Anne Perry [Pitt 22] Southampton Row (pdf)

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possibly a string quartet, or an exceptional pianist.
However, she already knew that Rose and Aubrey Serracold
would also be there, and word of this afternoon s speech would have
reached at least some of the guests, so in a matter of an hour or so
all would be aware not only of Aubrey s extraordinary breach of
sense in the newspapers but of the superb response to Voisey s
speech. The evening now promised to be awkward, even embarrass-
ing. And whatever Jack was going to do about it, time would not al-
low him any more latitude in which to make up his mind.
It was unfair, but she was angry with Charlotte for not being here
to discuss it with. There was no one else in whom she could have
confided exactly the same feelings, the doubts and the questions.
As always, she dressed carefully. Impressions mattered a great
deal, and she had long known that a pretty woman can charm a
man s attention when a plainer one cannot. She had also learned
more recently that careful grooming, a shade and line of gown that
flattered, a direct smile with an air of confidence, could make others
believe one was far more beautiful than was the bare fact. Ac-
cordingly, she wore a tight-waisted, flaring gown of natural-colored
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ANNE PERRY
sheer printed in green, a shade which had always become her. The
effect was so dramatic that even Jack, in a wretched mood over
Voisey, widened his eyes and was obliged to compliment her.
Thank you, she said with satisfaction. She was dressed for
battle, but he was still the conquest which mattered the most.
They arrived sixty minutes after the hour stated on the invita-
tion, which was about as early as was decently acceptable. A score
of other people arrived either immediately before or after them, and
for a few moments the hall was a crush of guests all exchanging
greetings. The ladies divested themselves of capes. Though the eve-
ning was mild, they would not be leaving until after midnight,
when it would be chilly.
Emily saw several social acquaintances and political wives it
was wise to befriend, and a few she actually liked. She knew that
Jack had his own duties for the evening which he could not afford
to ignore. This was not an occasion purely for pleasure.
She set about listening with charm and attention, passing the
appropriate, well-thought compliment, exchanging a word or two
of gossip which if repeated would not come back to haunt her.
It was two hours later, after the musical entertainment had
begun the soloist was one of the plainest women Emily had ever
seen, but had the effortless soaring voice of a true operatic diva
that Emily saw Rose Serracold. She must only just have arrived,
since she was so strikingly dressed no one could possibly have
missed her. Her gown was vermilion and black stripes, richly draped
over the sleeves and bust in black lace, which flattered her extreme
slenderness. There was a vermilion flower on the skirt to match the
ones at bosom and shoulder. She was sitting on one of the chairs at
the edge of the group, her back stiff, the light gleaming on her pale
hair like the sun on corn silk. Emily looked for Aubrey beside her,
or beyond, and did not see him.
The singer was so very excellent she commanded the mind and
the senses, her voice so lovely it would have been vandalism of the
ear to speak through her performance. But as soon as it was over
Emily stood up and went to Rose. There was a small group already
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gathered around, and before anyone stood a little to one side to al-
low her to join, she heard the conversation. She knew instantly
with a cold sinking in her stomach exactly what they were referring
to, even though no names had been mentioned.
He is far cleverer than I thought, I admit, a woman in gold
was saying ruefully. I fear we have underestimated him.
I think you overestimate his morality, Rose said sharply. Per-
haps that was our error.
Emily opened her mouth to intervene, but someone else spoke
first.
Of course he must have done something remarkable to have
been knighted by the Queen. I suppose we should have taken that
into better account. I m so sorry, my dear.
Perhaps it was the condescension in the voice, but it was to
Rose a goad she could not ignore. I m sure he did something very
special indeed! she retorted. Probably to the tune of several thou-
sand pounds and contrived to do it while there was still a Tory
Prime Minister to recommend him.
Emily froze. Her throat was tight and the room glittered and
swam around her, the lights in the chandeliers multiplying in her
vision as if she were going to faint. Everyone knew that wealthy
men had donated massively to both political parties and been given
knighthoods or even peerages for it. It was one of the ugliest scan-
dals, and yet it was the way both parties funded themselves. But to
say specifically that anyone had been rewarded in such a way was
inexcusable, and wildly dangerous, unless one was both able and
willing to prove it. Emily knew Rose was lashing out in every direc-
tion she could because she was afraid Aubrey was not going to win
after all. She wished it for all the good she knew he could do, and
believed in passionately, but also for him because she loved him
and it was what he had set his heart on.
Perhaps also she was afraid of the guilt that would consume her
for her own part in the loss, if it should happen. Whether the news-
papers ever heard of her connection with Maude Lamont or not, or
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ANNE PERRY
whether they used it, she would always know that she had cared
more for her own necessity than for Aubrey s career.
But the urgency now was to stop her before she made it any
worse.
Really, my dear, that is a very extreme thing to say! the
woman in gold warned with a frown.
Rose s fair eyebrows shot up. If the battle to win a place in the
government of our country is not extreme, then what prize is it
we are waiting for before we really say what we mean?
Emily s mind raced for something, anything to rescue the situa-
tion. Nothing came to her. Rose! What a marvelous gown! It
sounded inane, forced, even to her own ears. How idiotic it must
sound to the others.
Good evening, Emily, Rose replied coolly.
Emily had not forgotten a word of their previous clash. All the
warmth of friendship was gone. And perhaps she was already real- [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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