Part 17 (1/2)

It was the waltz which was playing, all too reminiscent of their previous encounter at Lady Phillips's rout. Now, however, there was a definite constraint between them. There was a heavy frown on Lord Henry's brow and for a moment Polly wondered whether he was going to broach the subject of the scene at Richmond. Her heart beat a little faster.

”I must thank you. Lady Polly, for your kindness to my sister just now.

Clearly you removed her from a distressing situation before matters could get worse. I am most grateful. ” Polly felt obscurely disappointed. So they were to continue as though nothing had happened, and yet the barriers between them were now reinforced.

She had little choice but to follow his lead. Normally so open and amiable, his expression now was preoccupied and almost severe. There was still a frown between those dark brows and an angry set to Lord Henry's mouth.

”Lady Laura told you what was said, then.” Polly spoke a little hesitantly.

”I am sorry that she should have been so distressed. Even if Mr Dit ton spoke in jest it was in bad taste and ill conceived--' ” Would that I could call him to account for it,” Lord Henry said furiously, 'but just at the moment I can ill afford--' He broke off suddenly, refocusing on Polly, and some of the latent anger went out of him.

”Oh, well,” the nonchalance had eased back into his voice and was well-feigned, almost convincing '--Dit ton is an unpleasant fellow, when all is said and done, but not worth disturbing oneself over. Such matters never are worth the trouble. ” Had Polly not been so aware of Lord Henry she might well have been taken in by his a.s.sumption of good humour, but with her own feelings in turmoil she found she could contain herself no longer. The words popped out of her mouth before she even had time to consider them.

”Why do you pretend to be of no account, interested in nothing but foolish, frippery things, my lord? I am not taken in by your pretence that you do not care about Dit ton's words! It does not cozen me, though I confess I find other aspects of your behaviour rather more puzzling!”

For a moment, she saw the surprised speculation in Lord Henry's eyes, before the bland amiability that so frustrated her returned.

”I collect that you refer to my other exploits. Lady Polly? You do not consider high play and the pursuit of the fair s.e.x to be serious occupations for a gentleman, ma'am?”

Polly almost stamped her foot.

”I am well aware that you might find them so! But I know you are seeking to distract me, my lord, running me about something when I know you consider it a serious matter... I saw you when Mr Dit ton made his remarks about Chapman's protector--' She broke off as his hand tightened warningly on hers.

Her voice had risen as her feelings spilled over, and other couples had turned curiously to see what was going on. Lord Henry bent close to her ear.

”Yes, you can read me better than most, Lady Polly, because I have chosen to show my true self to you. And it is also true that I do not choose to behave in company as I do with my closest friends. But just for now, I must beg you to forget what you know of me and accept that I am nothing more than a foolish, frippery fellow who cares only for the set of his neck- cloth...”

His mouth twisted into a smile at her look of amazement.

They were very close. This time there was no attempt to distract her from the topic. There was a compelling force in his eyes that silenced her, demanded her compliance.

Polly's thoughts tumbled over themselves. Why the pretence at boredom and dandyism? What was he hiding? Perhaps Tristan Dit ton had been right: a man playing a part; a n.o.bleman, bored with his easy lifestyle, craving excitement. But it was not possible! Lord Henry had integrity, honour.

Surely, he would never become embroiled in criminal activities simply to amuse himself. Polly's troubled gaze searched Lord Henry's face.

”But why are you playing a part? What--' ” Forgive me. ” Lord Henry's tone had softened as he saw her look.

”I cannot tell you that now. And forgive my abruptness. I should not have spoken so, but it is of the greatest importance that you should keep your suspicions to yourself. Lady Polly. One day I will tell you why...”

Polly shook her head slightly, retreating into pride. ”It is of no consequence if you do not wish to explain yourself--' ” Yes, it is of consequence! I do not give a rush for what others think of me, but I do care for your good opinion. ” He was still frowning.

”When I can, I shall explain all to you, including those aspects of my behaviour which have appeared most questionable!” A smile lit his eyes briefly.

”For now, I can only ask you to trust me...”

The music finished with a final flourish but Polly scarcely noticed as Henry led her back to the Dowager Countess, who had returned to gossip with the d.u.c.h.ess of Broxboume. He excused himself immediately.

”My sister and her chaperon have already left and I must make haste to my next engagement. Good evening, Lady Polly.” He bowed to the Dowager Countess, ”Good evening, ma'am...”

Polly watched him go. She was even more confused than she had been before she challenged him over his odd behaviour. It seemed that there were more mysteries to Henry March night than met the eye, and none would be explained to her in the near future.

Polly's mouth drooped. She felt tired and bad- tempered with the onset of a headache. Nor did the Dowager Countess seem much inclined to linger. She was suffering from an unusual reticence resulting from her part in the unfortunate scene with Lady Laura.