Part 48 (1/2)

” Henry stepped back with a slight bow.

”Then I shall hope for an opportunity to continue our conversation later, Lady Polly.”

Polly hoped that her disappointment did not show as sharply on her face as she felt it inside.

It was much later that she was able to rejoin the party. Hetty had retired to bed with becoming modesty and there was only a small moment of awkwardness when both mothers clearly felt they should make mention of what to expect on the wedding night, only to remember that this was hardly necessary. Mrs Mark ham had become quite tearful now that her only fledgling was married and had to be dosed with medicinal brandy in the library. As Lucille had been too tired to stay late, this duty fell to Polly, who patiently listened to Mrs Mark ham's rambling tales of Hetty's childhood. Eventually Mrs Mark ham hauled herself to her feet a little unsteadily and went off to bed and Polly cut through the empty ballroom, where the chandeliers still blazed, and out through the conservatory.

It was very dark on the terrace. The sound of music and laughter still drifted through the trees from the Long Barn, and the torchlight glowed faintly. As Polly closed the conservatory door behind her, a slight figure came hurrying along the terrace and almost collided with her.

There was a m.u.f.fled exclamation, then the figure put back the hood of its cloak and revealed herself to be Lady Laura March night.

”Oh, Lady Polly!” Laura gasped.

”How you startled me! I did not see you there!”

She cast a swift look around.

”Please could you pretend that we have not met? Indeed, it is of the utmost importance, for you see, I am eloping!”

She brought the words out with a certain nourish and in the moonlight her eyes were bright with excitement.

”Mr Far rant--' Polly began.

”He is waiting with the carriage at the end of the lime drive!” Lady Laura interrupted excitedly.

”He was a little unhappy with the plan, but I persuaded him! Mama was quite immovable over the scheme to send me to Northumberland and I knew I should not see my dearest Charles for an age were I to comply! Oh, dear Lady Polly, say you will not betray me!” She caught Polly's hands in a desperate grip.

”Of course not,” Polly said hastily, giving Laura's hands a rea.s.suring squeeze.

”But are you certain that you are doing the right thing? Your family will be very displeased by a runaway match--' ” If I am Charles' wife I shall have my whole happiness,” Laura said confidently, her eyes s.h.i.+ning like stars, 'and though it grieves me to go against the wishes of my family, I cannot lose that which is most precious to me! Wish me joy!” She reached up to give Polly an impulsive kiss.

”I am so happy!”

”I wish you all the luck in the world,” Polly said, a lump in her throat at such transparent happiness. ”Now, you had best begone before anyone else sees you!”

Laura paused on the edge of flight, fumbling in the deep pocket of the coat.

”Oh, I almost forgot! I was going to leave this with a servant, but perhaps you would be so good... It is for Henry, but please do not give it to him until the end of the evening. I could not bear for him to worry about me, but rather that than that he should catch up with us!”

The letter was crisp and smooth between Polly's fingers. She watched Laura's hurrying shadow disappear along the colonnade. Polly was not sure how long she stood there alone in the darkness, but it was long enough for the glow of the carriage lights to fade away between the trees.

”Do not give it to him until the end of the evening...” She did not want to break her word to Laura, but even less could she lie to Henry or keep a secret from him. She thrust the letter into the bodice of her dress and walked slowly across the cobbled yard towards the barn.

There had been a break in the dancing whilst the guests partook of supper and Polly spotted Henry quickly, deep in conversation with Nick Sea- grave. As she hesitated to approach them. Henry looked up and their eyes met. Sea grave said something, smiled and sauntered away, leaving Henry alone.

”My lord, I must speak with you... There is a very urgent matter--'

Polly was amazed to find that she was out of breath, sounding quite shaken.

”It concerns your sister--' Henry's attention sharpened. He took her hands in a strong grasp.

”Concerning Laura? What is it? You are shaking, Lady Polly! What can be the matter?”