She was surprised and delighted to find a shelf of modern novels and wondered if these were the taste of Nicholas’s “guests.”She would certainly make full use of them.One of the worst things about the months in Derby Square had been the lack of reading material other than newspapers.Perhaps there would be a copy of that interesting new novel,Pride and Prejudice, or Lord Byron’sThe Giaour.
She found neither, but there were enough other treasure to distract her.With greedy fingers she traced the spines of Camilla andThe Wandererby Frances Burney, and a group of Minerva novels.The Demon of Sicilysounded exciting, butThe Miraculous Nuptialscaught her eyes and she took it down.
As she went to sit and read Eleanor noticed a large portfolio upon the central table.Somewhat hesitantly she opened it, then gasped softly at what it contained—beautiful oriental prints such as she had never seen before.They were exquisite jewels of fresh color and graceful line, and she settled to study them, her novel forgotten.
After a while she closed the boards again and sat in thought.Those prints were not bought as a job lot.They were carefully acquired treasures.
What had such a nondescript person as herself to do with the owner of this house?
She remembered the marriage she and Lord Stainbridge had planned, one in which she would simply have to be conformable and bear children for a mostly absent husband.She had to admit that was no longer the marriage she wanted.Nicholas Delaney had truly entranced her, consciously or not.She was spellbound.She could imagine nothing more satisfying than to study him and warm herself at the fire of his spirit.She longed to learn from him the secret of life.
But then she sighed, the flash of excitement failing.Ashes do not burn.All she had to offer was that which she had contracted to give, but she could at least ensure he was not cheated of that.She would match him as best she could.She would strive to be a pleasant and undemanding companion when they were together, uncomplaining when they were apart.If he wished it, she would be a credit to him in Society, and above all she would build a life for herself so that when he wished to leave he would feel no remorse.
With a tightening of her stomach, she made another resolution.She would endeavor to respond to his lovemaking.It was hardly fair to expect him to handle her always like plaster lace.
The previous night, however, had not removed her fear.For one thing, she was aware that he had been careful.One day he would forget…
She realized her hands were clenched painfully tight.Slowly she relaxed them.This is what you must fight, Eleanor, my girl.
Nicholas Delaney hada brief interview with his new brother-in-law at his house in Derby Square and came away with a wry smile.He then went straight to a much more elegant mansion near Grosvenor Square, where he was soon shown into a richly appointed study and into the presence of a tall, broad-shouldered man of about fifty.
“Mr.Delaney,” intoned the footman.Lord Melcham rose smiling to his feet.
“Delaney!It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“And you, Lord Melcham,” Nicholas said politely as he took a seat.
“The government is most grateful for the assistance you are giving us, young man.”
Nicholas took the glass of sherry offered and commented, “I cannot say I have done anything as yet, though I have made contact with Madame Bellaire again, as instructed.”
“Yes, I understand she crossed the Channel on the same packet as you.That was well done!”
Nicholas sipped the Amontillado.“Completely fortuitous, I confess, my lord.Personal business forced me to come home immediately.As it happens, I did not even know Therese was on the ship, but I did speak with her briefly in Newhaven.”
The older man frowned.“Briefly?Would that not have been an excellent opportunity to reestablish your … er … relationship?”
Nicholas smiled down at his glass.“I was slightly hampered, sir, by the presence of my wife.”
Lord Melcham stared.“Dammit, man.You’re not married!”
“I am now.Very recently.”
Lord Melcham jerked to his feet to pace the room, his color high and his strong jaw tight.“You’re an irresponsible blackguard, Delaney!What do you mean by it?You had no thought of marriage a month back.How can you pursue this matter for us now?”
Nicholas’s own features had tightened slightly under this attack, but his tone was level as he replied.“The reason for the marriage is my own business—”
“Ha!You dallied once too often and got caught!”
Nicholas’s fingers tightened on his glass.“If you wish, sir.My marriage will not affect our plans.I will resume my liaison with Therese if she is willing.I should mention, however, that she had a young companion at Newhaven who appeared to be to her taste.”
Lord Melcham turned on his guest the stern stare that had made subordinates quiver.“My information was that her affection for you in Vienna went very deep.I am sure you can rekindle it … if you put your mind to the matter.”
Nicholas met Lord Melcham’s challenging gaze.“I will do what I have pledged to do if it is at all in my power.I am sure the matter can be easily handled.Despite your evidence, I cannot believe Therese is involved in a plot to free Napoleon, or that she was responsible for Anstable’s death.She is completely apolitical and dislikes violence.She cares for nothing except herself.”
Melcham shrugged and, obviously deciding his plan was not threatened, resumed his seat.“Perhaps she thinks to gain Bonaparte’s interest and favor.I hear she is a most attractive woman.”
“Most.But also shrewd enough to know that chances of fortune or glory through Napoleon are now remote.His day is past.”
