‘I confess,’ Marling said steadily, ‘my spirits are a little – bruised.’
‘Never say so!’ Rupert feigned astonishment. ‘You’ve had a bad crossing, Edward, and your liver’s upside down.’
Avon turned.
‘Your conversation is always so edifying, Rupert. Yet I believe we can dispense with it.’
Rupert collapsed promptly. My lady tossed her head. Avon went to the side-table, and poured out a glass of burgundy, and offered it to Marling, who waved it aside.
‘I came, sir, to fetch my wife home. As she declines to accompany me there is no more to be said. I’ll take my leave of you.’
Avon put up his quizzing glass, and through it regarded my lady.
‘Yes, Justin. I do. I am coming to Paris with you.’
‘I am gratified, of course,’ said his Grace. ‘Nevertheless, my dear, you will go with your husband.’
‘I thank you!’ Marling laughed harshly. ‘I do not take her an she comes at your bidding! She must come at mine.’
‘I w-won’t go at anyone’s b-bidding!’ Lady Fanny’s face puckered like that of a child about to cry. ‘You are very unkind!’
Marling said nothing. She dabbed at her eyes.
‘You come – bullying, and – and scowling – I won’t go with you! I hate you, Edward!’
‘It needed only that,’ said Marling, and turned to the door.
There was a rustle of silks as my lady fled across the room.
‘Oh, Edward, I didn’t meant it, you know I didn’t!’
He held her away from him.
‘You will return with me?’
She hesitated, then looked up into his face. Two large tears stole down her cheeks. Marling took her hands, and pressed them.
‘In truth,’ he said gently, ‘I cannot bear to see you weep, love. Go with Justin.’
At that she cast herself into his arms, and sobbed.
‘Oh Edward, I will come! I truly will! You must f-forgive me!’
‘My dear!’ He caught her to him.
‘I am decidedly de trop,’ remarked his Grace, and poured out another glass of burgundy.
‘I’ll come, Edward, but I do – oh, I do want to go to Paris!’
‘Then go, sweetheart. I’d not deny you your pleasure.’
‘But I c-can’t bear to leave you!’ sobbed Fanny.
‘May I be allowed to make a suggestion?’ His Grace came slowly forward. ‘There is really no occasion for these heart-burnings. The matter is very simple.’ He swept Marling a magnificent leg. ‘Pray come with us to Paris, my dear Edward.’
‘Oh, I thank you, but –’
‘Yes, I know,’ said Avon languidly. ‘You would prefer not to enter the unhallowed portals of my abode.’
Marling flushed.
‘I protest –’