"It is, perhaps, time we retired to our rooms," hinted Lady Stern. "Come, Lady Cecile, we must have a nice coze before we sup."

Lady Cecile hesitated, then seeing that Lady Juliane had turned her attention to Sir Percival, agreed.

"We must. It will be most delightful. You can give me your opinion on my gown for tomorrow evening,"

she said with a wide smile for Lord Adrian.

"I am sure you both will be breathtaking," Adrian said as he escorted the two ladies to the door.

Lady Juliane disengaged herself from Sir Percy. "Then we must all be persuaded you will be matchless,"

she purred. Instantly regretting her childish cattishness, Juliane brushed past those at the door and did not even notice Comte de Cavilon as she hurried past him to her room.

"You have been up to something, my friend," reproached the comte as he entered the salon Lady Juliane

had just left. He made a slight bow as Lady Stern and Lady Cecile excused themselves.

"Lady Juliane did not even notice my raiment," he commented with a sniff and a wave of his lace kerchief.

Sir Percival fidgeted with his lace. He was always uncertain as to what action to pursue in the presence of the comte.

"Percy, you had better change for supper. Your lace is wilting," snapped Lord Adrian.

"Oh, of course, Cousin Adrian.

"Till we sup, Comte de Cavilon." He bowed and retreated. The comte returned the bow perfunctorily and then turned to face Adrian. "Why be so irritable with lepauvre compagnon?

"You are not yourself," Cavilon added and closed the doors of the salon. "What has happened to those iron nerves of yours?"

"Enough of your foolishness, Louis. Did you have any success?" "Whoever said the English were serieux. You have the French temperament." He smiled as LordAdrian glowered at him, then became serious.

"I have had some success," the comte said is a low voice.

"The four Frenchmen evidently followed Lady Juliane and the children from France. They must have thought to find the information or whatever they seek on her maid. I believe they killed the woman "One, at least, is of the aristocratie. From the local gossip, fowl and other items have been disappearing since you arrived. They must be close by."

"Bah! That is nothing I do not already know."

"Ah, yes, but I received a letter delivered only this morning with information on Andre's father, Baron de la Croix, which I believe you will find tres interessant." Comte de Cavilon pulled the letter from an inner pocket and held it out.

"After you read this, you will be ready to lay plans."

Reaching her room, Lady Juliane slammed the door behind her. With the back of her hand she wiped away the tears that bad come unbidden to her eyes.

"Tears," she muttered angrily. "What kind of fustian behaviour is this? Find your backbone," she admonished. "Why let that bit of fluff bother you? She will wear out her eyelashes batting them at Lord Adrian.

"Why should I care if that is what he prefers-it'd serve him right to end up on her hook. She would make him squirm the rest of his life."

This thought quieted Lady Juliane's turmoil. When Bess entered a short while later, she found her ladyship pensively staring into s.p.a.ce.

"I am sorry I am late, my lady. We have all been pressed into extra duties, what with the ball being on the morrow. It will be the most glamorous thing I have ever seen.

"But come, my lady, you must dress or you will be late. Which gown will it be? The puce, or perhaps..."

"No," said Lady Juliane, rising. "The velvet mahogany."

Bess his a smile. News of Lady Cecile's arrival had spread rapidly among the household staff. It heartened Bess that Lady Juliane was finally taking interest in her appearance. This could only denote something interesting in the offing.

That evening Lady Juliane entered the salon quietly. She had no desire to draw undue attention to herself and was confident in her appearance. Her gla.s.s's reflection had not told her she was beautiful. Certainly not in the style of Lady Cecile, but it had been far from condemning.

Juliane had had Bess fetch Satter to powder her hair as soon as she had arranged it. The effect of this with the mahogany gown, which not only suited her colouring but also flattered her figure, had evoked a very handsome reflection.

First to see her was Comte de Cavilon. He approached with an elegant swagger. "Lady Juliane, may Isay you are ravisante this evening."

"You may say what you please, Comte, as you are a close friend of my husband's," she smiled.

"Then I must add that my friend is the most fortunate of men to have found a treasure such as you," he bowed with a turn of his lace-covered hand.

"You are most flattering, my lord. May I say you too appear to be in the height of fashion this evening,"

she returned with a flutter of her fan.

"You are too kind, my lady. I fear I am a touch too elegant for the country," the comte protested.

"Of course not, my lord. You will provide food for much conversation for months to come. What more shall you wish for?" While speaking, her eyes swept the room. Her conclusion was emphasized by the snap of her fan when she angrily shut it.

Curious, Comte de Cavilon followed her gaze. It led to the far side of the room where Lord Adrian and Lady Cecile were engaged in a private chat.

Lady Tretain, when apprised of Lady Juliane's presence by Holdt, ordered the butler to call the company to dinner. Her house guests were of a larger number than she preferred on this occasion. It would be twenty seated to dine tonight which would make the pre-ball supper number over thirty.

The countess had heard about Lady Juliane and Lady Cecile's earlier exchange. With such a large gathering events would be difficult to control. Anything could happen.

Holdt intoned, "Dinner is served."

"May I have the honour and pleasure of escorting you, Lady Juliane?" asked the comte.

"You are most gracious," Lady Juliane said, smiling, as she saw the black look cross Lord Adrian's face.

He had excused himself and was making his way to her.

His mother was quick to see this also. "So good of you to humour your mother, son," she said, and halted him by clasping his arm.

"Yes? Oh, of course, Mother," Lord Adrian looked at her, then swallowed his pique. "It has been some time since I have had the privilege of escorting you," he added with a return to good humour.

"Then let us not keep everyone waiting." She began to walk forward giving her son no chance to change his mind.

Following directly behind, Comte de Cavilon thought the evening was going to prove vastly more entertaining than he had dared hope. Lord Adrian had been reticent when it came to details concerning Lady Juliane but the comte was certain they held each other in affection.

Their behaviour made this apparent to everyone except the two concerned. That they had not confessed their love was evident to him. Cavilon thought he could remedy this. Perhaps not in as pleasant a mode as the pair would hope, but it would be far more diverting his way and would ensure a pleasant conclusion.

With that in mind Comte de Cavilon set himself to be witty and entertaining throughout the meal.

Lady Juliane found her distaste for the effeminate comte decline. Although she maintained her distrust of the man she admitted he was very charming.

When the men rejoined the women after taking their port, Comte de Cavilon once more sought out Lady Juliane's company and continued to flatter her.

Lady Juliane had earlier admitted that she found all this attention vastly enjoyable even though she had no doubt it lacked serious intent. She was beginning to understand why some women went to any length to win it.

"I understand, my lady, that you are but recently come from Rouen. How did you find the atmosphere there?" the comte asked, as he watched her eyes flick once again across to Lord Adrian and Lady Cecile.

"I fear things are seriously awry in France. You would not believe what occurred in Rouen," she said without thinking.

"Why do you not tell me. I would believe you," cajoled the comte smoothly. "I understand the de la Croix family estates are near there. Did it involve them?" he asked innocently.

"What do you know of them?" she asked, suspicious and unable to hide it.