These Old Shades (Alastair-Audley Tetralogy 1)

whim can that be?’

‘I could not ask, of course. But is it not strange that – that man – should adopt her?’

‘Perchance he is a reformed character, my love.’

She shivered.

‘He could never be that. I feel so sorry for this child – in his power. I asked her to come and see me one day. Was it right of me?’

He frowned.

‘I’ll have no dealings with Alastair, Jenny. I am not like to forget that his Grace saw fit to abduct my wife.’

‘I wasn’t your wife then,’ she protested. ‘And – and this child – this Léonie – is not like that at all. I should be so pleased if you would let her come.’

He made her a magnificent leg.

‘My lady, you are mistress in your own house,’ he said.

So it was that when next Léonie rode over to Merivale she was received gladly both by Jennifer and her lord. She was rather shy at first, but her nervousness fled before Merivale’s smile. Over a dish of Bohea she made gay conversation, and presently turned to her host.

‘I wanted to meet you, milor’,’ she said cheerfully. ‘I have heard much – oh, much – about you!’

Merivale sat bolt upright.

‘Who in the world – ?’ he began uneasily.

‘Lady Fanny, and Monseigneur, a little. Tell me, m’sieur, did you really stop Lord Harding’s coach – ?’

‘For a wager, child, for a wager!’

She laughed.

‘Aha, I knew! And he was very angry, was he not? And it had to be kept secret, because in – in dip-lo-mat-ic circles it –’

‘For heaven’s sake, child!’

‘And now you are called The Highwayman!’

‘No, no, only to my intimates!’

Jennifer shook her head at him.

‘Oh, my lord! Go on, Léonie. Tell me some more. The wretch has grossly deceived me, I’ll have you know.’

‘Mademoiselle,’ said Merivale, wiping his heated brow, ‘have pity!’

‘But tell me,’ she insisted. ‘Was it not very exciting to be a highwayman for one night?’

‘Very,’ he said gravely. ‘But not at all respectable.’

‘No,’ she agreed. ‘One does not always want to be respectable, I think. Me, I am a great trial to everybody, because I am not respectable at all. It seems that a lady may do many bad things and still be respectable, but if one speaks of such things as breeches then one is unladylike. I find it very hard.’

His eyes danced. He tried to suppress a laugh, and failed.

‘Faith, you must come often to see us, mademoiselle! ’Tis not often we meet such a charming little lady.’

‘You must come to see me next,’ she answered. ‘That is right, is it not?’