“He was much struck by the appearance of the lady in the chaise. He is not acquainted with Deb Grantham, but I could hardly mistake, from his admirable description of the lady’s charms! She had a young woman beside her—her maid, one supposes—and there was a quantity of baggage strapped on behind the chaise.”
Ravenscar smiled contemptuously. “Very possibly. Miss Grantham has gone into the country for a few days. I was aware that she had that intention.”
“And were you also aware that your cousin had the intention to accompany her?” inquired Ormskirk.
“I was not!”
“No, I thought not,” said Ormskirk gently.
“Are you serious?” Ravenscar demanded. “Do you tell me that Mablethorpe was with Miss Grantham?”
“That,” replied his lordship, “is what Stillingfleet told me. And he is, I fancy, fairly well acquainted with your cousin. He informed me that Mablethorpe was riding beside the chaise. Ah, I did mention that they were travelling in a northerly direction, did I not?”
“Oh, yes!” said Ravenscar. “You mentioned that at the outset, my lord. I may be dull-witted, but I collect that you wish me to infer that my cousin was eloping with Miss Grantham to Gretna Green.”
“It seems a fair inference,” murmured his lordship.
“It is a damned lie!” said Mr Ravenscar.