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Is she pretty? Marguerite said, archly.
Finn frowned. Pretty? Faith, I can t say as I ve ever noticed,
really.
The Pimpernel Plot
How singularly unobservant of you, Marguerite said.
Well, at any rate, you may judge for yourself, said Finn.
She will doubtless be here momentarily.
The innkeeper returned, with Andre following behind. If
Marguerite had expected to see a well-turned-out serving girl
in a clinging bodice darting bold glances at Sir Percy, she was
disappointed. Andre was dressed in riding boots and breeches.
She had on a plain brown jacket with a matching waistcoat; a
white shirt not altogether clean; a bit of lace adornment at the
throat, begrimed with road dust; and a simple tricorne, which
she carried in her left hand. Her blond hair was worn loose
and was considerably shorter than the style of the day dictated.
I say, said Dewhurst, there s a manly looking wench.
Shoulders like a farmboy s and a manner like a soldier s.
Marguerite sat silent, appraising Andre. Finn had the feeling
that Lady Blakeney would just as coolly and as carefully
take the measure of everyone and everything involved with
her husband and her new life in England. It was the actress in
her. She wanted to be thoroughly familiar with the set, to know
where every light and prop was, where every other actor was
to stand and what lines he was to deliver. Perhaps Percy
hadn t noticed whether or not Andre was pretty, but he could
bet that Lady Blakeney noticed everything.
Well, then, Andre, Finn said, is everything in readiness
for us at Richmond? How stands the old estate? I trust that it
has not fallen into disrepair?
Oh, no, milord, said Andre. The estate has been kept up
most admirably and Master Lucas is there presently to make
certain that all are prepared for your arrival. The news has
caused a good deal of excitement. There has been a great deal
of scurrying and cleaning and polishing and several of the
neighbors have already sent servants to inquire as to when
you and Lady Blakeney would be arriving.
Time Wars #3
Ah, you see, Dewhurst, said Finn, the Blakeney name still
stands for something. It appears that we have not been forgotten.
Or your money has not been forgotten, Marguerite said,
dryly.
My name, my money, what s the difference? Finn said with
an airy wave. If I were a pauper, I would not be a Blakeney,
nor would you be, my dear, for chances are that I would then
never have set foot in France to be captivated by your charms.
What, I see our food s arriving. Andre, have you eaten? No?
Innkeeper, Jellybelly, whatever your name is, see to it that my
servant s fed, there s a good man. And Andre, after you have
eaten you may ride ahead and inform Master Lucas that we
shall be arriving at Richmond this evening, lest something
should happen to delay us. Lord, there have been enough adventures
on this trip already! I pray that the remainder of our
journey will be safely dull and devastating in its boredom. I ve
had enough stimulation these past several days to last me a
lifetime!
If you don t mind, Percy, Marguerite said, rising, I think
that I will take my meal in my room. I fear that the effects of
the Channel crossing have not quite worn off and I should like
to be refreshed and rested before we continue on our way.
She turned to Dewhurst and smiled. I will leave you gentlemen
to discuss the pressing matters which no doubt await us
all in London. Since the neighbors are inquiring as to our arrival
time, doubtless they plan some entertainment and, in such
a case, if Lady Blakeney is to be shown off to her best advantage,
it would be well that she were rested. You may send for
me after you have had your port and pipes and are ready to
continue.
She curtsied and departed.
Dewhurst shook his head. Faith, Percy, if you are out to
encourage Marguerite s indifference, it would seem that you
The Pimpernel Plot
are making a good start.
Oh, there is one thing more, milord, said Andre, that
Master Lucas bid me bring to your attention.
And what would that be, pray? said Finn.
A minor matter, surely, Andre replied, guardedly, and
nothing that should overly concern your lordship. Rather, it is
a matter for the gamekeeper, though Master Lucas wished me
to inform you of it in the event that it required his attention
and he was not there to greet you when you arrived.
Finn frowned. What on earth was she getting at?
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