At the second intermission Ariana decided to face the world standing. Lady Cawle and Sir Norman remained in the box, but the rest of the party left to stroll the box corridor. Ariana would have liked to partner Kynaston, but her mother took up her duty and linked arms with him. Ariana had no choice but to endure more of Churston’s dull company.
“It was well-done of Kynaston to remove my uncle,” she said.
“He would have left of his own accord in due course, Lady Ariana. There was no call for the possibility of a scene.”
“But there was no scene, my lord.”
“You do not fully understand these things, dear lady.”
Ariana was immensely glad when two tall men in regimentals came to join them.
Churston introduced his brother, Captain Pace, and Captain Pace introduced his friend Captain Grant. They were both excellent company, but it was clear Churston disapproved of their high spirits. In Ariana’s opinion, men who were willing to risk their lives for their country were entitled to as much high spirits as they wished.
The officers moved on, and a lady with two daughters came over to greet Churston and be introduced. It was clear Mrs. Motely had him in her sights for one of her chicks. She was welcome to him, but mother and daughters were all petite, making Ariana feel like a maypole.
Amazon, she reminded herself. If she had to be anything, she’d be a warrior, but she wished the Motelys would move on. Kynaston and her mother were part ofa group who were enjoying some sort of joke. Heavens, Kynaston was laughing!
It quite transformed him....
“Lady Ariana Boxstall!” The Motelys had gone and a couple was coming over.
Ariana recognized the lady who’d opened the door at Mr. Peake’s. “Very unconventional to introduce myself, but I do think that opening a door for you allows it. I’m Lady Hatchard, and of course, my husband, Lord Hatchard.” They were a genial couple of middle years and middle height, but for some reason Ariana didn’t feel excessively tall in their company.
She curtsied. “It was kind of you to let me in, ma’am. Do you know Lord Churston?”
They did, and they all four conversed. Or rather, all three did, for the Hatchards wanted to talk about life on the moon. Churston showed no interest except for muttering, “Piffle,” more than once.
Then Lord Hatchard said, “I understand that you were invited to investigate Peake’s cellars, Lady Ariana. A rare honor.”
“Is it? Most items down there are boxed or shrouded, but there are some interesting pieces. If most haven’t seen them, I won’t spoil the surprise.”
Lady Hatchard laughed. “You have my husband exactly, Lady Ariana. He was trying to wheedle out some details.”
“You could ask Lord Kynaston,” Ariana said. “He was with me.”
“In thecellars?” Churston asked.
Why did she have to blush? “Mr. Peake asked Lord Kynaston to take me down there. I understand it was his house.”
“Indeed it was,” Hatchard said. “Understandable thathe sell it, of course.” His move to a sad tone confirmed Kynaston’s ruin, and was a bracing reminder of reality.
The Hatchards moved on and Churston said, “I cannot think it wise of you to go off alone with Lord Kynaston, Lady Ariana.”
Ariana was about to tell him that Ethel had been with her when she recognized an opportunity to get rid of him for good.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said, layering her words with frost, “but my behavior is none of your concern.”
“A lady being alone with a man like Kynaston is any gentleman’s concern.”
She looked him in the eye, pleased, and not for the first time, to be able to do it. “No, it is not, sir. I wish to return to the box.”
In moments, Ariana could settle back into her seat, satisfied with her work. She’d not have to fend off an offer from Churston, explaining why he would not do. He’d avoid her from now on.
He had to take his seat beside her, but immediately leaned forward to speak to Lady Cawle. “Apparently Lord Kynaston was showing Egyptian artifacts to Lady Ariana in some cellars.”
The blaggard! She’d told him off, so he was trying to stir trouble, and Kynaston wasn’t yet here to intervene.
Ariana was about to explain, but Lady Cawle turned to say, “So I understand. I did ask my nephew to escort Lady Ariana to Mr. Peake’s house.” Then she added, “Are you suggesting that they arecompromised, Churston?”
