Part 23 (1/2)

”Only the barest of knowledge,” laughed the comte. He was certain she had almost yielded to the urge to trust him. He could yet gain her confidence.

”There are so many aristocratic families, you understand, one cannot know them all. There was some gossip about the baron the past few months. That is all,” he shrugged negligently.

”Gossip?” Lady Juliane spread her fan concentrating. ”Of course, all women are interested in gossip.

You cannot mean to tantalize me with the hint of it without telling all,” she said, fluttering her fan before her face.

”What could a minor French family mean to you?” he teased calculatingly.

”Nothing, of course. But come, what is it you heard?” Lady Juliane gave a laugh she feared was a trifle nervous.

”If you insist. It seems the baron become short of funds. He had an English wife who was angry with him about this and something about the Duc de Veryl-the remainder is very confusing.

”The story is told in all different manners, but it concerns a small fortune in jewels. One never knows what to believe about gossip, does one?” he asked, watching her closely.

”No, of course not. It is probably all false,” Lady Juliane said, her fan slowing. ”Come, let us join Lord Adrian.”

As she led the way, not allowing him to refuse, Juliane tried to digest his words. Would it be the gems the abductors were after? Cora had mentioned nothing of any. Her own search of the house at Rouen had yielded nothing of value. If only she had a clue as to their pursuers' ident.i.ties. Was the baron one of His grating tone brought Lady Juliane's attention back to the present. ”But how could I refrain from your company an entire evening?” she replied coolly.

”Lady Cecile, would you join me?” asked Comte de Cavilon, with a gracious bow.

”I would be delighted, my dear Comte. It is a relief that some men present know how to amuse one,”

she said with a pointed glance at the earl.

Watching the two walk away, Lady Juliane smiled deceptively. ”Losing your charm, my lord?”

”No more than you are acquiring yours,” Lord Adrian answered in like mien.

”My, my, feeling a touch raw this evening. Let me remind you that it is at your insistence that I remain.

Are you now willing to renounce your plans for tomorrow evening?”

”No, my lady,” Tretain said firmly. ”No one shall deny me the pleasure of presenting my wife.”

”Who is it you hate? Your mother or I?” she asked, feeling a tear p.r.i.c.k behind her eyes.

”Now is no time to speak of it. Later. Come,” he took her arm, ”let us make a foursome with Mother and Cousin Percy for a game of whist. I am sure you could find nothing more delightful.” Juliane's answering look convinced him that their conversation was at an end.

CHAPTER 18.

Light flooded the room as Bess threw open the draperies and stripped back the bed hangings in Lady Juliane's bedchamber. ”Oh, my lady, aren't you excited! The night will be here ere the wax is properly s.h.i.+ned. I just knew you'd wish to be up early.”

Lady Juliane turned over and covered her head with her pillow. Today was one day she would just as leave forego.

”No funning me now, Lady Juliane, best to be up. Lord Adrian sent word he will visit you shortly,” insisted Bess, certain this would rouse her lady if nothing else could.

Sitting up abruptly Lady Juliane asked, ”Did he say when?”

”No, my lady,” answered Bess as she brought a cup of chocolate to her.

”Never mind that,” Lady Juliane exclaimed pus.h.i.+ng the cup aside. ”Let me get dressed. Don't stand there gaping. What should I wear?” Jerking open the wardrobe, she went through the gowns.

”I think this blue day gown. Why the frown? Oh, yes, my gown for this evening is blue-this won't do. Fiddle-faddle, you choose something while I do my hair,” Lady Juliane said, her mind in such a dither she did not notice the connecting door open. of the garments I have given you is increased tenfold by your pleasure in them.”

Lady Juliane swung around at the sound of Lord Adrian's voice. Viewing with increasing disfavour his impeccable appearance in buckskin breeches, wren-brown small clothes, and exquisitely cut buckskin coat, she asked, ”Will you never learn to give some warning?”

”Bess, you may go. I will send for you when you are needed.”

”No, Bess, stay here.” After last night, Lady Juliane had no wish to be alone with him.

Bess's pained expression swung from Lord Adrian to Lady Juliane, then back to Lord Adrian. She bowed her head and stammered as she went out the door. ”I'm ... I'm sorry, my lady.”

”You are detestable,” Lady Juliane said calmly as the door closed behind the girl.

”I am happy to learn your opinion of me improves,” Adrian said as he sat down. He waved his hand languidly. ”That gown is charming in a countrified way, but I am convinced the negligee I had sent from London would suit your looks more favourably.” He raised his quizzing gla.s.s.