“I am working on a paper that I hope will have some merit,” Sir John said, “though I would not advertise it as such until rigorous testing of my theory has been completed.”
“I am certain it shall have great merit,” Kitty said.
Lord Grayson appeared surprised by the endorsement. “It sounds dreary, though,” he said. “Spending all one’s time in one’s mind. I’d much ratherdothings, than think about things.”
Sir John looked at Lord Grayson with cold eyes. “Our ability to think deeply is what separates us from the animals. Apes and dogs candoall manner of things.”
Kitty pressed her lips together to hide a smile. Lord Grayson might be able to parry with a sword, but Sir John’s words were sharper than any metal.
Lord Grayson’s hand tightened on his fork. “Do you imply, sir, that I am an—”
“I never imply, Lord Grayson,” Sir John said. “I am very particular in my speech. I did not call you an ape or a dog, I merely pointed out that they can do many things. My apologies if you did not understand me, the fault is always to be laid at the door of the gentleman who has spoken.”
Kitty was delighted with Sir John. His phrasing was certainly meant to mirror Lord Grayson’s comments on Sir John’s dancing—the fault is always to be laid at the gentleman’s door. Sir John had overheard the comment and he would not be browbeat by such a one as Lord Grayson.
She watched with satisfaction as a faint tinge of pink crept across Lord Grayson’s cheeks. It did not, however, stop him from talking.
“Perhaps Sir John will allow Shakespeare’s opinion—things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing,”Lord Grayson said, his voice giving away his irritation.
“Miss Dell,” Miss Danworth said hurriedly, “I understand from Lord Grayson that you are exceedingly learned yourself.”
Kitty smiled, just imagining what Lord Grayson had said aboutthat. “I would not claim to be exceedingly learned, Miss Danworth, but I do have a curiosity for the knowledge the world has to offer.”
“You must call on me, then,” Miss Danworth said. “Lord Childress’s library is becoming well known for its interesting volumes—my father has recently acquired the Palaskar collection.”
Kitty took in a breath, as did Sir John. The only person in the conversation who did not appear to understand the significance of the Palaskar collection was Lord Grayson.
Mr. Palaskar, now long-deceased, had traveled the world in search of rare and unique volumes. The gentleman was gifted with languages and it was said he had been fluent in seven of them. He’d spent the majority of his career translating his treasures into English.
“Miss Danworth,” Kitty said, “is it true that for each volume there is a translation?”
“For most,” Miss Danworth said. “Mr. Palaskar’s own works are all bound in red leather and they sit side by side to the original work. We have employed a librarian, a very skilled and multi-fluent gentleman, to organize it all and translate the ones that were missed. I am certain Mr. Crackwilder would be happy to show you about.”
“You are most kind, Miss Danworth,” Kitty said.
“And you too, Sir John,” Miss Danworth said pleasantly. “You are welcome to come and have a look. I am at home on Wednesdays.”
“A rare and important honor, Miss Danworth,” Sir John said gravely.
“Wait a minute,” Lord Grayson broke in. “Crackwilder? Jeremy Crackwilder of the tenth?”
“I believe he was a soldier, Lord Grayson,” Miss Danworth said, “but I would know little further. He walks with a cane, if that identifies him.”
“Of course it must be him,” Lord Grayson said. “He was my lieutenant.”
Kitty found herself frustrated that Lord Grayson would manage to make the conversation about himself. She very much wished to hear more of Palaskar’s library. She was also hard-pressed to imagine Lord Grayson charged with a lieutenant. How on earth had the man located pressed shirts and snowy cravats in a war?
The conversation moved on to speculation over whether Lady Lilith was truly to travel to America. Kitty did not care if Lady Lilith threw herself off a roof, though she worked to pretend interest. Sir John appeared to wish Lady Lilithwouldthrow herself off a roof to be done with the debate. It was only Lord Grayson and Miss Danworth who appeared to find it at all interesting. Kitty purposefully ignored Lord Grayson’s attempt at a penetrating gaze when he’d said, “Sometimes a lady may seem even more distant than America, though she still be in England.”
As she studiously ignored Lord Grayson, Kitty thought with trepidation of calling upon Miss Danworth. The lady had been courteous to extend the invitation, and Kitty would certainly go as she could not miss a visit to Palaskar’s books, but she thought the lady somehow off-putting. Miss Danworth smiled, she was polite, but cool. She was not the sort where one felt an instant friendship spring up. But then again, shedidhave possession of Palaskar’s books and that must go a long way in her favor.
The discussion over Lady Lilith eventually faded and Miss Danworth engaged in a conversation with Lord Grayson about Kitty did not care what. It left her free to speak to Sir John about her recent encounter with Mr. Lackington and Mrs. Herschel.
“Mrs. Herschel was so kind as to invite me to call on Tuesday,” Kitty said.
“Ah, yes, her weekly salon.”
“Salon?” Kitty said. “Do you mean an intellectual salon?”
