Page 47 of The Book of Lost Stories
‘I-indeed?’ Alys stammered, then, catching sight of Nell waving a gloved hand at her, added with relief, ‘Pray excuse me, sir, I believe Mrs Rivers is ready to leave now.’
‘Then until tomorrow morning, Miss Weston,’ he said, and she was so keen to get away that she protested no more.
*
‘Nell, the most annoying thing!’ she said, once they were seated in the carriage. ‘Mr Stavely told Lord Rayven that I go out alone every morning, and now he insists on escorting me. But surely it must be even more improper to do so with a man not related to me, and one, moreover, that I know to be a libertine, for only remember the nature of the offer he made me in Knaresborough.’
‘But that was a mistake, Alys, and I do not think you could call Lord Rayven a libertine, precisely. I dare say he may have a mistress in keeping, for many men do so, but I have heard no worse of him than that.’
‘I think that is bad enough,’ Alys said primly.
‘His character is in general held to be good,’ Nell assured her. ‘Grandfather told me that he has made many improvements to his estates and is well regarded by his tenants, and George says he is a first-rate horseman, and can drive to the inch.’
‘Oh? Then I do not suppose he will overturn me, at least, which I was once or twice concerned about with my cousin. But surely it is not the thing to drive about alone with him?’
‘It will be perfectly respectable in an open carriage, and I expect he will have his groom up behind, too. How kind it is of him to offer.’
‘I am not sure that kindness enters into it. In fact, I am starting to think that he delights in teasing me and perhaps only means to pay me back for pushing him into the river!’
‘Or perhaps he is trying to make amends for his gross misreading of your character?’
‘Well, whatever his reasoning, I expect he will soon be heartily bored and wish he had not offered himself as my escort.’ She paused reflectively. ‘You know, Nell, it is the oddest thing, but although he did not look as if he needed two strong men to put him into his coat, and his neckcloth was no more than moderate, yet he appeared more truly the gentleman than Nat, who struck me at first as the acme of perfection.’ She yawned. ‘This has been a day of surprises and revelations, and I must go to bed as soon as we are home.’
‘I too,’ agreed Nell. ‘I-I am glad that Mr Stavely did not accompany his friend tonight.’
‘Did you expect him to? I thought you had agreed that it would be best if you avoided each other’s company as much as possible.’
‘Yes …’
‘It is for the best, Nell.’
‘By the by,’ Nell said, after a moment’s silence, ‘did I mention that Miss Chibberly and I have got up a little plan to teach you the quadrille and the waltz tomorrow? Her sister, Sophia, is to play the music.’
‘That is kind, but I do not imagine I need such skills.’
‘Bella Hartwood’s ball: we have received invitations for it, and you must surely mean to go?’
‘Oh Lord!’ Alys said. ‘I suppose I must.’
18
Driven
Now fear also imprisoned Cecily, for the accidents that seemed to dog her footsteps were too numerous to be anything other than an attempt on her life, and she was sorely afraid.
Could she – should she – trust Simon de Lombard? His dark and silent form dogged her every footstep, although whether he was gaoler or protector she had yet to determine.
Ravish’d by Cruel FatebyORLANDO BROWNE
Alys put on one of her prettier walking dresses the next morning as armour against Lord Rayven’s unwanted and sardonic presence, but it was a decision she was later to regret.
She was ready in very good time and, as usual, immediately set forth to give Pug an airing in Portman Square before leaving him with Sammy.
It was really the nicest day they had had since her arrival in London, she reflected, stepping into the quiet road with Pug and heading towards the sooty expanse of grass that passed for a garden. He had caught an intriguing scent and was tugging at his lead, and she only hoped it was not something unsavoury, for he was a changed dog these days and had developed a nose for such delicacies as old fish heads and the like. Unfortunately, he was not bright enough to realize that his only reward for such cleverness was to be bathed, a procedure he hated.
The sudden sound of hoofs and the rumble of wheels warned her of a carriage’s fast approach. Looking up, startled, she glimpsed it almost upon her: the flared red nostrils of the horses, their flashing hoofs and a caped figure driving them, his face concealed by a hat pulled low and a muffler.
Reacting without thought, she scooped up Pug and flung herself aside, staggering as the vehicle rushed past, then sat down hard upon the road.
