Tattleton appeared very approving of the sentiment. He motioned behind him and one of the earl’s footmen led the visitor in.
Viola had supposed that the boy’s livery would give him away, if not to her, then to Lady Hightower, who knew absolutely everybody. Rather, he wore a drab blue coat with no hint at all of where he’d come from.
“I see you slink in here disguised, young man,” Lady Hightower said, observing his lack of livery.
The boy threw his chin up and said, “Beg pardon, ma’am, I ain’t never slinked in my life. I just do as I’m told to do.”
“Hmm. Do you know what it is you carry into this house?” Lady Hightower said, staring at the box in his arms.
“I been informed,” the lad said.
“I see,” Lady Hightower said. “And were you planning on relaying that information to me? I can assure you, I have a sturdy cane and you will know it.”
“It’s a ham, ma’am.”
Lady Hightower stood up. “A ham? A ham, you say?”
“The finest one in the kitchens, wrapped up all nice-like for Lady Viola. It ain’t my place to inquire why and so I don’t know it.”
Lady Hightower turned to Viola. “What can be the meaning of this? Have I missed something of the story? Is it speculated that the tinker’s boy lured you away with a ham?”
Viola smiled at the boy. “You are from Lord Baderston, I know you are. He can be the only gentleman so well acquainted with my fondness for ham.”
The boy gave himself away with a smile, then quickly wiped it off his face. “I am bound to secrecy, my lady. I am only tasked to say—For Lady Viola, from an admirer.”
Viola said, “Tattleton, escort this young man to the kitchens where he can deliver the ham to Cook, then give him refreshment before setting him on his way. When he returns to his house, he may say that the ham was very well-received. Very well, indeed.”
Tattleton nodded, though he did not look particularly enthused. He led the boy out and the door was shut behind them.
“Lord Baderston has sent you a ham?” Lady Hightower asked.
“Oh yes, I am certain it is from him,” Viola said.
“They have that in common,” Miss Mayton said. “They both have an unusual interest in ham.”
“Yes, that is a bit unusual,” Lady Hightower said. “Tell me, Lady Viola, is there something serious between you and Lord Baderston? I have, of course, heard of his behavior at the theater. Everybody is talking of how he chased after Mr. Berger. But I had supposed his actions were prompted by his membership in the YBC and his loyalty to Lord Darden.”
“We think he is in love with Viola,” Cordelia said.
“He has not said anything, though,” Viola said.
“I believe the sending of ham is quite a direct statement,” Miss Mayton said.
“This complicates things,” Lady Hightower said thoughtfully.
Viola and her sisters stayed silent, as it was clear that Lady Hightower was mulling something over, though less clear what it could be.
Finally, she said, “Heaven help us.”
“Why do you say so, Lady Hightower?” Viola asked, beginning to be alarmed.
“Child,” she said, “it is bad enough that we have this mess to clean up regarding the gossip being passed on about you. But now, we add in a love interest complicating things. If it is true that Lord Baderston holds a special regard for you, and I suppose it must be as no other person but a lovesick lunatic would send a person a ham, then we have the further danger of what he might get himself into. He will wish to rush hither and thither, fending off all those who dared speak ill of you.”
“Indeed, I believe he has already done so,” Viola said. “He boxed Lord Chelderberry.”
“And chased Mr. Berger, who I imagine he also boxed,” Lady Hightower said, “if reports of his subsequent battered appearance are to be believed. Gracious, it’s to be the Meldover affair all over again.”
“The Meldover affair?” Viola asked. She did not know what that was, but from Lady Hightower’s tone, it was not anything good.
