Part 105 (1/2)

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.

”But Mama, there is nothing more I can do! I had already met them at the gates and offered them the use of my travelling carriage! Harry a.s.sured me that they should make Ruth ford late tonight and are to be married in the morning!”

The Dowager Countess gave a m.u.f.fled squeak. ”Tonight! But Polly is unchaperoned! Even if they are to be married tomorrow, what is to happen tonight?”

There was a brief silence. Peter and Hetty studiously avoided each other's gaze. Nicholas Sea grave raised his eyebrows.

”What do you think?” he said.

It was early evening when they reached Ruth ford. Polly had fallen asleep on the journey, her head resting on Henry's shoulder, and awoke just as the carriage pulled up in front of the house. She had a confused impression of mellow stone and part-timbering before Henry ushered her up the steps and into the hall, handing her over to his housekeeper, Mrs Owen, to show her to her room. They ate alone in a small but tastefully appointed dining-room and, after the meal, took a turn along the terrace as dusk was falling. Away to the west the clouds were building and Polly s.h.i.+vered at the sound of distant thunder.

”I have spoken to Father Beck ham and he is very happy to marry us in the morning,” Henry said conversationally.

”You are very quiet, Polly. I hope...” he took Polly's cold hand in his warm one 'that it is not a sign that you have changed your mind! ”

The warmth of his touch helped to rea.s.sure Polly. ”It is just that it seems so strange,” she said excusingly, 'and so unexpected, for all that I have been wanting to marry you these five years past! And suddenly we are alone.

” ”Yes.” Henry tucked her hand comfortingly through his arm.

”It is bound to seem a little strange at first. Perhaps we should retire to the drawing-room and I shall read my paper and you may essay a little needlepoint, and we shall be like any old married couple!”

Polly laughed.

”I had no idea that marriage to you would be such a dull affair, my lord!

Perhaps I should change my mind--' ” Too late,” Henry said cheerfully.

”You are compromised beyond redemption, I fear, and...” he drew her closer 'should there be any doubt I should be happy to confirm that I had seduced you thoroughly! ” ”I wonder how Hetty and Peter ever came to--,?” Polly broke off, blus.h.i.+ng rosily.

”Well, no doubt I should not speculate...”

”Were you shocked when the truth came out?”

Polly considered.

”Not shocked, precisely, at least not at what they had done. It was... understandable. But I was surprised and perhaps a little--' ”

Envious? ” Henry's grey eyes held a spark of mischief.

”A pity then, that we are to be so respectably married on the morrow!”

”There is always tonight,” Polly said, casting him a look under her lashes.

Their eyes met in a long moment of tension, then Henry shook his head reluctantly.

”For once in my life I am determined to behave in an honourable fas.h.i.+on!”

he said.