Chapter Six

Pip’s prediction proved correct and within ten minutes of their first meeting, Penelope and Grace declared themselves charmed with Cousin Allegra and excited that she would be overseeing their debut.

“There won’t be much for you to do, Cousin,” said Grace to Allegra, who was busily trying to explain her lack of knowledge about the Season. “We already have quite a few friends who are out, or coming out this year, so really, your task will be to lend us countenance, and just be our friend.” She laid her hand on Allegra’s arm as she spoke, and left Allegra with absolutely nothing to do but agree.

“And actually, people probably won’t believe you to be our chaperone, Cousin Allegra,” added Penelope, “because you look much too young to be anyone’s idea of a chaperone.”

“So perhaps we should just forget about this chaperone business, and you can be our cousin and share the Season with us,” finished Grace triumphantly.

“And we’ll start right away. Uncle Pip, Grace and I have been invited to meet a fascinating person this evening, an Indian visitor is staying at the Jameson’s and Gloriana has invited us all to meet him—she says he is truly amazing everyone with the things he can tell you about yourself. He sounds like some sort of mystic.”

“And Uncle Pip—think about what stories of the East he must have,” added Grace persuasively. “We’d both really like to go, and this would be a perfect occasion to introduce Cousin Allegra, wouldn’t it?”

Pip looked at Allegra. “The answer lies in your hands, Cousin. You have heard the entreaties of these two poor girls whose lives will be blighted if they are forced to miss meeting an Indian mystic. Would you be willing to attend this function with us this very evening?” His blue eyes twinkled at her.

Allegra tore her eyes away from his and glanced helplessly down at her dress before answering. She realised her gesture told him exactly what she was thinking.

“We understand that this is very sudden, of course, and there will be no time for you to fetch your possessions, but I should explain that this will be an informal occasion and your present attire would be quite appropriate. I’m sure you will want to freshen up and see your room before dinner...I did explain that you would take up residence here with us, did I not? “

Allegra’s jaw hung down in astonishment at the speed with which her life was changing.

“Well, never mind, “ continued Pip, not allowing Allegra a moment to disagree. “I have asked Mrs. McBride to prepare the Apple room for you, it’s near the girls, but you must tell her if it doesn’t suit. In the meantime, I shall send to Bayswater for your belongings. I expect you’d like to write a note of explanation, wouldn’t you? Girls, go and tell Mrs. McBride that Lady Falworth will be joining us and then she will come upstairs after she has written her note. Oh, and Vivian....”

The young man looked over at Pip from the doorway.

“I shall expect you to accompany us tonight, sans roses, if you please.”

He led Allegra over to a small, well-equipped writing desk as the others left the room and she naturally placed her hand on his. The warmth of his fingers penetrated the chill in hers and for a second, she could swear she felt the pulse of his blood leap beneath her touch.

“You are most kind, Sir...” Allegra’s response was faint as she seated herself where she was bid. Breathe, Ally, just breathe...in...out.

“I am indeed,” drawled Pip. “And I’m about to be even more kind. But I don’t know if you’ll quite see it that way.”

Allegra gave Lord Allenbridge a puzzled glance, noting his semi-serious expression.

“It wouldn’t take a genius to realise that your position over the last couple of years has not required you to...er...”

Pip paused, as if searching for the right words that would not give offense to Allegra who looked questioningly at him. “What I’m trying to say is that you will need to refurbish your wardrobe in order to attend many of the functions this season.”

“My Lord...” interrupted Allegra.

“No. Let me finish. Do you have a gown suitable for Almack’s? Do you have another suitable for the Devonshire’s annual ball? It is essential for the girls’ success that we present an impeccable image from which they will be able to move in any circle they choose without question. And to do that, unfortunately, we must dress the part. I know how superficial it sounds, believe me, but it is a fact.”

Allegra knew her lips were curling wryly, since she couldn’t help but agree with him.

He sighed. “That is the way of the world at present, and we must follow its dictates. Now, we have not discussed any details in the way of remuneration for your services.”

A quelling look from his Lordship suppressed the protest that was about to erupt from Allegra—how was it that she found herself understanding and responding to him so readily?

“So I am suggesting that initially I provide you with a simple but sufficient wardrobe. As my Cousin your purchases will naturally be charged to my account, as are the twins’.”

“But I am not your Cousin...” protested Allegra, finding her voice at last.

“I don’t believe it necessary to inform the shopkeepers of London the nature of our familial relationships.” Lord Allenbridge drew himself up to his full height and raising a haughty eyebrow.

“Oh that’s very good...” chuckled Allegra. “You should teach that to the girls. It would depress the pretensions of just about anybody.”

“I wasn’t...I didn’t...” sputtered Pip, caught off-guard by her remark.

“Oh, I know—I’m sorry my Lord, I didn’t mean to be rude, it was just that your expression and demeanour just now—it was so...so...Lordly and aristocratic. It would be good for the girls to develop that ability, you know? To be able to hold people at arm’s length with a look?”

“Do I seem that way to you?” asked Pip curiously.

“Well, no, actually. But our first meeting was rather less than formal, was it not? And I am to be sharing a Season with Penelope and Grace, and you’ve been kind enough to invite me to live here and to provide me with clothes...I mean you’ve practically adopted me, haven’t you?”

“I can’t say I find myself feeling paternal,” he replied calmly.

But there was something in his tone and his expression that brought a dusting of heat to her cheeks. She ignored it.

“So I wouldn’t expect you to behave in your Social manner—it’s far too late for that. But I have to confess that your point about my clothes is well-taken. I have nothing suitable for the Season, in fact this is my only good dress.”

Allegra knew that the lump she swallowed at that moment was her pride. “So I will accept your offer with the deepest gratitude, and attempt to repay you by guiding the girls through a successful season.”

Pip smiled, and she almost wished he hadn’t, since he was even more attractive at that moment.

Shoving those thoughts aside, she continued. “While we are private, however, I must inquire about your goals for the twins,” said Allegra carefully. “I realise how important their first Season will be, but are you planning to find husbands for them as well as present them?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “You have asked a very pertinent question that has crossed my mind many times since the girls arrived. You’ve seen them—they’ll attract suitors like bees to a honeypot.”

The lordly hand brushed through the hair in exasperation. “I would love to see them both settled, of course, what guardian wouldn’t regard that as the culmination of a job well done? But, in my heart of hearts, I know that it’s going to be far more important for Penelope and Grace to find the right men, men whom they can love and be loved by in return.”

Allegra watched as he worked on the problem, eyes focused and intent.

“They are twins, but they do not think alike at all. I’ve been learning that their personalities are very distinct. Grace is independent, opinionated and goes after what she wants with no holds barred. Penelope, on the other hand, is much quieter, soft-spoken and prefers to weigh the possibilities before deciding on a course of action. Then she goes after it with no holds barred.”

A wry grin crossed his lips, fascinating Allegra.

“After all, a marriage is for life, and I owe it to my sister to see to it that her children find the happiness she had with Patrick. Susan thought the sun rose and set on Patrick Sullivan, and he, for his part, would have given her the world if he could. As it was, he gave her twins and more love than I ever believed possible.”

He glanced over at Allegra who turned her head away quickly—but not quickly enough to hide a sparkle of tears. Pip bit back a curse at her gesture, and narrowed his eyes.

“Damn, I’m ten kinds of a fool. You must be tired.”

“Oh no, really. I’m quite alright. It was just that your goals for your nieces are just as they should be. I hope they know how lucky they are.”

“Well,” he said attempting to change the conversation. “Let’s take this one step at a time, shall we? When you’ve finished that note, I’ll have your possessions brought round and you can wander through Bridgeford House if you’d like, or freshen up, or ...something. Here, have I upset you? Because if I have...”

“No, no, my Lord, not at all,” said Allegra, turning back to Pip, eyes clear. “It’s just that I was thinking how proud your sister would be of you...”

“Ahem, yes, well...” He turned away as Mrs. McBride tapped on the door and interrupted the conversation to inform Lord Allenbridge that the footman was ready for Allegra’s note, and Allegra’s room was ready for her.

Allegra gratefully acknowledged the opportunity to collect her emotions, and the couple parted. She was convinced they understood the other a little better yet felt confused by her reactions. So he’s handsome. Other men have been handsome. What is it about him in particular?

She had no answer to that question.

Her hastily scribbled note of explanation, apologies and polite farewells, which had been couched in respectful and completely insincere terms, was launched on its way to Bayswater and Allegra headed for her new room and her new life.

The Apple Room lived up to its name.

From the lovely shades of green and pink and cream in the soft Axminster carpet, to the crisp green and cream silk of the bedding and curtains. Puffy cushions were tossed willy-nilly and embroidered with branches of apple blossoms. The furnishings were delicate, convenient, and made of a glowing and highly polished wood and there was even a large chair near the fireplace for reclining.

Allegra nearly laughed out loud at the thought of actually having enough leisure time to recline.

Mrs. McBride had bustled around showing off the room, and telling Allegra she’d unpack as soon as her belongings arrived. “And you can bet your boots it won’t take long, My Lady, once his Lordship sets his mind to something, well that something happens right away or else he wants to know the reason why.”

Allegra paused in her circuit of the luxurious room and glanced over at the housekeeper.

“Is he a hard taskmaster, Mrs. McBride?” she asked casually.

“Oh bless you, no, Ma’am. His Lordship is just about the best master there could be. Why only last week he gave one of our under housemaids a few days off to go and visit her mother who is ailing, and as if that wasn’t enough, he even arranged for her to ride down in one of his own carriages—he said it was going on an errand to Wensley village anyway, but if you ask me, he set it up for her. Now, here’s your tea.” The housekeeper set out the tray on a small table.

Hesitant to be alone, Allegra made a quick decision.

“Would I be taking you away from important duties if I asked you to stay for a little while and share a cup with me, Mrs. McBride? I am to chaperone the young ladies, you know, and I haven’t really had chance to learn all I should. I would be so grateful if you could share a little of your knowledge with me?”

Mrs. McBride eyed the selection of sandwiches, small teacakes, and biscuits that was artfully arranged on a lovely Sevres china plate. A smile crossed her face.

“Well, it’s about the time I usually have a cuppa myself, so I’d be happy to take a few minutes...thank you, My Lady. What would you like to know?” She pulled up another chair and settled down for a comfortable chat.

Allegra thought for a moment, sipping her tea and wondering which of the eight thousand questions running through her head she could appropriately ask the housekeeper. Unfortunately, about seven thousand nine hundred of them concerned Lord Allenbridge, and thus were probably best left unasked.

“Have you known Grace and Penelope since they were born?” That seemed a good place to start.

“Well yes and no, in a manner of speaking. I’ve been housekeeper here for almost twenty years now—goodness time flies, doesn’t it?” She chuckled slightly and shook her head. “But the young ladies were born in the country at the Sullivan estate, so I never saw them until later.”

Her face dropped as she recalled earlier times.

“I don’t mind telling you that that was a terrible time for His Lordship, when his sister and her husband were killed like that. We were all right worried about him,”

“It must have been terrible,” murmured Allegra in agreement.

“It was. He went practically insane when the messenger arrived—His Lordship had just left Wensley after spending time with his father, who was very ill then, and to find out what had happened to Miss Susan and her husband, well...you can imagine.”

Another couple of teacakes worked their way onto Mrs. McBride’s plate as she continued her story.

“But nothing stopped him from running right down there and taking those babies. He sent messages off right and left, hopped into his carriage and was with his nieces before twenty-four hours had passed. He had those little loves settled with his Aunt in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, and he’d taken care of all of the arrangements too.”

“Were there no Sullivan relatives available to care for the girls?”

“Not in England. There’s some Irish ones I believe, but no one came forward and asked about them, which is probably understandable, because His Lordship was quite clearly in command, and when he gets ‘that’ way, no one seems to want to gainsay him.”

“So he raised the girls alone?”

“Oh my, no.” Mrs. McBride giggled. “He simply made sure that all the legal arrangements were settled, the estate business taken care of, and the girls’ futures set. He had let Lady Sophia know what had happened, and she was only too happy to take them on. Her son was gone to Eton that year, and she welcomed a new family.”

The smile grew on Mrs. McBride’s face.

“Of course the girls gave her a terrible run for her money, they were such little devils, the both of them. Little Miss Grace would think up some devilish plot and little Miss Penelope would be right there behind her tidying up the evidence. I remember one year they all came to stay at Wensley Hall for a month in the summer, and nearly drove his Lordship wild with their antics, but he was extraordinarily patient with them, and finally got them settled down a bit.”

“How did he manage that?” asked Allegra, trying hard to imagine a young man dealing with two rambunctious girls.

“Well, first he put them on horseback and made them ride each day, then took them to the jumps and taught them how to handle the fences—that tired them out quite a bit. Then, after that, he taught them how to fish.”

“Sorry—did you say ‘fish’?” asked Allegra, eyes wide.

“Yes indeed. We’d pack a picnic basket for them, and off they’d go in the morning only to come back after lunch, tired out, mostly wet, and occasionally with a couple of lovely trout. It was a grand summer, and I must admit we were all sorry to see the girls go back to Lady Sophia’s and their schooling. I often wonder if their fishing skills were ever put to use.”

Mrs. McBride smiled as Allegra leaned back in her chair and took a big sip of her tea.

“I wonder what Lady Sophia must have said when she found out the girls had added fishing to their talents,” mused Allegra.

“Oh, she probably thought it would help them find the right husband later on,” snorted the housekeeper. “She’s not one to be all namby-pamby about what girls should and shouldn’t do, you know. She was quite an out-and-outer in her time, and always said that girls should be allowed to learn whatever would make them better people, not necessarily better wives.”

Allegra nodded her agreement. “I am sorry I have not been able to meet her, she sounds like someone I would enjoy getting to know.”

“Indeed, Ma’am, I agree. She would have been the perfect chaperone for Miss Grace and Miss Penelope here in London, but she’s been very unwell recently. We correspond occasionally, and she’s asked me to let her know how the girls are doing. I know she’s upset to have missed their come-out.”

“I’m sure she must be. Please make sure you tell her that I will certainly do my best for them. I just hope it’s enough.” Allegra’s tone betrayed some of her worry.

“Now, now, there’ll be none of that.” Mrs. McBride so far forgot herself as to lean over and pat Allegra’s hands.

“I’m sure you’ll be just fine. His Lordship wouldn’t have invited you to stay if he didn’t think so, and he’s never been wrong yet. Well...almost never.” And on that rather intriguing note, Mrs. McBride stood and brushed the crumbs off her skirt.

“So you think His Lordship approves of me?” asked Allegra.

“Oh Lordy, Ma’am, it’s not really for him to approve or disapprove, is it? He has to have someone capable of helping the girls make their debut, and it’s always best to keep it in the family if at all possible. He’s decided you’re family, and so you are now part of the Allenbridge clan. I’m not sure approval or disapproval has anything to do with it.”

Allegra’s heart dropped a little at these words. For some reason she’d been hoping the answer would have been more positive. That perhaps Lord Allenbridge wouldn’t have made such a rapid decision to take her on if he hadn’t liked her just a little bit.

The way she liked him, perhaps? Quiet, she sternly told her conscience.

“Mind you,” continued Mrs. McBride. She put the teacups and plates in a pile on the tray. “His Lordship is very particular about who comes into this house. He doesn’t have big fancy parties, and it took him quite a while to decide on Mr. Angus for a secretary. So I will say he’s not above telling people ‘no’ when it suits him. And he didn’t tell you that, now, did he? So if you were to ask me for my opinion, I’d say that he’s seen something, enough to allow you to chaperone his most treasured possessions. That ought to make you feel better, shouldn’t it?”

Allegra smiled as she realised that it did. It did, very much. Perhaps too much.

It was a cheerful group that crowded into Lord Allenbridge’s largest carriage for the short drive to the Jameson’s later that evening.

Penelope and Grace were excited over the prospect of meeting old friends and Indian mystics, and Allegra found their enthusiasm infectious—overriding her nervousness at facing a crowd of people of whom she knew none.

She had spent quite a bit of time trying to improve her appearance, and with the help of Mrs. McBride and her excellent staff, was moderately pleased with the results.

The green day dress had been brushed and pressed, and Allegra had left the matching spencer jacket behind. Instead, she was clasping a very soft and light wool shawl, its paisley design of green and gold a perfect complement to her gown. Mrs. McBride had told her it was one of Lady Sophia’s old shawls—and Allegra had accepted its loan gratefully.

A few moments before leaving her room, a tap on the door had heralded a footman bearing a silver salver on which rested two small white rosebuds and a small note.

With trembling hands, Allegra lifted the roses and the note from the tray and thanked the footman. She lifted the buds to her nose, inhaling the delicate fragrance as she unfolded the note.

The bold strokes blurred before her eyes, and it took a moment for her to focus enough to read the message inside.

“Your presence will be most welcome this evening.”

She could almost hear his deep voice, and even though his signature was preceded by Grace and Penelope’s name, she knew he’d written it. Foolishly, she held it to her heart for a moment and then carefully placed it in her desk. It was, after all, the first note she’d ever received from an attractive gentleman.

She had no intention of being silly about it, but all the same...

The roses were fastened into the lace on her bodice, and although they were her only ornamentation, she truly believed that no princess bedecked with diamonds could have felt happier.

For his part, Lord Allenbridge was looking forward to his evening out for the first time in quite a while.

He told himself that having someone else to shoulder the responsibility for the twins was the chief reason for his good mood, and dismissed the fact that it had taken him at least five tries to pen an appropriate note to go with his flowers.

He’d wanted to let her know how welcome she was, and how much the girls would benefit from her presence, and he’d wanted to let her know a few other things as well, but had restrained himself quite nobly, he thought. However, as she came down the stairs into the foyer behind the twins, all thoughts of restraint vanished in a puff of smoke.

Her smile could have lit a thousand candles, and her eyes sparkled with pleasure. His fingers twitched as he gazed at her slim form moving beneath the slightly worn silk of her skirts.

He couldn’t wait to buy her new clothes and see her properly gowned.

Actually, at this very moment, he’d much rather see her without any gown at all, but that as that line of thought was likely to produce a very uncomfortable bulge in the front of his rather snug evening breeches, he ruthlessly turned his attention away from Allegra and ushered his party into the carriage.

The short journey passed agreeably. The girls were chattering happily, Allegra was laughing with them, and Sir Vivian Kerrick never went anywhere without expecting to have a good time—it was part of his charm.

So if pleasure was the measure of riches, then the Allenbridge party was very wealthy that night.

The Jameson residence was brightly lit, and carriages were coming and going briskly as the Allenbridge party arrived. Not standing on ceremony, Gloriana herself welcomed them.

“My darlings...” she enthused. “How wonderful that you could come. I must introduce you to simply everybody...”

This was said with much fluttering of laces and kisses that went at least a foot off the ears of the intended recipient, and was followed by an alluring smile at Lord Allenbridge.

“Gloriana, how lovely to see you,” answered Grace, coming out of the embrace first. “You must let me introduce you to our guardian. Uncle Pip, this is our friend, Gloriana Jameson, Gloriana—Lord Allenbridge.”

Gloriana curtseyed and lowered long eyelashes over perfectly molded cheekbones.

“An honor to meet you at last, my Lord...” she said as she rose and favored him with a glimpse of her glittering green eyes.

“Thank you, Miss Jameson, you are most kind,” formally responded His Lordship.

“And this is our Cousin Allegra, she is going to be with us for the Season.”

“How nice.” Miss Jameson’s answer was bland and uninterested, and she eyed Allegra’s gown without enthusiasm.

Allegra smiled, showing lots of teeth.

Pip stifled a chuckle. Her expression had said it all.

“And you know our dear friend Sir Vivian Kerrick...” added Penelope waving her hand toward the young gentleman who had brought up the rear.

“Ah yes, dear Sir Vivian—I’m so happy to see you again.”

A quick smile was thrown to Sir Vivian, as she moved towards Pip. “So tell me, my Lord, have you an interest in India? Our guest, the Rajah, is quite fascinating...I shall introduce you...”

She slipped her arm through Pip’s and smoothly ushered him away, leaving the rest to follow like a flock of sheep.

Gloriana certainly lived up to her name, thought Pip, as he walked beside his hostess. The girl possessed the most wonderful head of richly glowing auburn tresses, which were, on this occasion, simply dressed and ornamented only with a single white flower. Her gown was of white too, with little touches of sea green here and there—very simple, but presenting an image of expensive elegance.

So why am I not the least bit interested in this raving beauty, but in the quiet woman behind us?

Looking at Gloriana on Pip’s arm, Allegra could not help but notice what a striking couple they made.

“How charming...”

A rather sarcastic male voice spoke from behind Allegra. “I see my sister has found herself an attractive and wealthy escort for this evening. Lord Allenbridge, isn’t it?”

Turning, Allegra found herself being addressed by a tall, red-haired gentleman dangling a quizzing glass from one negligent hand, and watching the pair as they progressed through the room.

Her uncontrollably quick temper snapped its bounds. “No, it’s Lady Falworth, sir,” she snapped.

“I say, I do beg your pardon. No offense intended, you know...”

The dandy’s mask slipped for a moment into a grin, revealing an apologetic young man. “I’m Nigel, Nigel Jameson, and I’m not usually rude to our guests, especially pretty ones.”

Allegra frowned. “There’s absolutely no need for Spanish Coin, sir. We have not met before therefore I assume you had no idea that I am Lady Falworth, cousin to Lord Allenbridge’s nieces and with their party this evening.”

“Wrong on the first count, Lady Falworth. I do not offer Spanish coin—your mirror must tell you that. However, correct on the second count. I didn’t know Penelope and Grace had a cousin, but I’m happy to say that I do now. Let me make amends and escort you to the refreshment table before the starving hordes of London’s aristocracy snabble all the good stuff.”

And with an infectious smile, he grasped Allegra’s elbow and drew her apart from the crowd towards a large table groaning under a selection of refreshments.

Giving in, Allegra accompanied him, only to be presented with a plate containing more food than she could have eaten in a week.

Laughingly, she protested. “Mr. Jameson, please. We do eat at Lord Allenbridge’s, you know. I can’t even manage a tenth of what you’ve put on this plate...”

“Actually, it’s Sir Nigel, but please call me Nigel because I am going to call you by your given name.”

His eyebrow rose inquiringly.

Allegra shook her head reprovingly.

“Oh well, I shall find out, because my intuition tells me you and I are going to be seeing quite a bit of each other, and we are going to start by sharing our feast. Let’s find a seat.”

He settled the two of them at a nearby table and proceeded to eat most of the food on their plates while he talked.

Allegra found, to her surprise, that she was enjoying herself.

Nigel Jameson shared his sister’s red hair, but there the comparison ended, as he proved himself to be a pleasant and witty companion once he’d relaxed enough to set his airs and graces aside.

Although appearing to be a very typical young Dandy, he had clearly set out to be charming, so Allegra let him.

It was rather nice to have someone pay such attention to her, and she found herself responding with a smile to his conversation and his light-hearted witticisms.

In fact, as their exchange progressed, Sir Nigel began to relax and betrayed a greater intelligence than was generally accepted as permissible in would-be Corinthians. They discussed the current political situation, about which Allegra was endlessly curious, having been severely deprived of news at Madame’s, the effects of the end of the war on Nigel’s estate and the proposed changes in the tenant’s leases, and touched briefly on horticulture when Nigel admitted his love for landscaping.

Along with an assortment of desserts, Nigel served up a wealth of information about the other guests, pointing out some of Gloriana’s friends from school who would doubtless be known to the twins.

Penelope and Grace were clearly in their element, having met several acquaintances, and were part of a gaily chattering group of young people that had gathered like a bouquet of flowers around the punch bowl.

Lord Allenbridge was still in the company of Gloriana, who had attached herself firmly to his side—my God, the girl’s a human limpet, thought Allegra, a bit crossly, as she spied them through an opening in the crowd.

They were heading towards a smaller salon, and this was where Nigel steered Allegra when they had both declared themselves unable to manage another morsel.

“I promise you you’ll be surprised by the Rajah...” said Nigel in a low voice. “I know that there are a lot of charlatans out there, but I can assure you he’s not one of them—puzzles the blazes out of me as to how he knows what he does, but he does, so.... Ah, here he is.”

As the two of them entered the room, Gloriana’s voice could be heard quite clearly.

“Rajah, I’d like to introduce a guest to you this evening, Lord Allenbridge. I believe you have already met his nieces?”

A man of middling height and striking appearance rose to bow towards Pip. He wore a white silk robe covered with a long, sleeveless jacket richly embroidered in beautiful silks and tied at the waist with a long, bejeweled, silken strip of fabric.

Of his face, Allegra found there was little to see. The Rajah wore a long and very full beard, and his head was covered with a traditional Sikh wrap secured with a jeweled clasp from which dangled one exquisite pearl.

It appeared that the Rajah had led a challenging life because the portions of his face that were not covered by beard could be seen to be scarred and occasionally shriveled—lending credence to the rumors relayed earlier by Nigel that he had been captured and tortured while trying to regain his kingdom.

“I am most honored to make the acquaintance, Lord,” rasped the Rajah in hoarse tones. “The Uncle of the beautiful twin nieces, of whom all London will soon be talking.”

Lord Allenbridge murmured some commonplace acknowledgment and Allegra sensed that he was less than comfortable with the dramatics that surrounded the Rajah.

“I, Yatari Gupil, have been welcomed by the Miss Jameson and her family, so graciously. It seems that a traveller may always find friends in England.” He smiled at Gloriana, flashing white teeth from his masses of brown beard.

As they moved closer, Allegra noticed the Rajah’s throat. It too was covered with scars and must have accounted for his voice—what had the man been through, she wondered?

“My Lord, I sense the great strength and power about you...” began the Rajah, half-closing his eyes as he looked at Pip. “Your home is filled with lovely things, but you value people more. At least a few people. I can see by your aura that very few ladies have managed to touch the heart.”

Pip moved uncomfortably as Gloriana leaned forward intently.

“Do go on, Rajah—how amazing,” she said.

“There is a shadow there.”

The Rajah made a few mystical gestures with his hands towards Pip. “It is caused by a woman, her name—let me feel it—”

He closed his eyes and paused, the silence overwhelming. “Yes—she was a sprite. Shakespeare named her...Ariel.”

Pip jumped to his feet, brows snapping together and clearly startled. “That will be quite enough...” he said in a firm but angry tone.

“My apologies, Lord,” soothed the Rajah. “I tell only what I see in your aura...forgive the intrusion?”

His eyes narrowed as he watched Pip turn abruptly and leave followed by Gloriana who was clearly not about to let the catch of the night get away from her.

As the crowd parted to let them leave the room, Allegra and Nigel came clearly into view, and an odd expression flickered across the Rajah’s face.

Then he closed his eyes and commandingly raised his hand.

“There is a Lady here, a Lady with darkness around her yet there is still light in the center of her being.”

His husky tones penetrated the stillness, and everyone looked around at each other trying to guess whom the Rajah was talking about.

“A Lady...” he continued, his hoarse voice creeping through the room like fog, “to whom sadness is no stranger and innocence a lost friend.”

Allegra could have sworn she distinctly heard a pin drop. “She has told herself that she has forgotten pain and yet she remembers...she remembers...she was once a Roman Empress...”

A soft sound and a small thud greeted this announcement and Nigel Jameson turned, stunned, to see that Lady Allegra Falworth had done something she had only read about in books—she had fainted dead away.