Lord Biddenden flushed, and half started to his feet. Mr. Westruther, observing him with a good deal of mockery in his eyes, said: “I shouldn’t, George: really, I shouldn’t! Your credit would never survive a vulgar brawl in Boodle’s; and although I daresay you would like to plant me a facer you must know very well that it is quite beyond your power to do it.”
“Upon my word!” Biddenden said explosively. “You’re very squeamish all at once! A new come-out for you to be taking exception to a complaisant husband!”
“You mistake, George: no man sets a greater value on these gentry than I. My contempt is roused by the blubberheadedness that leads you into such gross error. Kitty had never such an idea in her mind. What a clodpole you are, dear coz! You have rusticated for too long—indeed, you have!”
He left Biddenden fuming and speechless; but although he was smiling, the seed of doubt had been sown. The suggestion that Kitty wished for a complaisant husband he was able to dismiss with as much contempt as he had shown George; a suspicion that she might succumb to the lure of a high title lingered uncomfortably. He met her at Almack’s Assembly Rooms on the following evening, claimed her hand for the boulanger, and chose to sit out the dance with her. The involuntary giggle which escaped her when he complimented her on her new conquest informed him that his suspicion had been unworthy. He said curiously: “I
wish you will tell me, my pretty one, what is this deep game you are playing?”
She turned her wide, disconcerting gaze upon him enquiringly.
“Well?” he said, holding the gaze, a challenge and a laugh in his eyes. “Such an eligible suitor as you have acquired, my dear! They tell me you are for ever in his company. I wonder that Freddy will permit it!”
She sipped her lemonade. “Freddy knows all the games I play,” she replied tranquilly.
“Does he? Poor Freddy! He has my most profound sympathy.” He took her fan from her, and spread it open. “Very pretty. Did he give it to you? I did not!”
“Oh, no! The one you gave me would not do with this dress. Though it is very pretty too, and I frequently carry it,” said Kitty, in a kind voice.