Chapter 4
Normanton House, that same evening
Five songs later, Robin excused himself. Dee watched Fontus walk over to where her mother sat with their hostess.
“Lady Somerville, I recall the gallery here at Normanton House has some spectacular pieces. Might we take a tour?” He queried.
She smiled. “Why yes, that is a lovely suggestion. Peter, will you come with us?”
“You know much more of the art than I my dear. I’ve papers to attend to in the library. I will decline, if you do not mind.”
“Not at all, my love. I’ll come to you in the library when we finish. Lady Aitken, Lady Deoiridh, Lord Fontus, follow me please.”
The gallery was a cavernous room, with portraits of Somerville ancestors three columns high lining all four walls.
Dee, her mother, and Fontus dutifully followed their hostess around the room as she gestured to each portrait and related the family history.
“Did Somerville’s ancestor truly fight a duel with Cromwell during the Long Parliament?” Lady Aitken asked.
“That is what our ancestor’s papers claim.
Although no other evidence exists, and no one can recall the cause.
The supposed duel was fought with swords and daggers.
” Lady Somerville unlocked a black lacquered chinoiserie piece, opening one of several drawers hidden behind the cabinet doors. “We own both daggers.”
Lady Somerville lifted an ivory handled dirk and handed it over to Lady Aitken.
“Quick,” Dee whispered to Fontus. “While they are occupied, take me to see the first Lady Somerville’s portrait.”
He took Dee’s arm, strolling with her to the far side of the room.
“How did you find me?” she asked.
“Pure luck and a bit of speculation. I hadn’t expected you to be living here, but Mars left a note suggesting it might be a good place to start.”
“Your brother is entirely too clever. My mother is here because our hostess thought to do a kindness and invited her. The letter reached Mother at court, where keeping secrets is impossible. Barbeau still has connections there, so I fear he may know where I am.”
“We must get you away.”
“If I leave before the end of the house party, I risk raising questions that are better unasked.”
“Robin Somerville is a friend. I’ve confided in him.”
“You told him we are wed?”
“Yes. He promised his silence and will help keep you safe.”
“I suppose having help is wise. Please do not confide in anyone else.”
“I’m afraid I must.”
“Why?”
“Because Lovis has arranged…”
“Daughter, our hostess insists we should continue here as long as we like. However, she must attend on her husband. I said goodnight for all of us.”
“Thank you.” Dee saw Lady Somerville leaving the room.
“Now, what were you and Lord Fontus whispering about?” Lady Aiken asked.
“I was asking Lady Deoiridh about something Lady Somerville said.” Fontus blamed that lady for gossiping without a blink. “That a gentleman of Louis’ court was paying unwelcome addresses to Lady Deoiridh.”
“The monsieur is un canaille,” Lady Aitken informed Fontus. “He serves only himself. He has been absent from court for some time. I had hoped he found another quarry, and my Deoiridh could at last come home.”
“I could set about some inquiries. Both my brother, the Duke of Leigh, and Castlereagh can learn nearly anything to be learned of Louis’ court and its members.”
“That is appreciated, Lord Fontus. Nonetheless, we must double our efforts here to keep Deoiridh safe.”
“I agree. I will share the problem with Captain and Sir Peter Somerville at my first opportunity.”
“Thank you.”
“Meanwhile, ladies, I am at your service. Lady Deoiridh, I hope I may call on you tomorrow?”
“I would enjoy seeing you again, Lord Fontus.”
“Perhaps we could ride together?”
“After breakfast perhaps. I rise fairly early.”
“Perfect, thank you. Most of Somerville’s stable comes from Leigh Chase breeding. You will be well mounted, if you permit me to select a horse for you?”
She inclined her head. “I trust your judgment.”
“Then I will bid you both goodnight.” He bowed over their hands and left.
Dee watched him go. She soothed her tiny disappointment at his departure with her delight that she would see him again soon.
“Mother, much as I enjoyed seeing the gallery and our conversations tonight, I must retire if I am to attend breakfast here tomorrow.”
“Oh, I had hoped you and I might share that meal at your oh so joli petit chalet. Lady Somerville will not mind?”
“It is a charming cottage,” Dee agreed while taking her mother’s arm. “However, I no longer stand on ceremony with Sir Peter and Lady Somerville. In the morning, tell her I invited you.”
“Perfect.”
“Let us walk to the central stairs together,” Dee said. “I should be able to find a footman there who will see me safely home.”
She wished that Fontus were her escort, despite the impropriety. They had much to discuss.
How best to achieve the annulment? Where she should remove to prevent Barbeau finding her? Then there was that strange comment of his suggesting that he must confide their secret to his brother who had arranged something. Mother, bless her, had interrupted before he could explain.
Ever since her mother arrived, Dee had felt a looming sense of disaster. A long discussion with Fontus could do much to ease her worries. That was the only reason she was so eager for tomorrow morning’s ride. Really.