A Conspiracy of Ravens (10 page)

“Part of the stock of actor’s tricks that I’ve been forced to develop, but you are a beautiful dancer. You’ve probably had more practice than I have.”

“I doubt that. But I do want to tell you how much I enjoyed your performance in
Romeo and Juliet
. I thought your Mercutio was magnificent.”

“Words I love to hear! Do you go to the theatre much?”

“As often I can. Uncle Edward spoils me greatly, I fear, and my father assists him as well as he can.”

“I haven’t met your father, have I?”

Dylan did not miss the fact that his question threw Gervase into a brief silence. It was as if she were searching for an answer, and finally she said, “He will probably be a little late. He wasn’t feeling too well tonight.”

“I’ll be happy to meet him.”

“Well, he doesn’t like parties or balls.”

“Is he much like Mr. Rupert?”

“Oh, no, not at all! They have the same father but different mothers. Lord Leslie’s first wife was a very gentle woman. Rupert seems to have none of that gentleness.”

“You apparently don’t care for your Uncle Rupert.”

“Oh, let’s not talk about that. Change the subject.”

“Very well. Your dress is beautiful, Miss Hayden, and you dance divinely.”

“There! Let’s have a lot more of that. You may lie to me all you please about my ability as a dancer and my beauty. Actors are known for such things. I refuse to believe a word you say, but it’s pleasant to hear.”

Across the room, Leah St. John had come to stand beside Edward and Heather. They watched the dancers, commenting on various individuals, and finally Leah said, “Edward, do you think it’s wise to let Gervase have her way?”

“About what, Sister?”

“I understand that it was she who asked the actor, Mr. Tremayne, to come, or rather she asked you if she could do such a thing and you said yes.”

“He seems like a fine enough chap, and Gervase has a lot of sense. Besides, he adds a little colour to the ball, don’t you think?”

“Gervase has very good sense, Leah,” Heather said with a smile. “She’s not likely to fall in love with an actor.”

After a brief silence Leah turned to face the pair. “I wish her father had more of that.”

“Well, Arthur’s sensitive,” Edward said reluctantly and with some sadness, “and I suppose he’ll never change.”

Rupert had joined their group, and he said now, “No, he never will change. It’s a pity. Men should change.”

Edward laughed and turned to face Rupert. “You’re a fine one to talk, Rupert. When was the last time you changed? I believe it was when you were fifteen and decided not to be a lawyer.”

Rupert straightened up, and a frown scored his features. “I trust you’re not saying I’m like Arthur.”

“No, you’re a practical man and Arthur isn’t.”

Heather at once defended Arthur, for she was fond of him. “He’s got a sweet spirit. I always liked him. Now, enough gossip about family. Let’s enjoy the ball.”

Across the room Grant was chatting with Dora when St. John suddenly appeared. He had obviously been drinking, and Grant, being highly attuned to such things, noticed it immediately.

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to give up your pursuit of Aldora, Inspector.”

Grant blinked. It was improper of the man to say such a thing. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” he said stiffly.

“I’ve decided to become her suitor,” St. John said and grinned loosely.

“Don’t be silly,” Dora said. “You know that could never happen.”

“But it would solve all my problems. Plenty of money in your family to support a trifling beggar like me.” He turned to Grant and said, “Are you enjoying the ball?”

“Not really my sort of thing, Mr. St. John.”

“No, catching criminals would be much more exciting, I’m sure. You and your actor friend are in the same boat as I am.”

“I don’t know what to make of that,” Grant said, studying the younger man carefully.

St. John smiled, pleased to have offended Grant. “We’re not quite the ticket, as they say. Come along, Aldora. Time you had a dance with a really excellent partner.”

Matthew Grant watched as the pair moved off and felt a glow of anger. He did not like Bramwell St. John, and he muttered under his breath, “A good caning would help him, and I’d like to be the one to administer it!”

The evening had worn on, and finally Leah St. John moved over and began to speak to Alberta. The two had known each other well for years, and Alberta commented on Leah’s son. “You have such a handsome son. St. John’s one of the best-looking young men I know.”

“Yes, he’s fine-looking, but I worry about his future.”

Surprise washed across Alberta Newton’s face. “Why would you worry about his future?”

“He has no profession.”

“But he’s young. Many men older than St. John are late in finding their calling.”

Leah chewed her lower lip, and for an instant, pain scored her face. “If something happened to Edward, Rupert would be the head of this family.”

“Yes, I understand he has been designated as such by Edward.”

“If Edward died and Rupert were the head of this family, Bramwell and I would be set out in the street without a dime.”

“Oh, surely not! Rupert would never do a thing like that.”

“You don’t know him, Alberta. He’s a cold, heartless man, and he begrudges us every bite we eat.”

Alberta was shocked. She had never heard such a thing mentioned, although she had known Leah to be an unhappy woman, and now she said gently, “Edward is a strong, healthy man. He’ll live for many years. Now, come and let’s get some refreshments.”

Serafina had been watching the two women speak as she stood far back into the crowd when she looked up and saw Lord Darby making his way toward her. As he stood before her smiling, she was reminded of what a fine, handsome, strong man he was.

“I’ve been watching Dylan dance with a most attractive woman,” Serafina said.

“Ah, your friend Tremayne is an attractive fellow himself. The ladies can’t keep their eyes off of him.”

“Oh, he looks well enough.”

“Come now, Serafina, you know he’s probably the best-looking man in England. Women turn around to watch him on the street. I’ve observed that much in this single evening.”

Serafina knew that Lord Darby was right, and it troubled her. “Yes, but it’s not his good looks I admire. I owe him a lot. Have you heard how he was injured saving David?”

“Just a little. I’d like to hear the rest of the story.” He listened intently as Serafina related how David had wandered into the pasture with the wild, dangerous bull, and how Dylan had rescued him, risking his own life.

“He is a stout fellow. There’s more to him than Rupert thinks.”

“What does Rupert say?”

“Oh, you know Rupert. He’s all pounds and shillings and pence. If he can’t put a price on it, he’s not interested. He thinks Tremayne is a shallow actor.”

“He’s much more than that,” Serafina said sharply, and then she made herself smile. “Are you going to ask me to dance?”

“I shall indeed.”

The two danced the next dance, and when it ended they left the floor and moved to where Dylan was waiting. “Lord Darby, I must protest. You’re a much better dancer than I am.”

“You shouldn’t be on that bad leg so much, Dylan,” Serafina said crossly.

“Well, the poor fellow can’t help it. The women are practically lined up to dance with him.” Edward smiled.

“Perhaps if you’ll dance with me, Lady Trent, that will warn some of them off.”

Serafina said, “I’m not sure of that, but we’ll try it.” They nodded to Lord Darby and moved back to the dance floor, but before they left, Edward said, “Oh, do you ride, Tremayne?”

“Yes, sir, but not as well as you, I’m sure.”

“Join me tomorrow. We’ll ride over the estate. I’ll show you some fine animals and some fine farming.”

“I’d be most happy, Lord Darby.”

As they merged into the dance, Dylan said, “He’s a fine man. I can tell.”

“He is fine, and his wife is too. They’re the happiest couple that I know.”

“More than your parents?”

“Oh, perhaps not, but my parents have something to make them happy.”

“And what’s that?”

“A wonderful daughter like me.”

Dylan smiled, his white teeth flashing against his tanned skin. “That is something to be proud of. I congratulate you for bringing sunshine and roses and never giving your parents an anxious moment.”

The evening was almost over, and Gervase came to Dylan, who was at the refreshment table talking to Irene Tillerman, a fine-looking society woman. He had danced with her twice already and had found she was quite the “toothsome wench,” as he had heard put before.

“Come along, Dylan,” Gervase said, “I want you to meet my father.”

Irene stared at her coldly. “We’re about to dance.”

“Well, you can dance later. I want Mr. Tremayne to meet my father.”

Dylan said, “We’ll have our dance later, Miss Irene. I wouldn’t miss it.”

He followed Gervase across the room, and she introduced her father. Arthur Hayden was not tall and seemed almost fragile. He had delicate features, fine blond hair, and unusual green eyes. He smiled when he was introduced to Dylan.

“My daughter has told me you are a wonderful actor. I’m sorry I missed you. What are you in right now?”

“At the moment I’m unemployed and enjoying it thoroughly. Sponging off of good people like the Newtons.”

“Well, I’m sponging off of the Haydens, so I suppose we have a lot in common.” The two men laughed aloud.

“I would very much like to see some of your paintings, sir.”

Arthur was pleased at this. “I’d be happy to show you my little efforts tomorrow morning if you would.”

“You may count on it.”

They were suddenly interrupted when Bramwell came lurching toward them. He obviously was in the last stages of intoxication and apparently had decided to become obnoxious. He glared at Dylan and said, “Well, Actor, are you still here?”

“Still here, Mr. St. John,” Dylan said, eyeing the man carefully. He had not offended St. John in any way that he knew of, but there was a belligerence in the younger man’s eyes.

“You ought to stop using the Newtons for your personal gain.”

Gervase said, “St. John, that’s no way to speak to a guest!”

“I’ll speak to him any way I please! I’ll even give him a cuff, and he can challenge me to a duel.” He made a wild swing that missed Dylan’s face by a foot. Leah suddenly was there.

“Come, Bramwell, it’s time for you to leave.” St. John grew quiet at her touch, glared at Dylan one more time, then was led off.

Gervase expelled the breath she was holding. “I’m glad you didn’t take offense. He’s an unhappy man.”

“He has no prospects,” Arthur said. “He’s like me, a parasite.”

“Don’t talk like that, Father.”

But Arthur Hayden had been drinking heavily himself. His eyes were red-rimmed, and his speech was slurred. “I should have left this place years ago, Gervase, and made a life for myself and for you, but I was afraid.”

Gervase took her father by the arm. “Come along, Father. The party is over.”

Serafina had joined the group just as St. John had been led away. She turned to Dylan. “I’m glad you didn’t take offense. I feel sorry for the young man. He has a hard way to go. It’s never pleasant when you’re a dependent.”

“How would you know that, Lady Trent? You’ve never been a dependent.”

“No, but I’ve seen it in others.”

“This isn’t a very happy household, is it? I can see unhappiness in the face of St. John’s mother, and as for Rupert, nobody as harsh as he is happy.”

“You’re very quick, Dylan.”

“Well, Gervase seems to be quite happy.”

“Yes, I think she is. She’s a sweet young woman.”

Glancing up, Serafina saw Irene Tillerman headed straight for them. “Watch out for Irene. She’s ruined two men already.”

“I doubt she’d want me, an unemployed actor.”

“Don’t let her get her claws into you. You’re rather weak where women are concerned.”

“Now who has given me that reputation? As for this whole ball, I’d rather be at home playing draughts with David.”

“So would I,” Serafina said. “It would be much more pleasant.”