No Place for a Lady (21 page)

“Why do you not give the silk to Anne?” I suggested. “She and Butler were smelling of April and May when she woke up. They are going to marry very soon.”

“High time he made an honest woman of her.”

“You are incorrigible!” I scolded, and blushed to recall I had accused her of being Algernon’s mistress.

Sharkey said, “I’ll sell the silk to Butler.” I gave a
tsk.
“At a good price! He’d pay twice as much in a shop.”

Algernon smiled tolerantly. “Why do you not ask him now?” he suggested, to be rid of Sharkey.

“A good idea. If I make the sale in front of Mrs. Clarke, he’ll be ashamed to haggle.”

He left, and I told Algernon that Anne had caught a glimpse of the English traitor and was willing to identify him. From the description, Algernon felt sure it was Makepiece.

We sat side by side on the sofa. He took my hand and squeezed it. “Papa tells me you are thinking of keeping the house, Cathy.”

“Yes, but I shan’t go on living here myself.”

“You will be happier at Grosvenor Square,” he said, peering for my reaction. “That is an offer of marriage, my dear.” I just sat, dazed with happiness. “Is that a yes?”

“Oh, yes! Yes, indeed.”

We celebrated the betrothal with a kiss, and then another. Before we were properly finished, I drew back and said “Grosvenor Square? I thought you lived on Berkeley Square?”

“I did, but as it seems Papa has also become enamored of you ...”

“He thought I was a lightskirt, Algie!”

“I rang a loud peal over him, I promise you. It would have been louder—had I not made the same mistake myself when we first met.”

“Like father, like son.”

“It is the fact of your living in this house. As you can have few illusions after this adventure, I might as well tell you the whole. Your aunt was Papa’s ... er ...”

“Mistress!” Once the first shock was over, I realized I had suspected Thalassa of being no better than she should for some time. Those garish gowns, the very fact of her living in this neighborhood ... The greatest surprise was that she had a noble patron.

“Just so. That is why Papa chose this house for Anne when she came to us. She had been living in rooms at the edge of Long Acre. She could have afforded a little better, I think, but she was determined to save enough money to educate Jamie. She would not accept payment for her services. Remarkable, is it not? I occasionally prevailed on her to take a few trifles she required.” I thought of the chiffonier, and the watch.

“Your aunt kept an eye on her, and of course I did likewise, with Miss Lemon’s and Sharkey’s help,” Algernon continued. “Your aunt’s death just as the affair reached its climax was a severe blow. Then you came, insisting you would sell the place. Not that one can blame you, of course. This is no place for a lady, mixing with such rogues as Sharkey.”

“No, I will not have you disparage my house, or my tenants! I have decided they are all nature’s ladies and gentlemen. I want them to stay, but when I find a replacement for Vivaldi, I shall be a little more choosy.”

“You will require a permanent housekeeper.”

“I already have one. Anne has agreed to do it. She will do an excellent job, and she will be happier at home with Jamie than going out to work. It will ease the financial strain for them as well, if they do not have to pay rent.”

“An excellent idea! Papa was right. You really are an extraordinary woman. Er ... lady.”

“The sooner we are married, the better. When I am Lady Algernon, this doubt as to my gentility will disappear.”

“I could not agree with you more. In the meanwhile, let us enjoy Miss Irving.”

His embrace was not all gentlemanly, but Miss Irving enjoyed it very much.

Copyright © 1994 by Joan Smith

Originally published by Fawcett Crest [0449222195]

Electronically published in 2010 by Belgrave House/Regency

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This is a work of fiction. All names in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.