Part 80 (1/2)

But make no hasty decisions! It may be that your parents may relent when they see how steadfast is your affection. ” The bright light of determination was suddenly in Laura's eyes.

”Oh, I will! Thank you!”

”You had better come up to my room to tidy up,” Polly said, getting to her feet.

”It is unconscionably hot in here, anyway! And it is fortunate that it is such a sunny day! We may tell your mama that the sun has made your eyes water!”

It was unlucky that they came down the staircase at the moment the gentlemen were crossing the hall from the stables. Henry gave his sister a searching glance and followed it up with a no less penetrating look at Polly, which she tried to meet with equanimity. Laura's eyes were still a little pink and puffy, and her hastily proffered excuse that she had been out in the sun met with Henry's look of blandest disbelief. He made no demur, however, when Polly suggested that they join the others.

”I supp pose Laura has been telling you of the scene about Charles Far rant,”

he said sotto voce in Polly's ear as he held the drawing-room door for her.

”It is to be hoped that you were suitably un encouraging!”

Polly's eyes flashed.

”I seem to remember that you professed friends.h.i.+p for Mr Far rant yesterday!”

she hissed, under cover of ringing the bell for more refreshments.

It was impossible to pursue any further conversation, but Polly's heart sank when she considered the implications of Henry's words. If he was not prepared to support his sister, her case looked unhappy indeed.

Fortunately, the d.u.c.h.ess did believe Laura's pretence where her son had been more discerning. Scolding Laura for going out in the sun without a parasol, she also scrutinised Polly's complexion for blemishes and gave a small nod when she failed to spot any freckle.

”Perhaps Lady Polly might like to accompany me out into the garden--with a parasol, of course,” Henry suggested wickedly.

His mother frowned.

”A splendid idea, my boy, but not today! Had you forgotten that we are promised to the Fitzgeralds shortly?” She lumbered to her feet and gave a gracious farewell. Polly wondered fleetingly whether Laura would ever be as fat as her mama.

”Charming,” said the d.u.c.h.ess, pinching Polly's cheek painfully on her way out.

”Quite delightful. You are to be congratulated on your daughter, ma'am! We shall see you again soon, I hope!”

Nicholas Sea grave was trying unsuccessfully to repress his laughter as they watched the coach rumble off.

”I believe you have just been given the maternal seal of approval.

Poll,” he observed.

”What an accolade! The d.u.c.h.ess of March night favours you as a daughter-in-law!”

Polly, examining her mixed feelings, was obliged to acknowledge that one would have to love Henry very much to willingly accept such a mother-in-law.

”Well,” the Dowager Countess said fairly, ”Laura March night is also a charming child, dutiful and well behaved! Sarah March night was only saying just now that Laura had never given them a moment's trouble!

Why, Polly--' she looked at her daughter with concern '--you look quite pale all of a sudden! Too much sun, I suppose! Oh, the evils of a hot summer!”

Polly was in fact dwelling more on the twin evils of leading the innocent Lady Laura astray and being considered as a potential bride for Lord Henry.