Part 13 (1/2)
How soon will we depart?”
He watched her closely. ”I have not yet decided whether I will leave you at the inn. I am certain you are
in some sort of trouble. Will you not let me help?”
His quiet, gentle tone calmed Juliane. If he meant well, he could a.s.sist her in finding Uncle Thedford.
Before she could come to a decision, a clamour caused by the entrance of a crested travelling coach
drawn by three teams drew Mallatt to the window.
Lord Adrian joined him. ”d.a.m.nation! It's Mother!”
”Your mother?! I am ruined for certain,” Lady Juliane said and fell back into the chair with a look of
utter hopelessness.
Without acknowledging why, Lord Adrian determined this would not be so. ”We shall continue the deception. You and the children will be safe at Trees until I can unravel this.”
”Are you mad, my lord?” Juliane asked blankly.
”Blessedly so,” he laughed. ”This will be fit punishment for Mother for hounding me all these years to
marry.
”Mallatt, we had better get our story. Let me see-we were married in France-perfidity kept me from revealing it. Yes,” he smiled, warming to his theme, ”Mother will love having grandchildren.
”After I have unravelled your mystery, we will leave Trees. Mother will leave me in peace for some time. ”Undecidedly so at times, my lady,” the valet agreed. ”Best to humour him. One never knows what turn he will take when one of these spells. .h.i.ts him.”
”Mallatt, finish the packing at once,” Lord Adrian ordered.
”Juliane, if I see him first, I will send Andre up. Instruct him to continue in calling me papa. I must go
greet Mother before she demolishes our fine friends.”
”Wait, my lord,” Juliane said coldly as he reached the door. ”I cannot consent to this. If you will not, I must explain to your mother.”
”Mallatt, put some reason into her head before I return with Mother,” the earl snapped curtly, and
departed.
Lady Juliane turned incredulously to Mallatt. ”He does not mean it?”
”On the contrary, my lady, when he gets that particular look, there is no stopping him,”
”But to use us to play such a cruel hoax on his mother...”
”No, my lady, it is your welfare that concerns Lord Adrian. This will not do his mother any harm.” He
rolled his eyes expressively.
”He will explain all upon resolution of your troubles, never fear. Come, would it not be best for you and the children to do as he says?”
Lady Juliane paced. She could hear upraised voices below. Obviously Lady Tretain had met her match
in Meg. Lord Tretain's voice could be heard stilling the others. Then steps sounded on the stairs.
Wringing her hands, Lady Juliane turned to Mallatt. ”Oh, I cannot. It would be too infamous.” She turned to the door and straightened her shoulders.
Mallatt shrugged ruefully. He truly did not like doing this, but she had left him little choice.
Opening the door, Lord Adrian grew very concerned as he watched Mallatt gently place an unconscious
Lady Juliane on the bed.
CHAPTER 11.
”What happened?” demanded Lord Adrian, rus.h.i.+ng to the bedside.
”Just a fainting spell, my lord,” answered Mallatt calmly. ”You know how overtaxed her ladys.h.i.+p has been these days past.”