Part 51 (1/2)

Henry got to his feet.

”Of course--but take care that the blanket does not slip!”

He tactfully stepped outside whilst Polly was donning her dress again, and gave her a critical look-over when she emerged into the suns.h.i.+ne.

”Not bad, although I do not think it would stand the scrutiny of a discerning eye! You could always tell them the truth, of course!”

Polly came close to him.

”I should like to be able to tell Lucille and Nicholas where I am going,” she said, a little hesitantly.

”I know it seems strange, but...”

Henry gave her a brief kiss.

”If you wish to do so, let it be so. I am confident they will not stop us.”

Polly had one last question.

”Henry...” She did not quite raise her gaze to his.

”If'we are to be married tomorrow, what happens tonight?”

When she finally looked up into his face it was to see a mixture of amus.e.m.e.nt and speculation that made her blush all over again.

”What do you think?” he said.

It was just over an hour later that the Earl of Sea- grave, striding in at the door of Dilling ham Court, was distracted by the sound of his own mother in strong hysterics. Hastening into the drawing-room, he found the Dowager prostrate on the sofa and Lucille hovering with a bottle of smelling salts whilst the Dowager's maid tried ineffectually to calm her mistress and Peter and Hetty stood helplessly by.

”Nicholas!” the Dowager Countess said, immediately sitting up and recovering at the sight of her elder son, ”Do something! Your sister is eloping with Lord Henry March night! I have seen them with my own eyes--the carriage has been gone but five minutes!”

Nicholas Sea grave strolled over to the table and poured himself a gla.s.s of wine.

”But, Mama, I thought that you liked Lord Henry! You have been forever praising him these months past!”

There was a snort of laughter from Lucille, quickly suppressed. Peter bit his lip and Hetty turned a smile into a sort of cough.

The Dowager looked outraged.

”Like him! Of course I like him! He is precisely the sort of man I would wish to marry Polly! But what is that to the purpose, pray? She is to be married at St. George's, Hanover Square!

I have it all planned! ” The Dowager wrung her hands.

”The foolish chit told me that they were mnning away together, and when I told her that there was not the least need to do so, she told me that there was every need! I have no notion what she meant!”

Nicholas's eyes met Lucille's and they exchanged a smile of complicity.

”Do something, Nicholas!” the Dowager besought again.

Nicholas crossed to his wife's side and took her hand.