Page 26 of The Work of Art

“You’re doing very well.”

“No, indeed, I’m utterly hopeless. You’ll find me a rather dull dinner companion, I fear.”

“I shall find you a perfect dinner companion. I’ve only to wonder what sort of dinner companion you’ll find me.”

“The best kind. Truly, Captain Heywood, if you hadn’t come tonight, I’d planned to plead a headache and excuse myself to bed.”

Arthur opened his mouth to reply, but across the room, Lady Edgeworth’s loud voice arrested his attention. The conversation about the war had escalated from a single stupid sentiment to a full dialogue of offensive nonsense.

“…our soldiers do love to fight,” she was saying with blustering condescension. “One cannot begrudge it them. But in my view, Mrs. Vale, it would be far better to die on the battlefield with full honors and glory than to come home fit for no occupation at all. In our village alone, Edgeworth and I have seen men who…”

Arthur’s hand tightened on his cane. “Would that we could both excuse ourselves this very moment.”

Miss Satterthwaite cast a fleeting glance in Lady Edgeworth’s direction. “And go where, sir?”

“Wherever you’d like, ma’am. The further the better. I’m completely at your service.”

“Shall we take my dogs along with us?”

Arthur turned his gaze back to Miss Satterthwaite’s face. His anger over Lady Edgeworth’s remarks faded. “Naturally. Though it will limit our options somewhat.”

“Not at all. We shall simply go to the park.”

“I don’t advise it at this hour. It will be black as pitch, and no doubt filled with all manner of villains.”

Her brows lifted. “Will it really?”

“I should think so.”

“Well then, I’m afraid there’s nothing for it. We shall simply have to remain here and make the best of things.”

“There are worse fates, I’m sure.”

She smiled. “In all seriousness, Captain Heywood, the park can’t be so dangerous, can it?”

“London is a dangerous city, Miss Satterthwaite. I’m glad you don’t venture out of doors without your dogs and your maid.”

“And my cousins.”

“Your dogs and your maid and your cousins? That’s quite a large party.”

“Rather too large. Unfortunately, I’ve been informed that my cousins must accompany me on all of my outings from now on.”

A flicker of apprehension put Arthur on his guard. “How did they come by this decision?”

“It’s rather ridiculous, but I think Sara has been expressing concern to Mrs. Vale about who I talk to when I go into the park.”

His jaw tightened as apprehension quickly gave way to anger. “You’ve done nothing improper. And I shall be glad to address the matter with anyone who dares say otherwise.”

“Oh no, Captain Heywood.” She set a hand on his sleeve. “You mustn’t say anything. I’m not certain that Sara has mentioned your name, you see, and I’ve no wish to put you into any difficulty with my uncle.”

The warmth and weight of her touch set his heart to thumping. Foolish, really. He was no green lad. “There will be no difficulty. I’ll speak with your uncle directly.”

“You’re very obliging, sir, but please, I must insist you not say a word. It will do nothing but alarm everyone further, and who knows what they might do then? Why, they may get it into their heads to forbid my going for walks altogether.”

“Don’t distress yourself. I’ll remain silent if that’s what you wish. But I must say…it seems to me that this maid of yours has done you a very shabby turn.”

Miss Satterthwaite removed her hand. “Yes, I suppose it does appear that way, though I don’t believe she meant any ill.”