Page 16 of Just a Little Daring

“I see.” August stared at the fireplace. Really, he ought to have expected something like this. It served him right for going away.

“He’s furious,” Gwen hissed at Anna in an all too audible whisper.

“No,” Anna said thoughtfully, as though he wasn’t there. “He’s in shock. For now. Then he’ll be furious. Then he’ll wash his hands of us.”

“Oh good. Does that mean we can use his room?” Gwen asked, perking up.

“Yes.” August got to his feet. He had the firm conviction he’d best leave now. Things would not get any better if he stayed. “Yes. You can have my room. You can have the whole damned house. It’s for the best. I see that now. I can’t help you. I love you all, but I’m not your keeper, and have no wish to be. You never listen to my advice, and I’m not a tyrant to bully you all and demand you marry or live life as society thinks you ought. I wish you could do as you please and not make my life so damned difficult, but as you live as you please, no matter what the consequences, it’s a moot point. So, have at it. It’s yours. Paint the place purple if it pleases you.”

“Is he all right?” Gwen asked Anna dubiously as August moved towards her.

Anna shrugged, looking anxiously between them.

“Perfectly,” he said, embracing her and kissing her cheek, before doing the same to Anna. “I feel much relieved, actually. You’re free, and so am I. I shall pack and be on my way. Forward any correspondence to Bainbridge, will you?” he added, and hurried from the room.

Chapter 6

Miss Knight,

I was most distressed by your absence from last night’s rout party. Miss Anson assures me you are only a little under the weather—a head cold I believe? Is that so? Have you seen a physician? Is there anything I can do for you? Please reassure me of your wellbeing before I fret myself to death.

You missed nothing of note last night, I assure you, for it was a deadly dull affair, but perhaps that was because you were not there to enliven it.

I hope the accompanying parcel is of some benefit to your spirits. I assure you I will be quite inconsolable until I see you back to your usual self and in my company. For my sake, hurry and get well.

Take care of yourself, ma petite.

LC x

―Excerpt of a letter from Louis César de Montluc, Comte de Villen to Miss Evie Knight (daughter of Lady Helena and Mr Gabriel Knight).

22nd February 1841, Cavendish House, The Strand, London.

“Are you sure she’s all right?” Viv asked her mother anxiously as servants hurried in and out of the house, loading her parents' carriage with luggage.

“I’m not dead yet!” Nani Maa protested before the countess could reply, glowering and folding her arms. She was not at her best, however, despite her protests. The damp weather and cold had half the ton down with various ailments and Mama would take no chances with Nani Maa’s health, or the cough that had persisted for a little too long.

Mama rolled her eyes. “No one is suggesting you are. We are trying to ensure you remain fighting fit. Which is why we are taking you to see Pippin, you dreadful creature! And much thanks we have for escorting you to see your best friend,” she added, shaking her head.

Nani Maa pouted, quite unrepentant. “Well, better her than that fool quack again. Idiot didn’t know what he was talking about. Pippin will see me right.”

“Yes, I am certain she will,” Mama said, patting her hand with a reassuring smile before returning her attention to Vivien. “Now, don’t you worry about us. You and Ash will have a lovely time with Arabella whilst we’re gone, though I rely on you to behave as you ought, Vivien. I know Bainbridge’s aunt is quite respectable, but… Well, Nani Maa liked her a good deal. Shall we leave it at that?”

Vivien laughed, knowing full well Lady Beauchamp and her friend and companion, Mrs Cora Dankworth, were perfectly outrageous. “I’ll be good, Mama, don’t fret.”

Her mother nodded and embraced her. “We ought only to be away ten days, but I shall write and let you know how she’s getting on.”

Once they had waved their parents and Nani Maa off to the countryside, Viv and Ash went back indoors to wait as the servants next loaded their belongings on a carriage for the short journey to Axton House.

“A stroke of luck, Arabella asking us to stay when she did,” Ash mused thoughtfully. “I’m afraid I would have abandoned you as well and stayed with a friend here rather than mouldering in the countryside.”

Viv laughed. “Oh, I know, brother dear, believe me. As it is, you’re stuck with me.”

“And glad of it,” Ash said soothingly. “Though I do wonder what life at Axton House will be like. The old duke is said to be something of a tyrant, you know. I wonder what’s brought him to town? I thought he was a recluse these days?”

“He’s not been seen in town for almost a decade,” Viv agreed as Ash handed her up into the carriage. “But he adores Arabella. Apparently, he moped about and drove all the servants to distraction the last time she went away, and they had to cut their visit short and go home. So she persuaded Bainbridge it would be less bother to get him to come with them.”

Ash laughed and shook his head. “Well, it makes sense. Bella always was good with troublesome children.”