Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave - Stephanie Barron [64]
“The society of Town being so much superior to Scar-grave's, Madame?” the Lieutenant broke in. His distracted air was banished, and he shook out his serviette like a man possessed of good appetite. “I must confess that we are of one mind. In truth, I may congratulate myself that a better understanding has rarely existed between two such people, divided though we are by temperament, years, and experience. I shall seek my regiment in St. James at the first opportunity, the better to escort Miss Fanny to the gaieties of the Season.”
“Insolent rogue!” Madame burst out, her face turning white with anger. “You shall do no such thing.”
“I fear that I must, dear lady. I received a summons from my regiment this very day.”
And what of the affair of the duel? I thought. Did his regiment welcome the Lieutenant with open arms, all his sins forgotten?
Madame clenched the handle of her fork as though she would drive it through the Lieutenant's heart. “There is nothing I desire less than that Fanny's prospects should be poisoned by your acquaintance.”
“Dear Aunt!” Isobel cried, starting in her chair. “You forget yourself. Lieutenant Hearst is a member of the Scargrave family!”
“He is all too much a member of the family. He presumes upon his relation, Isobel. He thinks to have Fanny's beauty and her fortune for a song. And what is he? Nothing but an adventurer in a blue coat. The second son of a wastrel.” Madame threw down her serviette and thrust back her chair. “I have no appetite for dining in such company. Inform Mrs. Hodges, Isobel, that I shall take a tray in my room.”
Lieutenant Hearst raised his glass to the lady. “Your health, Madame,” he cried, as she swept by him, her eyes snapping. Then he tipped his wine towards me. “It shall make quite a picture, shall it not, Miss Austen? Miss Fanny and the Lieutenant. So little sense, allied with so much sensibility.”
“Good Lord, Tom,” Fitzroy Payne chided, “must you plague Madame so? Her daughter's care is as the world to hen We who know you, know that you delight in provoking; but she feels only insult in your raillery.”
“Reproaches, Fitzroy?” The Lieutenant affected dismay. “And I had looked for thanks! For by my offices the good woman is returned to her room, and we may take Christmas Eve dinner in peace.”
Tom Hearst may have meant his words in jest, but his tone was cutting; and I wondered, as I listened, at the edge of bitterness in his voice. The truth of it all escapes me. Does he admire Fanny? His barbs would suggest the opposite. But he continues to tease Madame unmercifully with his attentions, as though her daughter remains his object. And yet, and yet—when I spend an hour in his company, and feel his warmth, my heart whispers that Fanny hopes in vain.
IT WAS WHILE WE TOYED WITH MRS. HODGES'S EXCELLENT oyster soup that Sir William returned. Not two hours had passed since he had left us, I judged; but from the transformation of his countenance during that time, it might well have been a year.
He stood in the doorway, clearing his throat, his eyes on the Countess's pale face. “I am distressed to disturb you at your dinner, my lady,” he said, “but I am forced to ask of those present a few questions.”
“But of course, Sir William.” Isobel set down her spoon, her features more composed than I could have believed, despite the air of strain that governed the room. “How may we be of service?”
The magistrate glanced at the two footmen ranged against the dining parlour's walls, and then gave the Countess an expressive look. “I should prefer to speak to the family alone. Excepting, that is, Miss Austen.”
Isobel lifted her hand in a gesture of dismissal, and the footmen departed. Their removal only heightened the tensions around the table. But Sir William did not prolong the suspense.
“I believe this is yours, my lady,” he said, advancing upon Isobel's chair with hand extended.
“Why, so it is!” she exclaimed, taking