Part 29 (2/2)
The candlelight in the room was soft and dim. Mr. Dougherty scanned the room with a keen eye. He
would not have thought that Lady Tretain had been at Trees long enough to add such a personal mark to the decorations. She apparently had in this sitting room.
And where was her ladys.h.i.+p? Walking to the centre of the room, he cleared his throat loudly.
”Mr. Dougherty?” came the question from behind a large screen to one side.
”It is, m'lady.”
”Please be seated by the fire. I will be with you shortly.”
The runner seated himself, thinking how different voices generally are from what one expects.
A half hour later, Mr. Dougherty cleared his throat again-loudly.
”Just a few more moments, my good man. I have not been well today.”
Twenty minutes later, his patience expended, the runner rose.
At this there was movement behind the screen. ”You young people,” complained Lady Tretain, coming grandly into view, ”are always rus.h.i.+ng.”
Dougherty stood, mouth agape. Then he regained his composure. ”I am sorry, but I believed I was
brought to see Lady Tretain.”
”And so you were. No one has ever asked to see my marriage lines all these years past, but I can produce them, I a.s.sure you.”
”I did not mean-I apologize, m'lady. It...”
”I can understand your confusion.” She waved a hand elegantly at him, then stood silent.
”May I ask...”
”Why that is what I understood you wished-to ask questions. It would seem senseless for you to
disturb me and then not ask them, would it not?” she asked, enjoying herself thoroughly.
”It is my understanding ... Lord Tretain has a wife,” stuttered the runner. He tried to remain calm.
”Of course he did,” Lady Tretain said, cutting in before he could complete his question. ”How do you
suppose we came by the present heir?” she asked exasperatedly.
”That is who I am speaking of-Lord Adrian Tarrant-and his wife-Lady Juliane.”
”Well, for heaven's sake why don't you make yourself clear?”
Dougherty stared at her, waiting for more. When no further information came, he asked, ”Am I not to be
allowed to see her then?”
”No one is preventing you, but then, I am not certain where she has gone.”
”Lady Juliane is not at Trees?” the runner asked, all his suspicions aroused.
”No, nothing of the sort. It is just that she flits about so-to the nursery, to the salon, to her room.”
”She is very nervous then?” asked the runner with satisfaction.
”No, the calmest woman I have ever met.
”Mr. Dougherty, could I not interest you in a small gla.s.s of ... refreshment?” asked Lady Tretain,
deeming the timing appropriate.
Dougherty scratched his head. ”Not my usual habit, you understand, m'lady. But a spot wouldn't hurt just now.”
”I am certain it would not. Let us be seated.
”Satter,” the dowager countess called. ”Gla.s.ses for the gentleman and myself.”
gla.s.ses did a merry dance upon the tray as she nervously approached them.
Dougherty noticed this and thought it odd but, as her ladys.h.i.+p made no comment, he dismissed it.
Lady Tretain removed the stopper from the decanter and poured the two gla.s.ses full. Indicating for the
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