These Old Shades (Alastair-Audley Tetralogy 1)

‘Why not?’ replied the graceless Rupert, coming to the fire. ‘Justin told us that he knew where Léonie had gone, and I don’t see him failing now, Fan, damme, I don’t! I’ll lay a monkey he’ll bring her back before the week’s out, safe and sound.’

‘If he finds her,’ Marling said quietly. ‘It’s more than a week now, Rupert.’

‘That’s right, Edward,’ retorted his lordship. ‘Look on the cheerful side! Stap me if ever I met such a gloomy fellow! We don’t know how far Justin may have had to go.’

‘But he’s sent us no word, Rupert!’ Fanny said anxiously. ‘This silence frightens me!’

Rupert regarded her in some surprise.

‘Lord, and did you ever know Justin send word of what he would be at?’ he demanded. ‘He’ll play his own game, mark my words! He’s not one to take others into his confidence, and he don’t need any help.’ He chuckled. ‘We saw that on Tuesday last, so we did! The man likes to keep us in the dark, and that’s all there is to it.’

A lackey announced my Lord Merivale, and Anthony came in.

‘No news?’ he asked, bowing over Fanny’s hand.

‘No, alas!’

Rupert made room for my lord on the couch.

‘Fan’s in the dumps over it,’ he said. ‘I’m telling her she should have more faith in Justin.’ He wagged his finger at her. ‘He’s won every trick in the game, Fan, and he wouldn’t be Justin an he lost the last.’

‘Faith, I believe Rupert is right,’ Merivale agreed. ‘I am fast coming to think Avon omnipotent.’

Marling spoke gravely.

‘He is a very dangerous man,’ he said. ‘It will be long before I forget the happenings at that soirée.’

Rupert was disgusted.

‘Y’know, Edward, you’re a kill-joy,’ he said.

Fanny shuddered.

‘Oh, Edward, pray do not speak of it! It was horrible, horrible!’

‘I do not wish to speak ill of the dead,’ Davenant said, ‘but it was – justice.’

‘Ay, and he did it well, by Gad!’ said Rupert. ‘I can see him now, standing there like – damme, like an executioner! But he was devilish, oh, he was devilish! He had me fascinated, I give you my word!’

The door opened.

‘Madame est servie,’ bowed a lackey.

Fanny rose.

‘You’ll dine with us, Comte? And you, Anthony?’

‘I trespass upon your hospitality!’ Armand protested.

‘Devil a bit, man!’ said Rupert. ‘It’s Avon’s hospitality you trespass on, and our patience.’

Fanny laughed.

‘Disagreeable boy! Comte, will you give me your arm? I protest I am shy amongst so many of you men!’

‘What of Madame?’ Marling asked, as she passed him.

‘She has a tray in her room,’ Fanny replied. ‘I cannot induce her to join us yet, and indeed, I think she is better alone.’