Page 40 of Twice Shy
‘The rumour, and it was merely that, was started by a lady who is partial to malice. She observed me in a jeweller’s where I took a minor heirloom to be cleaned, upon my mother’s instructions. The unfortunate phrasing of one of Mr Rundell’s remarks might have led to supposition. However, the lady must have been very aware that my other purchase was simply a small brooch, the very brooch that I sent to you today.’
Elizabeth felt a wave of relief, that was yet tinged with something else, run through her.
‘So you are not about to make me an offer, Sir Lucius.’ She tried to sound light-hearted, but the smile was a little awry.
‘Not about to, Miss Ashling, and if I should ever do so,196be assured it would not be with any insufferably puffed-up assumptions as to your answer.’
‘I see. Thank you for your honesty, sir.’ She was as calm as he was now.
‘I am only sorry that any breach of … trust, existed between us. Lady Rendlesham has much for which she should answer.’
‘Lady Rendlesham? So it was she who … How very typical of her. Yes, I see now. I too am sorry, Sir Lucius. You have been open and honest with me, and’ – she extended her hand suddenly, and he took it – ‘I must have seemed inconsistent and rude. Forgive me.’
He held the hand firmly, though from choice he would have kissed it. ‘There is nothing to forgive, ma’am, I assure you.’
‘And I have not thanked you properly for my birthday gift.’ Her other hand went to the brooch at her bosom.
‘You wore it.’ He could say nothing more without betraying himself entirely.
There was an awkward silence, but not a silence of emptiness, rather one in which many confused thoughts jumbled and jostled until none could be understood.
‘Will you ride with me tomorrow, Miss Ashling?’ Sir Lucius asked, seeking to lessen the tension with normality. ‘Weather permitting, of course? If we were to meet at the Godmanchesters’ stables at, shall we say ten o’clock?’
‘I … Yes, Sir Lucius, that would be a pleasure.’
‘Then I shall leave you now. Thank you for hearing me, and’ – he smiled, though it was a slightly lopsided smile – ‘happy birthday, Miss Ashling.’
197He bowed and was gone, and Elizabeth took a deep breath, easing her fingers, which were stiff from clutching the back of the chair. She wanted solitude but knew she must return to what was in many ways ‘her’ party. With a sigh, she gathered herself together and went back to the throng.
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lady Chalford was agog to find out what had passed between Elizabeth and Sir Lucius, but it was clear atthe end of the evening that Elizabeth was yearning for her bed, and had no intention of recounting anything without questioning. She did not look miserable, nor yet angered, but Lady Chalford doubted that she had given Sir Lucius a firm answer. When he had left the party he had thanked her politely and without any trace of emotion. A man rejected might well have shown disappointment, even chagrin. She was perplexed, and blamed a disturbed night upon that rather than an overindulgence in crab patties.
Come the morning, however, and Lady Chalford was early in the breakfast parlour, and prepared to wait for Elizabeth’s arrival. She had little doubt that her niece would be down earlier than her daughter, who had not sat out a single one of the dances after supper. Elizabeth herself had not lacked partners, and had clearly enjoyed the dancing, but her aunt caught her several times looking preoccupied.199When she came in, that slightly distant look was again present, though she greeted her aunt with a calm smile.
‘So, my dear …’
‘So, Aunt?’
‘Now do not, for pity’s sake, try and tell me that nothing passed between you and Sir Lucius Radstock last night. I saw you slip away, yes, and saw him do likewise. Did he make you a declaration, Elizabeth?’
‘No, he did not.’
‘But’ – Lady Chalford looked confused – ‘then why did he want to speak privately to you, at a party?’
‘That is easily explained, Aunt.’ Elizabeth bit into a piece of toast, and never before had her aunt wanted to tell her to rush her food. When she had swallowed, she turned an innocent smile to her aunt and said, ‘You see, he thought it imperative to tell me that he was not making me an offer.’
Lady Chalford’s mouth opened for speech, but no words came. She stared at her niece as if she had spoken in an unknown foreign language. Slowly, the words sank in, and in consequence her ire rose.
‘Not going to make you an offer? How dare he arrange a meeting in a room alone and not propose marriage. It is outrageous. My poor Elizabeth.’
‘Poor? Why, no such thing, ma’am. I was heartily relieved, and it showed Sir Lucius to be a man of honour and integrity.’
‘Relieved, Elizabeth? Are you mad, child?’
‘Not at all. I disliked the idea that any man should be under the impression that all he had to do was snap his200fingers, so to speak, and I would instantly fawn at his feet in gratitude.’ Her tone had a bite to it.
