Part 94 (1/2)

”There is a matter of supreme importance which we must discuss. I have been thinking of it ever since that distressing episode at the House of Tides and I feel it my honour and duty to offer you the protection of my name!”

Polly almost gaped at him. Henry's words of love were still in her mind and it was nearly impossible to accept that Tristan Dit ton had just made her an offer of marriage. And yet he seemed quite serious.

He drew her aside from the other couples who were jostling them as they made for the supper room, and in a moment they were in the deserted and dimly lit hall.

Polly struggled with her feeling of unreality.

”You do me great honour, sir,” she said politely, 'but there is no need.

Everyone knows of the incident and realises it was entirely innocent. ”

In the darkness she thought she saw Dit ton smile.

”I had been led to believe that you were so proper a lady, so careful for your reputation, that you would not refuse me. Lady Polly! Was I then mistaken?”

Polly felt her temper rise at the insinuation that she had been in any way to blame.

”I am sure that my reputation is as good as that of any lady,”

she said coldly, 'but I feel no need to protect it from so imaginary a threat! It was a generous offer, sir, but I must refuse. ” Through the open ballroom doors she saw the Dowager Countess pa.s.s on her way to supper and took a step forward.

Tristan Dit ton put a restraining hand on her arm. A servant, scurrying across the darkened hall, gave them a curious look.

Polly's patience snapped.

”What is all this about, sir? I have already said--' Tristan Dit ton put his thin face very close to hers.

”It is about a young lady who is not as careful of her reputation as you are of yours. Lady Polly! How do you think your brother would feel were he to discover that the lady he desires to marry has already been free with her favours? That Lord Edmund Grant- ley was before him?”

Polly recoiled a step in disgust, staring at him in disbelief.

”You are loathsome, sir! How dare you insinuate?”

”It is no insinuation.” Dit ton spoke with satisfied certainty.

”I have heard the whole tale--that they were alone at the inn, that Grantley was boasting of deflowering Miss Mark ham, and that the innkeeper confirmed the next day that Grantley had succeeded! She had been with him all night!

And if you do not agree to our betrothal. Lady Polly, I will make sure that every guest at this ball knows Miss Mark ham's disgrace!”

His eyes were burning with an excitement that sickened Polly. She was about to reject his words utterly when the memory of Hetty's arrival at Dilling ham Court stopped her. With hideous clarity she remembered Peter's insistence upon an early wedding and Hetty's distress at the Dowager Countess's objections. Hetty, whose natural liveliness had been tempered by a mysterious unhappiness. Could it be true? Perhaps Peter knew and was trying to protect his betrothed the only way he could? Even worse, then, if he was prepared to make that sacrifice, for Mr Dit ton to expose the truth before such a mult.i.tude.

Polly froze as an even more hideous thought occurred to her. What if Hetty were expecting a child? Her faint the previous day was now very suggestive of more than simple wedding nerves and exhaustion. How horrible would be her disgrace if it were true! The thought took a lot of the strength from Polly's response.

”You disgust me, sir! You wish me to consent to a betrothal on the grounds that you will denounce Miss Mark ham if I do not? You must be mad!”

”Not so!” Tristan Dit ton caught Polly's arm in a cruel grip.

”You will do as I ask, Lady Polly. Think of Miss Mark ham's dishonour, think of your brother's anger and disgust! And think of all these prurient gossips who will turn it into the biggest scandal in years!

You cannot refuse me!”

”I cannot even believe it! You must be mistaken, or lying...” But Polly knew that her response lacked conviction and she saw Dit ton smile.