Joan Wolf (20 page)

The Earl shrugged. “That will be up to the ladies."

They all stared at Anne. “A month,” she said crisply. “If we wait any longer than that, I won't be fit to do much of anything."

Jane smiled brilliantly. “You are a Trojan, Anne.” Uncharacteristically, she walked over to Anne and kissed her on the cheek.

"Congratulations, David!” the Marquis said heartily. “Lady Rayleigh and I have been sobbing noisily on your father's shoulder, begging him to let you take Jane off our hands. He has taken pity on our desperation."

David laughed, his eyes bright with unspoken feelings. “It's perfectly true,” Jane said happily. “I would have made your life a hell on earth, Uncle Edward. David is the only one who could stand a lifetime of me."

David looked at her and there was a little steady flame deep in the amber of his eyes. Then he turned to Lord Wymondham. “Thank you, father,” he said, and for the first time smiled at the Earl with unshadowed happiness.

The Earl clasped him briefly on the shoulder. “I only wanted what was best for you, my son."

"I know that. But, you see, what is best for me is Jane."

"I see it now,” the Earl said dryly. He turned to where Jane was talking to her uncle. “Lord Rayleigh, perhaps you and I can discuss the question of marriage settlements."

Jane came across to stand beside David. “That's a good idea,” she said cordially. “It will make David feel so much better not to have to live on my money."

She smiled at their suddenly stern faces, sublimely unconscious of having confirmed all of their darkest suspicions. The Earl recovered first. He said to David, who was regarding him with amused comprehension, “I'm sure you and Lady Jane have many things to say to each other while Lord Rayleigh and I discuss this matter."

Jane looked suddenly alert. “We certainly do, Lord Wymondham. Come along, David, I want you to look at Pericles. He has been quite sluggish the last few days."

David frowned. “He has? Has Hammond been to see him?” He walked to the door with Jane and then, remembering, turned back to the others. “Is it all right if I look at him, my lord?” he asked the Marquis.

Lord Rayleigh did not appear to be at all surprised by the turn the conversation was taking. “By all means, David. I should be grateful.” Jane and David exited and they could hear her voice earnestly explaining to him the various symptoms she had noticed in the horse's behavior of late.

The Earl turned from the door, his mouth quivering slightly. His eyes met Anne's, “Are they really going to the stables?” he asked.

She laughed. “Of course. I told you they were perfectly suited to one another."

Lord Wymondham's autocratic features relaxed and he smiled back at her. “I see what you mean, Lady Rayleigh. I see what you mean."