Part 14 (1/2)

”I must suppose that anyone brought up in Suffolk considers the area around London to be too close to the city to be truly rural,” Lord Henry observed.

”And no doubt I shall shortly be reminded of the difference for myself.

Were you aware that we are to spend some time near Wood bridge this summer? My mother has decided that it would be good for Laura's health to go to the seaside, but to avoid crowds and excitement.”

There was something dry in his tone which suggested to Polly that Henry had very similar views to her own on the d.u.c.h.ess of March night's mollycoddling of her youngest daughter. Lady Laura was a little ahead of them now on her grey mare, her charming countenance turned towards young Lord Blakeney, who was evincing every sign of pleasure at being her chosen escort. Certainly Laura looked the picture of health and was revelling in the outing and the company.

”I am sorry that Lady Laura has been unwell,” Polly said cautiously, 'but she seems much recovered now. The waters at Bath must have a remarkably curative effect! And I hope,” she added hastily, seeing Henry's look of amus.e.m.e.nt, 'that she will find Suffolk similarly restorative and not too dull!”

”Alas, I am the one who is likely to find the country slow,” Henry said humourously, 'especially as it will be devoid of your presence, Lady Polly, which is the only thing that might have made it tolerable for me! ” Polly could not help blus.h.i.+ng. She was also regretting rather strongly the Dowager Countess's avowed intent of spending the summer in Bright on.

Perhaps she could contrive a stay at Dilling ham? But she did not want Lord Henry to feel too encouraged. ”Nonsense, Lord Henry,” she said bracingly.

”You have told me many times that you consider Suffolk a vastly pleasant county! I am sure you will find plenty to amuse you there!”

Lord Henry's lips twitched.

”It was such a pretty compliment too,” he murmured.

”I am sorry it did not please you.”

Polly tried not to smile.

”It was very pretty,” she agreed solemnly, 'but I was not sure how much it was worth! ” Lord Henry burst out laughing.

”I cannot put you out of countenance, can I, Lady Polly? You may take it as true--I should be very sorry to spend the summer months out of your company!”

Fortunately for Polly's composure, Therese Verey brought her horse alongside at that point and Henry fell back to talk to Simon. They clattered into the yard of the Star and Garter and were pleased to find themselves expected and a delicious cold collation laid out on trestles in the garden. Polly, drawn into conversation with Therese and Jane Delahaye over the meal, only noticed Lord Henry's absence as the party gathered itself to depart.

”Where is Henry?” Lady Laura asked innocently, as they walked slowly through the arch into the inn courtyard.

”He was here a moment ago! I thought-- Oh!”

”Rather showy,” Polly heard Simon Verey say to Lord Blakeney, 'and too short of bone-- Oh, I say! ” The scene in the courtyard appeared to have a similar effect on all members of the party. One moment, Polly thought, they had been chatting amongst themselves and the next they had all fallen into horrified silence.

There was a carriage drawn up in the yard, pulled by the four showy white horses which Lord Verey had just been disparaging. Lord Henry March night was leaning against the side of the coach and chatting to its occupant, a smile of appreciation on his lips. As he saw the group emerge from the garden he straightened up and Polly saw a fleeting look of annoyance cross his face as though he had no wish to be interrupted.

A moment later, the lady in the carriage had leaned out and, taking Henry by surprise, planted a lingering kiss on his mouth.

There was no doubt that Lady Bolt had staged the action for maximum effect.

From within the carriage she would have seen Henry's companions emerge through the archway and her sense of malice had done the rest. And whilst Henry moved away from her as quickly as he could, the damage was done. All the witnesses had an image of Lady Bolt's hands resting lightly on Henry's shoulders as she lowered her smiling scarlet mouth to his for several long seconds. Polly winced at the sight.

After that, everything became a little confused. Lady Bolt's carriage rolled out of the yard, rather in the manner of the wicked fairy vanis.h.i.+ng in a pantomime. Simon Verey had a quick word with Henry, who seemed to disappear as quickly as Lady Bolt had done.

”In front of his own sister too,” Lord Blakeney was saying, outraged, as he shepherded a pink-faced Laura March night protectively into the inn.

”Lady Laura, please wait here whilst I have my phaeton brought round!

You cannot drive back with Lord Henry after that--' But here Laura March night proved surprisingly obstinate.

”I a.s.sure you, Lord Blakeney, I have no difficulty in accepting my brother's escort back to Berkeley Square. I should be delighted if he chose to take me up!”