Never Doubt I Love (28 page)

“So 'twould appear. I find monologues boring. But by all means continue to entertain yourself. I shall seek out my imitation valet. His conversation, though crude, is at least comprehensible. Oh egad!” Falcon shuddered. “One of my more ardent admirers approaches. I wish you joy of him.”

With a graceful wave he blended into the crowd, passing and ignoring the extremely fat individual who came puffing up to occupy the settle he had vacated.

“Give you good day, Perry,” wheezed the newcomer. “Poor fellow, how you bear the Mandarin is beyond me.”

“Dicky!” Shaking hands, Cranford said, “Be dashed if you've changed a whit since we were both brought down at Prestonpans!”

A waiter hurried over with a tray of eggs, toasted buns, and sliced cold pork.

Richard Tyree thanked him and told him not to forget the ale, then took up knife and fork and attacked the food like a starving man. “They know my habits here,” he said indistinctly. “And you're a liar, Perry. I'm three stone heavier, and you know it. Fat and happy, dear boy.” A pair of merry hazel eyes scanned Cranford over a forkful of pork. “More than I could say for you. How do you stay so trim?”

“The single life, Dicky. No worries.”

“Humph! From what I recall of my bachelor days, the single life was one long worry. But never mind that. What brings you to this den of iniquity?”

“You. I need some information on an alleged passenger aboard an East Indiaman.”

“Best go to the Jerusalem—”

“I just came from there. They claim the fellow never sailed, but I have it on excellent authority he boarded at Calcutta and—”

“Not another one!” Tyree put down his knife and exclaimed incredulously, “Rot me! 'Tis a flood!”

“Another—what? Has someone else been enquiring?”

“Blasted covey of ‘someones.' There was a naval lieutenant asking the very same questions. About a friend, he said. And a large and unlovely fellow concerned for his master. And not ten minutes ago—” His words were drowned by the clamour of the bell, and a renewed outburst of shouting, and he stood, then climbed onto the seat trying to see the board on which information was being chalked at great speed.

When he sat down again, grunting from his efforts, Cranford leaned closer, and howled, “Why all the frenzy? Is is bad news for you, Dicky?”

“No, praise be. I was hoping 'twas word that the
Lady Aranmore
has made port. She's far overdue, and everyone's out of curl, thinking she's gone down, or been pirated.”

Dismayed, Cranford said, “Oh, Jupiter! Isn't she commanded by Derek Furlong?”

“Aye. And if anyone can bring her safe home, that young fella can! Now, I've an appointment in Leadenhall Street when I finish m'breakfast. My coach will be here in a quarter hour. An you'd care to come along, you can tell me of your mislaid friend on the way.”

*   *   *

By eleven o'clock the fog had dispersed somewhat, but the morning was chilly, and only a few people strolled about St. James's Park. Lifting Boadicea from the coach, Zoe entertained few hopes of meeting Miss Benevento today. She allowed Gorton and her beau as long a chat as she dared, then sent Coachman Cecil off, telling him to come back for them in an hour.

Gorton smiled dreamily after the coach, and said, “If you but knew, Miss, how much it means to us to be able to talk sometimes. You are so very kind.”

“I wish I could do more.” Zoe did not add that when she found the proper moment she fully intended to broach the subject with Lady Julia.

Eager to run, Boadicea was tugging at the lead, and they began to follow one of the footpaths, the dog's little legs flying, and her nose busy. Within five minutes Miss Benevento hurried to join them, her footman following, discreet as ever.

The ladies embraced; Boadicea and the dainty little Petite were entrusted to Gorton and Luigi, and Zoe and her new friend walked on ahead.

Inevitably, their conversation turned to the musicale, and Zoe repeated her compliments on Miss Benevento's poetry reading. “I had such a lovely time,” she said. And with a sidelong glance at the beautiful face framed by the fur-lined hood of a long dull-red cloak, she added, “Did … you? After Lieutenant Cranford and I had—er, left, I mean?”

A low gurgle of laughter, and the beauty tucked one hand in Zoe's arm and said softly, “What you mean, my dear Zoe—we shall be first-name friends, if you please. What you mean is, how did I like your dashing friend, Captain Sir Owen Furlong? And the answer is, I like him very well. We spent the rest of the day and much of the evening learning about each other. Which was not at all
convenable,
since we had just met. But 'twas most—enjoyable. There! I have confessed. Are you shocked?”

“Oh no! I am excessive pleased! I think him the very nicest gentleman. In point of fact, I had told Pere— Lieutenant Cranford, that you would make the most delightful couple.”

Maria looked briefly startled, then said with a smile, “You have the romantic soul, I see! Ah, but that is to look very far ahead, and me—I find it unwise to look any further ahead than … today.” She paused briefly, her face pensive, then went on in a resumption of her quick, vital manner, “Now, you shall tell me how you go on in that great gloomy house with your very fierce lady. Have you the happiness, my new friend?”

“Well, Lady Julia is the dearest thing, you know,” Zoe answered, for once choosing her words with care. “And—and Lady Buttershaw is not always quite so fierce as she seems. I think. Besides, I am very fortunate to see some of this great city which is—”

“Which is so very great.
Si, si.
And the animals they are a joy, and the ladies are to a fault generous. Yet you do not answer my question. Which means, happiness it does not come to you—no?”

“Well, I—I miss Papa and my home, do you see, but—”

Maria halted and gestured to the servants. “I am fatigued,” she said, as they came up. “So Miss Grainger and I, we will sit here and talk for a little while. Be so good as to take the dogs for a nice long walk.”

The footman bowed and walked on at once, but Gorton hesitated, slanting an uneasy glance at Zoe.

Maria said reassuringly, “Your mistress will be perfectly safe with me, I promise you.”

Zoe nodded, and with obvious reluctance Gorton followed Luigi.

“She is loyal, that one,” said Maria, leading the way to a bench.

“Yes, she is, or she would not dare leave us alone. She was told never to let me out of her sight.”

“La, la! One might think you were a criminal, and preparing your escape!” They both laughed, and Maria went on: “Not that I would blame you. I should so very much dislike to be guarded all the time! To say truth, I am not happy either, my Zoe. This London it is a lonely place for one not born to it. Ah, but I see what is in your mind. The gentlemen, they flock around me, you think. This also is truth. But they do not admire me for what I am, only for what I look like. And an admirer of youth and looks, which do not endure, is very different to a true and faithful friend. You are my friend, and I think something is—as my brother would say—cutting up your peace.” She took Zoe's hand. “Will you permit that I help?”

Her warm clasp, the kindness in the deep, dark eyes, the understanding smile, touched Zoe's troubled heart. “Oh, how very good you are,” she said. “And you are quite right, Maria. I am very worried. Only … perhaps I am being silly. Except in the matter of my dear Travis.”

“There is but one way to tell a tale. Begin, my dear, at the beginning.”

A few minutes later, Zoe asked, “Do you think I am being silly? If you
knew
how guilty I feel, to even suspect that—”

“That this haughty bully of a dowager has put her prying eyes into your most personal correspondence? Pah!” Her own eyes snapping with anger, Maria said, “Like you, I have a brother who is extreme dear to my heart, and far away, alas. If such a one as this Lady Buttershaw had dared intercept a letter bringing news of
him,
I would”—her slender hand formed into a claw—“I would scratch her! Hard!”

The very thought of such a confrontation awed Zoe. She said, “Then you think I am not being foolish and over-imaginative?”

“I think your so-called benefactor she wishes to learn something. And it must be something of great import for her to risk her good name by resorting to behaviour that is so outrageous. If it should become known, she would be as despised as if she had committed a crime!” Maria paused, her brow wrinkling, then murmured dreamily, “You say your Travis he is coming from India. What if he chances to have rendered some great service to—to a Maharajah?”

A kindred spirit! Her eyes glowing, Zoe said, “Like saving the life of his favourite son!”

“Just so. Or his favourite wife. Or even his own life, which he would likely value more highly than either of the others. So he has rewarded your brother with the great Ruby of Ranjipangidad, and your greedy lady has found out, and is determined to have it for herself!”

“Imagine!” breathed Zoe. “Is there such a place as Ranji—whatever 'tis?”

“Who knows?” said Maria with an airy gesture. “But something like that—it could be possible, no? And if it
should
be such a naughty plot, you must be very careful, my little Zoe, and not let your fierce lady know you suspect her wicked designs.” She frowned. “Have you spoken of this to Mr. Cranford?”

“Yes. He thinks Lady Buttershaw is short of a sheet.”

“Does he so?” Maria laughed merrily. “Which means, I take it, that she is not right in her brain, and with this I agree. Does he advise that you should leave Yerville Hall?”

“No, not now, at least. As he says, the difficulty is that I do not really have any proof. And I cannot very well go rushing off to Aunt Minerva only because I have let my imagination run away with me. Poor Lady Julia would be so hurt.”

“Yes, I see that, for she has been kind, poor creature. Perhaps, your fine Lieutenant he is the wise one, and we borrow trouble where there is no cause. But if something should happen to frighten you, Zoe, promise you will come to me. Here—” She fumbled in her muff. “Here is my card, and I will write down my direction … There. You will not hesitate? In case of need, you will come? At any hour of the day or night! Promise me this.”

Zoe took the card and tucked it into the pocket of her cloak. “Yes, indeed. I promise. And oh, I do thank you so much for being willing to stand by me. But you must stop and think, dear friend. Lady Buttershaw is very powerful among the
ton.
If I were to go to you, I fear 'twould get you into most terrible trouble!”

“Pah!” said Maria, with a snap of her fingers. “This, I do not regard! One word to my brother, and he would mince the meat of her
and
her powerful friends! Besides,” she added, with a mischievous twinkle, “we can always call on our beaux, no? Your fine Peregrine, and my dashing Sir Owen. Men, my Zoe, they must be good for something! Ah, here come our people. Is your woman to be trusted?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“Good. Then you must tell her where I live so that in case of need she can bring me a message.” She squeezed Zoe's hand and said vehemently, “Be of good cheer, my gentle friend. Now neither of us is all alone in London Town!”

*   *   *

Dusk came a little earlier each night, now that November was almost here, and it was getting dark and the fog swirling in again when Cranford gave his card to Arbour, together with a request that Miss Grainger grant him a brief interview.

The butler bowed, showed him into the library, and went away.

In a very few moments, Zoe came in with a rustle of satin, and her eyes bright with hope. Gorton followed, and sat down just inside the door.

Zoe said eagerly, “Per— Lieutenant Cranford. How nice in you to call.”

He bowed, and jerked his head meaningfully, and she led the way to the windowseat, whispering, “Is this very naughty?”

“I rather suspect it is, so we must be quick. Zoe, I am very sorry to disappoint you.” Her face fell at once, and he went on, “Pray do not be cast down. Lloyd's was in such an uproar 'twas very hard to make enquiries, and the Jerusalem Coffee House was not much better.”

“I quite understand.” She smiled bravely. “You were unable to find your friend?”

“Oh, I found him, and I have his promise that he'll send me word the instant he learns anything.”

“Do you think he really will? If he has much business on his mind he might not have the time to make enquiries about all the incoming vessels.”

“He's busy, 'tis true, but I think he keeps abreast of all arrivals and departures. He has a keen mind and is very knowledgeable. He was able to give me some word that poor Furlong will not like, I'm afraid.”

“Not bad news, I hope? He is such a nice gentleman.”

“Hmm,” he said, fixing her with a stern stare. “You admire him, do you?”

She giggled. “Yes, I do, for I think he is the very best kind of man. And—so does Miss Benevento. Is he a part-owner of some vessel?”

“Eh? Oh—no. But his brother's ship is long overdue. She was delayed and is sailing alone, which is very chancy, you know. I was hoping to be able to take some good news to Furlong, but, unhappily, the
Lady Aranmore
has not yet made port, so— Oh, egad! What did I say?”

Her eyes very wide, Zoe gripped his arm. “The—Lady—
who?
”

“No. The
Lady Aranmore.
Derek Furlong's East Indiaman. Whatever is wrong?”

“Oh, Perry!” she whispered. “Oh—my goodness!”

“Yes. I'm here. What is it? Jupiter! How pale you are become! Are you ill?”

“No! It is—it is—that
name!
I have heard it before! Perry! She is the lady— I mean—I
thought
'twas a lady— Oh, my! 'Tis the lady they
spoke
of! The men I overheard the night Bo came scratching on my door! They said they were waiting for the
Lady Aranmore!
”