‘I think, Tyneham, that you have said enough.’ Lord Rothley spoke slowly, and in a voice so devoid from its normal bantering tone that Sophy was stunned.
‘But you—’ Lord Tyneham jibbed at his horses’ mouths unintentionally.
‘Enough. I think we should ride on, ladies. The horses are getting cold standing about.’ His look to Sophy said not to question but to obey, and without a moment’s thought she did so.
‘Good day to you, cousin.’ She nodded at the now puce-cheeked viscount. ‘Come, Harriet, Susan.’
She set the mare to canter, and was soon outpaced by Susan’s bay. Lord Rothley drew alongside her.
‘Will you explain to me what that was all about, my lord?’
‘I regret not, ma’am.’
‘You too think there are things I am too “delicate” to know?’ She was angry.
‘No, but I am uncertain upon several points and without certainty … Tyneham cannot keep pace with you, Lady Sophy. Since you are now out of his reach, I crave pardon and ask to be excused.’
The harsh edge was in his voice again, and it made her ask, tentatively, ‘I am sorry if I have angered you, my lord. Have I done so?’
He smiled, but the eyes remained untouched by it.
‘No, ma’am, I swear you have not. Good day to you.’ He touched his hat and wheeled away.
Sophy was glad when they had completed a circuit. Harriet and Susan were discussing what had occurred, but she kept her confused thoughts to herself. Unfortunately, she was returning not to peace where she could ponder, but turmoil.
Lord Rothley rode home, shut himself in his study, and wrote a letter.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Hill Street residence was in a state ofupheaval, and Sophy, as she had surmised, had no time to think about the events in the Park. Bembridge took her aside.
‘Her ladyship’s compliments, my lady, and would you attend her immediately in the green saloon. I think she did not mean for you to change from your riding dress, if I may be so bold.’ He looked the very picture of the concerned family retainer, which was true enough. The rumour had already run through the house that something untoward had occurred regarding Lady Frances, as was, and he had known her from childhood.
‘Thank you, Bembridge, I shall go to her at once.’ She saw his worry. ‘And Bembridge, I am sure the news is not of the worst sort.’ She hoped she was right.
She gave him her hat, crop and gloves, with a wavering smile, and hurried up the stairs. Lady Chelmarsh was in the green saloon, seated at a small writing desk. She looked up as Sophy entered, but did not stop writing.
‘Sophronia dear, there you are. Good. I am just writing to Lady Orpington. She will take Harriet and Susan when she presents Cecily at Court. I know that you could do it, my dear, but this is easier and you will have enough … to think about. Now, as to which invitations to—’
‘Mama, before all else, please tell me why you must leave in such a hurry. What is wrong with poor Frances?’
‘No doubt it is first time nerves, poor girl, but … She just had news of her dear friend Lady Syre, Anne Gowerton as you will remember her. Died in childbed last week, and the infant with her.’
‘Oh no, how awful.’
‘Well, it has shaken poor Frances to the core. Tattersett writes that he is terribly worried about her. He has tried, dear boy, to calm her, but he says she is constantly tearful, and shaking and convinced she will die, and fail him and … poor child, she needs me there.’
‘Yes, yes, I can see that, Mama. You will not be able to return, though? She is not due for six weeks or thereabouts.’
‘With all the upset, Sophronia, it is always possible that she might be confined early, and I really do not feel that I dare leave her in such a case. One can never be sure about dates. I well remember thinking your brother would not arrive until mid-May, and yet there he was, in his cradle, by the last day of April.’
‘If that is so, then of course you must stay. Oh dear, and there is so much to be thought of with our party only ten days away and—’
‘The preparations for our party are all in hand, and Bembridge, you know, has been instrumental in organising such things since before you were born. You need only oversee the last-minute details, and stand in my stead during the evening. Oh, and the flowers, do make sure that you yourself are happy with the placement of the arrangements. Now, I have already made a list of those invitations you must be sure to accept, my love, but you have a sensible notion of how to go on, I will give you that. I am sure that you can chaperone the girls, and people will be understanding.’
‘What do I say about your absence, Mama?’
‘I doubt they will ask you direct, but you may say that your sister’s confinement is giving cause for concern. Selina Orpington has the truth of the thing and I have suggested she let it be known quietly. She will be happy to advise you upon any matter about which you are unsure.’ Lady Chelmarsh sighed. ‘Of course, it will give little opportunity for you to advance your own cause, but we both know your chances were never very strong, and perhaps Tyneham might yet …’ She sighed again.
