The forgetful lady by Jacqueline Diamond

Author:Jacqueline Diamond [Jacqueline Diamond]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nov. Rom
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Mrs. Singleton had been a close friend of Lord Meridan's the previous year, when he had been well acquainted with Mr. Chumley. Perhaps she had observed some details that might aid in spurring Beth's recall.

She nodded to herself as they joined her father in the dining room. The next day's visit might not be entirely wasted, after all.

=== 9 ===

MRS. ARIADNE SINGLETON'S house was at a fashionable address, presenting a tidy brick facade that looked upon the rose garden in Clarence Square.

The very normality of the house reassured Beth somewhat as she descended from the family carriage with her maid, who would remain in the background throughout the visit.

A stiffly proper butler answered the door, and Beth was ushered into a drawing room decorated in the airy Regency style, with soft blue hues in the cloth panels upon the wall and delicate chairs, sofas, and tables that hinted of Greek classical lines.

As she waited for her hostess, Beth studied the room. Despite the lightness of the decorations, she had the feeling-of a fly trapped inside a spider's web. What nonsense that was!

Yet in this room she sensed the presence of others who had visited here. Louis Chumley, perhaps; his ghost might be watching her even now. She shivered.

And the Marquis of Meridan. The previous season, it had been rumoured-but only in discreet whispers-that he was Ariadne's lover. Had he come here then? Surely he attended her now, for the two went driving together.

What did a lover do, precisely? Beth tried to imagine the marquis holding Mrs. Singleton in his arms, but the picture was too painful to tolerate. It was with a sense of relief that she heard the drawing room door open.

"I am so glad you could come!" cried Ariadne. She moved forward with hands outstretched and Beth was obliged to accept her grip for a moment. "And I am delighted to be able to chat with you alone! "

The maid gave no sign of taking offense at being thus disregarded in her corner, and Beth accepted a seat on a small gilt chair. "I hope the drawing room is not too formal?" said Ariadne. "We should remove to the green saloon, but the light in here is so delightful in the mornings."

"Yes, it is," Beth agreed, trying not to focus on her hostess' skin, whose roughness showed clearly beneath her paint in the drapery-filtered sunshine. She was pleased to see at least that Mrs. Singleton had worn a simple cherry muslin dress with an almost modest scooped neckline.

Ariadne had apparently followed her gaze, for she said in confiding tones, "You see how your style has influenced us all, dear Elizabeth? Simplicity and youthfulness, those are the watchwords!"

Beth shook her head, folding her hands in the rose-sprigged muslin of her skirt. "It was not my aim to set any modes, I assure you, madam."

"Ariadne." Again the warm smile. "I simply insist that you call me by my given name."

"Of course." The conversation broke off as two maids brought in a silver tea service and a plate of cakes:

Ariadne looked thoughtful after their departure.

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