Part 92 (1/2)
It must have been a most disturbing experience for you. ” ”Finding Mr Dit ton creeping into my bedroom in the dark was indeed unpleasant,”
Polly agreed tartly.
”There were other events that night, however, that I found equally disturbing!”
Henry's lips twitched.
”Indeed! Whatever could those have been?”
”A door that was locked which mysteriously became open before locking itself again,” Polly said coolly, 'and a meeting I witnessed between yourself and Lady Belling ham which led me to believe that both of you were engaged in the business of smuggling! ” There was a silence whilst the dancers spun before them and the strains of the music swept on.
”Three curious events in one evening,” Henry said thoughtfully.
”Yes, and those were only the three I witnessed! Who is to say that there were not more!”
Polly saw the flash of amused appreciation in Henry's eyes.
”You have suspected me for a long time, I think,” he said easily.
”A.
smuggler, a malcontent, a rabble- rouser, the rich patron of a dangerous criminal, perhaps. What extraordinary deeds you have credited me with.
Lady Polly! I wonder that you dare be alone with me! ” ”We are not alone,” Polly pointed out, still cool.
”We were when I came up the turret stair the night before last and unlocked the door into your bedroom!”
Polly bit her lip to prevent the gasp that was almost audible. She had sought to provoke him without believing that she would hear answers such as this. Her dark eyes kindled.
”I might have known you had the key!
Creeping around in the middle of the night, and into a lady's bedroom--' ”Yes, you have no idea how much I have wanted to be there,”
Henry said smoothly.
”You were fast asleep and looking quite delightful with your hair tumbled all over the pillow! I was tempted--' ” Lord Henry! ” ”Must you be forever interrupting my most ardent dreams. Lady Polly? Alas, that the reality is far colder than the fantasy! Or at least--' his tone dropped '--I used to think so...”
Polly fought to get a grip on matters before they slipped beyond her control.
”Lord Henry, I believe that you owe me an explanation! That is the point at issue, not your fevered imaginings!”
”Well...” Henry looked around at the crowded ballroom 'it is too busy here for complicated explanations. If you will walk a little with me, I undertake to tell you all you wish to know. Or almost all,” he added with a whimsical smile.
Polly eyed him with suspicion.
”Truly?”
”Truly!”
”But can you tell me? Should you?” Polly suddenly felt uncertain.
”Perhaps I do not wish to know after all--' ” Too late,” Henry said laconically, pulling her to her feet.