Love for Lucinda (20 page)

Lord Mays gave a short bark of laughter. “Yes, you may so, indeed! However, all that is at an end. We are on the best of terms again. When Stassart became embroiled in that quarrel, Gerald’s eyes were opened at last. He saw the folly of such a life and he has sworn that he is done with it.”

“Did you believe him to be sincere?” asked Lucinda. With her cousin’s example always before her, she could only wonder whether anyone who had once proven himself addicted to the game tables could simply walk away.

“Oh, yes,” replied Lord Mays coolly. “One does not mouth platitudes when one is fleeing for one’s life. It was Gerald who held the cutthroat at bay while I hauled Stassart up from the floor and began our retreat. There was never a better fellow in a tight corner.”

Lucinda thought she had probably heard as much as she cared to about Lord Mays’s adventure. She did not think that she would ever forget the sight of her cousin’s bloodied coat. However, there was no getting away from some discussion of her cousin.

“Wilfred, I should like to ask you advice about Ferdie. Do you think that I should just put him out as Mr. Weatherby suggested?” she asked. At Lord Mays’s frown, she shrugged. “I own, it does not sound at all the Christian thing to do when he is lying in bed weakened from his wound and from the physician’s bloodletting. At the same time, Ferdie is such a weasel that I can scarcely regard him with any charity at all!”

Lord Mays took a short turn about the room, throwing over his shoulder, “I have done a bit of asking around.” He turned to her again and said somberly, “Stassart was not exaggerating when he claimed that the tipsters were after him. If he should reappear at his lodgings in the state that he is in, there will be no saying but that he might at once be hauled off to debtor’s prison.”

“Oh, no! Though Ferdie may well deserve such a fate, I would forever have it on my conscience that it was at my hand that he was finally apprehended,” said Lucinda.

Lord Mays nodded. “I thought that would be your feeling. The paltry fellow cannot run to save himself if he is laid fast by the heels in bed. Stands to reason. So I thought that I shall take him back to my lodgings. Only until he is on the mend, of course. No one would think of looking for him there, for we are mere acquaintances.”

“But did you not say that you were living in such a cramped style that there was no room for him?” asked Lucinda.

“Yes, well, that was true. But that was before I thought of giving up my bed to Stassart. I could take my man’s cot and he could sleep on the floor,” said Lord Mays.

“I could not possibly allow you to put yourself out in such a fashion, Wilfred!” said Lucinda.

“I would as lief not,” said Lord Mays frankly. “Deuced uncomfortable it would be.”

“Oh, if only I knew which of Ferdie’s friends I might call upon,” said Lucinda, slapping her palms together. Her eyes suddenly lit up. She put her hand on his sleeve. “Lord Levine and Mr. Pepperidge! The very thing. Wilfred, could you please go to them for me and explain the circumstances? Ferdie simply must not remain here.”

“Of course I shall. You may rely on me,” said Lord Mays stoutly, covering her hand with his. “And if they are not prepared to shelter Stassart, then I shall suggest to them that they take him away out of London until his embarrassments are in a fair way to being forgotten.”

“I do thank you, Wilfred. You do not know what a comfort you are to me just now,” said Lucinda.

He took his leave of her then, promising to send word to her as soon as he was able. “For it is not likely that I shall run them to earth just at once. We do not run in the same circles,” he warned.

“Oh, I am aware of that! You would no more mince about in that ludicrous fashion than I would! But I trust you to succeed where I could not,” said Lucinda.

Lord Mays grinned. “You have just flattered me twice, Lucinda. If you are not careful, I will begin to suspect that you are setting your cap for me and then where would we be?”

“Where, indeed!” retorted Lucinda.

Miss Blythe came back into the drawing room. “I was just informed that Lady Thorpe has come to call, and I thought that I should return for form’s sake,” she said.

“Quite right. Lady Mays must not be found entertaining company alone.” Lord Mays caught up the older lady’s hand and saluted it with a flourish. “You are a brick, Miss Blythe.”

Miss Blythe flushed. She turned to watch as Lord Mays left. His lordship was whistling. Miss Blythe looked at Lucinda, her brows raised. “Well! I have never seen Lord Mays exhibit such dashing airs. Was there something said that particularly put him into spirits?”

Lucinda brushed over the last teasing banter between herself and Lord Mays and said, “Wilfred is on his way to locate a couple of my cousin’s friends. He hopes to persuade one or the other of them to shelter Ferdie.”

“That is excellent news, indeed. I wish his lordship every possible success,” said Miss Blythe with a smile. “Forgive me if I seem rather hard, Lucinda, but I cannot help thinking that we shall all be more at ease when Mr. Stassart is no longer on our hands.”

“Oh, so do I,” said Lucinda. Her eyes gleamed with humor. “And I know that it will put us back into Mr. Weatherby’s good graces.”

“That must naturally be a primary concern,” said Miss Blythe with unexpected tartness.

“You should not be so severe, Tibby. After all, though for reasons known best to himself, Mr. Weatherby was simply looking out for my best interests,” said Lucinda.

“Do you think so?” said Miss Blythe.

Lucinda looked at her companion, rather startled by the dry note in Miss Blythe’s voice. But she did not have an opportunity to satisfy her mild curiosity, for the door was opened and they were no longer private.

Chapter Nineteen

Lady Thorpe was shown in, and Lucinda stepped forward to welcome her. The lady was attired in a stunning violet pelisse that should have clashed with her coloring, but merely served to emphasize the paleness of her complexion. The bonnet on her head was trimmed with several saucy black feathers. She greeted Lucinda and Miss Blythe with a few cheerful words.

Lucinda looked at her visitor closely and thought she could detect a hint of strain about the young woman’s eyes. She suspected that it was due to the uncertainties brought on by Lord Thorpe’s recent digressions into gaming, and she hoped that Lord Mays had been right when he had said that he thought Lord Thorpe was at last done with such nonsense. However, nothing of Lucinda’s thoughts was revealed in the warmth of her greeting. Though she genuinely liked Lady Thorpe, she was not yet well enough acquainted with her ladyship to inquire into such a personal matter.

Once the amenities were addressed, Lady Thorpe quickly outlined the purpose of her visit. “I have decided that a light shopping trip is just what will enliven my spirits,” she said. “And I have come to beg you both to bear me company.”

“Oh, I should like it of all things!” exclaimed Lucinda. The prospect was attractive, and it warmed her that Lady Thorpe should have thought to ask her. She turned to her companion. “Tibby, what of you?”

“I have a letter that I would like to finish for today’s post, so I shall regretfully decline. But may I suggest that Miss Mays would benefit from such an outing?” said Miss Blythe.

“Yes, of course!” Lucinda turned to Lady Thorpe, who was listening attentively. “My sister-in-law has come to visit, and she has not the least notion how to go on. She is in need of an entire wardrobe for the Season. Would it be too much of an imposition if I brought Agnes along?”

“Of course not! I adore dressing someone else,” said Lady Thorpe, her eyes sparkling.

“Then it is settled. I shall inform Agnes at once of the treat in store,” said Lucinda.

“My dear, I should perhaps warn you that Miss Mays is feeling a bit moped,” said Miss Blythe. “She was distressed that she fell into indiscretion earlier and placed you in an awkward position. I soothed her sensibilities as best I could, of course, but you know how she takes things to heart.”

“The goose,” said Lucinda without heat. She had easily read into Miss Blythe’s mild explanation the likelihood of Miss Mays’s having been thrown into complete apprehension. Certainly her sister-in-law’s recent experiences did not encourage her to think that she was indispensable.

“Is there something wrong?” asked Lady Thorpe.

Lucinda shook her head. “My sister-in-law was encouraged all of her life to bow to the selfish whims of others and never to consider herself. As a consequence, she is overly timid and completely unsure of herself in company. She is thrown into the hips at the least mistake. This morning we had a gentleman to call on us, and she blurted out something that I would rather she had not. It was of small moment, really, but Agnes has apparently built it into something monstrous.”

“I understand perfectly,” said Lady Thorpe with ready sympathy. “Well, then! What could be better than a morning spent at the shops?”

Lucinda laughed, while Miss Blythe smiled. “Yes, indeed!” said Lucinda. “I cannot think of anything more made to order to persuade Agnes that she is forgiven. Give me a few minutes to change and to inform Agnes of our plans.”

“Of course. Miss Blythe and I shall get along famously,” said Lady Thorpe.

Lucinda sent a message to Miss Mays calculated to shock that damsel out of her doldrums and then went along to her bedroom. She changed quickly into a walking dress and returned downstairs a quarter hour later.

When Lucinda entered the drawing room, she found that her sister-in-law had already descended. Lady Thorpe was laboring to make polite conversation with Miss Mays, but she broke off when she saw Lucinda. Rising from the settee, she said, “Here is Lady Mays now. We shall be off in a trice, I expect.”

“Yes, indeed. I apologize for my tardiness,” said Lucinda, smoothing on her last lavender kid glove. She was attired in a cream walking dress closed with huge pearl buttons. Her straw bonnet, accented with delicate lavender blooms, was tied with a matching satin bow, and she looked altogether smart.

“Oh,” sighed Miss Mays. She had thought that Lady Thorpe was the most stylish creature that she had ever beheld, but she knew now that she had been wrong. Lady Mays was without compare. She thought humbly that it would be so nice to appear to such advantage.

Upon catching the soft sigh, Lady Thorpe glanced swiftly at Miss Mays’s face. There was such a wistful expression in the young woman’s eyes that she was touched to pity. She said to Lucinda, “Miss Blythe had just introduced me to Miss Mays a few moments before you came in. Miss Mays was relating to me that you have invited her to stay with you for the Season.”

Lucinda caught the delicate question in Lady Thorpe’s gambit. “Yes, Agnes wished to taste all that London has to offer. Miss Blythe and I have taken it upon ourselves to provide everything in our power for Agnes’s enjoyment. The Season will undoubtedly prove most educational for us all, for I have never sponsored anyone before.”

“I think it promises to be famous fun. You must let me do my part and introduce Miss Mays around,” said Lady Thorpe. She smiled warmly at Miss Mays. “You must count me as one of your friends whilst you are here, Miss Mays.”

“Oh! You are so very kind, my lady! Indeed, I do not deserve such kindness. I... I am so very grateful,” stammered Miss Mays, thrown into a blushing flutter.

Lady Thorpe glanced at Lady Mays and Miss Blythe, both of whom wore the same smiling expressions. Her ladyship knew that there must be a story behind Miss Mays, and she was determined to have it out of Lady Mays at the earliest opportunity.

In the meantime, Lady Thorpe was realizing that the simple shopping trip that she had planned had taken on wonderful proportions. Acquiring a few laces and a pair or two of silk stockings were paltry pickings when she could encourage an orgy of spending on such a deserving case as Miss Mays. Really, that gray pelisse was truly hideous! She could well understand why Lady Mays wished to reoutfit her sister-in-law. Following her thoughts, she inquired, “Have you any particular notions about what you wished to purchase, Lady Mays?”

Lucinda’s eyes twinkled. “A little bit of everything, I think.”

Lady Thorpe smiled. “That was what I thought. Good! I have my carriage standing outside. If everyone is quite ready, let us be off!”

The trio said their good-byes to Miss Blythe, who went only so far as the drawing room door with them, and they left the town house. The carriage was waiting at the curb. There was at once a minor dispute over who would sit with her back to the horses. Lady Thorpe naturally contended that since it was her carriage and it was at her invitation that they were accompanying her, she would give the better seat to her guests.

Miss Mays displayed an unexpectedly obstinate streak and insisted that she should take the humbler seat. “I do not mind in the least, my lady,” she assured.

Lady Thorpe met Lucinda’s amused gaze rather helplessly. “I am sure that I do not care which of us rides facing backward.”

Lucinda knew that Miss Mays’s pleasure in the outing would be quite destroyed if she was not allowed to efface herself as she was undoubtedly accustomed to doing. “Then do let Agnes have it, my lady. Or otherwise she will not forgive herself for putting you out.”

“That is quite true, my lady,” said Miss Mays earnestly. “I would not enjoy myself in the least knowing that you were put to such disadvantage.”

“Very well, then. You may have it. Miss Mays,” said Lady Thorpe, graciously accepting defeat.

Miss Mays positively beamed and stepped up into the carriage. Lady Thorpe paused a moment before following her example, to murmur for Lucinda’s ear alone, “What a funny she is! You must tell me all about her, for I stand all agog.”

“I shall,” promised Lucinda. “But for the moment indulge me and help me to bully her into accepting every small extravagance.”

“Bully her!”

“It will not be an easy task, I assure you!”

Lady Thorpe bestowed an expressive glance on Lucinda before she ducked into the carriage. Lucinda followed suit, well aware that she had greatly whetted Lady Thorpe’s curiosity. It promised to be a famous shopping trip.