Jane Feather - Charade by Unknown (top rated books of all time txt) 📗

Danielle half rose from the table, face set and eyes blazing. "I do notaccept that, milord."

"You may accept it or not, as you choose," Linton said calmly, openingan exquisite lapis lazuli snuff box and taking an insouciant pinch."The fact remains, however. Now, I suggest you resume your seat beforeI am obliged to encourage you to do so."

He waited until the reluctant, furious figure had obeyed beforecontinuing. "If you will not seek the protection of your godfather youwill have to endure mine. Why do you not wish to remain in France?"

"I

hate

France," the mutinousvoice spat. "You forget, perhaps, milord," she layed sarcastic stresson the title, "that I have lived here both as an aristocrat and as astarving peasant. I wish to pursue neither role again. Besides," therebellious note of an aggrieved child left the soft voice suddenly tobe replaced by a thoughtful consideration, "the role of 'aristo' isgoing to be a dangerous one across the land in a short time—only thoseidiots do not realize it!"

"I will not argue with you on that score." Linton sat back, legsextended beneath the table as he regarded this troublesome acquisition.He had never been one for the infantry, although his sister's childrenunfortunately seemed not to be aware of this fact as they lavishedunwanted attentions on their favorite uncle. But this frequentlyill-mannered brat carried an air of practical and intellectualsophistication totally at odds with her aggressive manner, thoughperhaps not so much at odds with her near unbelievable success atsurvival. Not for the first time, it occurred to the earl that once hersafety was ensured the horrors she had lived through would surface inall their grisly detail. But Danielle de St. Varennes appeared to havean adamantine will and a sense of humor to match. With the right careshe would come through. Whether the Earl and Countess of March were theright people to deal with the break when it came was a moot point. Kindand gentle to a fault, they would undoubtedly receive theirgranddaughter with open arms, but a strong hand would be needed to holdthe reins. Linton was unaware of the deep frown drawing his thickarched eyebrows together as he pondered the situation until Daniellespoke again with quiet dignity.

"Lord Linton, I am, as I'm sure you are aware,at something of adisadvantage. I have no clothes."

"I would hardly dignify what you were wearing by that name," hercompanion said with an amused quirk of an eyebrow.

"Perhaps not. However, they did cover me. This"—she indicated the shirtcontemptuously—"would hardly service me on the street."

"Indeed not," he concurred smoothly, giving not an inch.

"You do not think, perhaps, that you have an obligation to replacethose you so roughly tore from my back?" A sweet smile accompanied thequestion.

"I accept the obligation, infant, but also the right to provide what Isee fit."

They were fencing now and Danielle's eyes narrowed slightly. "I think,sir, that if you cannot return my original garments you have theobligation to replace them with their like. I am sure the landlordcould be of service, for a consideration, and any expenses you mayincur would, of course, be reimbursed once I reach my grandparents'house, so you need have no fear of being out of pocket."

The earl's eyes gleamed appreciatively. "A hit, infant!"

"So, what is your answer, milord?"

"My answer is very simple. Are you suggesting that having scooped theirgranddaughter from the gutters of Paris I could with any honor face theEarl and Countess of March if, after a meal, a bath, and some newclothes, I simply returned her from whence she came?"

That aspect of the situation had been lamentably absent from Danielle'swell-planned scheme.

"I do see that it might be a problem," she began with carefulunderstanding. "You do not think you could ... forget. .. that we met?"

"Forget you, Daniellede St. Varennes! What an absurd idea! Once met, mychild, I fear you will engrave yourself into the memory of everyunfortunate who happens into your path."

"That, sir, does not sound altogether complimentary. Danielle bit asuddenly tremulous lip.

"I'm not sure it was intended to be so," the earl said with a ruefulgrimace. "Come, child, you have had enough for one day, if not for manyweeks. Into bed with you and we will work out a plan to suit both youand my self-appointed guardianship in the morning."

"But where am I to sleep?" Danielle's eyes widened in horror-struckamazement.

"There's a bed behind you," her companion informed her evenly.

"And you?" It was barely a whisper.

"You are quite safe, infant. I could no more face your grandparentswith honor having breached your maidenhead than I could having tossedyou back into the gutter."

"No, I suppose you could not," she said matter-of-factly, totallyreassured by his logic and just as much unaware of the devastatingeffect her prosaic agreement had on the Earl of Linton's sangfroid.

"But where will

you

sleep?"The question carried only interest. "Those chairs do not look verycomfortable."

"I do not intend to spend an uncomfortable night," Linton reassured ona choke of laughter. "I do, however, suggest that you do as you arebid. You may sleep until you wake."

That was an almost forgotten luxury, as were the feather mattress andthe soft, well-laundered sheets. Linton tucked the small, exhaustedfigure into the large bed with an unexpected efficiency that shouldhave been born of practice—except that it wasn't—and it was a ratherpuzzled man who drew the curtains around the bed and pulled the bellcord for the ready servants. He remained in the room as the remnants ofdinner were removed, ignored the occasional inquisitive glances towardthe enclosed bed, and, when finally the tapers had been lit and theroom was at rights again, went over to his ward. She was unconscious ina deep and, it was to be hoped, healing sleep. Linton quietly left thechamber, turning a heavy key in the lock outside and pocketing itbefore making his way