Lady Alice's Dilemma

by Michele McGrath

  “I found Diego in Spain,” Edward told them. “His previous master died at Vitoria. He was with me at the battles of Orthez and Toulouse. He’s a stayer who has always carried me well.”

  Alice admired the lovely horse, feeling sorry that no one had invited her to ride as it was one of her great pleasures at home. She had been unhappy to leave her hunters behind when she came to London, but neither Lady Mary nor her daughters cared for that particular exercise. She had not liked to ask Lady Mary to provide a horse and a groom for her use, in the circumstances. Trotting sedately in Hyde Park she considered tame after the wonderful gallops she was used to at Kirkmore but even this she could have endured in order to be on horseback again.

  Philip, knowing her passion and forgetting for a moment his assumed personality, asked her,

  “Why aren’t you riding with us today instead of tamely bouncing along in a carriage?”

  Alice saw the surprise on the faces of her aunt and cousins and made haste to explain away his mistake.

  “I’d forgotten I told you about my love of horses at the ball. I left my own at home so I haven’t ridden in London yet.”

  “A pity. I’m sure you would take the shine out of all the ladies.”

  “You can’t possibly know that! You’ve never seen me on a horse. I could be quite cow-handed.” Alice tried hard to keep the minatory note out of her voice and she glared at her brother.

  “Never,” Philip said. “Will you ride with me one morning so I can judge? I would be happy to hire a horse for you. The stable I patronise has some fine beasts.”

  “No need for you to trouble yourself, Baron.” Edward came up behind him in time to hear his offer. “Now I am home, there are several suitable horses in my stables if my cousin cares to ride.”

  “Thank you, Edward,” Alice said. “I enjoy riding, but I am not dressed for it today. I don’t want to inconvenience everyone while I go upstairs to change. I’m happy to ride in the carriage and take you up on your kind offer another time.”

  So the coachman was given the office to start and the riders followed close behind. For a while the ladies discussed horses and hunting. Lady Mary said that her son William owned a fine mare which had been left behind in London when he went up to Oxford. Fancy had originally been trained to accept a lady’s saddle and Alice would be welcome to try out her paces whenever she wished.

  “In fact, if you had asked me before, I would have offered her to you, my dear. She needs more exercise, or so I am told. Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to ride?”

  “I never thought about it, Aunt. There is so much to do in London and I know you don’t enjoy it yourself.”

  “Well, no matter, I know now. I will speak to Brown, to make sure Fancy is ready for you whenever you send down word to the stables.”

  Alice thanked her but, since the topic was not one which really interested the others, their talk turned to different things. It was as well that the noise of the carriage wheels drowned out the conversation of the men behind. Alice was able to enjoy the scenery, the conversation and the peace of the sunny day. If she had been able to overhear, she would have been anxious lest her brother say too much and betray himself when the talk turned inevitably to politics.

  “You take a great interest in my cousin, Baron.” Edward remarked.

  “She is a beautiful and charming young lady. To be in her company and that of your sister is a pleasant experience for me. Such encounters have been few in the recent past.”

  “It must have been eventful in Paris during the last year.”

  “Too eventful, especially for those in the Emperor’s service. Everything changed for us when he took the army into Russia. We have been paying the price for that adventure ever since.”

  “You are extremely frank.”

  “France has fallen. The Emperor is now in exile on Elba. Many share my opinion and are no longer afraid to express it openly.”

  “What brought you to England, Baron?” Edward asked.

  “I was aide de camp to the Duc de Vicenze, the Grand Marshal of the Palace. He was the one charged with negotiating on behalf of the Emperor and of France. He ordered couriers to bring copies of the Emperor’s Instrument of Abdication and other documents to the allied princes, including your own Prince Regent. Captain Roper kindly gave me passage aboard his sloop and accompanied me to London with my dispatches. That is how we met.”

  “Indeed.”

  “As you will understand, all France is in turmoil since the abdication. The Duc was leaving for his country estates after the couriers left, to live there in retirement. As a result, he dismissed all of his staff. He advised us not to return from our allotted tasks until the situation became less volatile. I was happy to take his advice. I have always wanted to visit England and Captain Roper has been an unexpectedly kind friend, introducing me into society, and to the amenities of London. Fortunately he does not seem to have any prejudice against Frenchmen. I am in his debt and people are very tolerant towards a former enemy.” Philip smiled at Roper.

  “But surely it would be better for you to be in Paris, promoting your case to the new authorities rather than lingering here, however pleasant the experience?” Edward asked.

  “Perhaps, but the Duc is a shrewd observer. His insights have never led me astray in the past. For the present, I am content to abide by his advice and remain here a little longer. Then I shall go home.”

  “It must be an anxious time for you, nevertheless. What will you do when you go back?”

  “I will find out if there is still any place for me in government service, which I think is unlikely. On the one hand I am not important or skilful enough to be used. On the other hand, I am not one to change my loyalties. I do not expect the current regime to employ me except in an occupation I would not hesitate to refuse. My uncle owns vineyards in the east of the country. He may have a use for me, so, when I leave Paris, I will go there and ask him.”

  “An uncertain future.”

  “Uncertain surely, but one to which I must return soon, nevertheless.”

  “What about you, Roper? A desk at the Admiralty must seem rather tame to you after commanding your own vessel.”

  “Very tame, but I count myself fortunate to be employed at all, given that so many of my colleagues are languishing on half pay. You must also find your circumstances greatly changed, Sir Edward.”

  “I do but I would have had to sell out eventually once I inherited from my father. His affairs and the estate need my attention. The end of the war has only served to bring that day forward for me.”

  Little more was said on the outward journey. Before everyone had become tired of travelling, Richmond Park was reached. It was indeed looking its best in all the glories of late spring. The party enjoyed several ambling walks along leafy paths, admiring the herds of deer which were grazing at a safe distance. The group were able to watch the preparations being made for the forthcoming peace celebrations, which were to take place at the end of the month. Kitty started to tease Edward to take her to see them.

  “Indeed, Edward, just think. Nothing like this is likely to happen again in our lifetimes!” she exclaimed.

  “I sincerely hope not,” her step-brother answered. “We will have to see. Perhaps if you are a good girl I will take you.”

  Nothing untoward happened during the morning. Alice walked with her cousin, talking of indifferent matters and listening while Edward told tales of life on the continent. She was confirmed in her initial impression that he had a well informed mind and was a sensible man. He was certainly the most interesting man she had met so far in London, with a wry sense of humour and a knowledge of many different subjects. She had liked him at first sight and she found herself warming to him more and more. So she set herself the task of making him like her in return. At first she succeeded, more than once causing him to laugh. Then his manner suddenly changed as if the sun had gone behind a cloud. She realised that his thoughts had drawn away from her. Although he continu
ed to answer her questions, there was no longer any real attention in his tone, only a distant courtesy. It was as if he was thinking about another subject and answering her at random. At one point he seemed to recollect himself and made her an unexceptional answer. Alice was piqued. She was unused to such treatment and did not know how to respond to it. She stopped talking and waited to see what would happen. Edward seemed unaware of the silence that had fallen between them and he did not initiate another topic of conversation.

  When Alice glanced at him, she saw he was staring straight ahead and frowning deeply. His attention seemed to be concentrated on his sister who was walking with her arm through Captain Roper’s. As Alice watched them, she realised why Edward was frowning. Kitty was hanging on Roper’s arm in a most unbecoming way. She was far too close to him for decorum and she was laughing up at him. She bore all appearance of a girl who was completely absorbed in her companion and unaware of the world about her.

  I must warn her, Alice thought, against wearing her heart on her sleeve so obviously. She will make all the old quizzes in London whisper about her. If she wanted to keep her affection secret from Edward, she has not done so. What can he be thinking now?

  Nothing good that was for sure, if his face was anything to judge by. He looked like a thundercloud when the storm was about to burst. Lost in her thoughts, Alice jumped when Edward asked her, rather abruptly,

  “Has Kitty known Captain Roper long?”

  “No, I don’t think so. He hasn’t been in London until recently. He was certainly not here when I arrived at the beginning of the season.”

  “They seem to have become fast friends in a short time.”

  “He visits us often and we meet him everywhere. Of course. He is the son of Admiral Roper, you know.”

  “So I understand.”

  “Do you know his family?”

  “I met his father once, a long time ago, but I cannot say that I know him. He is of a different generation to me and I have been abroad. Whatever his family though, Kitty will never do for a sailor’s wife.”

  “Why not?” Alice was shocked into asking. “It is a respectable enough occupation, surely?”

  He looked down at her, with a stern expression in his eyes. “Cousin, oblige me please by not encouraging her in this friendship. You have known Kitty for a few months. I, on the other hand, have known her from her cradle. Believe me, it will not do. It is time for this affair to be nipped in the bud.”

  “Kitty has been so happy since Captain Roper came into our lives,” Alice murmured.

  He turned and stared at her. “She will recover quickly enough if no one supports her in this folly. Without wishing to be rude to you, cousin, Kitty’s eventual marriage is a matter for my mother and myself alone.”

  Alice could feel the blood rushing up into her cheeks. She choked back the words she longed to say and experienced a strong desire to burst into tears, which she sternly repressed. But Edward was continuing,

  “I have something to say to you as well. I am not your guardian, but you are staying under my roof and in my mother’s care. So I am obliged to tell you that something disturbs me about your own conduct.”

  “And what is that, pray?” Alice asked icily, indignation causing her cheeks to flush. How dare he? She had definitely been mistaken in her first impression of him. Why, he was nearly as bad as her father and far more aware of the world about him than her censorious but absent minded parent.

  “I cannot believe that my aunt and uncle would look favourably on this young Frenchman as a suitor for your hand.”

  Alice stared at him. What did he mean? It took several seconds for her to realise the implications of his words. Then she choked as she repressed a giggle. She looked away quickly so her cousin could not see her expression and said coldly,

  “You need have no fear of that.”

  “Indeed? From what I have observed, you make little attempt to hint him away. I would point out to you that nothing is known about him or his family. By his own admission, his prospects are poor and France is in turmoil.”

  “I thank you for the warning, but do not be concerned for me please, on this issue at least. As you know, I am half French. One day I would like to visit my relatives and see Paris. The Baron talks to me about life in France and I find his conversation entertaining, but that is all. I have no wish to become a Frenchman’s wife, I promise you.” Alice tried to answer calmly. After all, he had no reason to suspect her of anything more than flirtation. Her association with Philip would appear this way to an outside observer. Even if he had not been her brother, he was ineligible for far more reasons than Edward would ever know and which she hoped he would never find out.

  She must not let herself dwell on the words he had just used to her. If she did, she would not be able to contain either her fury or her strong desire to weep. So she said nothing more. Edward too, having said what he felt to be necessary, addressed no further remark to her. They walked a little way further in an uneasy silence until Kitty and Roper turned back and joined them. For a moment the conversation became general as they discussed the beauties of the park and the fineness of the day. Then Edward detached his sister and hurried her along the way that they had come, leaving Alice to walk with the Captain.

  “Has anything happened to upset Sir Edward?” Captain Roper asked. “He seemed to be a bit abrupt just now.”

  “I’m not sure,” Alice replied, reflecting that it was not her place to enlighten him. “I believe he had something to say to his sister that he had only just remembered. It is nothing but a trifle, I am certain.”

  Neither Lady Mary nor Philip were in sight, so they returned to where they had left the barouche. They were the last to arrive, everyone else was waiting for them. A remarkable change had come over Kitty. Gone was the gaiety of earlier in the day. She looked pale and kept turning her face away. She did not greet anyone and climbed into the carriage in silence. Edward was still frowning, but otherwise he behaved with propriety to the rest of the party. Watching him closely, Alice realised that the only one to whom he did not address his unexceptional remarks to was Kitty. She hoped he had not been too hard on her but from the look of it, he had said something that had caused her unhappiness.

  Lady Mary was tired from her walk. So Captain Roper directed the coachman to drive to the Ship Inn in Richmond where a substantial repast had been ordered, to refresh them before their return to London. As the ladies alighted in the courtyard of the inn, Philip stooped and examined the leg of his horse. Then he said,

  “Forgive me for a few moments, if you please. I fancy that my horse has gone a trifle lame. I must tell the boy to check whether a stone has become wedged in his hoof. I will rejoin you shortly.”

  Alice was watching him, knowing that he expected to meet his servant in Richmond and the Ship Inn was the obvious place for him to do so. She was in time to see one of the men, who had been sitting on a bench outside the building, get up and walk after him. Could this be Jacques? The man did not appear to be French. If she had not been watching for him, she would have paid him scant attention. He appeared to be just another local enjoying his ale in the thin sunshine.

  She found it very difficult to attend to her surroundings while she waited for her brother’s return. She tried hard to follow the various conversations and resisted the temptation to run to the window to look for his return. Already angry with Edward and anxious about Philip, her state of mind was not helped by Kitty, who whispered to her,

  “I must talk to you.”

  “Not here, when we are home,” Alice said softly, feeling that she had enough to think about without Kitty’s problems just at present. “Someone is sure to overhear us now.”

  Philip was not, in fact, gone very long.

  “Oh there you are,” Roper said when he arrived. “Is your horse all right?”

  “I’m glad I checked. There was a stone in the hoof and we had some difficulty removing it. The poor beast would never have carried me back to London,
if I had not insisted on examining it. I’m sorry I have made you wait for me.”

  He was smiling but his face appeared strained and his lips were almost white. Alice was reminded of the occasion when, as a boy, he had fallen out of a tree and broken his arm. He looked as if he was in pain and her heart jumped. Whatever had he been told to make him look so unhappy and strained?

  “No matter,” Lady Mary said. “I, for one, needed to rest after the jolting of the carriage.”

  The innkeeper appeared and ushered in several servants with plates of steaming dishes. As the company seated themselves around the table, Alice contrived to whisper to her brother, who was holding her chair for her,

  “Well?”

  “Later,” he hissed, before taking his own seat on her right hand.

  Alice looked up and suddenly realised that Edward was looking directly at her and the expression in his eyes was not pleasant. Alice found herself shaking slightly. She was obliged to control her movements lest she betray her agitation. This was difficult because her thoughts were in turmoil. The news that Philip had received could not be good. What it was and what he would do about it she must find out, but not now, certainly not in Edward’s company. She hardly touched her food, merely moving it around on her plate. She thought it would choke her.

  She kept wondering how she could contrive a meeting with her brother alone. The solution came to her eventually. It was so obvious, she felt she had been a ninny-hammer not to have thought of it before and saved herself from cudgelling her brains.

  When Philip handed her up into the carriage for the return journey, she asked him,

  “Shall you be riding in Hyde Park tomorrow, Baron? If my aunt will indulge me as she promised, you shall see whether or not I ride well.”

  “I should be delighted,” Philip replied, with a bow. “Shall I call for you at eight?”

  “If you would be so kind. Aunt, please may I indeed borrow William’s horse to ride with the Baron tomorrow?”