Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave - Stephanie Barron [47]
The Lieutenant pretends, now, to have no notion that Fitzroy Payne's affections were already engaged elsewhere, as he so clearly intimated during our dance at the Scargrave ball. A curious omission, as though Tom Hearst would wipe clean the blot of his former impropriety.
“Whatever Fanny's fortune,” I said, recovering myself, “the retention of your cousin's good opinion must be said to have greater value.”
“Indeed.” He pursed his lips thoughtfully. “But I fear I tarried too long. Miss Delahoussaye's teasing ways have lately brought the wrath of her mother upon my head. Madame has had the temerity to suggest that I have encouraged her daughter in displays that offend propriety!**
“I am all amazement,” I said, with deliberate irony.
“You would laugh,” Tom Hearst replied, “but Madame went so far as to request it of my uncle before his death that I be barred from Scargrave for the Christmas season.”
This was news, indeed. The result of the rumoured duel, perhaps?
“Did she!” I cried. “I had not an idea of it! And what did your uncle reply?”
“I remain here, as you see,” the Lieutenant said, smiling, “and feel myself completely free to devote myself to others more worthy of my interest.”
And so we turned for home, absorbed in forming a plan for further riding lessons in subsequent days. Lieutenant Hearst appears eager for my company; and though he is an untrustworthy rogue, he is charming enough for all that. He amuses me, and I am in no danger from his attentions; I have too much sense to credit the Lieutenant's flattery, particularly when I feel it to be offered by design.
Thus, we have struck a bargain, of sorts, though the terms remain unspoken. My skill as a horsewoman shall benefit from his attentions; and in turn I shall be much persecuted on the subject of Sir William Reynolds. The why of Tom Hearst's interest in the magistrate, however, eludes me.
1. Pattens were small rings, usually of metal, that were strapped onto the bottom of shoes to raise the feet a few inches above muddy streets or slushy paths. Though still worn in both country and town in Austen's day, they were considered decidedly unfashionable by mid-century.—Editor's note.
2. Hatchments were family shields, shrouded in black crape and mounted over the windows of a great house to inform the public that the family was in mourning. —Editor's note.
3. A gaming-hell was the Georgian term for a gambling den.—Editor's note.
4. The Royal Horse Guards, one of three cavalry regiments charged with guarding the Royal Household, were nicknamed the Blues due to the color of their uniforms.—Editor's note.
17 December 1802
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I AWOKE THIS MORNING RESOLVED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION to the perplexing problem of the Earl's demise, and less to the rakish Lieutenant Hearst. Such a man cannot be taken seriously by one in my position; however charming, and attentive, the Lieutenant is little likely to ally himself with a lady as destitute as I, and can be seen only as a poor fellow marooned in the country—who finds what solace he can in idle flirtation.
With such sensible thoughts in mind, I descended to the little breakfast room with alacrity, my progress hastened by a healthy appetite and a vigorous sense of purpose. I had lain rather late abed—being much fatigued, due to the exertion of the previous day's riding—and thought that I should have the table to myself; but Fitzroy Payne appeared not five minutes after the footman had pulled out my chair, and greeted me with a distracted bow.
“Miss Austen. You look well.”
“Thank you, my lord. I feel quite renewed by my excellent rest.” I would that I could have returned his compliment, but in truth, he appeared remarkably ill.
“I fear that sleep is an indulgence I must deny myself for the present—my uncle's affairs demand all my attention.” The Earl took a seat and waved away the servant's proffered teapot. “Coffee for me, Fetters, and some fresh rashers.”
“Yes, milord.”
At the footman's departure, Fitzroy Payne cast a glance over his shoulder and leaned