Part 66 (1/2)
Henry took a gla.s.s of wine proffered by a pa.s.sing waiter.
”Almost you convince me, Simon!”
”You? Parson's mousetrap?” Verey looked almost comically surprised.
”Do I know the lady?”
”You should do,” Henry murmured.
”She is the only one I have ever evinced an interest in marrying!”
Verey spluttered into his wine.
”But...! presume you mean... But that was five years ago, old fellow!
Mean to say, I thought it was a thing of the past!”
”So it was, but not any more.”
”Well!” Verey sat down a little heavily.
”Am I to wish you happy, then?”
”Not yet.” Lord Henry's gaze returned thoughtfully to the slouching figure of Tristan Dit ton.
”Certain business is getting in the way. When it concludes...”
There was a crash from across the room as Peter Sea grave tried to take his place at a faro table, clutched unsteadily at his chair and succeeded only in overturning it and drawing attention to himself.
”Hope she has more steadiness of character than her brother,” Verey said gloomily.
Lord Henry grinned.
”Oh, decidedly! And it may be unchivalrous in me to say so, but she holds her drink with a great deal more charm!”
Chapter Five.
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It will not be long before Mama warns me,” Polly said gloomily as she and Lucille strolled along Bond Street in search of items for Lucille's belated wedding trip.
”Oh, look, Lucille, those satin dancing slippers are the most exquisite things! Why do you not take those with you?”
”I fear they will see little wear in the Lake District,” Lucille observed mildly.
”A pair of stout walking boots would be more the thing!”
”And a parasol to keep the sun off! Mama would consider it deplorable for you to return with a tan!”
Lucille laughed.
”A fine figure I shall cut in boots and a parasol! Why do you not buy the slippers yourself?”