irresistible at times," the Viscount responded gravely.

Juliana blinked, an unwilling laugh escaping her.

"Are you ever serious, sir?"

"I am very serious, Miss Leighton."

She merely shook her head, her eyes smiling.

"I see. Shall we-" She was ready to return inside once more.

"In a moment. There is a matter we have yet to discuss."

Juliana found herself momentarily bereft of her vocal abilities. It was not often that this particular condition afflicted her -- but then, it was even of a less frequent occurrence that she found her wrist in the firm hold of a --

Hm.

Well, it was probably for the best to indulge him in his obstinacy.

"Yes?"

"Yes." His eyes seemed to search her face for a moment; then -- "Why did you omit to tell me that it is not only my very esteemed aunt who is taking an uncommonly great interest in your personal affairs?"

She blushed uncomfortably under his unsmiling scrutiny.

"I -" she hesitated, then looked up again "- I did not think it of any consequence, sir. Please do not concern yourself on my behalf."

"It is of every consequence -" his lordship stated firmly. "Come - do you trust me so little that you must treat me with such commonplace civility?"

He seemed almost angry at that. If only she -- well. If he insisted...

"I do not mistrust you. I -" She sighed, but did not waver in her gaze. "Her ladyship seemed to comprehend that you might have resigned yourself to an alliance whilst, perhaps, regretting another." She continued rather hurriedly, when he did not immediately reply -- "- of course I did not regard it, but -"

"Miss Leighton -" His lordship regarded her steadily; addressing her with decided calm. "There is nothing that you need to permit to disturb yourself."

"I ... I see." She hardly knew where to look, under the intensity of his gaze.

"Look at me."

She felt herself constrained to raise her eyes to his.

"Lady Trent will not attempt to importune you again."

"Oh."

She was conscious of a shiver that ran over her person.

His lordship's hand seemed briefly inclined to repeat its earlier treachery, but the Viscount exercised his authority over it.

Instead -

"You are cold. Let us return inside."

Juliana, with one glance up at his stoical profile as she accepted his arm, let herself be escorted back into the ballroom.

"Miss Leighton."

Almost the moment they had returned into the crowded room, Juliana found herself addressed by a smiling gentleman.

"May I hope that you will honour me with the next dance?"

"Oh. Of course. That is -- if Lord Langton will excuse me?" She looked up into his face.

The Viscount signaled his compliance.

"Then I will say goodbye to you now, my lord. I am not certain that we shall meet again this evening."

She held out her hand.

"Goodnight, Miss Leighton." He took it and smiled into her artless face; then nodding at the gentleman. "Henley."

"Lord Langton."

Lord Henley returned the acknowledgement with a polite, if merely civil, bow and then led Juliana away towards the assembling couples.

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