The Toast of the Town

by Alice Chetwynd Ley

  She turned to continue her walk, and he fell into step beside her. Nothing was said for a few moments. On either side, there was a sense of unspoken thoughts which weighed heavily on the spirits.

  ‘How is your arm?’ he asked politely, at last.

  She gave an impatient shrug. ‘Oh, that is quite healed — you know better than anyone that it was nothing! I don’t wish to talk of that!’

  ‘Don’t you?’ he asked, with one of his twisted smiles. ‘Then be good enough to tell me what you do wish to talk of, and I’ll do my best to oblige you.’

  ‘Oh, anything and nothing!’ She flashed an answering smile at him. ‘For a start, you can tell me why you won’t let George oblige you in the matter of a horse.’

  ‘‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be’,’ he quoted, swiftly.

  She screwed up her face. ‘Pooh! Polonius! And he was a dreary old bore, if ever Shakespeare created one!’

  He glanced at her mockingly. ‘So young English ladies do receive the rudiments of an education, at any rate,’ he remarked. ‘I am surprised to find it. Now in Scotland, of course, it is quite another matter.’

  ‘Oho!’ She chuckled, and gave him an arch look. ‘I suppose every goose is a swan in Scotland, and every milkmaid can recite the poets — is that so, sir? I wonder you could ever bring yourself to quit a place where the females are so exactly what you would wish! I declare you must be vastly disappointed in what you have found south of the Border!’

  He turned towards her, and her dancing green eyes met his, which today appeared more serious than usual. And then he felt again the sensation which had overcome him yesterday in the ballroom; as their eyes met, it seemed as if their spirits leapt up together in wild ecstasy.

  ‘Georgy!’ His voice was hoarse.

  She lowered her gaze. Strange flutterings were going on inside her, and she could not trust herself to speak.

  ‘I’ve got to tell you,’ he said, still in the same strained tone. ‘You must know the truth now — all of it.’

  He paused for a moment evidently struggling for control over his feelings. When he spoke again, his voice was calmer, more normal. ‘There was a moment last night, in the ballroom, when I looked at you across the room –‘

  ‘I know,’ she said, softly, not daring to look up at him.

  He stared at her for a moment, then started forward impetuously. She stood still, waiting with quickened pulses.

  But suddenly he drew back, smashing a clenched fist down on the open palm of his other hand in a violent gesture.

  ‘Yes, you know!’ he echoed, in bitter tones. ‘You also know that afterwards when I came to dance with you, you refused me in favour of that poor devil Curshawe. And then, like the accomplished coquette you are, you wheedled him into the conservatory alone with you, until finally he ended up by making you an offer which, needless to say, you never had the slightest intention of accepting!’ She started at this, and he went on ruthlessly, ‘Yes, I know all about it, you see! I heard every word that passed between you. I was already in the conservatory when you both came out there. You didn’t see me, because I was on a nearby seat, shielded from view by the greenery.’

  A look of scorn crossed her face. ‘Eavesdropping! How low can you sink?’

  ‘Not yet as low as you,’ he replied coldly. ‘It was accidental. I came out after you refused to dance with me — I wanted to think. And then before I had time to do anything about it, you and he were there, and he was declaring himself to you. I could scarcely step out in front of you at that stage — there was nothing for it but to sit tight until you had gone.’

  ‘A gentleman would not have listened!’ she exclaimed, scathingly.

  ‘Perhaps not, and to do myself justice, I tried to avoid it — for a time, at least. But you were both too close to me, for one thing — for another ‘ He broke off.

  ‘Well? For another?’ she prompted.

  ‘Oh, God!’ he burst out, explosively. ‘You know very well what the other reason was! How could I close my ears, when another man was telling you the things that –‘

  ‘Yes?’ Her voice softened.

  ‘Oh, Georgy! How could you lead that man on to declare his love for you? I realized before that you were selfish and wilful’

  ‘Thank you very much!’ she exclaimed, all her softness vanishing.

  ‘ … but I never knew what an accomplished flirt you were! I thought that men flocked round you because of your irresistible loveliness — and, by God, you are lovely, Georgiana! — but last night I saw that you deliberately angled for their attentions. I suppose it panders to your vanity — it’s a very interesting example of the mating instinct in the female’

  She wheeled on him, her eyes glinting with green fire. ‘Your conversation disgusts me!’ she cried, fiercely. ‘Must you pin everyone’s character down on your dissecting table? You shall not do so with mine, I promise you! Or if you do, I shall not stay to hear it! I wish you good day, Dr. Graham!’

  With a swish of skirts, she turned away and almost ran along the path in the direction of the house.

  ‘No, wait!’ He caught her up in a few quick strides, and taking her arm, turned her towards him. Her face was flushed with anger, her shining hair was tumbled, and tears stood in her eyes. He stood looking down at her for a moment, his expressive eyes staring into hers. As he looked, all the barriers between them seemed to melt away. She closed her eyes and swayed towards him. Suddenly she was held close in his arms, and he was kissing her as though this was the last thing he might do before the world came to an end.

  CHAPTER 15

  Brief Ecstasy

  After a while, she placed her hand on his chest, and held him a little away from her.

  ‘Jock.’ She spoke his name shyly. ‘You were wrong, you know. It wasn’t like that.’

  ‘My darling.’ He placed his lips close to her ear. ‘What wasn’t like what?’

  ‘Mr. Curshawe.’ He made an impatient movement, and started to draw her close to him again. She held him off, gently but firmly. ‘No, you must listen. Hugh also accused me of leading Mr. Curshawe on, but I made him see that it was unjust — and so must you see it. I did not want him to — to — fall in love with me’, her voice faltered a little — ‘but in spite of that he did, and then — and then — well, he pestered me so! There was no bearing it, and I could see it would never be any better until I had allowed him to declare himself, and I’d rejected his offer.’ She was about to say that she had found this the best way of dealing with importunate suitors in the past, but she thought better of it at the last moment. ‘So that was why I allowed him to take me into the conservatory,’ she concluded. ‘Of course, I know it wasn’t exactly proper, but it seemed the best way to get it over and done with as soon as possible. You must see that, Jock ‘ She paused, looking anxiously at him. ‘You do see, don’t you? Only say you understand!’

  He had listened attentively to the latter part of her speech, and now he nodded. ‘Yes, I do see, my darling. But let’s forget about that now, and think what is to be done about ourselves — you and I.’

  ‘Why, what is there to think about?’ she asked with a little smile.

  ‘I must go up to London and see your father, for one thing.’ He frowned. ‘I can’t flatter myself that he’ll precisely favour my suit.’

  ‘Why not? I find you suitable, and that should suffice.’

  ‘Darling — my lovely girl!’ He drew her close again for a moment, then put her resolutely aside. ‘But we must give this some serious thought. At present, I have little to offer in comparison with others who seek your hand. One day, I shall be Laird of Kinwiddie, and able to make you mistress of a castle with one of the loveliest views in Scotland — and that is to say a great deal. By that time, I hope — nay, I am determined’ — he threw back his dark head defiantly — ‘that I shall also be of some account in my chosen profession. But all that is in the future, and at present I am an obscure medico with only a small independent income. For the rest
, I must depend upon my own efforts. I realize that this can hardly be considered good enough for one who aspires to the hand of an Eversley.’

  ‘Fudge!’ she said energetically. ‘As to fortune, I have enough for us both.’

  He shook his head. ‘I want none of it. If we must have it, it shall be exclusively yours. But I had rather take you without a penny.’

  ‘Well, perhaps Papa could be persuaded to disinherit me,’ she suggested, quizzically. ‘I wonder if I could manage to sustain a life in straitened circumstances? Certainly I’ve had no practice at it.’

  He smiled, but shook his head. ‘Don’t jest, my love. Although we may think little of such things, your family will set great store by them, we may depend. And who can blame them? They have your interest very much at heart. Perhaps,’ he added, thoughtfully, ‘the only truly chivalrous course for me would to step out of your life.’

  ‘Useless,’ replied Georgy, ‘I should follow you.’

  ‘Could you possibly be so unmaidenly?’ he teased her.

  ‘Much, much more than that! Just you wait and see! My conduct has always been the despair of my mentors!’

  ‘You are completely adorable to me,’ he said, in a low voice, holding her to him in a sudden grip that almost made her wince. ‘There could be no one like you — ever — and I must have you — or no one.’

  A fluttering sigh escaped her as his lips met hers. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. So engrossed were they in each other, that they failed to hear in time the footsteps of two people approaching through the trees.

  The next moment, Curshawe and Freddy were standing before them on the path.

  ‘Good God!’ exclaimed Freddy, in tones of horror.

  Curshawe said nothing, staring as though he could scarcely believe his eyes. Georgy and Graham started apart, though he still retained his grip on her hand. He met the other men’s stares with a look of challenge.

  ‘Come on, Curshawe, this is no place for us!’ said Freddy, at last, turning on his heel.

  Curshawe came to life with a start, and also turned away.

  ‘No, stop!’ commanded Graham. The others slowly turned about again. ‘You may as well know,’ he went on, addressing Freddy, ‘that your sister has just consented to become my wife.’

  Freddy whistled, staring. ‘Well, I’m damned!’ was all he could find to say.

  ‘Possibly,’ replied Graham, dryly. ‘But at least you could wish us happy.’

  Freddy appeared confused for a moment. ‘Oh, well — yes,’ he stammered, ‘so I would, if I thought — that’s to say ‘ He broke off, and turned on his sis ter with some show of temper. ‘Damme, Georgy, what the devil d’you mean by letting things get as far as this? There was no need to delude the chap into thinking you were in earnest ‘

  ‘You don’t understand ‘ began Georgy, but Graham cut her short.

  ‘What are you talking about?’ he asked, looking suspiciously from brother to sister, and noting the slow flush that was spreading over Georgiana’s face.

  ‘Oh, Lord, I don’t know!’ muttered Freddy, with a hang dog air. ‘You’d best ask her yourself. Come on, Curshawe.’

  He dragged imperatively at the other man’s arm, but Curshawe shook him off. A cold anger was showing in his face.

  ‘I’ll tell you what Frederick is talking about,’ he said, with a sneer. ‘He’s remembering a little wager he had with his sister not long since.’ He turned to Freddy. ‘It looks as though you’ve lost Frederick — a pity. Still, the odds were weighted against you, you must realize.’

  ‘Shut your mouth!’ growled Freddy, inelegantly.

  ‘Come,’ mocked Curshawe, now maliciously enjoying himself, ‘where is the famous Eversley charm? It hasn’t failed to win Miss Georgiana her bet, though, has it? But then, who could resist so lovely a lady?’

  Freddy turned fiercely on him, but was forestalled by Graham, who suddenly sprang forward, seizing Curshawe in a relentless grip.

  ‘Damn you!’ he muttered, between clenched teeth. ‘What are you trying to insinuate? Out with it, straight — before I do you a mischief!’

  ‘Let him go, Jock!’ cried Georgy, tugging at Graham’s sleeve. ‘I’ll explain everything ‘

  He shook her off. ‘I’m going to hear what he has to say, first! Now, Curshawe.’ He tightened his hold on the man.

  Curshawe released an oath. ‘I’ll tell you, right enough. It will be a pleasure. But let go of me, first.’

  ‘If you breathe a word, Curshawe,’ threatened Freddy, clenching his fists, ‘I’ll make mincemeat of you, so help me!’

  ‘Oh, Jock!’ pleaded Georgy. ‘Pray don’t listen to him! — I’ll explain, I tell you ‘

  Graham ignored them both completely. He released Curshawe, giving him a shake as he did so. ‘Now talk!’ he commanded, tersely.

  Curshawe tugged at his cravat with a trembling hand, and tried desperately to assume an expression of nonchalance.

  ‘Nothing easier,’ he said. ‘The fact is, that Miss Georgiana has led you up the garden path. She has no intention of wedding you, nor ever did have. She was simply trying to win a wager which she had with Frederick here ‘

  Freddy and Georgy both tried to break in at this point, but Graham silenced them with a curt command. ‘What was the nature of this wager?’

  ‘Simply that Miss Georgiana undertook to make you fall in love with her during the time you were here in the country. If she failed, she was to pay her brother a sum of money,’ he broke off, and inquiringly turned towards Freddy, who was watching him with loathing. ‘I forget the precise amount?’

  ‘You are the lowest thing in nature!’ said Georgy, in a voice trembling with emotion.

  Curshawe bowed. ‘I know you have no very high opinion of me, ma’am. I discovered that yesterday evening. But at least no one can accuse me of trying to give a false impression, of raising hopes which I have no intention of fulfilling — in short, of trifling with another’s feelings.’ He bowed. ‘I’m leaving your house today, so I’ll bid you farewell. I know you will all of you be glad to see me gone.’

  He walked quickly away in the direction of the house. The others stood silent for several minutes, staring after him. Georgy was the first to break the silence, flinging herself on Graham with hot tears starting to her eyes.

  ‘Jock! My dear! Only let me tell you the whole –‘

  He put her away from him. His face was white, but completely devoid of expression.

  ‘You have told me enough lies,’ he said harshly. ‘Have done — you’ve won your bet — what more do you want?’

  ‘I’ll leave you to sort it out,’ muttered Freddy, turning away. ‘My God! Just wait until I catch up with that fellow!’

  They did not heed him. They stood facing each other; they were not more than a foot apart, but now worlds seemed to divide them.

  ‘You must let me explain, Jock…’

  He laughed mirthlessly. ‘Explain? Explain how you cajoled me, and tricked me, all for your own amusement, because a wager lends some zest to the uneventful life of the country? Oh, yes, you’ll explain right enough — and I might be fool enough to believe you again! No, thank you! I’ve been caught in that trap once, and I don’t mean to repeat the experience! I know you now positively for a heartless flirt, without conscience or scruple, who will use men’s hearts as toys for your amusement. I can only thank God for a lucky escape! If you had truly wished to become my wife, what kind of existence would have lain before me? I should have been the dupe of your whims, the victim of your selfishness, for the rest of my life. I am well rid of you, madam. I hope I may never see you again as long as I live.’

  He whipped round and striding towards the spot where he had tethered his horse, led it out of the gate. She heard the gate closing, and afterwards the quick tattoo of galloping hoofs along the road.

  He had gone.

  CHAPTER 16

  Georgy In London

  A few days later, Georgiana was back in London. Susan had raised a
little protest at her going.

  ‘I did hope that you’d be here to see the new baby,’ she objected, gently. ‘It’s less than a month now.’

  ‘Oh, I’ll return in time for that, never fear!’ replied Georgy. ‘But I must get away just now, Sue — you know how it is with me — I can never stay long in one place, or I get a fit of the megrims!’

  Susan studied her sister-in-law thoughtfully. Georgy was pacing up and down in a flutter of skirts, her hands moving restlessly, her face unnaturally pale and with a strained look about the eyes.

  ‘What’s amiss, love? There’s something wrong, I know. Tell me what it is.’

  Georgy shrugged impatiently. ‘Nothing, but that I need a change of scene — and people — though I don’t mean you and Hugh, of course,’ she added, quickly, seeing the hurt look on Susan’s face.

  ‘Is it because of the fuss Henry Curshawe made yesterday evening at the ball? Surely not! The Curshawes are leaving us this afternoon, in any case, so then we shall be a pleasant family party, apart from the Radleys and dear Pam, whom you go on with so well.’

  ‘How do you know about the scene last night?’

  ‘Hugh told me, of course.’

  A line of bitterness showed around Georgy’s mouth. ‘Then I suppose he also told you that it was all my fault?’

  ‘Well’ began Susan, slowly.

  ‘I don’t doubt he said that I am an incorrigible flirt, who deliberately goes out of her way to play havoc with poor, suffering men’s hearts!’ exclaimed Georgy bitterly, her cheeks flushing.

  ‘He wasn’t quite as severe as that. He did say’, Susan sought in her mind for words to soften her husband’s criticisms — ‘that you had perhaps been a little injudicious in your behaviour towards Mr. Curshawe –‘

  She broke off abruptly. Georgy eyed her suspiciously.

  ‘Is that all?’

  ‘N-no,’ admitted Susan, reluctantly. ‘Not quite. He did mention another person -‘