Descent Into Dust by Jacqueline Lepore Read Free Book Online Page A

explained, sidling a touch closer to the man as if imparting something of import. “We are so happy to have her here at Dulwich. Since she lost her husband after last Christmas, we would like to keep her with us as long as possible.”
    Ah. The mention of my status as a widow meant Sebastian had appointed himself my matchmaker. I would have liked to have struck him with a blunt instrument at that moment.
    “I am sure it is desirable to keep such a charming person as Mrs. Andrews as close as one can,” Mr. Fox said to Sebastian,then addressed himself pointedly to me. “I understand you have been under the weather recently, Mrs. Andrews.”
    “A low place indeed, given the wretched state of it,” I replied.
    His eyes flickered over me, brushing a light touch down my neck and to the gentle swell of my bosom, encased in steel-blue lace, then back up to my face. His gaze seemed to narrow in on me. “There is sickness in the town, I understand. You must have a care.”
    “Thank you,” I replied, “but you have been misinformed. I am not unwell.”
    He seemed to appreciate that fact, something he made apparent with an almost improperly bold look. “What a relief.”
    For some reason, I found myself slightly breathless. His regard of me was intense, and I cannot say it did not affect me, making me a trifle nervous.
    I excused myself and turned toward the others, catching my cousin’s eye watching me. Mary was wearing an expression of animated interest, and approval. I nearly groaned, for she had seen my exchange with Mr. Fox, and I feared it was giving her ideas. My dread was realized when moments later she announced lunch, and in arranging the procession into the dining room, made certain I was partnered with Mr. Fox.
    The promenade was a rather foolish custom, I had always thought. I made a self-conscious overture to conversation. “There are Latin inscriptions all around the house. Have you seen them?”
    His movements were economical, even the slight nod he gave me now. “Oh, indeed I have.”
    “There it is,” I said, pointing to an archway as we passed.
    “Semper paratus.”
    His heavy eyelids lowered to half-mast, and he translated ina voice deeply resonant. “‘Always ready.’ Good advice, do you not agree, Mrs. Andrews?”
    “Indeed, but the question begs to be asked, sir: ready for what?”
    “Why, for anything.” He faced forward, his sphinx-like features as immutable as stone. “Anything at all.”

Chapter Five
    B y the time the soup course was concluded, I decided I did not like Valerian Fox. It was his stillness, as if every nerve were on alert, watching everything. Especially me; even when his eyes were directed elsewhere, I felt his awareness of me. He unnerved me. I dropped my fork twice, making a racket against the Wedgewood plate. My sister scowled at me, and I tried harder to steady my hand lest I overtax our new détente.
    Sebastian asked me, “You visited our Henri this morning?”
    “She beat me four times out of five at Peggity,” I said, carefully spearing a slice of ham. “And do you know what else? The little minx challenged me to chess.”
    Roger barked. “Chess? Did you teach her, Sebastian?”
    “You know me better than that,” Sebastian replied to his brother, his tone dripping in disgust. “Chess is not a game for a child. Chess is a game of master strategy. Now, I admit to showing her the important things for a child her age to know, such as how to ferret out the best gossip and the proper way to drape a cape off one shoulder. But chess?”
    I coughed delicately to cover my mirth. It amazed me that no one else thought him hilarious. “She informed me it was Marius who taught her,” I told them.
    Roger chewed for a moment. “Who on earth is Marius?”
    Sebastian shrugged. “Her new imaginary friend. Didn’t you get an introduction? He seems to be rather a formidable character. Victoria is quite put out at being displaced.” He pulled a face. “I never liked that