aBut first, why donat you tell me where you have stashed Lisette?a She had won; she had lost. There was no hope for it. She said, calm as the soft summer breeze outside her window, aShe is in an apartment just down the street. There are emba.s.sies along the Rue Royale and that meant men of power and influence and wealth. I gave her ten thousand francs, Marcus.a aYou spoke to Lisette?a She nodded.

aWhat did you tell her? Jesus, you told her all of this debacle?a aYes, itas the truth. That I was afraid you would annul the marriage and I couldnat allow that to happen. She understood, Marcus. She is fond of you and she wanted what was best for you. She was willing to help me help you.a aNot even a small showing of wifely jealousy, eh?a aThere was no room for it.a aI see. Didnat you even remark her abundant bosom and make a comparison to yourself?a She closed her eyes and said, aYes.a aBut no jealousy. Didnat it bother youa"after alla"you are my wife at your own behest, that I have suckled Lisetteas magnificent b.r.e.a.s.t.s? That her body gives me immense pleasure? It didnat bother you at all? You are silent again. Your n.o.bility is beyond anything that I would ever have expected, beyond anything I ever wanted. I suppose you paid for her new apartment?a aYes. It is at Number Forty-seven Rue Royale.a aThank you, d.u.c.h.ess. Now, it is too late to visit her tonight so I will take myself back to bed. Good night, d.u.c.h.ess. Thank you for an enlightening episode.a aIt was enlightening,a she said. He didnat turn. She watched him stride naked from her bedchamber. She saw the anger radiating from him. There was nothing specific to point to. It was something she simply felt. Shead always felt hima"when he was joyful as only a boy of fourteen could be, when he was dashed down, again, as only a boy of fourteen could be, beginning when she was nine years old, the first time shead met him, but she wouldnat think about that because it wasnat important now. Shead won, for head breached her maidenhead. Head consummated the marriage. He was safe, finally, despite his rage, he was safe. She wondered if he truly wouldnat have considered an annulment. He was probably lying to himself when he said he wouldnat have.

It was Badger who awoke her the following morning, not Maggie. He had a tray on his arm. He handed her the wrinkled nightgown from the floor, then turned his back while she pulled it over her head and smoothed it down. She allowed him to a.s.sist her into her dressing gown, then drank down the thick black coffee. He said nothing until she had taken two bites from the warm brioche.

aDo you not wish some b.u.t.ter and honey?a She shook her head. aNo, this is fine, Badger. The brioche are wonderful. Did you bake them?a Badger waved away her words. aHis lordship is gone. Mr. Spears said the earl was pulling on his boots when he went in to wake him. Mr. Spears said he was very quiet, not overtly angry that he could see, just very quiet. Mr. Spears, naturally, couldnat question him. He did ask him when he would return and his lordship said, aAh, I live here now, Spears, donat you know? But Ia"a a Badger folded his lips into a thin straight line.

aPlease, Badger, tell me the rest of it. Nothing he would say could possibly surprise me. Please understand, I am quite used to Marcusas rages and his insults.a aHe said that he now knew where youad sent Lisette and he would doubtless spend a good deal of time with her.a She took another bite of brioche.

aShall I send you Maggie? I heard her humming when I pa.s.sed her door. Her hair is redder this morning, if such a thing is possible. She is a piece of work, isnat she?a aYes,a she said. aShe makes me smile. Ah, Badger, please inform her that the three of us will be leaving for Calais by noon, no later.a He stared at her, opened his mouth, then closed it. He said ten minutes later to Spears, Maggie beside him, aItas over. Your master and my mistress have bungled it royally. Weare returning to London. I will send you our address when we arrive.a aYou wonat stay at the Wyndham townhouse?a Badger shrugged. aI have no idea, Mr. Spears. She wonat tell me anything. But I think we will. She let the lease go on Pipwell Cottage in Smarden. I canat see her traveling to Chase Park, not now in any case.a aThank G.o.d for that,a Maggie said fervently.

He grinned down at her. aYouall like the townhouse. Itas in the middle of everything that is exciting and fun. Iall have to a.s.sign you a footman to keep all the young bucks away.a aI surely hope so, Mr. Badger,a she said, all demure as a nun, and winking at Spears. aBut perhaps you shouldnat act so hastilya"with the footman and all.a However, Spears didnat see her wink, which was just as well since he was looking austere as a hanging judge. aI will correspond to you as well, Mr. Badger, as soon as I understand what is happening here.a aHis lordship is a bleater, Mr. Spears.a aYes, Maggie, it would appear so, at least for the moment. I will take care of him and we will see. Good journey to you, Mr. Badger, Miss Maggie. Mr. Badger, I look forward to your veal and bacon terrine.a aAnd what will you look forward to with me, Mr. Spears?a aWhy, your pert rejoinders, Miss Maggie, what else?a aHow unoffensive of you, Mr. Spears.a

12.

LONDON.

WYNDHAM TOWNHOUSE, BERKELEY SQUARE.

LATE JUNE 1814.

BADGER STOOD IN the doorway of the drawing room, saying nothing, merely looking at her. She was writing and humming as she wrote, quicker and quicker, which meant that it was coming easily now. A blessing, he thought, for shead been so silent, so very withdrawn, d.a.m.nation, so very broken, since their return from Paris some weeks before.

He waited patiently, grateful that she had something important to her to give her thoughts another direction. She looked up, jumped slightly at the unexpected sight of him, then smiled. aDo come in, Badger. I was so immersed in this. It happens sometimes, which is good.a aI know, I know. It means everything is flowing freely out of that clever head of yours.a aClever? Well, thatas an interesting thought, isnat it? Odd, isnat it. Now I do it because of the fun of it, not because I have to pay the rent or buy eggs or try to pay your wages.a Shead always paid him, despite his protests. Shead always paid him first, even before paying the rent on Pipwell Cottage. Head hated it but head known it was important to her; paying him proved to her that she had control over her life. He said, clearing his throat, aI heard the ditty about Czar Alexander and the Grand d.u.c.h.ess Catherine. Goodness, what a harridan she is. She certainly deserves her treatment in the song. In this case, I must admit I felt sorry for the Prince Regent. He might be a fat selfish sod, but heas an English sod and not one of those feudal tyrants in Russia who kill peasants because they donat like the smell of them.a aItas true. Grand d.u.c.h.ess Catherine really outdid him in rudeness, crudeness, and lewdness.a She laughed and it warmed him to his toes. aIsnat it marvelous that all those juicy words rhyme?a aYes, and they roll off the tongue. I hear it everywhere I go.a aThe Czar is just as horrible, rude to the Prince Regent, hobn.o.bbing with the Whig opposition who in truth think him a fool. He deserves a ditty all to himself, I think.a aPossibly,a Badger said. aBut he didnat force himself into that all-male banquet at the Guildhall like the Grand d.u.c.h.ess did. Then she insisted that all the music be stopped because it made her sick. I should have loved to be there.a aI too. Can you imagine the Regent having to plead with her to allow the musicians to play G.o.d Save the King?a aYes,a he said, aand she complained loudly through the whole thing. I have been thinking, though. There are other subjects than the state of diplomatic affairs, though those buffoons give as much credence to incompetence and self-aggrandizement than the gentlemen and ladies of the Ton give to frivolity and sin.a She laughed again and he wanted to shout for the sweet sound of it. aYouave a good point there, Badger. Hmmm, perhaps I should read other parts of the London Times and the London Gazette with that in mind.a aYou used to read all of the papers, every single word. Perhaps it is time again. I came to speak to you about something else, d.u.c.h.ess.a She merely c.o.c.ked her head to one side, her quill still held in her right hand, poised above the piece of foolscap.

aItas his lordship.a She became utterly still, almost as if she were trying to draw into herself, to protect herself. aWhat about him?a aMr. Spears has written to tell me it is possible that his lordship will be returning to London soon.a aI see. Has he sold out again?a aI donat know. Mr. Spears didnat say, so I must a.s.sume that he hasnat.a aVery well. This will require some thought. Ah, is that the front door knocker?a It was. Nettles, the London butler, allowed Mr. Wicks to present himself a very short time later in the drawing room. He gave her a low bow and a frazzled smile.

aDear Mr. Wicks, what is the matter? Do sit down, sir. Should you like a cup of tea? Brandy?a aNo, no, my lady. Itas . . . oh dear, this isnat good, but I had to come tell you immediately so that we could make plans. Iam so very sorry, d.u.c.h.ess, er, my lady, thata"a aPlease, Mr. Wicks. Calm yourself. Nothing could be that dreadful. Do sit down and tell me about it.a In his agitation, he was actually pulling on a straggly lock of grizzled white hair. She waited, her silence meant to calm him, to steady his nerves, and it did. She was good at soothing nervous animals, nervous humans, all except Marcus, her husband. All she could do to him was make him want to murder her.

Finally, he managed to draw a deep breath. Then, unable to help himself, he blurted out, aThe American Wyndhams are at Chase Park!a aThe Americans. Oh yes, my fatheras youngest brother, my uncle, gambled and wenched until my grandfather wanted to throw him in Newgate, but then to top it all off, Uncle Grant went to America and had the gall to marry an American, which finally got him disinherited, and he went to Baltimore to live, which was her home.a aYes, yes, and Grant Wyndham is dead. But his wife, Wilhelmina, isnat, nor are the three offspring. There is Trevor, James, and Ursula. Oh dear, you already know all of this. Theyare all at Chase Park.a aTell me about it, Mr. Wicks.a aI wrote to them, my lady. I had to because I believed back in April that the earl, er, your husband of three weeks now, wouldnat marry you and that the Americans would inherit and thus I had to write to them and tell them of their probable good fortune, and now theyare here. They never wrote me back, they never came to see me in London. They just went directly to Yorkshire, to Chase Park.a aHow very odd. How did they know where the estate is, I wonder? You did say that Uncle Grant is dead. He would have known, surely, but his wife?a Mr. Wicks shook his head distractedly. aI donat know, but I do know, d.u.c.h.ess, that I must leave now, today, no later than tomorrow morning. I must go to Chase Park and I must explain to them that there is nothing for them, nothing at all. It is a dreadful coil. Why didnat I simply trust you to bring his lordship about? Iam a dolt, d.u.c.h.ess, a b.l.o.o.d.y dolt.a He stopped cold, shocked that head spoken so, with such unplanned emotion.

She merely smiled. aPerhaps you should have waited, but you didnat. Indeed, you did what you believed the proper thing. No matter, Mr. Wicks.a aIam relieved the earl isnat here and thus, perhaps, if the good Lord still believes me an obedient servant, the earl wonat find out about it.a aIt wouldnat matter if he were here or if he did find out. You did what you believed was right, Mr. Wicks. Donat chide yourself further.a She rose and shook out her skirts. aWell,a she said more to herself than to Mr. Wicks. aLife does dish up odd things on oneas plate.a She turned to him, holding out her hand. aI will come with you, Mr. Wicks. Please donat worry. We will face the dreaded Americans together. I wonder if Marcus would declare the name Wilhelmina as ugly as Josephina.a * * *

Marcus Wyndham, VIII earl of Chase, arrived at the Wyndham townhouse in Berkeley Square on the twenty-sixth of June.

Nettles took his lordshipas cloak and hat. aMy lord,a he said with more formality than before, for now there was appropriate substance in his lordshipas pocketbook, no longer just the t.i.tle, aher ladyship left with Mr. Wicks for Chase Park just yesterday morning. She was accompanied by Badger and that red-haired maid of hers, Maggie.a aI see,a Marcus said. aSpears,a he said, turning to his valet, who appeared to be closely regarding the elegant baseboard molding in the entrance hall, ado see to our things. I wonder if there is anyone here to prepare the meals since Badger went with my . . . went with the d.u.c.h.ess.a aI have instructed Mrs. Hurley to resume the responsibilities, my lord. Her ladyship told me to see to it quickly since it was possible that you would be arriving here shortly. If I may say so, my lord, her ladyship has seen to everything in a very nice waya"so considerate she isa"if you donat mind me saying so.a aNo, not at all, Nettles.a Heartened, the butler added, aShe is a very restrained lady, my lord, allowing no familiarities, as if anyone would ever attempt such a thing in any case. Now, my lord, would you like a gla.s.s of port, perhaps, in the library?a Marcus took his port and went instead to the master bedchamber at the end of the corridor on the second floor. It was a ma.s.sive room, hung with dark draperies, spread with even darker carpets. The furnishings were very old, but they sparkled with wax. He wondered if his wifeas meddling hands had rubbed in the lemon wax.

He said to Spears, who was gently folding his cravats and placing them in a drawer in the dresser, aI wonder at the timing of all this.a aTiming is an unpredictable thing, my lord, or so Iave always believed.a aI wonder why she left for Chase Park with Mr. Wicks, of all people.a aAh, my lord, I do have a letter, given to me by Mr. Nettles, who was given it himself by the d.u.c.h.ess to give to me and finally for me to present to you. You understand?a aCertainly, Spears. Where is this letter that couldnat have been given directly to me but had to go from the d.u.c.h.ess to Nettles to you and then to me?a aIt is here, my lord.a aA circuitous route always arouses suspicions,a Marcus said as he tore open the envelope. He read, cursed, then laughed. aWell, this is very interesting. It seems the American Wyndhams are at Chase Park, for Mr. Wicks, doing his duty, mind you, wrote them and told them of their perhaps good fortune come June sixteenth. They came to England and now they are at Chase Park, arriving evidently precisely on the sixteenth. The d.u.c.h.ess and Mr. Wicks have flown after them. Ah, yet again, she meddles.a aShe is your wife, my lord. It is not meddling, it is the duty of a wife to see to her husbandas interests whilst he is unable to see to them himself.a Marcus gave his valet a grunt, then began to pull off his clothes. aI would like a bath, Spears.a aYes, my lord.a He had one leg out of his trousers when he said, aI wonder why they went to Chase Park. Surely Mr. Wicks didnat tell them that was also part of their probable inheritance.a aIt is a mystery, my lord.a aOne would have expected them to stop here first in London and see Mr. Wicks. Then perhaps he would have directed them to the Ess.e.x House, in Clampton, a very nice property that I saw with Charlie and Mark some years ago. Unentailed, of course.a aNow all the property is yours, my lord, including Ess.e.x House.a aI know.a aWill you be remaining home this evening, my lord?a aIf you must know,a Marcus said now, pulling on a dressing gown, aI am going to Whiteas. A number of gentlemen are dining together.a aI suggest, my lord, that you not imbibe overly. I further suggest, my lord, that we ourselves leave for Chase Park on the morrow.a aYour suggestions be d.a.m.ned, Spears. I have no intention of going to Chase Park. Mr. Wicks got himself into this mess, let him extricate himself. Doubtless the d.u.c.h.ess will be of invaluable a.s.sistance. Why else would she have accompanied him if she hadnat intended to meddle? No, donat answer that. In any case, I have to meet with Lord Dracornet at the War Ministry tomorrow.a aI will see to your bath, my lord.a aGood. Donat try to change my mind, Spears. I wonat go to Chase Park despite the fact that the namby-waist, Trevor, just might be the future earl.a Marcus looked around the rapidly darkening bedchamber. aYou know, perhaps I should inform Mr. Wicks not to send the American Wyndhams to the rightabout entirely. Perhaps I should tell him that dear Trevor just might be the earl someday. Perhaps I should tell him to encourage that mincing fop, Trevor, to get himself an heir just in case. Yes, I should make that communication to Mr. Wicks.a aThe d.u.c.h.ess, my lord? Your wife?a aOh, she is fully aware that any offspring she bears will be not of my seed and thus will not succeed to the t.i.tle.a He listened to Spears suck in his breath. Ah, consternation from his unflappable valet. It felt good. He smiled. He was still smiling when the two footmen entered the bedchamber, carrying buckets of hot water for his bath.

He was lathering his hair when he chanced to see Spears looking at him with the tight-lipped disapproval of a bishop at an orgy. It made him feel even better.

He saw Spears open his mouth and quickly said in a voice as chill as Guntheras ices, aNo, Spears, I will not go to Chase Park. I donat care what either Wicks or the d.u.c.h.ess do. I plan to enjoy myself immensely here in London. I plan to install a mistress over in Bruton Street or perhaps in Stretton Street, close enough to here so that I can stroll over at my leisure. Yes, thatas what Iall do.a aMy lord, it would seem that such activities would require more time than you currently have, what with your duties to Lord Dracornet. Surely you will be too busy with the upcoming discussions about the Congress in Vienna this fall.a aOh no, not at all. Iam not a b.l.o.o.d.y diplomat, Spears, indeed, all the diplomats involved in this program will be intriguing until the world comes to an end. They will lie and they will do anything to gain what they want. No, it isnat for me. d.a.m.n, if youare going to stab someone, do it to the manas face.

aLord Castlereagh did inquire as to my wishes about the Congress and I told him that I had other things to do. Actually, I came near to kissing his boots in my politeness, but I did indicate that I wouldnat be able to attend, as much as I wanted to. As to Lord Dracornet and my duties here in London, I have asked for a temporary leave since I have to a.s.sume my new duties as the VIII earl of Chase. Not only just new, of course, but also now endowed with appropriate funds. I believe Lord Dracornet was so relieved that I am no longer dest.i.tute, no longer a peer embarra.s.sment, that he was most sincere in his best wishes to me.a aI see, my lord. Your lordship has many other duties as well. Your estates are vast. Surely you recall in your ten months as a real earl how much time is required to see that everything runs smoothly.a aOh yes, I remember, Spears. No, you can keep any further arguments to yourself. Iam not going to Chase Park. The last female in the world I wish to see is the d.a.m.ned d.u.c.h.ess.a aShe is a countess, my lord.a aYour wit ripens, Spears. Go away and leave me alone. Forget Chase Park. Thatas the last place Iall go.a

CHASE PARK.

The d.u.c.h.ess stared at Wilhelmina Wyndham. Surely she couldnat have heard her aright. aI beg your pardon, maaam?a aI said that the grouse hereabouts could be infected with vile parasites.a She hadnat said that, of course, but the d.u.c.h.ess let it go. aI will ask Badger to carefully examine all grouse before they are allowed into the kitchen.a Wilhelmina Wyndham nodded. She turned then to gaze about the huge drawing room. aAll this is just as my husband described it to me. He painted pictures for mea"all in words, naturallya"and I could see Chase Park in my mind. At last I am here. You wondered why we came here immediately and didnat go to London first. I knew exactly where Chase Park was and I wanted to waste no time coming here.a She said gently, aBut maaam, even if Marcus and I hadnat married, Chase Park would have remained the earlas, for it is entailed.a aYes, I know. You think Americans are fools, but weare not. This was my husbandas home. Surely you donat believe I wouldnat want to visit here?a aOf course you would want to and you are welcome. Chase Park is very impressive and its history is quite remarkable, but surely you will want to visit London before you return to America?a aYou are nothing but a s.l.u.t. I wonat heed you.a The d.u.c.h.ess blinked hard. aI beg your pardon, maaam?a aI said that youare in a rut and if I must plead to stay here, why then, so I shall. I wonat leave you, Josephina, you would be ever so lonely. You donat mean to say that we are not welcome here?a aNaturally you are welcome, maaam, I just told you you were, but Chase Park is not your home. As Mr. Wicks told you last evening, there is no inheritance now that his lordship and I have wed.a aI think youare a conniving b.i.t.c.h.a The d.u.c.h.ess heard her well enough this time, but she was so utterly taken aback that she couldnat think of a thing to say. She just looked at her, waiting to hear what she would say now, but Wilhelmina merely shrugged and walked toward the grand double doors. aYes,a she said now, ait must be nice to be very rich.a aIndeed.a Wilhelmina smiled and said gaily, aWhat do you think of my boys?a Boys? Trevor was all of twenty-four, Marcusas age, and James was twenty. aThey are very charming, maaam. Ursula is also very nice.a aUrsula is a girl and thus of no worth, of no more worth than you are, d.a.m.n you.a aExcuse me?a aI said that Ursula is a girl of excellent birth, certainly of as good a birth as you are, you sweet lamb, you. I believe she will make a brilliant marriage, donat you think?a She had a pounding headache. She merely nodded, thankful that her aunt Wilhelmina was willingly taking herself off. She quickly went out the eastern side door and hoped to lose herself in the Chase gardens, beautiful now in midsummer, all the roses blooming wildly, hyacinth with their bell-shaped flowers scenting the air, mixing with the perfume of the roses and the daisies and the huge-blossomed hydrangeas. Lilac trees with their lavender cl.u.s.ters were so sweet now that they clogged the senses. She walked to an ancient oak tree, so twisted and bent that it could be a meeting place for witches on All Hallowsa Eve. She seated herself on the wooden bench beneath its lush green canopy of branches, leaned back against the trunk of the tree, and closed her eyes. It seemed as if shead endured Aunt Wilhelmina for more than a decade and not just a day. Well, actually, a morning and an evening. Not even a full day.

Mr. Wicks was in a state of retreat, for Aunt Wilhelmina had all but attacked him the previous night.

When theyad arrived the previous afternoon, Aunt Wilhelmina had greeted her and Mr. Wicks as her guests. It was the strangest feeling to see Aunt Gweneth standing back, clearly deferring to the woman with the aging but still beautiful face with her head of hair so blond it was nearly white in the sunlight. Aunt Wilhelmina was unexpected, but then again, so was Trevor, the effete sod, the d.a.m.nable pederast, the lisping dandy, according to Marcus. She smiled remembering Marcusas contempt. Trevor! By G.o.d, a pederast, a mincing fop!

She supposed shead expected to see a pretty young man with his motheras fair complexion and blond hair. She supposed she had even expected him to lisp and wear his cravat so high it touched his ears. Well, Marcus would be in for a surprise. No, there would be no surprise, for Marcus wouldnat come to Chase Park, not as long as she was here.

She wondered if he had returned to London.

The Twins and Ursula found her ten minutes later. At least her headache was reduced to a dull throbbing.

Antonia announced, aI have decided to marry Trevor, d.u.c.h.ess. He is much to my liking.a Ursula, a small fourteen-year-old girl with her motheras fair coloring, a sweet girl with pretty features that surely would mold into beauty in four or five years, said, aTrevor is unhappy. He wonat want to marry you yet, Antonia. Besides, youare only fifteen. At least for three more months. Trevor is quite old now.a aOld! Trevor is quite a young man!a Antonia was flushed with the heat and with the audacity of such a statement about her newly appointed idol.

Ever practical, f.a.n.n.y asked, aWhy is he unhappy?a She took a big bite of the apple she held in her hand, the loud munching the only sound for at least a minute. At least it wasnat a sweetmeat, the d.u.c.h.ess thought. It seemed to her that f.a.n.n.yas face had thinned out over the past months. She and Antonia were growing up. She felt ancient at the moment.

aHis wife died,a Ursula said.

Her mouth fell open in surprise. aHe was married, Ursula?a aYes, d.u.c.h.ess. Her name was Helen and she was very nice, quite the prettiest girl in Baltimore, only she was sickly, Trevor said. She died in childbed, after a bad fall from her mare, the babe pa.s.sing away with her. It happened only four months ago. They were only married for a year and a half. Trevor went away to New York, I think. He came back to escort us here to England because Mother wrote him a letter and begged him. James didnat like it because he wanted to take Fatheras place and see to our welfare. He didnat speak to Trevor for at least a week. I donat think Trevor even noticed. He was with us in body, but he was still away, if you know what I mean.a aYes,a the d.u.c.h.ess said. aI know exactly what you mean, Ursula.a Goodness, she thought, overwhelmed, you simply never knew anyone, their secrets, what theyad endured, what they were really like.

aBy the time I am eighteen,a Antonia said with all the confidence of a girl who was rich, had an immense dowry, and who had been deferred to all her life, aTrevor will be over his unhappiness. Then he will marry me and I wonat die in childbirth because I ride a horse quite nicely and Iam healthy as a stoat. Aunt Gweneth says so.a f.a.n.n.y took the last bite from her apple and flung it into the pond that lay just beyond the huge old oak tree, sending several ducks flapping away, quacking loudly in surprise. aPerhaps I will take James. I just wish he were a bit older. Boys are so callow. They need to ripen, like wine, at least thatas what Papa used to say. Remember, Antonia? Papa used to tease Charlie and Mark whenever they remarked upon a pretty girl. He told them they were still vinegar, that it would take some years to make them vintage port.a Ursula laughed. Antonia looked stricken. The d.u.c.h.ess said easily, aI can see him teasing the boys, f.a.n.n.y. Itas good to remember your brothers with pleasure and laughter.a Ursula said, aThatas why the earl is an upstart, isnat it? Since my cousins dieda"a The d.u.c.h.ess said calmly, aMarcus is your cousin too. He is the earl of Chase. Your father and his father were brothers. You will give him your respect, Ursula, and you will look to him as the head of the Wyndham family, which he is.a aYes, maaam.a aI suppose you can begin with that respect business now. It is Ursula, isnat it?a The d.u.c.h.ess didnat move. Then, very slowly, she turned to see Marcus leaning at his ease against the oak tree. How long had he been standing there, listening and watching? She stared at him silently.

aYes, my lord.a aYou may call me Marcus, since weare cousins.a aYes, Marcus.a aNo fond h.e.l.lo for your husband?a He strode to her, stared down at her bent head a moment, then lifted her limp hand and kissed her fingers.

13.

MARCUS FROWNED AT the sound of that d.a.m.ned valet of his humming. Then Spears broke into song, his deep rich baritone echoing in the huge bedchamber as he neatly folded Marcusas socks.

aSheas more rude than the Regent, Sheas more boring than a stoat.

Sheas as lewd as her brother,

Sheas as crude as a goat.

aAh, yes, crudeness, rudeness, and lewdness,

Three great qualities.

The Grand d.u.c.h.ess Catherinea"

She royally claims all three.a

He couldnat help it, he smiled now. Head heard how Czar Alexander had choked, spitting up his wine on his royal white gold-b.u.t.toned tunic when he chanced to hear some citizens beneath the bow street window of Whiteas, singing at the top of their lungs, the words stark and clear as theyad strolled up St. James Street. Head roared with rage, claimed he would slay the b.a.s.t.a.r.ds, but was restrained by the unflappable Henry, the majordomo of Whiteas for longer than Marcus could remember, and by the Duke of Wellington himself.

aAh, my lord, you have seen the d.u.c.h.ess?a aYes, but just for a moment. She was in the garden with the bevy of young girls.a aIs she well?a aWhy shouldnat she be? Wait a minute, Spears, have you learned something I should know through that d.a.m.ned spy network of yours?a aNo, my lord, it is just that when I last saw her, she wasnat happy. You hadnat been even pa.s.singly civil to her.a aShe didnat deserve civility, pa.s.sing or otherwise. As for you, you traitorous sod, you should have been fired.a aI appreciate your lordshipas restraint.a As he spoke, Spears gently laid six freshly ironed cravats flat in a drawer.

aAre you mocking me, Spears?a Spears straightened. aI, my lord? Mock you? Certainly not, my lord. The very thought deeply offends.a Marcus grunted, saying, aWhen I saw her, I didnat at first gain her attention. You see, she was exhorting Ursula to give me full respect for I was the head of the Wyndham family.a aSince you are the head of the family, it is most appropriate for her to point that out, my lord.a aI suppose so, but why did she say it?a Spears stilled his task of straightening the brush, comb, and nail file on top of Marcusas dressertop for a moment, then said gently, aWhy would she not say it, my lord?a aOh shut up, Spears. Youare not a b.l.o.o.d.y vicar. Itas none of your d.a.m.ned affair. It was never any of your d.a.m.ned affair until you and Badger were impertinent to stick in your noses. I should have you transported to Botany Bay.a aAh yes, my lord. A nasty place, Iave heard. Now about the garden, my lord, and what the d.u.c.h.ess said?a aOh very well. I said something thena"made my presence knowna"and she turned into stonea"nothing new in that. Now, Iam going riding. I hear that b.l.o.o.d.y effete sod, Trevor, is out marching one of my horses over my acres. Doubtless heas marking off boundaries to see how rich he will be.a aBut you said he would be rich, my lord. Either he or his progeny.a aGo to h.e.l.l, Spears. This is different. This is now, and I wonat have the b.u.g.g.e.r treating Chase Park as if heas the earl. I will put a stop to his insolence. I wonder if the peac.o.c.k uses a sidesaddle.a aIt is an interesting speculation, my lord. Will you be back for luncheon?a aYes, if I can find the fellow. I think Iall b.l.o.o.d.y his nose, no, that would make him shriek and perhaps cry. That would never do. No, Iall offer to lead his horse back to the Park for him. Surely heall be fatigued by the time I find him. I wouldnat want the poor little dandy to overtire himself.a aMost considerate of you, my lord.a The d.u.c.h.ess was hungry but she didnat want to go into the dining room and face Aunt Wilhelmina. But poor Mr. Wicks didnat stand a chance around that formidable lady so she knew she couldnat leave him alone. She shuddered, remembering how Mr. Wicks had told her in a trembling voice how Aunt Wilhelmina had come to his bedchambera"bedchamber!a"and proceeded to get everything out of him that she wanted to know because he was so startled, so taken aback, so incredulous. In short, Aunt Wilhelmina was a force to be reckoned with.

Where was Marcus?

Head kissed her fingers, then smoothly introduced himself to Ursula, hugged Antonia and f.a.n.n.y, then taken his leave, not looking at her again, or tossing her another meager word.

She sat in her place at the table. Aunt Gweneth had insisted she take the countessas chair, that it was only right. Shead merely been residing in that chair until the true countess could occupy it. Shead been charming since the d.u.c.h.ess and Mr. Wicks had arrived, treating the new countess of Chase as if shead been a b.a.s.t.a.r.d again. The d.u.c.h.ess was vastly relieved. The last thing she wanted was Aunt Gwenethas nose out of joint. The earlas chair at the other end of the twelve-foot table was empty.

No Marcus. She noticed that Trevor was missing as well. At least Mr. Crittaker was here, speaking kindly to Ursula.

She nodded to Sampson to begin serving the luncheon.

Aunt Wilhelmina said in a carrying voice, aWhere is my nephew, the one whoas set himself up as the new earl? He has yet to introduce himself to me.a aI met him, Mama,a Ursula said as she forked up a bite of turtle soup. aHe is very handsome and ever so big and nice. His hair is as black as the d.u.c.h.essas and his eyes are a light blue too, just like hers.a aThey are related,a Wilhelmina said. aThey should not have married. It is not natural or healthy. Any offspring could be gnomes.a aReally, maaam,a the d.u.c.h.ess said easily, aitas all perfectly legal. The Church doesnat object, after all.a aThe Church of England,a Aunt Wilhelmina said with a goodly dose of contempt. aWhat do those old fools know? If a man has a t.i.tle and money to bribe them, theyall bend any rule thatas ever been written. Thatas what happened, isnat it?a aI a.s.sure you, maaam, no bribery was necessary. Actually, his lordship and I were married in France. It is very Catholic there, maaam. Even the civil requirements are as strict as those of the Church.a aThe French,a Aunt Wilhelmina said and snorted, just like Birdie, the d.u.c.h.essas mare. aIt is all understandable now. Perhaps I had best ask if your marriage is even valid in England.a aI a.s.sure you, maaam, that it is. Mr. Wicks will also give you a.s.surances. He would, I daresay, even give you the a.s.surances here, at the luncheon table, rather than in his bedchamber. Now, everyone doesnat need to hear more of our chatter. I suggest that we eat.a aYouare a stupid shrew and a b.i.t.c.h.a aYou didnat . . . no, no, surely no. Excuse me, maaam?a aI said all of this has come out of the blue and everythingas gone off without a hitch, for you. What else could I have said?a Evidently as Aunt Wilhelminaas indignation increased, her ability to match her cover-ups to her insults lessened.

aHe should have come to meet me,a Wilhelmina said. aThe new earl shows no respect. It shows his lack of breeding.a That was probably true, the d.u.c.h.ess thought, at least the respect part. aYou will enjoy his company at dinner, maaam,a she said easily. She raised her gla.s.s and Toby, the footman, poured her more lemonade. aThank you,a she said and smiled at him.

aHe should die.a aI beg your pardon, maaam?a the d.u.c.h.ess said, ignoring the gasp from Mr. Crittaker, who was sitting next to Aunt Wilhelmina and thus could hear even her muttered words.

aI said the earl would cry over this ham. It is too salty and the pieces are sliced too thick.a Mr. Wicks sent the d.u.c.h.ess an anguished look. He took another bite then excused himself. The d.u.c.h.ess knew poor Ursula couldnat budge from her chair until her mother gave her permission to do so. As for f.a.n.n.y and Antonia, they looked too astonished to budge.

She ate slowly, chewing thoughtfully as she looked at her young cousin James, who was just her age. He would probably be as large a man as Marcus when he reached his full growth. Now, though, he had still a boyas slenderness. His hair was fair and slightly curly, his eyes a wonderful dark green, and his chin was square as the devil, stubborn, if she didnat miss her guess. He was also very quiet, perhaps sullen, his eyes on his plate, eating one bite after the other without pause. He seemed oblivious of all of them. She remembered Ursula saying that he was angry because he wanted to be the man of the family, not Trevor. She noted the very beautiful onyx ring on the index finger of his right hand. It was set in an intricate gold design. She wondered idly where head gotten it.

The time crawled. She had no more thought, idle or otherwise, she was too bored, too itchy. She wished Marcus would come in. She just wanted to look at him. She also wanted to look at his ribs and his arm to see that head healed properly.

Finally, when she knew escape was now possible, she smiled and rose. aForgive me, but I have business to see to. If you will all excuse me.a aShe thinks sheas royalty, the stupid b.i.t.c.h.a aWhat did you say, Mama?a aI said her gown is lovely, and looks quite rich.a Mr. Crittaker choked on the m.u.f.fin he was eating.

She walked sedately from the breakfast room, though, truth be told, she would have preferred running.

She went to the small back morning room she had taken over, and set herself to reading the London Times. She read the society pages, trying to find some amusing tidbits, but failed. It held only a mite of her attention for about ten minutes. She kept thinking about Marcus, wondering where he was.

She couldnat wait to see what he made of that mincing fop, Trevor.

Marcus slowed Stanley to a canter, enjoying the fresh summer air on his face. The sun was high overhead, a bit warm, but no matter. Where was that wretched c.o.xcomb, Trevor?

The gall of the man, stealing his ill-tempered stallion, Clancy, despite Lambkinas a.s.surances that the brute was mean and vicious and not to be trusted. Lambkin had said the American gentleman had just laughed, mounted Clancy without a single problem, and ridden off to the east. So Clancy had been feeling charitable, moreas the pity. Ah, but it never lasted. He hoped his cousin wasnat dead, yet.

Marcus had been riding over three hours now, and still no sign of that poaching sod, Trevor. Head stopped to speak to his tenants when he chanced upon them, feeling oddly warm inside when they greeted him enthusiastically and welcomed him home. The men had asked him all about the d.a.m.ned Frogs, finally beaten down into the ground just as theyad deserved, flattened by our British troops, aye, and about that tyrant, Napoleon, the kinga"no, b.l.o.o.d.y emperora"of the clobbered Frogs. His tenants treated him as if head been the one to make Napoleon abdicate single-handedly. The wives had smiled at him and given him cider. The children had regarded him with favorable awe.

It had felt good, d.a.m.ned good. For the first time, head felt like he really belonged here. As the master of Chase Park, as the earl of Chase. Maybe.

Marcus realized he was hungry. Where was Trevor? Had Clancy finally turned into himself againa"treacherous b.u.g.g.e.ra"and thrown him? Was he dead at this moment? A nice thought, that. No, head probably sprained his ankle and was limping gracefully back to the Park, one white soft hand pressed against his brow. Maybe he was even quoting some of Byronas poetry to romanticize his trifling complaints.

Marcus snorted, then chanced to see someone riding toward him from the north. He pulled Stanley to a stop and waited.

It couldnat be the fop, Trevor. No, as Clancy got closer, he saw that the man riding toward him was big, as large as he wasa"that is, the top part of him was. Maybe he was a dwarf with short legs, but Marcus didnat think so. The man rode as one with that brute, Clancy, swaying easily in the saddle, in complete control, his gloved hands holding the reins easily. d.a.m.nation. It had to be that b.l.o.o.d.y Trevor.

When Clancy got close enough, Marcus, absolutely furious, feeling like a d.a.m.ned fool, shouted, aWhy the h.e.l.l didnat you change your b.l.o.o.d.y fopas name?a The man didnat answer until head pulled Clancy to a well-mannered halt directly in front of Stanleyas nose. He grinned, a white-toothed grin that held mockery, an infuriating understanding, and a good deal of humor. He shrugged, then said, in a soft southern Colonial drawl, aI presume youare my cousin Marcus? The earl?a Marcus stared at the man, a man with vibrant, nearly harsh features, strong nose and jaw, thick black hair and eyes as green as the water reeds that grew thick in the pond in the Chase gardens. He was muscular as h.e.l.l, his body powerful, obviously an athlete, his posture indolent yet bespeaking authority. He simply didnat look like a Trevor, d.a.m.n his sodas eyes.

aYes. Why didnat you change your name? Good G.o.d, man, Trevor! Itas enough to make a real man puke.a Trevor laughed, showing dimples that didnat look at all effeminate, but rather powerfully charming. Marcus would wager this man was a terror with women. He wanted to hate his guts, but he found he couldnat. He even found himself smiling back at those d.a.m.ned dimples. Trevor said in that lazy drawl of hisa"stretching out endlessly, like thick honey, just taking its timea"that should have made him sound like an affected half-wit, but didnat at all, aIt does tend to lead people to think of me in a different way,a Trevor Wyndham said easily. aThat is, naturally, until they meet me. I believe my late father, another one of your uncles, thought it an elegant name. That aside, in all honesty, it is better than the other names he and my mother landed on my head.a aWhat are they?a aHoratio Bernard b.u.t.ts.a aGood G.o.d,a Marcus said blankly. ab.u.t.ts?a aYes, b.u.t.ts was my motheras maiden name. Awful, isnat it?a Trevor Wyndham stuck out a strong black-gloved hand. aA pleasure to meet you finally, cousin.a Suddenly, Marcus began to laugh. He threw back his head and laughed louder. His cousin was content to watch him. Finally, Marcus wiped his eyes, then took his cousinas proffered hand and shook it vigorously. aThe image Iave had of you ever since Mr. Wicks told me about the American Wyndhamsa"good G.o.d. Iave referred to you as a mincing fop and d.a.m.ned c.o.xcomb, and much worse. Forgive me, cousin. If you like, you can smash me in the stomach. Just not my ribs, theyare still sore from a small contretemps I had in Paris.a aA contretemps? I would say youare a dirty fighter, Marcus. Perhaps we can find some ruffians and see which of us is the dirtiest. No, I donat believe the d.u.c.h.ess would like that. Nor would she like me to strike you. I daresay since youave been married such a short while, she still believes you the most handsome, the most n.o.ble, the most exquisite of all G.o.das creatures.a Marcus grunted, looked vaguely uncomfortable, and Trevor raised a thick black eyebrow.

aI would also say that the d.u.c.h.ess is quite the most beautiful woman Iave even seen.a aHave you been to London? To Paris?a aNo, but I am a man and Iam not blind. You donat think your wife is immensely lovely?a Marcus grunted again, saying nothing, his anger at her simmering and bubbling like a witchas caldron just beneath the surface. Head just met his b.l.o.o.d.y cousin, who, it turned out was a man and not a fop, but head be d.a.m.ned if he would spill his guts to him. How dare he carry on about the d.u.c.h.ess as if she were even remotely available to him?

aNeedless to say, my mother was rather perturbed when our Aunt Gweneth informed her upon our arrival that you had marrieda"before the magical date of June sixteenth. She was prostrate with a headache for a good four hours. She quite contemplated the topic until I took over her headache from her.a aI did not know you were here at Chase until three days ago. The d.u.c.h.ess had left me a message and I followed.a aThe d.u.c.h.ess said you were in Paris, seeing to the restoration of the Bourbon.a aYes, consider him restored. As for the rest of it, there will be a congress convened in Vienna this fall. It will probably be as entertaining as the shows at Astleyas Amphitheater.a His cousin c.o.c.ked his head.

aAh, Astleyas is a theater of sorts where you will find men and women doing tricks on horseback, girls going into the audience selling oranges and themselves, men hara.s.sing bears to make them dance, that sort of thing. The children love it and the young men go there to ogle the scantily clad females.a aIn Baltimore we have a similar sort of entertainment. Itas called The Fat Manas Chins.a Marcus laughed.

aItas odd,a Trevor said thoughtfully. aYou look a lot like me. Except for the eyes.a aYes. Youare as dark as a sinister midnight. Our uncle, the former earl, called me the devilas own son. Does that apply to you as well, cousin?a aPerhaps. Recently, at least.a Trevor shrugged, then shook his head at him, dismissing unpleasant thoughts, Marcus thought. He continued, aYour lands are impressive. I borrowed Clancy, though I thought your stable lad, Lambkin, would explode with fear believing this nice fellow would dash me beneath his hooves.a Trevor leaned over to pat Clancyas chestnut neck. Clancy, the perverted b.u.g.g.e.r, snorted and nodded his great head.

Marcus wished he could punch the d.a.m.ned horse in his nose. He said, eyeing the stallion with disfavor, aHe isnat known for his sweet temperament. Let him near a mare and he turns into Attila the Hun ready for an orgy. However, you seem to have him well in hand.a aI have a way with horses, actually I have a way with most animals. A gift, I suppose. Sometimes an embarra.s.sment, particularly when a ladyas little lapdog bites her mistress to free herself and comes leaping up on my leg, barking her head off. Incidentally, Lambkin seems to worship your every footstep.a aLambas a good lad and excellent with the horses. My uncle didnat like him. Why, I donat know.a aProbably because heas lame,a Trevor said. aIave seen it before.a aI hadnat thought of that. Maybe youare right.a aMy brother, James, has my motheras fair coloring and very green eyes. My fatheras eyes were a much darker blue, like the d.u.c.h.essas. Ah, forgive me. It makes sense since the earl was her father.a aYes,a Marcus said curtly. aYou appear to know most of the machinations that have landed upon my head.a aYes. My mother is excellent at badgering people into telling her everything she wants to know. Your Mr. Wicks was no exception. He scarce presented her a challenge. She told me this morning that after everyone had gone to bed, she went to his bedchamber last night, and he was so fl.u.s.tered, he spilled every scape of information he had. Donat worry yourself, cousina"a aCall me Marcus.a aMarcus, donat worry. I will convince her that there is absolutely nothing here for her and remove her as quickly as possible. Iave a mind to see London again and I think Ursula and James would enjoy themselves, perhaps even at this Astleyas of yours.a Marcus pulled on his earlobe, a habit that Badger had. aI donat mean to pry, Trevora"Good G.o.d, that name still curdles my tongue!a"but there is no financial problem with your family, is there?a aNone whatsoever,a Trevor said, his voice becoming quite cool, odd considering that the drawl was still in full force. aMy mother simply came without considering that it would be highly probable that you and the d.u.c.h.ess would marry. I tried to make her wait, but she refused. I had no choice, really, but to accompany her here.a aWhy did she wish to come to Chase Park? Even if the d.u.c.h.ess and I hadnat married, the Park is entailed, and thus it wouldnat have been part of our uncleas legacy.a aI donat know. But she insisted. Father spoke so longingly of Chase Park, perhaps he created this myth in her mind and she had to come. Perhaps she is just nosy. Who knows?a Marcus laughed.

aThere is also the Wyndham legacy.a aThe what?a aMy father spoke of the Wyndham legacy, his voice always low and whispery, as if he feared someone would overhear, as if it were some sort of dark secret and no one else could know about it. He said that someday he would come back and find it and we would be richer than the mandarins in China.a aI have never heard of it. My father never mentioned such a thing nor did the former earl, at least not that I know of. This is very curious. Did your father give you any clues as to what kind of treasure?a aI donat think he knew, even though he spoke of jewels and gold pieces, that sort of thing. But he told my mother of the clues head pieced together before our grandfather kicked him out. It was old, head say, buried long ago, buried back in the reign of Henry the Seventh, just before Prince Arthur died, when the future Henry the Eighth was just a lad, a golden little boy, head whisper, riches beyond belief and all belonging to the Wyndhams. And youad lean toward him, half-afraid and utterly held by his voice and his words. Then head change it the next week and claim it was buried during Henry the Eighthas time or Queen Elizabethas. Who knows?a Marcus found that he had to shake himself. Trevor continued in his cool, drawling voice, aYou know, of course, that Aunt Gweneth and my father corresponded until his death, then it continued with my mother.a aNo, I had no idea. However, I havenat been back here the five years since Charlie and Mark died. I came back only after our uncle died and I became the earl. The Wyndham legacy, huh? A treasure from the early sixteenth century? It all sounds like a b.l.o.o.d.y fairy tale to me.a aIt does to me as well. But my mother believes it.a aShall we go back to the Park?a Trevor nodded, giving Marcus a lazy smile. He said in that drawling voice, aIf nothing else, I can sit and just look at the d.u.c.h.ess. It warms a manas c.o.c.kles to see such character and loveliness in one female person.a aYou need spectacles,a Marcus said, turned Stanley, and dug his heels into his stallionas sides. The two men rode side by side in silence back to the Park.

14.

MAGGIE FASTENED ELIZABETH Cochraneas pearls around the d.u.c.h.essas throat, stood back, and studied her in the mirror.

aLawks,a she said, complacently patting her own brilliantly red hair as she saw her own image with its vibrant ma.s.s of ringlets above the d.u.c.h.essas head.

The d.u.c.h.ess smiled, wondering who the lawks was for. She said as she lightly fingered the pearls, aMy mother used to tell me that pearls had to be worn often against the flesh otherwise they would lose their l.u.s.ter.a aLawks,a Maggie said again, fingering one of the pearls at the back of the d.u.c.h.essas throat. aThese oyster pellets must have cost his lordship a b.l.o.o.d.y fortune, Iad say.a aYouad probably say right, Maggie.a aNow, d.u.c.h.ess, I didnat ever think anyone could have hair as gorgeous as mine, but yours is pa.s.sable-looking, it surely is, despite that sinful black color, maybe even because of it since your skin is whiter than that Yorkshire cheese Iave seen, that looks wonderful but tastes like a rotted bladder. Yes, all that black hair provides distraction, and distraction is important for the stage.a aThank you, Maggie. Youare probably right.a aYes, youare quite pa.s.sable-looking too, beautiful even, if I stretch it just a little bit, and I know his lordship will think so too.a aYou believe his lordship will stretch it, Maggie?a aStretch what, d.u.c.h.ess?a Marcus stood in the now open adjoining doorway between the masteras bedchamber and the countessas bedchamber. She grew very still, unable to look away from him. He was dressed in immaculate black evening wear, his linen stark white, his cravat crisp and beautifully tied, thanks, undoubtedly, to Spears and his magic fingers. His thick black hair was a bit long, curling over the top of his cravat. His blue eyes, however, were cold, colder than the freezing winter of last year that froze the Thames. She tried to smile at him, tried to recognize within herself that he was here and he was sleeping in the bedchamber through that single door, just a thin simple door, that was all, and now he was here, looking at her, and she managed to say calmly, aMaggie thinks I can go beyond pa.s.sable-looking if you stretch it.a aAye, but you, my lord, as her husband, would stretch it to beautiful.a aWould I? I wonder. Youave tricked her out well, Maggie. You may leave us now.a aJust a moment, my lord,a Maggie said with oblivious disregard of the fact that the earl himself had dismissed her. aLet me put this lovely shawl over her shoulders. Itas fair cool at night and I wonat want her to catch a chill. There, d.u.c.h.ess. You look b.l.o.o.d.y fine now. I approve.a aThank you, Maggie. Please donat wait up for me.a Maggie just nodded, then, to Marcusas utter astonishment, she winked at him, then walked out of the bedchamber, all the while touching and patting that flaming red hair of hers.