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

her features. If the Earl of Linton was setting up hismistress from amongst the infantry that was no concern of hers,although reliable rumor had it'that Linton's tastes ran to the moresophisticated members of the demimonde.

"Something . . . demure . . . perhaps, milord?"

"We understand each other perfectly, madame."

A shrill stream of orders was issued to the waiting girls hovering inthe background and within minutes a selection of crisp muslins, somesprigged, some figured, all in the first style of elegance was beingparaded before His Lordship's knowledgeable eyes.

"That, I think." He pointed to a delicate pale green gown, spriggedwith flowers in a darker shade with deep green velvet knots adorningthe sleeves and a taffeta sash of the same color. It would be worn with

a modest white fichu at the neck and a slight hoop.

"About fittings?" Madame inquired tentatively.

"There will be none." The earl took snuff, snapping the box andreplacing it in the deep pocket of his coat before looking around thegroup of girls surrounding Madame. "You, child." He beckoned and thesmallest member of the group stepped forward hesitantly. "Would youoblige me by trying the gown?" A warm smile accompanied the request,lightening Milord's somewhat intimidating countenance.

The child was a little fuller in the bosom than Danielle and a littleshorter, but apart from that of very similar size. He gave madame hisinstructions regarding these matters coolly before continuing with thequiet request that she procure all the necessary garments to accompanythe gown.

"Everything, my lord?" The astounded modiste could not keep theastonishment out of her voice.

The earl did not reply, merely raised his glass and examined her withhaughty indifference until those sharp eyes dropped and a slightdiscomfited flush tinged the sallow cheeks.

"Do you find yourself in difficulties over this, madame?"

"No, no, not at all, my lord. I will send one of the girls to themilliners for .. . for everything. You . . .

you will require slippersalso?"

"Everything. Also a warm cloak and a veiled bonnet. Is it quite clear?"He smiled pleasantly.

"Quite clear, my lord.. When will you be requiring the articles?"Madame Lutece struggled for composure. Never had she received such arequest in all her years as unrivaled modiste to the ton. She was toscour the town for petticoats, chemises, pantalettes,stockings—everything!

"Have them delivered by five-thirty, if you please."

Madame gasped. It was now three o'clock. But Justin, Earl of Linton,was a customer whose value could never be overrated. One day he wouldsurely marry and his countess would then most certainly repay Madame'sestablishment for this minor inconvenience. Another deep curtsy salutedHis Lordship's departure and with a piercing stream of invectivedirected at her luckless apprentices Madame Lutece gave vent to herinjured dignity and furious frustration at the task facing her.

Blithely unaware of the dismayed furor his visit had caused, Lintoncontinued on his way. A visit to his bankers, another to awell-known jewelers on Bond Street, and another to a discreetestablishment where he procured toilet articles necessary to thecomfortable travel of a young lady and he returned well satisfied toGrosvenor Square.

"Ah, my lord." Peter Haversham hurried across the hall at his entrance."The prime minister will be happy to receive you at eight o'clock thisevening. He has to be in the House for a vote at eleven o'clock buthopes this will be convenient."

"Perfectly, Peter." The earl preceded the secretary into the library."I must ask you for one other small favor, I think . .. Ah, thank you,Bedford. Yes, you may pour me a glass of the claret."

"What would you wish done with the packages from Madame Lutece'sestablishment, my lord?" The butler handed his master a glass, keepingboth face and voice bland.

"Have them taken to my apartments and inform Petersham that I shall notrequire his services until later tonight. I shall not be changing fordinner."

"Yes, my lord." Bedford left the library, now firmly convinced that HisLordship was more than a little mad, unless he had been dipping verydeep, which would be easier to understand but equally unlikely.

"Just so, Peter, just so," the earl observed coolly, seeing the broadgrin on the young man's normally well-disciplined face. "Poor Bedford!I am sure he is convinced I have windmills in my head. Of course, hemay be right," Linton added reflectively. "I begin to wonder myself."

"My lord!" Haversham was deeply shocked, but Justin just laughed.

"If I have, Peter, they are remarkably enchanting ones. Now, I shall betraveling by post tomorrow, so please see to it, will you?"

"You wish me to hire you a chaise, sir?"

The earl raised his glass. "That is what I said, I think," he commentedgently.

"You will not be using your own coach, then?" the secretary mumbledlamely.

"Well, it might be a little difficult to travel in two carriagessimultaneously, don't you agree?"

"I will see to it right away, Lord Linton." The young man bowedstiffly. "You wish for hired postillions?"

"Indeed. But I will take two of my own riding horses, should the chaisebecome

too

uncomfortable amode of conveyance." A sweet smileaccompanied the soft statement.

The earl's apartments consisted of his bedchamber, dressing room andbathing chamber, and a well-appointed paneled sitting room. It was tothe latter that he now repaired. A table was laid for dinner

a

deux

before the glowing hearth and a footman drawing the heavy crimsonvelvet curtains against the unwelcoming dusk turned at his entrance.

"Do you wish to be served, my lord?" he asked expression-lessly.

"No, you may leave everything on the sideboard. I shall serve myself."Linton went through to his bedchamber. Madame Lutece's packages coveredthe bed and with a slight smile he rapped briskly on the doorconnecting this room tp the Blue Room.

"Old?"

The soft voice soundedhesitant.

"May I come in, Danny?"

"

Bien sur

,

milord."

Danielle was curled on the chaise longue under the window, completelyenveloped in