The Riddle of the Deplorable Dandy by Patricia Veryan Read Free Book Online

reflection she had glimpsed in the Bottesdales’ mirror had disturbed her. It was illogical to have imagined that Conrad had stared at Nicholas with pronounced disfavour. Unless … could it be that he suspected Nicky of trying to fix his interest and judged him an unworthy candidate for her hand? She frowned into the darkness. Despite their relationship she scarcely knew her cousin. What right had he to criticize her friends? Which he might not have done at all … She yawned. More likely, she was being silly because she was worried and upset and her fertile imagination was making a mountain out of a molehill as it tended to do … Vance would have laughed and teased that her “mental charades” were active again …
    She had made many new acquaintances this evening … aristocrats of charm or beauty or high position … Yet the one who stood out most vividly in her memory was that funny little dowager … though she did not seem old enough to be termed such … Elspeth’s last awareness was of Lady Elmira Bottesdale and the bright dark eyes that had seemed determined to penetrate every corner of her mind …
    *   *   *
    The morning dawned bright and sunny, although, once again, there was a characteristic March wind. In the breakfast parlour, Geroux, Madame’s butler, a tall and stately Frenchman of indeterminate age, immaculate appearance and a good command of the English language, kept an eagle eye on the maid who waited on Elspeth. There was the breeze, he imparted, meeting the maid’s eye and nodding towards the coffee pot. “But the air she is not so cold as on the yesterday.”
    Inadvertently, he disappointed Elspeth when he answered her carefully off-hand question by saying that no messages had been received this morning, aside from a large bouquet of flowers that Sir Brian Beech had sent to Madame.
    Elspeth told herself that she was being foolishly impatient. The mysterious “Lord Geoff” gentleman who had promised his help was himself under suspicion, so Nicholas had said. He probably had to proceed with great caution; she must not expect an immediate response. Knowing this, she was unable to dismiss her anxieties and having taken a light breakfast wandered about the house restlessly. Her godmother had said she would sleep late this morning and breakfast in bed. It was only ten o’clock. Sir Brian and Conrad were to take tea with them this afternoon. Elspeth told herself sternly that she must keep busy during the intervening hours and not allow her mind to dwell upon terrible possibilities.
    She’d scarcely reached that decision than the doorbell and an outburst of barking announced the arrival of a caller. Elspeth’s heart jumped into her throat, but so far as she was aware Nicholas had brought none of his dogs to Town. She went into the morning room, wondering if this might possibly be the delivery of the message she so anxiously awaited, but her hopes were dashed when Geroux announced, “Lieutenant Skye,” and Joel hurried into the room.
    Bright-eyed and windblown he said, “I know it’s a trifle blustery outside. But my mother’s puppy needs exercising and since I’m free until noon I’ve come to persuade you into accompanying us.”
    Elspeth was more than willing and was soon walking beside him along Tyburn Lane, her hands tucked into a warm muff and her hood gathered close against the wind.
    Mrs. Skye’s puppy was named Busy. He was a little past the puppy stage and seemed to Elspeth to be all ears and long legs that flew about rather haphazardly. His name suited him, for he was an energetic animal. Skye could not name the breed and said with a twinkle that his family tree hinted at the hound clan, “among others.” Clearly delighted to be out, Busy’s tail wagged constantly and he had a way of turning his head and looking up with what the