ONE

The evening was well advanced. The house in

Grosvenor Square

was crowded with elegantly dressed and bejeweled people, many of whom were titled and most of whom were very rich. The magnificence of the numerous carriages that lined the square outside was testimony to that.

The ball held at the town mansion of the Duke and Duchess of Repton was an early high spot of the social Season. Everyone who mattered in the haute ton had been invited; those who were not knew exactly the state of their social standing. In the salons and ballrooms of late the question on everyone's lips had been whether the Prince of Wales would become Regent or if the King would regain his senses. Now the matter was settled; wagers on the matter had been won or lost, and the beau monde awaited the next scandal or gossip-worthy event with great impatience.

Throughout the evening in the card room large amounts of money were being won and lost. Diamond shoe clips and emerald rings were crossing the table at frequent intervals. At one table the Earl of Asheville scooped his substantial winnings into a leather purse before getting to his feet and, with a smile, bidding his companions an affable good-night.

'He has the devil's own luck," remarked one of the losers as the earl walked away from the table.

'It isn't like he'd need to resort to breaking shins."

'No, indeed," agreed the other, "his marriage has ensured his future fortunes. That union is so typical of Asheville. A considerable heiress would not suffice for him, I fear; the countess is also a handsome wench."

His acquaintance laughed. "A little too much for you to handle, Royston, and from all I have heard, that may be true of Asheville, too."

'You need not have a care for him, I assure you. Lady Asheville will be permitted her head on all occasions as long as he can continue enjoying his pleasures, which are considerable."

Unaware of their acid comments, Lord Asheville strolled out of the card room, nodding amiably to acquaintances as he passed them. He walked slowly back toward the ballroom, where he had last seen his wife. As always she had been surrounded by an eager crowd of friends and admirers, and the earl had harbored no doubts that the countess would be adequately entertained during his time in the card room.

'Asheville!" He turned on his heel as he was approached by Lady Welman, an old acquaintance. She had, in fact, been his mistress several years earlier. "Do I dare to hope you wish to take me in to supper?" she asked coyly when she reached him.

He bestowed upon her his most charming smile. "Alas, I cannot, my lady, much to my regret, for I am engaged to escort my wife in to supper this evening."

Lady Welman fluttered her fan. "La! Your own wife! How unfashionable of you, my dear."

'Indeed, I know it, but you must grant me this slight eccentricity. It is due entirely to the short time we have been wed."

The woman looked skeptical. "Three months wed and still good friends?"

'Remarkable, is it not?" he answered smilingly.

'Even so, I'll wager you will not escort Lady Asheville into the supper room this night, my lord. Indeed, you will not."

So saying, she turned on her heel and strode away, laughing with her companions, leaving the earl to frown after her for a few moments before he continued on his way.

Several ladies eyed him with admiration as he passed them by. Up until the end of the previous Season he had been regarded as a very eligible bachelor, although his title and considerable wealth did not entirely account for that, for there were others of higher rank and greater wealth. The Earl of Asheville was considered to have a handsome countenance and a fine figure, which was invariably clad in the height of fashion. He followed the current vogue of wearing his own hair tied back with a ribbon, whereas some of his contemporaries still powdered theirs or even persisted in the outdated fashion of wearing a wig. His coats were always superbly cut to accentuate his broad shoulders, and his smooth breeches disclosed a pair of fine legs. When he so chose, he could use his charm to devastating effect, a fact to which many ladies could testify. All these attributes, together with the fact he had evaded matrimony until his thirtieth year, endowed him with a certain challenge to debutantes on successive Seasons. So, it had come as something of a surprise to many when his betrothal to one of their number was announced during the last Season.

Miss Pandora Kettering was acknowledged to be a great beauty, and her portion was considerable, so after the surprise had faded a little, the gossips began to speculate in earnest on how a confirmed bachelor like Lord Asheville would deal with such a fun-loving girl. In this their first Season as man and wife all attention was on the newly married couple, and no one was more aware of it than Lord Asheville himself.

By the time he had reached the ballroom, it was considerably less crowded than it had been the last time he'd been there. No longer was the dance floor a moving tapestry of brightly colored velvet and silk. Dancing, it seemed, created considerable hunger and thirst, and the supper room was now filling with the eager revelers, while the orchestra took a well-earned rest.

'Have you seen my wife?" he inquired of an acquaintance, who shook his head.

'Not for at least a half hour," came the reply. "Mayhap she is in the supper room."

Among those remaining the earl could see no sign of his countess. Her mass of red curls, always un-powdered, made her easily visible, as did her laughter, which so often rang out above the chatter and music. Lord Asheville was beginning to feel slightly irritated now, especially as Lady Welman's parting shot returned to his mind. Just as he turned to leave the ballroom, the earl's spirits plummeted further at the sight of the large lady approaching him with a purposeful air about her.

'Asheville!" she boomed. "I have been seeking you out all evening."

'Your Grace," he murmured with a bow. "I am always at your service."

'You may not be aware of it, but I called in at Hanover Square and left my card with your house steward a sennight ago, and I find it strange that Lady Asheville has not returned the call as yet."

The earl drew in a sharp breath. His mother's friend was a formidable lady, a foremost matron of the beau monde. If Pandora hoped to become a successful Society hostess, he was fully aware, as she must be, that she could not afford to alienate a lady of such importance.

'I am persuaded," he answered, choosing his words with infinite care, "it was an oversight, Your Grace. Had Pandora seen your card, I know she would have returned your call without delay."

'I suppose it is possible she has not seen it," the duchess conceded. "Servants are so lax nowadays, don't you find?"

'Yes, indeed I do. I will have words with them on the morrow, I assure you. I do not suppose you have had sight of my wife this evening?"

'Periodically I have caught a glimpse of her, I own. She has stood up for almost every set, usually with Sir Aldan Buckley."

The earl bowed again as she brushed past him. When she had gone, he drew in an exasperated sigh. Buck Buckley. That rakehell. He might have guessed he was still dancing attendance on his wife, but even so, he could not help but feel angry.

There were a number of guests in the garden, which was lighted by lanterns hanging in the trees. It was not uncommon when the heat and airless-ness indoors became too much that guests revived themselves in the garden, but at that time of the year the air was cool, and no one lingered there for too long.

However, Pandora Asheville exhibited no anxiety to go back indoors as she enjoyed the fairylike vista before her. "I believe I would have swooned away if I'd been obliged to stay in the ballroom for another moment." She sighed. "The air is so delightfully fresh out here."

Her companion gazed at her in awe. "Anywhere you are present cannot be other than delightful, my lady."

Pandora laughed, a sound that had entranced so many gentlemen since her debut into Society a year earlier. She tapped him playfully on the arm with her fan. "Flatterer."

He caught hold of her by both arms and drew her toward him. "And you are a witch, my dear, a green-eyed witch who has enslaved me. I can scarce go about my daily tasks for thinking about you."

Pandora's laughter was a mite more uncomfortable now. "Sir Aldan, I beg of you, remember propriety."

'You would do well to remember that I am still as madly in love with you as the moment I offered for you. How could you accept Asheville's offer instead of mine?"

'I could only accept one offer of marriage out of all those that were made, Sir Aldan."

'Call me Buck. All my friends do."

'Indeed, I will not." She turned away from him, gazing up at the sky. "Look at the full moon. Does it not appear that you could just reach out and pluck it from the sky?"

'If you bid me to do it, I vow that I shall."

She laughed again. "What a tongue-pad you are, to be sure, but I own you are also very gallant."

'Would that I were your gallant, my lady. If you cannot be my wife, that is all I have left to crave in life. To love you and be loved in return is all I now desire."

'Your tongue is certainly well hung," she mused, "and everyone knows you to be a practiced rake. Why should I believe such tarradiddle?"

Once again he seized hold of her, his expression fierce. "Because I speak only the truth. I am driven mad with love for you."

Once again Pandora drew away from him. "Sir Aldan, pray let go of my arms. You are hurting me."

He did so, adding, "You care nothing for my hurt.

Why do you persist in this torture? You know of my feelings for you. Indeed, you were aware of them before you became leg-shackled to Asheville."

'Had I accepted your offer of marriage, Asheville would have bemoaned his anguish."

'You cannot think so. He has no such feelings, and what is more, I am of the opinion he cannot make you happy, for he has a cold disposition. Everyone remarks upon it. I'll warrant he has never been in love. You need a man who can understand the passion in your heart, my lady, and I am that man."

Feeling desperately uncomfortable now, Pandora feigned a careless attitude. "Oh, gentlemen suffer an excess of pride, Sir Aldan. Tis only injured pride that prompts this outburst, nothing more. This Season there are many debutantes who are both well favored and have generous portions. I am persuaded, if you set your mind upon it, you will find one much to your taste."

'Heartless wench," he castigated, "to dismiss me in so cavalier a manner when I am in perpetual agony."

When he reached out yet again and pulled her toward him, she was too surprised to resist, and when he bestowed a kiss upon her lips, for a moment Pandora could do nothing but allow him to press his lips against hers. Her shock lasted only moments, but just as she recovered her surprise and was about to draw away outraged, a familiar voice snapped out her name.

Pandora jumped back, as did her erstwhile lover. Fortunately the powder on his face and the numer-ous patches he wore concealed a sudden paling of his cheeks. The sight of the earl standing some few steps away came as an even greater shock to Pandora than the dandy's kiss.

'I have been seeking you out for an age," Lord Asheville told her, casting the other man a look which could have melted ice.

Abashed and appearing nothing like the dashing beau of a few moments before, Sir Aldan made a brief bow. "My lady. Asheville." He hurried back toward the house, leaving Pandora to stare after him in dismay.

The earl's gaze followed him pitilessly. When Sir Aldan glanced back and saw it, he almost stumbled before making even greater haste toward the house.

'La!" Pandora laughed in order to cover her confusion as she opened her fan and began to swish it in front of her red cheeks. "Is it supper time already? I declare I had quite lost all notion of time."

'So it would appear," her husband tartly replied. All at once Pandora felt cold and shivered, drawing her shawl more closely about her. The earl held out his hand, much to her relief. "Come, let us go inside before you take a chill."

With uncharacteristic meekness she allowed him to lead the way, joining the path taken a few moments earlier by Sir Aldan Buckley. After a moment or two of enduring a discomforting silence, she ventured, "Is it not the most diverting evening?"

'I do not doubt you would deem it so, my dear." he answered without looking at her, and his tone gave her no reassurance at all.

It seemed to Pandora that he was very angry indeed, and although she feared his wrath, she would have welcomed a more open display of ire. "I caught sight of you in the card room a while ago," she ventured meekly. "I do trust that you won at cards."

'I did," he answered, his tone still icy.

'Then you are free to stand up with me for the country dance after supper. I have left it free for you." When he did not reply, she went on breathlessly, "Have you seen Fanny Courdon's gown? How hideous it is. I cannot conceive what possessed her to wear it."

'No, I have not seen Fanny Courdon's gown, Pandora, but I have seen the Duchess of Melway."

Pandora cast him a fearful look. "What did Her Grace want with you? To impart some criticism of me, no doubt."

'You are very astute. She believes you owe her a call."

Pandora bit her lip. "I do intend to call upon her… on the morrow. Indeed, I have had it in mind all week, I assure you."

He cast her a disbelieving look as they reached the house, but instead of escorting her into the supper room, he led her into the hall, where several guests cast them curious looks.

'Where are we going?" she asked in bewilderment. "This is not the way to the supper room."

He did not reply. Instead the earl addressed one of the footmen on duty. "Have my carriage brought round immediately," he ordered, "and her ladyship's cloak."

Pandora gasped as the lackey went to do his bid-in ding. She turned on her heel and looked at him directly at last. "Are we to leave, Asheville?"

'Yes," he answered, nodding smilingly at someone who passed.

'We cannot leave; the evening isn't half over." For a moment he surveyed her dispassionately before replying, "For you it is over."

'Why?" she asked in a desperate whisper. "I am amazed you should ask. If you truly require to know, it is because your behavior is deplorable. I believe that is reason enough."

'You mistook what you saw. When I accepted Sir Aldan's invitation to take some air in the garden, I had no notion he would try to kiss me."

'It appeared to me that he did considerably more than try; he succeeded. His lamentable behavior does not excuse you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Oh, you do not intend to call Sir Aldan out over this, do you?"

The earl's lips curved into a mirthless smile. "That poltroon? Certainly not. He is only good for behaving like a mooncalf with married ladies. A duel can only give satisfaction if both parties stand a sporting chance. Sir Aldan would probably make for the first packet boat leaving Dover before I had a chance to appoint my seconds."

As their carriage clattered into the forecourt, Pandora became angry. "You are making far too much of this, Asheville."

'I think not."

'I am of the opinion that this 'punishment' has more to do with my not returning Her Grace's visit than Sir Aldan's brief embrace," she declared, throwing her head back proudly.

'Think what you will, Pandora," her husband answered wearily. "It makes no odds to me."

Her fox-lined cloak was put around her shoulders, and before she could protest any further, the earl had ushered her into the carriage, which immediately set off at a spanking pace.

Pandora's eyes filled with tears when she thought of all she was going to miss. "What will the tattle-baskets make of this, I wonder?" she asked in a broken voice.

'It surprises me that you even care, Pandora. I have never noted this trait in you before. Mayhap in future it will cause you to be a mite more circumspect in your behavior."

'You sound just like the prosy old clergyman who used to preach to us when I was a child. He was forever reading us dire lessons from the pulpit, but that didn't stop him patronizing the village doxy as soon as church was finished."

She turned away from him in disgust and frustration. In truth she was very much alarmed by what had happened. In their three months of marriage she had never seen him other than amiable and indulgent toward her, so that this cold anger, which was entirely new to her, was frightening. She had always possessed the ability to manipulate gentlemen to do her bidding, from her adoring father to the beaux who laid siege to her house during her one and only Season as a debutante, and she fully expected to be able to continue in this manner with the man who had become her hus-band. Now she was at a loss as to how to make amends for that momentary lapse in propriety. It did not occur to her that a humble apology was likely to have the desired effect.

The carriage rattled into

Hanover Square

and came to a halt outside the handsome edifice of Asheville House. Pandora did not wait for her husband to help her down. As soon as the steps were lowered, she climbed down and hurried into the house ahead of him.

As he followed her, he said, "Tomorrow you can send a note to the duchess explaining your early departure."

'How do you suppose I can do that?" Pandora demanded, her breath coming quickly.

'Why not say quite simply that you felt unwell?" he suggested, and then began to climb the curving staircase.

'Are you mad?" she retorted. Her earlier guilt was quickly turning to anger.

Halfway up the stairs he paused to turn and look at her again. "Mayhap you would prefer to tell her your husband is heartily weary of seeing you behave at best like a hoyden and at worst a wanton."

'How dare you say that of me?" she fumed in the face of his cold anger.

'Do not forget, Pandora, I have the evidence of my own eyes. If it concerns you what the tattle-baskets say, I suggest you take up my earlier advice and write to tell Her Grace that you had an attack of the vapors or some such thing. It is not unknown among ladies, I understand."

'If I write to the duchess telling her I felt ill, within a day the tattle-baskets will have it that I am increasing." His eyes opened wide with surprise, which afforded her some small comfort, and before he could recover himself, she said pleadingly, "You are making far too much of this, Asheville. It was nothing, I assure you. Nothing at all."

Far from easing the situation, it seemed she had made it worse, for an implacable look came over his face. "Yes, I know that, Pandora. It cannot have meant anything to you because you care only for yourself."

He turned on his heel and continued up the stairs. This time she did nothing to stop him, but she waited until he had reached the top before running up the stairs herself and into her room, slamming the door behind her with a great deal of force.

Lord Asheville entered his wife's bedchamber, to find her having her hair brushed by her maid. A fire burned low in the hearth, and the room was filled with flickering light. Pandora saw him enter the room, but deliberately kept her head averted.

The earl appeared to have become somewhat conciliatory as he glanced across at her, but Pandora's anger had increased since their return home. The thought of having to explain her sudden departure from the ball angered her greatly. Whatever excuse she made, she would look a fool and cause unfavorable gossip. Pandora Asheville was not accustomed to that, and she would not forgive him easily.

Her maid, Nan, had helped her into a silk bed gown, over which Pandora was wearing a matching peignoir trimmed with swansdown. Her hair was now falling loose to her shoulders, and she was aware how fetching she appeared. So many gentlemen of the ton had told her so. However, at that moment she had no wish to appear anything but angry.

The earl was now wearing a damask dressing gown that was frogged with silk braid. He glanced meaningfully at Nan, and Pandora quickly dismissed her. However, the maid was obliged to remain a few moments longer in order to remove the warming pan from the bed. When the maid had gone at last, Pandora picked up one of her silver-backed brushes and continued to brush her hair.

As the earl sat down on the daybed, she asked, "Have you come to give me another set-down?"

'Pandora," he said softly, "I may have acted with undue haste this evening, but that is only because I wish you to behave with more decorum, now you are my wife."

'By that I suppose you to mean you would like me to behave more like the Duchess of Repton or Lady Curtsworth and other cronies of your mother's close acquaintance."

The earl's lips twitched slightly. "I cannot exactly envisage you resorting to such an extreme as that, but it would be more in keeping with your position if you were less of a hoyden."

She paused to cast him an icy glance. "Or a wanton?"

He got to his feet and began to pace round the room. Pandora could see that his mood of reconciliation was fast disappearing. "I am fully aware that you do not deliberately wish to cause gossip or to behave improperly, but you must see you are no longer a child, a child who has been greatly indulged all her life."

Pandora threw down the hairbrush at last. "So that's how you see yourself; a stern father to me in place of the one who was far too indulgent."

'Too often I am called upon to make excuses for you, Pandora. It will not do."

'Why should I not enjoy myself? You enjoy your horse racing, mills, gaming, and your doxies, too, I do not doubt."

His indulgence toward her was almost exhausted now. "Pandora," he said warningly, "recall who was caught acting improperly. With Buckley, of all people."

Pandora smiled mirthlessly. "Mayhap you will supply me with a list of who is approved for such a purpose if Sir Aldan is not."

The earl's face grew dark. "Damnation take it! I am out of patience with you. Give a thought to what might have transpired had it been someone else who saw you with Buckley."

Pandora jumped to her feet. "Nothing would have happened! Is it so unusual for a gentleman to kiss a lady?"

'When the lady is my wife, it is intolerable."

'That is something I cannot begin to comprehend."

When he came closer to her, she moved away from him. He followed her across the room and put his hands on her shoulders, which caused her to stiffen. "I don't wish to be angry with you," he said softly, but she remained unyielding to his touch.

'Let us attempt to put this unfortunate evening behind us. There will be many others to enjoy in the future."

Pandora pulled away from him. "I cannot forget what has ensued this evening, for it has a bearing on the future. How can I enjoy any diversion when you evidently disapprove of my every movement?"

'That is untrue and unjust."

Ignoring him, she went on, "Am I to fear being taken home early like a badly behaved infant if I so much as smile at a gentleman?"

'You did more than smile at Buck Buckley," he pointed out.

'Your reaction was, nevertheless, outside of enough. I have been roundly humiliated this evening, and I cannot easily forget that."

'I see," he said, stepping back a few paces and making no further attempt to touch her. "It appears that the only embrace you are able to welcome is that bestowed upon you by Sir Aldan Buckley." Before Pandora could protest, he began to walk back toward his own room. "It seems to me that you need to learn how to behave in a proper manner, and accordingly on the morrow, Pandora, you will leave London for Brocklesby Hall."

Pandora's brow furrowed into a frown. "I don't understand…"

Implacably he continued, "Then, let me explain, my dear. A spell of rustication might, help to concentrate your mind on how the Countess of Asheville should conduct her life."

Momentarily Pandora was stunned. "Brocklesby Hall? I am to go to Brocklesby Hall?"

'Exactly. On the morrow, before you have a further opportunity to bring disrepute upon my name."

'Asheville! You cannot mean this."

He paused by the connecting door. "Oh, indeed, I do."

'But I cannot go to the country; the Season is scarce begun. What will everyone say?"

'I have no notion and certainly no care."

Furious and full of panic, she accused, "I see it now! You are so foxed, you have no notion what you are about."

He didn't trouble to answer her, but as he continued to stare at her unflinchingly, she knew he was sober, and some of her defiance faded as she faced the awful possibility that he actually meant what he had said. "Gareth, this is outside of enough. What would you have me do? Beg your forgiveness on my knees?"

The very notion made him laugh. "Oh, no, my dear. I would not wish the proud Pandora Asheville to demean herself in that manner." Abruptly his amusement faded. "Well, at least not yet."

She stamped her foot angrily on the floor. "Well, I shall not go, so be warned."

'This is one matter in which you have no say. I have decided that you will go to the country, and go you shall."

'No!" she cried, her eyes wide. "I have too many engagements. 'Tis impossible."

'I think not. You'll be obliged to cry off, naturally, but I don't see that as an insurmountable obstacle. I will make all the necessary arrangements for your journey before I retire."

'Oh, how cruel you can be," she accused. "I'd as lief be horsewhipped as be obliged to rusticate!"

'I am sorely tempted," he answered, and because she detected a slight thaw in his manner, she affected her most wheedling smile and ingratiating air.

'My dear, do you not think you are being a mite too extreme?"

'Outrageous behavior I leave to you," he replied, apparently unmoved. "Good night, my dear. Sleep well."

As the door closed behind him, Pandora screamed his name, and when that failed to gain a response from him, she picked up her hairbrush and threw it at the door with all her might before sinking onto the daybed and bursting into tears.

TWO

The morning was almost half over when Lady St. James arrived at Asheville House and asked to see Lady Asheville. She was slightly taken aback by the amount of activity going on, and when she inquired of her friend, was informed that her ladyship was still abed.

'Then, pray tell her I wish to see her on a matter of the utmost import."

Some minutes later Lady St. James was ushered up to the countess's boudoir, where she found her friend prostrate on her daybed, still wearing her nightclothes.

'I came as soon as I heard you had left the Reptons' early last night. I have never known it of you before."

The countess had a slice of cucumber on each eye while she reclined on her daybed, with several other slices in a dish by her side. When Lady St. James arrived, Pandora sat up and removed the cucumber slices quickly, to reveal two pinkish and swollen eyes.

'Pandora, my dear, what is amiss with you? You look as melancholy as a gib cat. What ails you, my dearest? A chill? A fever? Has a doctor been summoned to attend you?"

'I do not need a doctor," Pandora answered wearily "I am not in the least ill, I assure you."

'You look…" A smile slowly spread across Lady St. James's face. "Do not tell me; let me guess. You are increasing. Oh, my dear…"

'No, I am not!" Pandora answered in outraged tones. "If you insist upon knowing, I am suffering from a broken heart."

As Pandora swung her legs over the edge of the daybed, Lady St. James caught sight of Nan busily packing her mistress's clothes into trunks. "What is going on here?"

'You may well ask."

'I do ask. Moreover, if you do not tell me in the next few seconds, I shall be obliged to plead for an explanation." .

For once, Pandora was in no mood for her friend's funning "This is the most dreadful thing that has ever happened to me, Rosa. Last night Asheville caught me flirting with Sir Aldan Buckley…

Rosamond St. James looked intrigued. "And…

Pandora drew a deep sigh. "He has banished me from London for the remainder of the Season."

Lady St. James was evidently perplexed. "Banished you?"

'That is correct," Pandora replied, fighting back her tears. "I am to go to Brocklesby Hall to repent my wicked ways. There will be many long, lonely, dreary days in which for me to do so."

Lady St. James gasped. "I cannot believe this of Asheville. He is too full of good sense to be so… medieval. Yes, that is exactly what he is. I cannot credit him with such foolishness."

'He'd find fault with a fat goose. Believe it, Rosa," she went on bitterly, "he finds much to fault in me. I had no notion I possessed so many imperfections."

Her voice began to break, and her friend went on quickly, "I spoke with him briefly last night, and he appeared in high feather, never more so. I had never seen him so amiable."

'That was before he saw me in the garden with Sir Aldan." Pandora wrung her hands in anguish. "How can I bear this, Rosa? I have invitations to endless engagements. Balls, routs, breakfasts, masquerades, not to mention the fete planned at Windsor to celebrate the King's recovery to health. I'd as lief die as miss that."

'Asheville could not be so heartless…"

'Mr. Lawrence is painting my portrait," Pandora went on, as if her friend had not spoken. "Imagine it, for centuries to come my unfinished portrait will hang in the hall. They will call me the Unfinished Countess."

'That, I am persuaded, is the least of it."

'Mr. Lawrence wished it to be shown at the RoyalAcademy. Now another portrait will enjoy the fame."

'Oh, I see," the viscountess said, smiling slightly.

'No, you do not see," argued Pandora. "If I go to the country, everyone will forget my existence in a sennight."

'That is impossible, my dear. You couldn't be forgotten in a year. If it is any consolation to you, I vow I shall write to you regularly to keep you abreast of all the on dits."

'That is no consolation at all. It is all so humiliating, and if you tell even one soul of this, I declare I shall never forgive you!"

'I shall not breathe a word of it, you may be sure. If anyone asks me why you have left town, I shall become as close as oak. I just wish there was something I could do to help you, but I confess I cannot think of anything. This must be such a blow to you, my dear. I have never known anyone to enjoy so heartily the diversions of London as do you. This is an utter tragedy."

'Be sure that Asheville knows it as well as you. He could not devise a more fiendish punishment. It would have been better by far if he'd taken his riding crop to me."

'Like Fosdyke did to poor Amelia? Oh, I doubt if you'd like that, Pandora. It is said poor Amelia still bears the scars."

'Well, I may as well be dead as be at Brocklesby Hall."

'Pandora, when did Asheville make this… er… judgment upon you?" Lady St. James asked thoughtfully.

'Last night when we returned." Pandora sniffed loudly, for she could scarcely bear to think about it. "He had become a mite conciliatory, but I was so angry I could hardly think straight."

'As I surmised. My dear, why do you not seek  him out now? His thoughts might have mellowed somewhat since last night, I fancy."

'I had considered that, too, Rosa, but when I inquired as to his whereabouts on rising this morning, I learned that he had gone to Newmarket and would not return until the morrow." Her voice broke slightly. "So, you see, all is lost, and I am obliged to leave here as soon as we are packed."

'There will be other Seasons in London, my dear," her friend commiserated.

'This is my first. It was meant to be a triumph, to establish me in the forefront of the ton. A match such as ours was so well devised, this Season should have been the very best. Why is he so unreasonable, Rosa?"

'If you wish me to find a reason for the way gentlemen behave, I am very much afraid that is something that has puzzled others far more learned than I."

'Oh, I can scarce bear to contemplate what life is going to be like at Brocklesby. Everyone will have a famous time in town, and I shall have only my sewing to enjoy. The humiliation…"

'You know, Pandora, it appears to me that Lord Asheville is suffering an acute attack of jealousy, and as soon as it abates, he will come to fetch you back."

Pandora looked astonished. "Jealous! Asheville!" She laughed harshly. " 'Tis only his pride that aches him, nothing else."

'Well, of course, he is your husband, and you should know him better than I."

'That is my great misfortune. However charming he appears to others, in reality he is a loathsome toad. I must have had windmills in my head to have accepted his offer. He seemed so amiable then," she added wistfully before her anger took control of her once more. "Why could I not see him for the fortune seeker he really is? How crack-brained I must be. No wonder he wishes to be rid of me."

Lady St. James listened to her friend's diatribe in silence, trying hard to control her amusement, for she did realize how devastating laughter would be for Pandora in her present state of mind.

Just as the viscountess was trying to think of something soothing to say, Nan appeared in the doorway. "You must dress with no further delay, my lady. The carriage will be here very soon."

'Oh, I beg of you, do not remind me." Pandora turned to Lady St. James, who was gathering her muff in preparation to go. "Do not abandon me. Stay with me while I dress. Divert me, Rosa. I need desperately to be diverted or I shall surely lose my reason. What are the latest on dits?"

Rosamond St. James followed Pandora into the bedchamber. "I believe there is little you have not already heard, except what I came to impart this morning."

'It will not be long before I am the subject of every on dit in this town."

'I pray you, listen, Pandora. You must recall my telling you of my poor dear cousin, the comtesse."

'Indeed I do," Pandora murmured as she was helped into her shift. "Has she decided to leave France at last?"

'After so many months of my begging her to come to London, she has at last consented to do so. She acknowledges that the situation in France is not, after all, going to improve. Indeed, it is daily growing worse."

'So I have heard."

'Unfortunately she is obliged to remain a few more days to settle her affairs, but she should be here within the sennight. I shall not rest easy until she is safe with us in

Curzon Street

."

'How fortunate she is," Pandora commented as Nan fastened her heavy traveling gown. "When she arrives, I shall be in Suffolk. The comtesse will be free to enjoy all the diversions of London."

'She is not to be envied," Lady St. James replied in shocked tones. "She is leaving everything behind her."

Pandora sighed. "I beg your pardon, dear Rosa. I scarce know what I am saying this morning. I declare, this business has unhinged my mind."

'That is quite understandable."

'I have to cry off so many engagements, I cannot imagine how to begin." She sat down at the dressing table as Nan began to dress her hair in the cascade of ringlets that had become her trademark. "I thought I knew Asheville well. Truly I did. He is a stranger to me, I must own now, and not a very-pleasant one, either."

'Ah, do any of us know our menfolk?" the viscountess asked sagely.

'You deal well with St. James, don't you, Rosa?"

'So far, but we have been wed for such a short time. I am beginning to wonder if there might be aspects of his character I am yet unaware of."

For the first time Pandora laughed naturally. "I think not, dearest, for St. James could not be more unlike my husband."

Rosamond St. James sighed. "You are, of course, correct." Pandora gave a little cry of vexation, and Lady St. James urged, "Do not get into a taking over this."

'I cannot help myself. I have it in mind that Fanny Courdon, who set her cap at him, will again be able to insinuate herself into his affections once I am safely in exile in Suffolk."

'A great many ladies set their cap at Asheville, but he married you. In any event Fanny Courdon is leg-shackled herself, so it is most unlike she will want to become close to Asheville."

'Marriage will not stop her," Pandora scoffed. "Courdon is a buffle-head for whom she has no regard. Fanny set her cap at Asheville from the outset, and she still flirts with him whenever they are in company. I have oft observed her, Rosa."

'Well, you flirt with Buck Buckley and a score of others. I have seen you with my own eyes."

'Do not remind me of my indiscretion. It is the cause of all my ills. I declare that if Asheville forgives me today and I can go to Georgiana Devonshire's rout, then I will never so much as smile at another gentleman."

Her friend smiled wryly. "It is as well Asheville is not here to grant you his forgiveness, Pandora, my dear, for I am persuaded you would not keep to that vow longer than it took you to reach Devonshire House on the night of the rout."

Pandora sighed yet again. "I fear it is true. Tis my wanton nature. Asheville has apprised me correctly."

'If that is so, we are all afflicted with the same fault, I fear."

'Mayhap St. James is more indulgent of your faults. If Asheville had wanted a demure little chit, he should have wed Helena Bencombe. That whey-faced creature wouldn't know how to flirt, even though she was lost for love of him."

'Fudge. She is perfectly amiable."

Once again Pandora sighed. "Indeed she is. I am past praying for, Rosa." She sat forward and peered at herself in the looking glass, causing Nan to complain. "If it were not for this red hair, I'd as lief disguise myself as a French emigree and stay to teach that husband of mind a profound lesson."

'Do sit still, ma'am," Nan begged as she struggled to dress the restless countess's hair.

'What a splendid idea," Rosamond replied, clapping her hands together. "That is exactly what you should do."

Just at that moment several footmen in scarlet and-gold livery arrived to remove Pandora's trunks and bandboxes.

'The wagon has arrived"—she sighed—"which means that the carriage will not be far behind it. What was that you said about a splendid idea. Rosa?"

'Disguising yourself and remaining in town."

'If only it could be done."

'What a lark it would be!" Lady St. James enthused.

'How could I possibly disguise myself? No one except me has hair this color. Tis too distinctive."

'You have never worn a wig because of your singularly beautiful hair, but I have many. No one would recognize your hair if you hid it beneath a wig."

Pandora turned to look at her in amazement. "Why, yes, yes, indeed. I should have thought of that myself. It would make all the difference to the way I look, would it not? The Season has scarce begun, so most of my gowns have not yet been seen. No one could possibly recognize them."

'Ma'am…" Nan complained as Pandora's head moved more with her growing excitement.

Abruptly Pandora got to her feet. "My hair has been dressed sufficiently, Nan. Fetch my hat and fur-lined cloak." As soon as the abigail had gone, Pandora turned eagerly to her friend once more. "I am warming to this idea, Rosa. It certainly bears more discussion, but we have so little time."

'It will be a complicated business, but I am persuaded it can be done," Lady St. James said thoughtfully and then added in a more animated fashion, "Only listen, you can be my cousin and stay with us at St. James House."

'What of St. James, though?" Pandora asked. "Does he know your cousin?"

'He has never met her, and as you say, London is awash with emigres. Everyone knows my cousin is to arrive soon. It could not be better. Her children have already arrived with her jewels, and they can help us with the ruse."

'Just a moment, Rosa. You go much too fast for me. I am not quite persuaded this is advisable. Too many people will have to be involved."

'Nonsense. Between us we can make the masquerade creditable."

'But I am so well known…"

'Powder, patches, a slight French accent, and, naturally, you will be obliged to engage a less gay manner. You are normally very high-spirited, Pandora. A Frenchwoman today must needs be a trifle sad."

'The way I feel just now, it will be easy."

'If you are supposed to be at Brocklesby Hall, that is where everyone will expect you to be. No one will associate Pandora Asheville with… Louise de Chambray."

Pandora smiled. "The name has a nice ring to it, I confess."

For a moment she was thoughtful as her friend went on, "Instead of going to Suffolk, you can travel to PelhamTowers. It is only a hour's drive from here. I will join you there, and we will plan how to proceed in more detail. What do you say? We have perpetrated larks before, but none so ambitious as this."

Pandora took Rosamond's hand in hers. "Oh, yes, indeed it will be so much fun." Her eyes shone now. There was no sign of her tears. "Have you any notion of what I would like to do more than anything in the world?"

'I cannot begin to imagine."

'It would give me the greatest satisfaction if I could contrive to flirt with Asheville and make him fall madly in love with me—in my disguise, naturally—and then when he had totally compromised himself, I would reveal myself as his wife. That would teach him not to be such a quiz."

Rosamond St. James withdrew her hands and her smile faded. "Oh, my dear, is that wise? It would be much more sensible to avoid Asheville as much as is possible."

'Mayhap not wise, but a great lark. It would make it so much more of a challenge."

'I thought you only wished to enjoy the diversions during the Season."

'Naturally, that is what I wish to do."

'Once that is done, you can retire quietly to Brocklesby Hall to appear chastened by your rustication."

'Being chastened is not in my nature." The viscountess sighed. "I fear that is all too true."

Pandora tossed her mane of red curls back in a proud gesture. "Asheville is at fault in this matter, not I, and he will live to regret it, I vow."

When a lackey arrived to announce that her ladyship's carriage awaited, it was Lady St. James's turn to draw a sigh. How quickly her bright idea had turned into what might yet become a very foolish one. While she watched Pandora collect her last few belongings, Rosamond's heart was filled with foreboding.

THREE

'How wonderful it all is!" Pandora exclaimed as the carriage emblazoned with the St. James coat of arms made its way along the familiar streets of Mayfair.

As she peered out of the window, wide-eyed with excitement, Lady St. James reminded her, "It is only two days since you left."

'It seems like a sennight. No, more than that. A month. I have already missed several assemblies. If only I could believe Asheville is suffering all manner of miseries by my absence, I would be truly content, but I doubt if it is possible, for he is quite without feeling."

Having heard Pandora utter many such sentiments over the previous two days, Rosamond St. James did not deign to answer on this occasion. Previously the viscountess had attempted to soothe her dear friend's wounded sensibilities with a well-chosen epithet, but now she decided it was all to no avail. Pandora was determined to think only ill of her new husband, and there seemed nothing anyone could do to help him find even a small amount of favor in her eyes.

Pandora gazed at herself in the carriage's concealed mirror, as she had done on countless occasions since leaving Lady St. James's country home. Wearing a gray powdered wig and many patches on her face, Pandora scarce recognized herself.

'I feel quite different," she declared, not for the first time.

Rosamond St. James cast her a delighted glance. "You are different. Even I should not recognize you."

'It isn't only my appearance; I feel as if I am quite a different person."

'That is excellent. Nothing could be more catastrophic to your aims than Pandora Asheville appearing in a gray wig."

'I don't know what / am to do," Nan complained after looking vexed for some time. "Your ladyship cannot go about the streets unaccompanied, and yet I am to be confined to the house for I don't know how long."

'Recognition of you could spell disaster for me, so do stay away from the window, Nan," Pandora scolded, having recovered in the past few days much of her former spirit. "And you know full well what is going to be done. It has been explained to you a score of times. You will attend me as usual in the house, and Lady St. James will arrange for one of her servants to act as my abigail in public. Your duties, I assure you, will be as usual except for that."

'Save that I am to behave like a fugitive felon, a madam. Tis a wonder you did not put a wig on me," the woman muttered, causing Lady St. James's maidservant to giggle.

'Now you are being impertinent, Nan," Pandora scolded. "I do not doubt you are totally devoted to me, as you were for many years to my sainted Mama before me, but in this you will do as you are bid."

'Yes, ma'am," the woman agreed, "and I do beg your pardon."

'I have had a brilliant thought on the matter of your maidservant," Lady St. James declared.

Pandora looked at her with interest. "Oh? Then do, I beg of you, tell me."

'Wait until we reach

Curzon Street

, and all will be made clear to you once we are there."

As the carriage drew up in front of the St. James mansion, a house only marginally smaller than the one Pandora had become mistress of on her marriage, she had a sudden notion. "Rosa, what will happen when your real cousin arrives in London?"

'That will present no problem, I assure you."

'Well, there cannot be two Louise de Chambrays. Even if I am, by then, finished with the deception, it will look odd for your cousin to have changed so much in so short a time. I feel she is in reality somewhat older than I."

'She is," the viscountess confirmed, smiling impishly, "but she is not called Louise de Chambray." When Pandora looked surprised, she went on, "It is simple. If anyone should inquire on the matter, I have two French cousins—sisters. It is not impossible."

Pandora looked impressed. "Allow me to congratulate you. You have thought of everything, Rosa."

'I do hope so. It would not do for you to be rumbled on your first outing on the town."

The suggestion evidently took Pandora aback. "Do you think it at all possible?"

'Have I not been constantly reassuring you? You look years older than you really are, and nothing like the Pandora Asheville we all know so well."

Once again she allowed herself to be reassured, but as she climbed down from the carriage, she experienced a momentary doubt, for Lord St. James's curricle was waiting outside the house, and Pandora feared to meet him, realizing there would be many such encounters with people who knew her very well indeed.

Nan was fussing with Pandora's dressing case, and Rosamond quickly dismissed her for fear she would unsettle her mistress again. There was little time, however, for Pandora to prepare herself for an encounter with someone who was familiar to her, for as they entered the marble hall, Roderick St. James was coming down the stairs.

'Roddy, dearest, see who I have here," his wife trilled, much to Pandora's alarm.

Roderick St. James was a portly and rather dull young man, even though he invariably dressed in the height of fashion, as did his friend Lord Asheville. Pandora had often wondered about her good friend's odd choice of husband, for Rosamond was both beautiful and as gay as a goose in a gutter. As a debutante she had been much sought after by the beaux of the ton and had her choice of would-be husbands. However, Pandora reflected, after choosing one of the most handsome bucks of the beau monde herself, a man who had so quickly reduced her to misery, Rosamond was probably the wiser.

'Welcome to England, my dear Louise," St. James greeted her, taking her hand and bowing low over it. He did not scrutinize her face.

'Merci beaucoup, monsieur," Pandora responded in a small voice, keeping her eyes downcast in a far more modest manner than she would normally employ.

'Louise is exhausted," Rosamond crooned, drawing Pandora away from Lord St. James. "Her journey has been most arduous, and the sea unbelievably rough for the crossing."

'Now you are safely arrived," her husband said, "you may rest as long as you wish. You will be quite safe with us, I assure you. Ah, ladies, I must crave your indulgence for my haste, but Asheville is now arrived, and we must take our leave of you."

Rosamond looked aghast. Pandora felt like fainting and looked around for a means of escape. There was none, for Asheville came striding into the hall before any of them could move.

'Apologies for the lateness of my arrival, St. James. I was delayed by my tailor."

'A worthwhile reason," his friend agreed.

It was then that Lord Asheville transferred his attention to the ladies, casting Pandora a curious glance before looking at Rosamond. "Lady St. James, good day to you."

Both ladies curtsied. "Lord Asheville, what a pleasure," Rosamond replied, having recovered somewhat from her dismay. "Have you word of Lady Asheville?"

Pandora thought he looked rather strained at the mention of her name. "Indeed, I have, ma'am. A note arrived this morning, informing me of her safe arrival at Brocklesby."

'I am delighted to hear it, although I, naturally, regret her absence from town."

'No more than I," Lord Asheville assured her.

'Quite," Lady St. James replied dryly, casting a glance at her friend. "I shall myself pen her a note today, for the poor dear must be lonely at Brocklesby at this time of the year when everyone else is in London. A note from me is certain to raise her spirits, if only a little." Lord Asheville frowned at the viscountess's veiled censure, and then she went on, to Pandora's horror, "I have been very remiss, my lord. Allow me to present to you my kinswoman, Comtesse Louise de Chambray, who has just arrived from Paris."

Lord Asheville bowed low. "Your servant, ma'am."

'My lord," Pandora responded with a slight curtsy.

'Must be gone," St. James announced, and then, looking at his wife, he added, "A mill at Knight's Bridge. It promises to be a splendid fight. Good-bye for now, my dears."

Lord Asheville bowed once again before the two men strode quickly out of the house to the waiting curricles. A silence followed them for a few moments, and then Rosamond St. James threw back her head and burst into peals of laughter, dapping her hands together in delight while skipping up and down.

'I do not believe it!" Pandora cried. "He did not recognize me."

'Did I not tell you how it would be?" her friend chided.

Pandora continued to look amazed. "He scarce glanced at me. Oh, Rosa, I nearly died when he came into the house so unexpectedly. This is famous!"

She caught hold of her friend's hands, and laughing delightedly, the two young woman danced around the hall, much to the consternation of the servants on duty.

'Tante Rosamond. Tante Rosamond."

A young woman came skipping up the stairs as the two friends reached the first landing. Rosamond turned on her heel to greet her with a smile. "Jeanne, just the nerson I would wish to see now. Is Francois at home?"

'I believe he is," the girl replied in a slight but attractive accent. "Would you have me seek him out?"

'If you please. Ask him to join us in the guest suite."

The girl cast Pandora a curious glance. "Cer-tainement, Tante Rosamond."

As she hurried away, Rosamond explained, "Jeanne is my cousin's daughter, for all she calls me aunt. Francois is her brother."

'How old are they?"

The viscountess began to guide Pandora along to her suite. "Jeanne is sixteen and Francois is nineteen."

'Am I supposed to be their mother?" Pandora asked, aghast at the very notion.

Her friend laughed. "No, I think not. You shall be their aunt. At least Francois's aunt."

Before Pandora could question her friend any further on the matter, Rosamond ushered her into an airy sitting room leading to a boudoir and bedchamber.

'This is quite splendid," Pandora told her. "It appears exceeding comfortable, and I am most obliged to you."

For once the viscountess looked somber. "I am persuaded you would prefer to be at

Hanover Square

in your own home, and who could possibly blame you for that?"

Pandora sighed. "Just now it is the last place I would want to be. Seeing Asheville continuing his life as if nothing had happened makes me all the more resolved to carry on with this masquerade now it is begun, and"—she immediately brightened-"it is going to be such fun; after that encounter I know it."

'One matter I must caution you upon. Do not overdo your attempts to speak in French. My cousin had an English father and an English governess. She speaks English almost as well as we do."

'I am most relieved to hear you say so," Pandora responded. "My French is strictly limited, despite all my governess's attempts to teach me fluency."

The two friends were chattering happily when

Jeanne returned. She was a bouncy girl with fair hair and blue eyes who showed not the slightest sign of despondency at having to leave her native country so precipitately.

'Francois will be here presently, Tante Rosa," the girl announced.

'Come in, my dear, and meet my old friend, Pandora, Lady Asheville."

Jeanne sketched a pretty curtsy. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, my lady."

'And I yours, Jeanne," Pandora responded.

'If you are Lady Asheville, it must have been your husband Lord St. James left with a few moments ago."

'Yes, it was."

'My congratulations on your good fortune, my lady. Lord Asheville is exceeding handsome."

'Don't be impudent, Jeanne," Lady St. James warned.

Pandora stiffened at such praise being directed toward her unworthy husband. "He is a blackguard, I assure you. Do not allow his charm to blind you to his true nature, my dear."

The girl was wide-eyed at her compliment being taken in such a manner. In truth she still found the English a strange race and difficult to understand.

'All will be explained presently," Rosamond told her, "when Francois arrives. Ah, here he is now."

Francois de Fontenac bore a great resemblance to his sister. Blue-eyed and fair-haired, he was fashionably attired and sported an air of gaiety Pandora had not expected to see in him. After the introductions had been completed they all sat down, and Rosa quickly explained the situation to the young couple.

'How can anyone be angry with you, my lady?" Francois asked, and Pandora dimpled.

'Do you mean to say Lord Asheville did not recognize his own wife?" Jeanne asked in astonishment. "I find that exceeding odd."

'I wish you had been there to see it for yourself," her cousin replied.

'I was never more afraid in my life," Pandora added with a chuckle. "I can scarce credit it even now. There was not a flicker of recognition. I vow!"

'If Lord Asheville is angry with you now, my lady," Jeanne ventured, "will he not be even more so when he discovers what you are about?"

'I am of the opinion, he cannot be more angry than he is now. Naturally," she added with a sigh, "if this little ruse goes wrong in any way, I am like to be banished to Tunbridge Wells, where his awesome mama is in residence. That possibility is too awful to contemplate. On one occasion I overheard her telling my husband he had taken leave of his senses for marrying me, when there were so many other more suitable matches available."

Francois frowned. "One thing I cannot fully understand is why you wish to do this, my lady."

'

'Tis quite simple, I assure you," Rosamond explained. "Lady Asheville does not wish to miss all the diversions here in town."

'In addition," Pandora supplemented, "I hope to catch Asheville in an indiscretion of his own."

'I had hoped you might have abandoned that idea," Lady St. James said wryly.

'I am more than ever in favor of it," came the reply.

'If you will pardon my saying so," Jeanne ventured, "I consider this plan a mite crackbrained."

Francois glanced at his sister sharply before saying, "Be assured, my lady, we will render you every assistance in this matter."

'That is exceeding kind of you," Pandora murmured.

'What exactly is it you would have us do?" Jeanne inquired, and it was clear she was far from assured.

'It was necessary for you to know what we were about," Rosamond went on. "From now on, Lady Asheville is to be known as Louise de Chambray. It did occur to me that she will be expected to be accompanied by a French maid. Jeanne, would you be willing to accompany Lady Asheville in that capacity when she is abroad? In this house her own abigail will attend her."

The girl looked understandably startled by the suggestion. "A maid! You wish me to act as a maidservant?"

'All you will be expected to do is accompany me in public," Pandora explained.

'Well, yes, I suppose it is possible for me to do that," the girl replied, still not certain. "It would be a great lark, would it not? But Mama intends to introduce me into Society here in London, and would it not look odd that a lady's maid… ?"

'No one ever looks at an abigail," Rosamond explained. "You need not fear for that, my dear. When it is time for your come-out, no one will connect you with Louise de Chambray's maidservant."

'

Does Lord St.

James know of this?" Francois asked, and the viscountess's face took on a look of horror.

'Indeed, he does not! Roddy couldn't possibly keep a secret, not for a moment. He would blurt it out, even though he wouldn't mean to. Roddy must never know of this, poor dear."

Francois got to his feet. "Then it is all settled. Madame, we will assist you in any way you desire. I am your servant. It will be my pleasure to make Lord Asheville rue the day he ever made you unhappy. The man can scarce be human to use you so."

Such a gallant declaration should have heartened Pandora, but strangely, she found herself feeling suddenly bereft.

FOUR

It appeared to Pandora that she would be much safer within the confines of St. James House, but she acknowledged that this course might defeat her objective, so when Francois came down to breakfast and suggested an outing, she recalled she had several purchases to make at various emporiums about the town.

Accompanied by Jeanne, who wore a dowdy gown and chipstraw hat pulled low over her face, and Frangois, Pandora set out in the St. James carriage for

Bond Street

.

'From all I have observed," Jeanne murmured, "the emporiums of

Bond Street

are not as fine as those in Paris."

'I am quite sure you're correct," Pandora agreed, "although I have never, alas, visited Paris."

'It can be of no matter which are best," Francois pointed out. "You only have

Bond Street

in which to buy your gee-gaws, Jeanne."

The girl cast him a disgusted look. "What Ma-man would say if she should see me dressed up as a ladies' maid, I do not know, but I own it is an experience."

'She would wholeheartedly approve," her brother told her. "I am very happy to play my part."

'Have you suffered a change of heart, Jeanne?" Pandora inquired. "If you have, you will not be obliged to continue."

The girl looked away quickly. "No, 'tis only that I quite like Lord Asheville and feel guilty at helping to hoodwink him."

'You are not obliged to do any such thing," Pandora assured her. "I would not for anything wish for you to do anything against your will."

'I have given my word, my lady. I will do whatever is necessary to render you a service."

'If you are certain… You too, Francois."

'It is for a gentleman to always come to the rescue of a lady in distress," he vowed.

'You may be sure I am indebted to both of you," Pandora told them in heartfelt tones. "Without your aid I fear this ruse will not succeed."

'Have no fear, my lady, we will make it succeed," Frangois assured her yet again. "You are bound to be uncertain today on your very first outing in town."

'You have so many worries of your own," Pandora answered sympathetically. "Mine pale to insignificance when compared to your hardship of late."

'That is only a temporary madness," Frangois pointed out cheerfully. "As soon as the King regains control of the country, we shall return to Fon-tenac."

'Providing Fontenac is still there for us to return to," his sister pointed out.

'I refuse to consider that possibility," Frangois told her in a firm voice.

'Well, I for one have no wish to return," Jeanne told him pointedly. "I like London, and I would like to stay and make my debut here. It would be nice, I think, to marry an English gentleman."

'How do you know it would be nice?" her brother asked. "You have encountered so few gentlemen since you arrived here."

'What I have seen of them I like," Jeanne insisted.

'We shall see if they like you," her brother said, and Pandora was relieved that they had reached their first call.

'If you do remain," Pandora told the girl quietly, "by then I should be well established as a Society hostess, so I shall endeavor my best to promote you when you make your debut."

With uncharacteristic humility Jeanne lowered her eyes, murmuring, "I am obliged to you, my lady."

It was only when Pandora entered the first emporium and surveyed the wonderful goods on display that she discovered a serious drawback to her plan. She needed to make several purchases, which she was naturally unable to charge to the account of the Countess of Asheville, and having only a small amount of pin money by her, Pandora was temporarily at a loss as to how she could afford to buy what she required. However, she soon discovered that mercers were more than anxious to extend credit to the newly arrived emigres, many of whom were able to bring much of their considerable wealth with them, so Pandora opened an account in the name of the Comtesse de Chambray and resolved to pay as soon as she became Lady Asheville once more.

As they returned to the carriage after their last call, Pandora realized she had encountered several people of close acquaintance, including her own godmother, who had passed her by as a stranger. Accordingly Pandora looked upon the expedition, which had been a means of testing her disguise, as a complete success. Naturally she had attracted many curious glances—that was only to be expected of a stranger—but no one had exhibited any sign of recognizing her.

Feeling much more confident now, Pandora climbed back into the carriage, having had to remind Jeanne in a low voice on more than one occasion that it was her duty to carry the parcels and walk behind her mistress, something the girl exhibited a definite reluctance to do. Not for the first time did Pandora wonder if they had asked too much of her, for it was evident Jeanne would have preferred to join in the choice and purchase of gewgaws.

'That was a most successful outing, I believe," Frangois declared as the carriage prepared to return to

Curzon Street

and the St. James house.

'If Lord Asheville himself did not recognize his wife, it is doubtful that a mere acquaintance would do so," his sister replied with no such enthusiasm.

'I am enjoying this immensely," Pandora confided, hoping to instill some of her own enthusiasm into Jeanne. "I feel as if I am seeing everyone and everything in quite a different manner."

'It must be a trifle peculiar," Jeanne ventured, "that one's husband is living at another address in the same town."

Pandora laughed. "How old-fashioned of you, my dear."

Not accustomed to being laughed at, Jeanne responded, "Are you not afraid that in your absence Lord Asheville will find another lady to his fancy?"

Pandora's smile faded. "I certainly hope so—as long as that lady is Madame de Chambray."

However, the barb had hit home, and Pandora was now concerned for her husband's love life, which had been known to be vigorous before their marriage. It was not likely he would exist for long without a woman in his life, Pandora was certain, and the knowledge disconcerted her in no small measure, something no doubt intended by the mischievous French girl.

'Lord Asheville is not deserving of her ladyship's devotion," Frangois told his sister.

'The entire affair seems exceeding strange to me, but if I am to remain in this country, I dare say I must learn to understand English ways." Having done her mischief, Jeanne turned to peer out of the window. "How odd that we should be speaking of him, for I declare that is Lord Asheville over there."

Alert now, Pandora peered out of the window, too, immediately catching sight of the earl's curricle, which was standing at the side of the road. Pandora gasped and then groaned with dismay when she saw him in conversation with Fanny Courdon. As the carriage rattled past the conversing couple, the earl looked up, attracted, no doubt, by the sight of the St. James carriage. For a moment his eyes met Pandora's and reflected not a flicker of recognition before she withdrew her head. When the carriage had passed by, she glanced out of the back window to discover he had returned his attention to Fanny Courdon and was continuing what appeared to be an interesting conversation.

'If a gentleman as handsome as Lord Asheville were my husband," Jeanne said slyly, "I doubt if I would dare leave him prey to the attentions of other ladies. Some of them can be unscrupulous in their pursuit, I fancy."

'It was not my choice," Pandora snapped, and then sank back into the squabs, planning her revenge.

The salons in Devonshire House were crowded even more than those at Repton House a few evenings before. The Duchess of Devonshire's routs were always well attended, and indeed, she was a most popular hostess. Invitations to her assemblies were always eagerly sought by all those who deemed themselves a part of the beau monde. The duchess's predilection for deep gaming found favor among those who invariably prospered from it.

Wearing a ravishing gown of green satin covered in seed pearls, Pandora felt both at home and a stranger there. It was extremely difficult for her to resist the urge to accost acquaintances of several years standing and engage them in conversation as she was wont to do.

'I hear some of your countrymen have been obliged to flee France in their bed clothes," one old friend commented, naturally expecting a Frenchwoman's expert opinion on the matter.

'It appears the King has completely lost control of the situation," said another, her voice hushed with the horror of it.

Keeping her fan constantly covering one part of her face or another Pandora managed to murmur a suitable reply and contrived to dance as much as was possible in order to obviate such conversation, which might expose her as a fraud. She danced with Francois, who was almost always available to her, Lord St. James, and others who, she discovered, appeared to find Louise de Chambray just as fetching as Pandora Asheville.

When she walked out onto the dance floor with Sir Aldan Buckley, she was more than ever satisfied with her disguise. He knew her almost as well as the earl, having pursued her relentlessly throughout her debut Season, so standing up with him was as great a test as any she had so far undergone.

'Those terrible events across the water," he told her, "have been a great good fortune for us, ma-dame."

'I cannot conceive why that should be," she replied, affecting the French accent evoked by memories of her governess.

'We benefit from the influx of beautiful ladies, of course."

Lady St. James's cousin had contrived to send all of her valuable jewel collection out of France with her children, and it was agreed by them, Jeanne rather more reluctantly than Francois, that Pandora should have use of a few pieces. On this particular evening she was wearing a magnificent collar of pearls, which Sir Aldan appeared to find fascinating.

Despite his ogling her jewels, Pandora smiled and looked suitably abashed. "Tell me, monsieur, is there a Lady Buckley? I confess, I do not recall meeting her."

'Alas, not."

'But surely a man of such presence and wit… ?"

'It is a great misfortune, I own, but the truth is I have never lost my heart, and love is the only reason I would ever marry, madame."

Pandora affected surprise while being furious with him for his duplicity. On countless occasions he had declared his undying love for her.

'Never, Sir Aldan? I confess to finding that strange in so worldly a man as yourself."

'Well, let us say I have not met a lady to whom I could entrust my affections, at least not until now, madame."

The orchestra struck up, and Pandora reflected that her disguise had various benefits she had not, at the outset, envisaged. As Madame de Chambray, a newcomer, she was able to judge people more easily than before. Perhaps she would even come to know Asheville better before the masquerade was ended.

The dancing precluded more conversation, but as the sets moved around, Pandora was startled to find herself partnering none other than the earl, who was, as usual, the picture of sartorial elegance. Pandora could not help but admire his fine evening coat and the diamond pin fastening the perfect folds of his cravat. Momentarily she took pleasure in the fact that her husband was possibly the most handsome man in the room, but then reality beckoned when she recalled his cruelty toward her.

'Madame de Chambray, is it not?"

'Yes, it is remarkable that you remember me, Lord Asheville."

'Now we have met I am not like to forget you, but I own to be astounded that you recall my name."

'I have an excellent memory for gentlemen as fine as you, my lord."

'I am honored by your favor. Tis only that all the emigres I have yet encountered appear to be totally confused for weeks after their arrival, which is only to be expected." He smiled, something which smote her heart, for it had entranced her on so many other occasions much like this one. "Be assured, madame, I am full of admiration for your bravery."

It was a great relief when she returned to her original partner, noting that her husband was standing up with one of her rivals of the previous year.

When the dance ended, Sir Aldan began to escort her back to where Lady St. James was holding court.

'Do I dare to hope I will be granted the honor of standing up with you again this evening, madame?"

'You may hope, Sir Aldan," she condescended, and was relieved when the Duchess of Melway swept by without so much as a glance in her direction.

Before Pandora could reach the haven of Rosamond's group, the orchestra struck up the national anthem, which brought everyone to a standstill, an odd sight at such a gathering. Just as the last note died away, the Prince of Wales, accompanied by several of his cronies and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, entered the ballroom.

Pandora knew the Prince and most of his entourage well, but was obliged to feign ignorance. "What an honor this is for me on one of my first assemblies in London," she enthused.

'You are like to see him often in the future," Sir Aldan assured her, "for Prinny enjoys his diversions more than most."

'How handsome he is," she murmured as he passed by and she dropped into a deep curtsy.

'And disappointed, I'll warrant." When she glanced curiously in his direction, he went on eagerly, "You may not know of it, but his wishes have only recently been thwarted. It was thought that the Prince was to become Regent at last, but it appears the King has regained his senses. Prinny can continue his round of pleasure unabated, but I am persuaded he'd far rather be Regent."

'He surely cannot be sorry his father's health has improved," scoffed Pandora, although she knew full well what Sir Aldan had told her was the truth of the matter.

'Oh, indeed, he can," Sir Aldan replied, casting her a malicious look. "I was at Carlton House myself when the news was brought to him. It was thought he might have a seizure, so great was his dismay. I confess to be in a fidge to see the Prince's new marine pavilion at Brighton. Mayhap you would ride down with me to see the alterations that have taken place of late."

'What a pleasure that would be for me, but, alas, it cannot be in the foreseeable future, for my diary is quite made up for weeks to come."

As they spoke quietly to one another, the Prince's entourage stopped from time to time as it progressed through the ballroom so that His Highness could speak to acquaintances. When he stopped to address Lord Asheville, the earl bowed low before him.

'Asheville, it is an age since you were present at one of my soirees at Carlton House. That is very remiss of you."

'Your Royal Highness, I own it is most regrettable."

'No doubt your recent nuptials have had some bearing on your absence. I do understand, as I am in the happy situation of enjoying a similar congeniality."

'I am obliged to you for your condescension, sir."

'You must bring Lady Asheville to one of my routs at Carlton House. Next week, I insist upon it."

'We are both exceeding honor, sir, but I fear Lady Asheville is like to be out of town."

'I confess to be disappointed, but mayhap she is present this evening."

'No, sir, I regret she is not. She is at present at Brocklesby Hall and like to remain there for some time to come."

The Prince frowned. "How unfortunate for you, Asheville. She is not indisposed, I take it."

'No, no sir," the earl assured, appearing more and more discomforted as eager ears all about them avidly took in every aspect of their conversation. "It is merely a relative who is indisposed, and my wife felt in incumbent upon her to bear him company for a short while."

'Very commendable," the Prince declared before moving on, much to the earl's relief.

Meanwhile Pandora had rejoined her friend at the other side of the ballroom. "I note that the Prince spoke at length to Asheville," Lady St. James commented as she peered across the room. "I wonder what they were saying?"

Pandora fanned herself furiously. "They are cronies of old, and of a similar disposition, I fancy. Without wishing to be disloyal to our future King, both he and my husband are similarly dissipated and have a cavalier attitude toward their womenfolk."

'What tush. After the amorosas of his youth, His Highness appears to be perfectly happy with Mrs. Fitzherbert." Rosamond smiled. "Well, for the present, at least."

'Exactly. Indeed, I am beginning to believe all gentlemen play old Hairy with our affections, Rosa. Sir Aldan has just declared to Madame de Chambray that he has never been in love until now."

Lady St. James laughed. " Tis as well you did not accept his offer of marriage. I recall quite clearly that I warned you against such a course."

'What a pity you did not similarly warn me against Asheville."

The viscountess's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But, my dear, I believed you to be in love with him."

Pandora's cheeks grew red and she turned away, murmuring, "Tush!"

One dowager came hurrying up to Lady St. James affecting a great air of excitement. "Oh, do tell, my lady, why is Lady Asheville not present this evening or available to callers at

Hanover Square

? It is the greatest mystery."

'I have no notion," Rosamond replied airily.

'But I am persuaded you must know something of the matter. You are a bosom friend of hers."

Lady St. James smiled sweetly. "She does not confide everything, however. Do meet my kinswoman, Madame de Chambray."

Pandora had only just contrived to regain her breath from this encounter when another notorious tattle-basket approached. "Lady St. James, I have been seeking you out for an age."

'Mrs. Huxtable, it seems we meet at every possible occasion," Lady St. James said, with mock sweetness.

'I have not encountered you in a sennight," the other woman countered.

'Is that so? It does not seem half that long to me."

Ignoring the viscountess's sarcasm, Mrs. Huxtable pressed on. "I have heard that Lady Asheville has left town with great suddenness. I cannot credit that, and I told Lady Ravensborne, depend upon it, Rosamond St. James is bound to know the truth of the matter."

'How flattering of you both to credit me with that knowledge," Rosamond answered, "but in truth I look to you to tell me the full facts. You see, of late I have been far too involved with my French relatives to be concerned overmuch with Pandora Asheville."

Fanny Courdon, who had joined them, looked somewhat smug as she listened to the exchange. "I know why Lady Asheville is gone to the country."

All the others turned on her, including Pandora, who was alarmed. Fanny Courdon looked satisfied at the effect her words had had upon the others.

'I pray you do not keep us in suspense any longer, my dear," urged Lady St. James, a smile masking her own unease. "Do tell."

'I fear you are roasting us, my lady, and you have known all along," the young woman teased.

'Why should I do such a thing?" Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "Indeed, I do not believe you know any more than we do."

'There you are totally incorrect. The answer to the mystery is a very simple one…"

'Have a care what you say," Lady St. James cautioned, glancing worriedly at Pandora, who had taken refuge behind her fan. "There are a great many untruths abroad at present."

'If you do not know why Lady Asheville is gone to the country, how do you know they are untruths?" Lady Courdon countered.

'Because they cannot all be true."

'Oh, do go on," Mrs. Huxtable urged. "I am in a fidge to know all the details."

'Lady Asheville has gone to Brocklesby Hall to care for an ailing relative," Lady Courdon revealed at last.

Once again Rosamond glanced at her friend, whose eyes had opened wide above her fan. "You are remarkable certain of your facts, my dear," Lady St. James told her.

'I cannot be more certain, for I have only just heard Lord Asheville himself tell the Prince of Wales. I must own that I had never considered Pandora Asheville foolish, but that is what she undoubtedly is if she leaves her husband so short a time after their marriage."

So saying she sailed away, head held high, happy to have gained some ascendancy among established gossips.

'That is certainly news to me," Lady St. James murmured.

'And most disappointing to those who expected something a mite more scandalous, I fancy," Pandora said with a smile, causing Mrs. Huxtable to turn her gimlet gaze upon her.

'You, my dear, must be Lady St. James's kinswoman, of whom I have heard so much of late."

Pandora murmured a suitable reply, all the while glancing about for a chance to escape this nonpareil of gossips.

'We must contrive to have a coze," the woman went on. "I would like to hear from the lips of one who has seen for herself what is happening in France."

'I know only what is in the news sheets and available to all," Pandora told her. "The situation changes daily and is now considerably different to when I left."

'Madame de Chambray." Pandora turned toward the voice gratefully, to find herself face to face with her own husband. His parody of charm was firmly in place, she observed, not without some bitterness. If only she could have seen through that pleasant facade earlier. In truth, however, she had allowed herself to be taken in by Sir Aldan's amiability, too.

'May I beg the honor of escorting you into supper, madame?" he asked, to her dismay.

All the while Lady St. James was continuing her conversation with Mrs. Huxtable, apparently not heeding what was going on between Pandora and her husband.

For a moment Pandora was too taken aback by his sudden appearance to reply, and then, composing herself, she told him. "I am indeed honored, my lord, by your offer, but I have promised to accompany my nephew, Monsieur de Fontenac."

The earl appeared not at all nonplussed by her refusal, although he did say, "That is a great pity, but I have noted the devotion of Monsieur de Fontenac toward his aunt. It is most rare, I own." He smiled, encompassing all the other ladies close by. "I was never so devoted to my aunts."

Pandora smiled grimly behind her fan. "I do not suppose that you were."

'However, I am bound to confess they were never so charming as you, madame."

'Lord Asheville," Mrs. Huxtable said imperiously, "do you not miss your wife's presence, now she is gone to Brocklesby Hall?"

Again he smiled. "No, ma'am. I do not miss her at all." Mrs. Huxtable drew back in astonishment and Lady St. James dared not look at Pandora, whose face was frozen into a mask of dismay behind her fan. The earl glanced at Pandora again. "In order to relieve my great disappointment at not taking you in to supper this evening, mayhap you will be condescending enough to stand up with me later, madame."

He bowed briefly and was gone into the crowd, leaving Mrs. Huxtable to gasp, "What do you think he meant by that remark?"

Before Rosamond could think of a suitable reply, Pandora said, "Oh, these Englishmen; they are so strange. You should not take what he says as the veritable truth. I am persuaded that Lord Asheville is something of a funster."

'It did not appear to me that he was funning," Mrs. Huxtable replied. "Indeed, it did not."

'I am bound to say that my sympathies are squarely with his poor wife, who must find him a trial," Pandora went on, much to her friend's amusement.

'Now you have broached the subject, I am bound to tell you up until now everyone has both pitied and envied Asheville his wife," Mrs. Huxtable confided.

Pandora stiffened. "Oh, indeed? How can that be? He is either to be envied or pitied. I cannot conceive how it can be both."

Mrs. Huxtable took Pandora by the arm, affecting an air of confidentiality. "My dear, Pandora Asheville is the most delightful chit, I must own, but she is exceeding high-spirited and more than a trifle overindulged. It cannot be easy even for someone as authoritative as Lord Asheville to control her. Whatever Lord Asheville has told the Prince, depend upon it, they have parted brass rags and Lady Asheville has gone off in a miff. Asheville is merely making the best of it as any gentleman might, despite that Banbury Tale. One would have to be a buffie-head to believe that tarradiddle."

'It surely is feasible," Pandora pointed out, controlling her anger.

Mrs. Huxtable smiled knowingly. "I assure you it is not, for Lady Asheville attends no one but herself."

As Pandora's eyes met Lady St. James's, Mrs. Huxtable nodded her feathered head sagely. The viscountess was endeavoring to control her mirth, while Pandora was sorely tempted to give this tattle-basket the set-down she so roundly deserved, but wisely she fought the inclination.

'I only wonder someone with such evident good sense as Lord Asheville should think to wed a woman of that mettle," Pandora said in a strangled voice.

'Do not mistake me," the gossip continued, getting well into her stride. "She is a delightful chit and most handsome. I dare say her substantial portion alleviates much of Lord Asheville's vexation."

Before Pandora could suffer further revelations as to her own character, Francois returned to her side in time to escort her in to supper, and she was never more pleased to see him.

As they passed Lady St. James, Pandora said in her ear, "That vile creature will never grace my house again, you may be certain."

'How famous," the viscountess responded, chuckling, "and she will never know why she has been ostracized. It could not be better!"

Pandora deliberately concentrated her attention on Frangois in an attempt not to be overset by what Mrs. Huxtable had confided, but nevertheless she was discomposed. It was so unjust, and even more vexing that she had had no notion what others really thought of her. All those people who were smilingly condescending were all the while thinking her a hoyden, just as Asheville did. Moreover it appeared they considered her portion had been more of an attraction than her charms. It was infuriating that she couldn't gainsay any of those outlandish beliefs.

'You are remarkable quiet this evening," Frangois commented as they moved into the supper room.

'I beg your pardon, Frangois, I was merely collecting my thoughts. It is necessary for me to keep my wits about me if I am to continue as Madame fi de Chambray. You appear to be enjoying your entry into English Society, I notice."

'How could it be any other, my lady? I have stood up for every dance with such fetching creatures."

'I am persuaded they all find you equally handsome."

He lowered his voice. "How goes the masquerade, my lady?"

'In truth I am not certain, Francois. No one has as yet guessed my true identity, and I am persuaded they will not, so in that sense it is a great success. However, I am beginning to learn what people really think of me and to observe my own husband in a totally different way. That I think is rather alarming and not what I had looked for at all at the outset."

'So, do you continue?"

For a moment Pandora did not answer, and then she said, "If I do not, I cannot, naturally, remain in town. I needs must go to Brocklesby Hall and act the obedient and repentent wife, and I am not as yet willing to do so."

Francois smiled. "As I always thought—a woman of spirit."

Wryly she replied, "If any of my spirit remains at the end of this charade, it will be amazing."

'I, for one, am glad that is your decision. This began as an amusing diversion for me, but now I just wish to enjoy your company and eventually see you best your husband. However, it is the pleasure of your company that is uppermost in my thoughts at all times."

'That is exceeding flattering, Frangois," she answered in some dismay.

'Flattery is something to which you should be very well accustomed."

Pandora laughed uncomfortably as they entered the supper room, but then her amusement died abruptly as she caught the eye of the earl with Fanny Courdon on his arm. Pandora reflected that if she had gone to Brocklesby Hall, at least she might have saved herself considerable pain and might have continued with the illusion that Asheville harbored a little fondness for her. But she was not beaten yet. Not by a long way. By the time this act was ended, she vowed, he would regret his odious behavior toward her.

Indeed, he would.

FIVE

'La! I was quite certain you would strangle Hermione Huxtable last evening." Rosamond St. James chuckled as she entered the breakfast room next morning. "In truth I would not blame you if you had. Someone should do so before she is able to spread any more poison around the town."

Up until that moment Pandora had been ensconced in the room alone, toying with a slice of bread and butter and allowing her coffee to grow stone cold.

When her friend sat down at the table, Pandora replied, "I am delighted to hear you enjoyed my humiliation."

'Oh, be certain she would never have said it to your face."

'Saying it behind my back does not make it any better."

'My dear, we are all subject to vilification. Imagine what is said about me."

'No one could possibly speak the slightest ill of you, Rosa."

'No one is immune, I assure you. Moreover, I know full well what is said about me. How on earth could Rosamond Fulton-Manners marry such a dullard as Roderick St. James? I don't need to hear it said to know what is being whispered about me."

Pandora's cheeks grew somewhat pink, for she had harbored those very thoughts on many an occasion. "Tush, Rosa. St. James is the dearest, kindest, man."

'Exactly," her friend replied with satisfaction, "so I care nothing for what is said about me, and neither should you. It is what Asheville thinks of you that matters, not tongue-pads like Hermione Huxtable."

'Asheville has made it abundantly clear what he thinks of me, and the knowledge gives me no satisfaction at all."

'I am of the opinion that he didn't truly mean what he said about not missing you, dear. After all, you have been gone such a short while, it is like he has not had the opportunity as yet."

'That is not what he meant, Rosa, and you know it as well as I."

'Neither of us knows it." Lady St. James sighed. "I confess, gentlemen are the greatest puzzle to me—and to you, too, if you would only admit it."

Pandora smiled for the first time while her friend selected some ham and chicken and bread and butter. Just then Pandora envied Rosamond her appetite; her own had, this morning, deserted her.

'You really should eat, Pandora," her friend scolded. "Your figure has long been envied, but if you grow thin and hagridden you will only be pitied, which is bound to be hateful to you."

With that threat hanging over her, Pandora did begin to eat but was almost immediately interrupted by a footman bearing a posy of flowers.

'For Madame de Chambray," he announced, and Pandora looked startled.

When she made no attempt to receive it, Rosamond took it and glanced at the card. "How amusing this is. It is from Sir Aldan Buckley. He wastes no time at all."

Pandora's face took on a look of disgust. "The toady. No sooner am I sent to rusticate than the poltroon is in pursuit of another."

Lady St. James chuckled. "La! Who would credit it? My cousin's pearls must have set him upon the trail of yet another fortune."

'How flattering it all is," Pandora remarked in a dull voice. "First I learn that my portion was the only reason Asheville is prepared to suffer me as his wife, and now Buckley makes it quite clear he, too, is in pursuit of a fortune. Does no one like me for myself?"

'Do not put too much credit upon what Hermione Huxtable tells you. Her tongue is always dripping venom, as you know. Buck Buckley has always been known for his pursuit of heiresses. Content yourself that he is doomed to be disappointed once more. Not every man is so mercenary, thank goodness."

'I wonder."

'I see you are suffering the megrims this morning. If it is becoming disagreeable, my dear, and I can see how it might, the answer is to give up the pretense. It is not worth giving yourself further heartache if it can be avoided. I fear we did not think on this matter as deeply as we should at the outset."

'Last night Francois asked me if I wished to stop being Madame de Chambray, and I told him I would continue. However, this morning…"

'You can always go to Brocklesby Hall as originally intended."

Pandora shuddered. "Despite everything that occurred, I would not have missed Georgiana Devonshire's rout for anything, Rosa. No, I will not allow cruel tongues and Asheville's abandonment to cause me to miss such delights. I will teach him he cannot trifle with me."

'Bravo! You show something of your usual spirit now, Pandora, and the lessons may begin this evening." When Pandora looked up sharply, her friend added, "Asheville is to join us in our box at

Drury Lane

. Won't that be splendid?"

The earl slipped into Lord St. James's box at

Drury Lane

just before the first act of The School for Scandal began. Since their earlier arrival Pandora had awaited him anxiously, but when he did arrive, she was scarcely more easy. Throughout the first amusing act of the comedy she was more aware of his presence than of the diverting performance on the stage. All through the act she was careful to keep her face averted from his piercing gaze, which often alighted upon her. Pandora was more easy in her disguise now, but even so, it did not do to take any chances, and he was, after all, her husband. Who could know her better?

As soon as the first act had ended, several of the St. Jameses' servants arrived with picnic hampers, the contents of which they set out for the enjoyment of those present in the box. There was a cold collation, champagne, and fruit, all of which seemed to delight the guests. Pandora filled her plate, with the knowledge that if she ate, it was not likely she would be called upon to converse. However, she was alarmed when the earl brought his plate to where she was sitting and took the chair next to hers.

'You are bearing your exile so bravely," he murmured, and her heart began to beat fast. "My—exile… ?" she stammered. "From France," he explained, bestowing upon her a heartfelt smile.

His eyes were very dark and unfathomable. Pandora realized, rather belatedly, they had always been so. His moods, his feelings, were never very evident, unlike his friend Roderick St. James, who had been known to cry when a piece of music moved him.

Pandora drew in a sharp breath, aware that Rosamond was watching them anxiously while keeping up a flow of bright conversation with the person sitting next to her.

'It is naturally very sad that I have been obliged to flee my country," Pandora acknowledged, "but ray cousin and her husband are endeavoring to make me very welcome, and evenings such as this do divert my mind from the reality of the situation I find myself in."

'It does my heart good to hear you say so, madame. I trust that you are enjoying the play."

'I am very much reminded of the Comedie Francaise."

'Ah, yes, I can understand that very well indeed. I have had many happy hours there. In my youth it was my privilege to visit France on several occasions."

Pandora gave him a quick, frightened look. "I had no notion of that."

Urbanely he asked, "Why on earth should you, madame?" and she felt her cheeks growing pink. A moment later he went on. "It was considered necessary for me to complete my education on a grand tour of Europe. I am bound to say that France was the favorite place out of all those I visited. Tis a wonder we did not meet on one of those occasions I was in Paris."

Aware he must believe her to be older than her actual years, she replied, "It might be that we did, my lord."

'I very much doubt it, for if we had, I would surely remember."

Once again she found her cheeks were growing red. The earl was actually flirting with her. Well, she reasoned, it was what she had hoped for at the outset, and as difficult as it might be initially, she knew she must respond.

'You are quite incorrigible, my lord," she murmured, flickering her fan in a flirtatious manner.

For some minutes Frangois had been eyeing them uneasily from the far side of the box. Now he put down his plate and came to join them, and Pandora didn't know whether to be glad or sorry.

'Your protector, madame" the earl said, his voice heavy with irony.

'We French feel the need to keep together, now we are in exile," she explained quickly.

'Ah, so that is the explanation."

The earl made no attempt to hide his sarcasm, and Pandora drew a sigh. How she would enjoy giving him a set-down, except she could rarely best him in any situation. He was the only man she could not best, and during their courtship their encounters had served to stimulate her, but now she wished she had chosen someone more malleable to her charm.

'My nephew is still feeling strange here," she added lamely.

'That is evident," he replied.

When the servants began to clear away some of the empty plates, the earl moved, allowing Pandora to be alone with Frangois.

'Does he trouble you, my lady?" the young man asked in a whisper.

Pandora laughed brokenly. "It seems he always does, but you need not get into a pucker over it, I assure you. It is no more than to be expected in the present circumstances."

'His impudence is monstrous," Frangois went on angrily.

'He cannot be brought to task for merely speaking to a lady," she pointed out.

'It is clear what he is about. First he rids himself of his exquisite wife, and no sooner is she out of town than he attaches himself to the most fetching Frenchwoman in London. It is not to be borne."

The irony of the young man's words were not lost on Pandora, and she burst out laughing, something which caused the earl to turn toward them and to frown. Moments later Sir Aldan Buckley entered the box and paused in a theatrical manner to gaze at her. Pandora had espied him earlier in his seat in the pit of the theater but had hoped to evade him on this occasion. Dealing with Asheville was sufficient for one evening, she felt, but now it seemed she was not to be spared.

'Madame, this is a happy occurrence to see you so soon after our last encounter," Sir Aldan greeted her.

'For you, no doubt," she answered dryly as the earl left the box, causing her spirits to drop.

'I trust you have received my small token."

'Indeed, it was small, was it not? I declare I have never seen one smaller. It was almost lost among the others."

For once, for a few moments, the rake was at a loss for words, and his patched and powdered face took on a look of dismay. "You are exceeding plain-spoken, madame."

'It is a national trait. You needs must grow accustomed to it if we are to deal well together."

'It is my earnest hope that we shall."

She turned to gaze out at the auditorium and the other boxes, with their illustrious owners, most of whom were present that evening. Across the auditorium sat Fanny Courdon, in the Courdon family box, and talking to her with great earnestness was

Lord Asheville. Pandora gasped with annoyance at the evident enjoyment the earl was displaying in the company of her erstwhile rival. It seemed that marriage had not ended old rivalries, and she realized she had been naive to think that it would.

'I fear madame is feeling peevish today," Sir Aldan was saying.

When she was able to draw her gaze away from the Courdon box, Pandora looked at the baronet once more. "Indeed, yes, and if I seem ungracious, I must beg your forgiveness."

'There is no need, no need at all, I assure you. I fully understand. I confess to having a rare understanding of the female heart."

Pandora smiled sweetly. "How comforting that is to me."

'Now you are more settled in London, no doubt you will be considering a move to your own establishment before too long. Mayhap, even to take a husband to ease the loneliness of your exile."

'A husband?" Pandora said consideringly. "I own I had not thought of it, Sir Aldan."

'You must. You need someone to protect you and your interests, madame. You are all alone in a strange land."

'Oh, not all alone, Sir Aldan. I am surrounded by so many acquaintances. I have been warmed by the friendship I have found all around me."

'Acquaintances do not suffice, so I entreat you to consider the question of wedlock."

'I think not. It is more like I shall retire from the social round, Sir Aldan. In truth I am beginning to lose my liking for the diversions of town."

He looked aghast, as was Pandora's intention. "I cannot credit that in one such as you."

'Be assured I mean what I say." She drew a deep, exaggerated sigh before continuing, all the while watched warily by Lady St. James. A few moments later Sir Aldan, together with the other callers, left the box prior to the start of the second act.

Rosamond St. James moved closer to her friend. "What did you say to him? His face became as red as a brick."

To Rosamond's amazement Pandora began to chuckle. "I must be as wanton as Asheville claims me to be, Rosa. I told Sir Aldan that after all my recent trials I could see no other way save to enter a nunnery."

Rosamond St. James's eyes opened wide with surprise, and then she, too, began to laugh with her friend, which was the sight that greeted Lord Asheville when he returned to take his seat for the second act of the play.

The resentment Pandora had been harboring toward her husband intensified the following day when she entered Somerset House to view a showing of work by members of the RoyalAcademy.

A great many paintings were on show, but foremost among them was a new portrait of Frances, Marchioness of Courdon. What is more, the work was generally held to flatter the sitter, and enjoying all the fuss and compliments, was Fanny Courdon herself, surrounded by a crowd of friends and admirers.

'Oh, I shall not easily forgive Asheville for this."

Pandora told Jeanne who had accompanied her to the showing. "Mr. Lawrence is in the process of painting my portrait. At least he was, for I cannot conceive when it might be finished now. I know he wished to show it here today."

'When it is completed, I do not doubt it will rival Lady Courdon's," Jeanne replied, exhibiting more diplomacy than was usual for her.

As Pandora moved around the room inspecting the exhibits, it was now becoming easier for her to greet others as Louise de Chambray, for many were coming to know the beautiful comtesse. The tale of her desperate flight from France had caught the imagination of all who heard it.

'You know, Jeanne, I am growing accustomed to being looked upon as Madame de Chambray. Everyone admires her as they never did me, so before long I may decide to remain an emigre Frenchwoman and never return to being Lady Asheville."

The girl looked shocked. "You cannot mean that, ma'am. What of Lord Asheville?"

'It is thoughts of my husband that prompt the comment, my dear. Imagine his perplexity when his wife disappears forever without a trace. He would discover himself in an impossible position, and most deservedly so."

'I think you are too hard on him, ma'am. Moreover, I am of the opinion you could not do it."

Pandora sighed. "Mayhap you are correct, but it is diverting to contemplate." As she passed Fanny Courdon, she murmured, "Mon amie, vous Ues ravissante."

'Merci, madame," the marchioness responded, smiling sweetly.

Although she was reluctant to do so, Pandora felt bound to study the portrait at length, which did nothing to salve her displeasure. In her opinion Fanny Courdon had been flattered to a great and unfair degree by the artist, making her appear far more fetching than Pandora considered her to be.

'What do you think of the prize exhibit, madame?"

She turned sharply at the sound of the earl's voice close to her ear. The sight of him always discomposed her now, just as it had done in the early days of their courtship. Then, his air of aloofness attracted her, quite different as it was to the gushing of the others who pursued her. Now, his inscrutability angered her, but all at once there was no strength to her wrath. The desire to pay him back in some measure was much stronger in her and growing daily.

'It is quite splendid," she answered, masking her ire successfully and appearing relaxed.

'I couldn't agree more," the earl mused as he further studied the painting. "Mr. Lawrence has captured the essential radiance about her."

Now Pandora couldn't quite mask her annoyance. She clucked her tongue, which made the earl look at her curiously. "You made some comment, madame?"

Pandora cleared her throat. "Oh, indeed. It has occurred to me that, having seen her at close quarters, Lady Courdon is so fetching, no painter could possibly do her full justice," The remark cost her dearly in pride, but she reckoned it was all in a just cause.

'I believe you are correct there, madame," he answered, studying the work with great interest. "Lady Courdon is a most fascinating creature, I must own."

'I cannot comment upon that, for I do not know the lady except in passing," Pandora replied, her tone dripping with ice.

'A closer acquaintance would be most rewarding, I assure you. It is my privilege to know her rather well."

Pandora was tempted to slap his satisfied face, or at least stamp her foot on the floor in anger, but she was, naturally, obliged to restrain herself. Moments later the earl went on, "Mr. Gainsborough painted my portrait some years ago, and I was very pleased with the result. Now Mr. Lawrence is in the process of painting my wife's portrait."

'It is to be hoped you will be as pleased with the result as you are with Lady Courdon's portrait," she answered with some asperity.

'I dare say I will be, for my wife has a comeliness which many find pleasing. It is intended that the two portraits, mine and hers, hang together at Brocklesby Hall."

'Like two felons on the gibbet, my lord?"

Her sarcasm was not taken amiss, for he laughed delightedly. "What a fine humor you have, madame. It is a great attribute in a lady. My wife, I may tell you, is fond of a lark. You would deal well together, I fancy."

As she moved on to inspect anther exhibit, feel- ing she had wasted sufficient time on Fanny Courdon's portrait, the earl accompanied her. "Ah, your wife," she murmured. "I have heard she has had the misfortune to be obliged to adjourn to the country."

'Unfortunately so."

'It couldn't be a worse time, unless, of course, she dislikes the diversions of town."

'In fact, she loves them. She will be most disappointed to have missed today's exhibition, I assure you."

'Then, let it be hoped she will soon have the means to return." After a moment's pause Pandora ventured, "I do trust that she will be returning to town before long."

'I think not, madame," he answered, to her chagrin. "Her relative is suffering a long illness, I fear. There is no possibility of a quick recovery."

Once again Pandora was obliged to swallow her anger. "That is indeed a pity, my lord. I should have liked to make her acquaintance."

'I do not doubt you will yet have the opportunity. You would, I am persuaded, have a good deal in common." He glanced past her. "It appears that Her Grace, the Duchess of Melway, desires a coze, so regretfully, madame, I must leave you for now, but it would please me to have the honor of driving you in the park on the morrow. Do I dare to hope you will join me?"

Pandora swallowed hard, for she recalled easily a similar invitation he had issued at the start of their courtship. It was evident, however, that the memory was not so clear to him. But when she smiled behind her flickering fan, there was no sign of her despondency.

'I shall look forward to it. Until the morrow, my lord."

The moment he had gone Pandora nodded grimly to Jeanne, who had stood aside during the encounter, and a moment later they were gone.

SIX

At the appointed hour Pandora was dressed and ready for her ride in the park. Even though she was always modishly dressed, on this occasion she had chosen with particular care a blue velvet gown and a bonnet trimmed with feathers. Around her neck she wore a sapphire necklace belonging to Rosamond's French cousin.

It was unusual that she was ready so early for the appointment. More often than not Pandora kept everyone waiting, including the earl, who found the habit irritating and did not hesitate to tell her so. Today, as she awaited his arrival, she could not help but compare the occasion with the first time he had ever taken her out in his carriage. Because he had long been pursued by debutantes and their mothers, for Pandora to be seen sitting up beside him in his phaeton delighted her and drew a great deal of attention from all of her acquaintances and his. The fact was soon reported all over town and regarded as a triumph for her. Today she felt some of the apprehension she had experienced on that occasion, but little of the pleasure, for his attention had been something she accepted as her due. Now, in view of his recent behavior, Pandora acknowledged she should have questioned his character far more closely before agreeing to marry him.

To add to her current trials Nan was becoming decidedly restless at being confined to the house and only being allowed to attend her mistress's toilette. To make matters much more fraught Frangois had taken violently against the appointment, and after being informed that she would not be included in the outing, Jeanne had stormed off in a miff, exclaiming, "Why is it I am only required for the dull outings?"

Before Pandora could soothe away her anger, Jeanne had rushed out of the house, jamming on her chipstraw bonnet. Her departure from the house coincided exactly with Lord Ashville's arrival in his high-perch phaeton.

As he handed the ribbons to a lackey, he glanced at the flushed girl who had halted in her headlong flight at the sight of him and had adopted some semblance of poise.

'Mademoiselle, are you not Madame de Chambray's abigail?" he asked as he accosted her.

He spoke to her in fluent French, and she replied in a similar manner, averting her eyes demurely as a maidservant might do, but which was out of character for her.

'I have that honor, monsieur."

'Madame de Chambray, I am bound to say, has the exceeding good fortune that you were willing to leave France and accompany her to London. Not many servants have been willing to do so."

'I am shocked to think you might consider me willing to leave my mistress to fend for herself in a strange country, monsieur. I have no taste for what is happening in France."

'I am full of admiration for you. Have you, er, been in service with Madame de Chambray for long?"

'A few months." Jeanne looked up then, her eyes narrowing. "Why do you ask, monsieur?"

It was his turn to look away. "No reason, I assure you, beyond the fact you look far too young to have been in service a great many years."

Jeanne's cheeks flamed as she watched him go into the house for his appointment with Pandora. "Young, indeed," she scoffed. "I am scarce younger than his own wife, and she has no notion how fortunate she is. If Lord Asheville were my husband I would do anything to please him."

No one could have been aware of Pandora's inner qualms when she went to meet her husband. She was fully aware of the pretty picture she presented coming down the grand staircase of Lady St. James's house. Lord Asheville awaited her in the downstairs hall, wearing a caped driving coat and Hessian boots that had been polished to a high shine.

When she reached the hall, he took her hand and raised it to his lips, a gesture that set her heart racing, something that made her feel quite foolish.

She was behaving like a mooncalf, and she hadn't been like that during his courtship of her.

'How rare it is for a woman of such beauty to be prompt for an appointment," he told her.

'My governess always instilled it into me that it is invariably best to be prompt and thus invite no anger."

'How wise of her to do so; she has my profound gratitude," he replied as he handed her up onto the box. "I have lost count on how many occasions I have been obliged to cool my heels while waiting for Lady Asheville on just such occasions as this."

'That must be exceeding irritating for you."

He laughed. "You may be sure of that, madame."

A moment later he climbed up beside her and took up the ribbons before they set off in the handsome equipage for the short ride to Hyde Park, where it was fashionable to be seen abroad at that hour of the day.

'When Mrs. Huxtable made mention of your wife the other evening," Pandora ventured, "you made the most remarkable statement to the effect you did not miss her. For a gentleman who has been wed for so short a time, I find that a mite odd, my lord."

The earl was skillfully negotiating his way between two carriages, and when that was successfully completed, he turned to glance at her, bestowing a most charming smile that went a long way to melting the hardness she felt about her heart. She was all at once tempted to reach out and touch him, to reconcile their differences and return to their former amiability, which seemed just then to be nothing more than a long-ago dream.

'Oh, I do trust that little remark was not misinterpreted, madame," he said, with such obvious insincerity that the moment was instantly gone.

'I do not know how it is to be interpreted, my lord. I should not like to regard you as hard-hearted, when your wife is evidently so good as to care for an invalid regardless of her own desires. I am persuaded she would far rather be in London riding with you in your carriage."

The approaches to Hyde Park were crowded at that time of the day, not only with carriages but with horses and pedestrians, too. Her presence in Lord Asheville's phaeton was causing no small amount of interest, which came as no surprise to Pandora. Individually she and the earl had always been the object of scrutiny, and as a married couple that interest had become even more intense. As she had surmised, her apparent departure in the middle of her first Season as the Countess of Asheville had set tongues clacking all over town, and she doubted if anyone believed that she was caring for an invalid relative.

'I realized soon after I had spoken," the earl was saying, "what I had said was open to being misunderstood. The truth is, madame, Mrs. Huxtable makes me as mad as a weaver."

'From all I have heard, she has that effect upon everyone, which is one reason to be guarded in what one says."

'I am delighted you have realized that fact. I intended to advise extreme caution in her company. Guard your tongue well, and as to what I said the other evening… I would not have you, of all people, think ill of me, madame."

'Then you did not mean it?" she prompted, unable to keep the anxiety out of her voice.

'Not precisely as it appeared, I confess. Let me assure you that Lady Asheville and I enjoy such a closeness of spirit, not even her departure for Brocklesby Hall can remove it. Wherever she is, I feel she is always close to me. That is all I meant, I assure you."

What humbug, she thought. When she turned to look at him, however, through angry, narrowed eyes, his expression was not a telling one, and she replied in a sweet tone, "That is a charming sentiment, my lord."

'And you express an inordinate interest in my wife, madame," he commented, at the same time as he nodded to an acquaintance who was hacking by.

His remark caused her to look away quickly, and she resolved to hold her tongue on that subject from then on, for it would not do to be found out at this early stage. No, indeed it would not. The game was only just beginning.

'Shame on you, Asheville!"

The earl's carriage drew to a halt at the sound of Fanny Courdon's voice. Pandora bit back her annoyance and forced a smile to her face. After all, it was she who was occupying the place of prominence in the earl's carriage, and that was bound to annoy the marchioness.

'Lady Courdon, what an honor!" he responded, appearing delighted to see her.

'Shame on you," she repeated as her carriage drew abreast of his.

'What exactly should make me feel shame on such a delightful afternoon as this?" he bantered, and she dimpled prettily.

'Why, poor Lady Asheville is incarcerated in the country, and here you are, enjoying the company of one of the most sought-after emigrees in London. You are evidently relishing every moment."

'Oh, it is surely evident what I am about," he countered. "It is incumbent upon me to afford Madame de Chambray as warm a welcome as is possible. She is, after all, a cousin of Lady St. James, and I am an old, old, friend of that family."

'How conscientious you are about your duties, my lord."

'I have always considered myself to be so."

Lady Courdon looked thoughtful. "I am of the opinion that Lady Asheville will be delighted to know of it when she is informed."

'Indeed, she will," the earl replied, retaining his appearance of good humor. "And I am certain I may rest assured that you can be relied upon to inform her. Indeed, you would be doing me a service, for I am such a poor correspondent."

Thwarted in her attempt at mischief, Lady Courdon turned her malicious gaze upon Pandora then. "How elegant you look, madame." As Pandora acknowledged the compliment with an inclination of her head, the other woman drew a deep, exaggerated sigh. " 'Tis amazing how Frenchwomen lead in fashion, even when their country is in turmoil."

'Mayhap it would be more in keeping if I dressed as a Jacobin," Pandora waspishly replied, something that made Fanny Courdon laugh, albeit harshly.

'La! What a funster you are, madame. au revoir."

As the marchioness's carriage continued upon its way, Pandora muttered, "She has more hair than wit, I fear."

Lord Asheville urged his team into a trot and replied, " 'Tis quite amazing, I do believe you have taken her in dislike."

'I think there is nothing amazing about that."

'Lady Asheville does not much like Lady Courdon, either."

'Your wife is evidently a lady of good taste."

'It has always been held that she is, as you are, madame. There are great similarities between you. Even your eau de cologne is so like the one Pandora wears."

'Pandora?" she asked in a bemused way, for she was shocked; having taken so many pains to change her appearance, she had continued to wear the eau de cologne mixed especially for her requirements in

Bond Street

.

'Lady Asheville," he explained, smiling at a young debutante who had driven past accompanied by her mother.

'I brought my cologne with me from Paris, my lord," she hastened to assure him. "It cannot possibly be the same as your wife's."

'Lady Asheville has hers especially mixed, so I doubt it, but it is similar, I assure you, and most delightful."

For once Pandora was glad to see Sir Aldan Buckley approach them. He was riding a chestnut mare and accompanied by a group of his rakish cronies.

'Lord Asheville," he said severely, "I insist upon taking you to task."

'Do you, indeed?" the earl responded, looking not the slightest bit pleased at the interruption this time.

'It is grossly unfair upon the rest of us that you persist upon keeping the most delightful ladies to yourself."

The earl laughed then. "Must I apologize to you for that, Buckley? Or shall I merely admire your good taste?"

'And I yours, Asheville." Sir Aldan looked then to Pandora, who had been feigning disinterest in his presence, smiling and inclining her head to many who were passing by.

'What a picture of radiance you present, madame," he enthused.

'I thank you, Sir Aldan," she replied demurely.

'Tomorrow you must ride with me."

At this she turned her full gaze upon him. "Must, Sir Aldan?"

'Only if you wish it," he quickly amended. "I am totally at your service." He gave the earl a meaningful glance. "I should like above all things to drive you in my curricle."

Pandora cast a mischievous glance at her husband, who was beginning to look rather angry. "I believe I would like that, Sir Aldan. Until the morrow, then."

Triumphant now, the baronet rode off, leaving the earl still looking annoyed. "Madame," he began, "I feel it incumbent upon me to warn you of that particular gentleman."

Pandora's eyes opened wide in mock surprise. "What can you possibly warn me about, my lord?"

'He is not all he seems."

She laughed. "Are any of us, my lord?" A moment later she added, "From all I have observed, Sir Aldan Buckley is a fine figure of a man and, I am bound to admit, a thoroughly pleasant companion."

'How little you females know," he murmured, looking straight ahead.

'Are you questioning my judgment, Lord Asheville?" she asked in outraged tones.

He looked at her then. "No, indeed. I would not for the world have you think so. I meant only that he is a tongue-pad, easily able to hoodwink gullible ladies. You would not be the first, I fear, but do not take what I say amiss, madame. My only desire is to protect you."

'How kind of you," she replied, appearing mollified. "It appears that you must be well acquainted with Sir Aldan to be able to speak of him with such sure knowledge."

'I know him well enough," the earl answered somewhat shortly. "He happens to be a fellow member of Boodles, which affords me some knowledge of him. Unfortunately he is well known for being in dun territory. Accordingly he is obliged to pursue heiresses, including my own wife, in regular attempts to repair his finances."

'That is true of so many gentlemen, alas."

'Those of us who are not strangers to his ways are aware he is once more deep into dun territory."

'I must admit to being shocked, Lord Asheville. I can scarce believe it of him, although," she was quick to add, "I am certain you would not seek to mislead me. As a married man yourself, you would have no motive for doing so."

He turned to look at her once more. "Be wary, madame, that is all I ask of you."

Pandora smiled. "If it pleases you, I will, my lord, but knowing these unfortunate facts about Sir Aldan does not mean I cannot ride out in his splendid curricle on the morrow."

He did not reply, but when another mutual acquaintance showed signs of stopping to engage them in conversation, the earl whipped up his team, and the carriage left the footpath.

As the phaeton plunged into the fields, Pandora held onto her hat and cried, "Lord Asheville, what are you about?"

'Sir Aldan's team, you will discover, are daisy cutters compared to mine. I thought I would like to show you what my rum prancers will do, so that you will be able to discern the difference on the morrow."

'It is well known that you have the finest horseflesh in London. I must own it is famous." Pandora sat back, prepared to enjoy his show of bravado. "When I left Paris such a short time ago, I was devastated, but after all the kindness that has been shown to me by everyone I have encountered, I am much heartened."

The earl drew in the ribbons to slow the phaeton, which was now far away from all interruptions. "Madame de Chambray, you have no notion how charming we English find French ladies."

'Am I to be flattered by that remark, Lord Asheville?" she asked coyly.

He turned to give her a considered look, which caused her heart to flutter unevenly yet again. "You are an amazing woman, madame, but 'tis not flattery I speak, just the truth."

Pandora smiled and said gently, "I do not think you know me very well as yet, my lord."

'Then, with your permission, I shall seek to know you better in the time to come," he said harshly before directing his team of horses toward one of the gates that led out of the park and back toward Curzon Street.

SEVEN

Roderick St. James threw his last hand of cards onto the baize and declared, "I am all dished up, gentlemen."

'I fear that I am in a similar situation," Lord Asheville agreed. "I have been roundly drubbed this afternoon."

One of their gaming partners smiled as he pocketed his winnings. "Is it possible your good fortune is now ended, Asheville?"

'For today only, you may be assured," came the reply as the earl got to his feet and walked away, accompanied by his friend.

One of those who remained murmured, "Mayhap Lady Asheville's defection has affected him more than he will own."

'That would not surprise anyone," the other replied. "If she were my wife, I would be desolate, but there is more to that matter than we have yet seen. Rum business. Lady Asheville is not gone a sennight before he is to be seen wooing a French widow. I could understand it if Lady Asheville were not so fetching."

'Every man should be able to enjoy the company of a French widow. It has nothing to do with the handsomeness of a fellow's wife."

As they left the gaming room, Roderick St. James said, " Tis true, you did not game with your usual panache, Asheville."

'I cannot win every time, much as I would like to."

'No, indeed. That would be outside of enough. However, it is apparent to me that you have appeared troubled of late. Missing her ladyship, eh? Shouldn't blame you if you do."

'Truth to tell, I have not had the time," the earl replied.

'Ah, yes," the viscount murmured, smiling wryly. "I recall you have been somewhat busy, which may have some connection with the arrival of Cousin Louise. Her presence cannot help but be diverting. You have made much of her. Mayhap too much for a man so newly wed."

'Do you object to my making that poor creature welcome in our country, St. James?" the earl asked in some surprise. "I feel certain that Pandora would not. I thought you would have been glad of it."

The viscount chuckled. "If that were all."

The earl looked shocked. "My motive is quite sincere, I assure you, my friend. Would you have me ignore her?"

'Not for anything." He chuckled again. "In truth that baggage puzzles me. She is not at all what I expected after Rosa's description of her."

Lord Asheville looked interested. "In what manner does she puzzle you, may I ask? She appears entirely straightforward to me."

His friend shrugged. " 'Tis odd how high-spirited she is. I supposed she would suffer constant megrims for the loss of her estates and country."

'Mayhap she expects to return home before long. Bad as it may be, it cannot continue forever."

Roderick St. James nodded. "I dare say that is the truth of it."

'Tell me a little about her background," the earl asked. "I fear she is reluctant to talk about it to me, which is quite understandable in the circumstances, and I have forebore to ask her too many questions although I confess to being curious."

The other man looked a little vague. "Truth to tell, I don't know that much about her. Rosa prattles on so, there are times when I scarce heed what she is saying. Madame de Chambray is a widow and evidently of some worth, for we have not been called upon to stump the blunt since she arrived. Her father was Rosa's uncle, her mother's brother. Beyond that I know very little. Meanwhile the house is full of females, with another due to join us before long."

'I fully understand how trying it must be," the earl told him with a smile. "Lady St. James and Madame de Chambray are always seen to be in high snuff."

'Not to mention Cousin Louise's niece." Again the earl looked interested. "I don't believe I have met the lady." Lord St. James waved one hand in the air. It was becoming clear he was not much interested in his wife's relatives and was growing weary of the conversation. "The chit is scarce out of the schoolroom. I tell you, when the three of them get together 'tis like Bedlam in the house."

The earl laughed. "I can well believe it. I recall full well the times I have walked in upon Pandora and your wife, which would no doubt present a similar scene of mayhem." The earl paused for a moment or two before adding, "Arriving at your house the other day, I did encounter Madame de Chambray's abigail."

'Oh, yes, I believe I do recall some bracket-faced creature mooning about the landing. Can't say I take much account of serving wenches."

Lord Asheville's eyebrows rose a little. "Bracket-faced? She appeared quite fetching to me." They wandered out of the club past the lackeys and paused while their carriages were brought round. "Regrettably, I shan't be able to accompany you to Tattersall's on the morrow," the earl said thoughtfully after a moment.

'As you wish," his friend answered good-naturedly, "but I thought you had it in mind to purchase a new hunter."

'I do, but it will have to wait awhile longer. I have more pressing business to attend out of town. Be sure you convey my apologies and good wishes to Lady St. James and Madame de Chambray."

'Certainly I will, but I cannot think why you deem it necessary."

'They might take my absence amiss." The earl's phaeton arrived, and he took the ribbons, raising his hat to his friend. "Good day to you, St. James. I shall make contact with you on my return."

'I do believe that toady would wish to make me his ch&re amie," Pandora declared when she discovered Rosamond resting on her daybed on the following afternoon.

Lady St. James sat up when Pandora entered her sitting room, where she was being entertained by Francois. "Are you referring to Buck Buckley?"

'No, Asheville."

Rosamond St. James laughed. "Is that not what you wished?"

'Indeed, but it is exceeding bothersome when one's own husband acts in such a fashion. And sometimes he says the oddest things. There are occasions when it seems that he knows, but that cannot possibly be."

'Have you had sight of him today?"

'No, but as he was aware Sir Aldan was taking me riding, I am persuaded he will be sulking somewhere. I was obliged to go out early today to purchase a new stock of eau de cologne. Asheville told me that mine reminded him of his wife's."

Her friend gasped. "My dear, you must have a care."

'Hence my new stock of patchouli. It is quite different to my usual floral variety, I assure you, but I was never more mortified than when he made mention of the similarity."

She cast a hesitant smile toward Francois who had been reading a paper with great concentration. Then he cast it down, scornfully declaring, "Mon Dieu, it is disgraceful that such things are allowed to be printed. If I knew the culprit…"

He made as if to draw a nonexistent sword, which was a graphic enough gesture for Pandora. "What can have put you in such a pucker, Francois?" she asked.

' Tis nothing," he answered.

Pandora laughed. "I cannot credit that. You are in quite a fidge. Let me see what has upset you so."

'It is of no account," he insisted.

'Give it to her," his cousin said resignedly.

'No! She must not see it. I will not allow it, Tante Rosamond."

Pandora looked to her friend for an explanation. "I confiscated that from my maid, Pandora. It is one of those scandal sheets that tend to circulate around the lower orders."

'A chronique scandaleuse." Francois added contemptuously when he reluctantly handed it over to her.

'

'Which Lord A,' " Pandora read aloud, " 'only awaited the departure of his lady on an errand of mercy before taking up with an enchanting and very much available emigree?' I suppose this is circulating all over town," she added as she looked up.

'I am so sorry, Pandora," Rosamond told her in heartfelt tones, "but no one is exempt from those Grub Street hacks. It does not help when you are leg-shackled to a Corinthian crony of the Prince of Wales."

'I know," Pandora answered, and for once her tone was muted.

'It is not to be borne," the young man raged. "I vow someone will pay for this slight upon you, my lady."

'It is nought but the truth," Pandora pointed out, clutching the paper to her bosom, "but I do wonder which one of my 'friends' revealed this little on dit. You have no need to be sorry, Rosa. You are not personally to blame. We all must share the blame for our life-styles, which attract the interest of these vile creatures. Moreover, it is only what I planned, if you recall. The plan is working perfectly, and this"—she waved the paper in the air—"is ample proof of that. It could not be better, I fancy."

Rosamond sank back onto the daybed. "How long do you suppose you can continue with the tarradid-dle?"

Pandora had walked over to the window, aware of Francois's brooding gaze. Now she turned to look at her friend once again. "You do not grow tired of it, do you, Rosa?"

The viscountess laughed. "Indeed, I do not, but there are times when I fear for the outcome."

'No more than I, I assure you," came Pandora's heartfelt reply. "The best that can happen is that Asheville and I have a greater understanding between us when it is over. Matters, in any event, cannot be more tangled than they are now."

'And the worst… ?" Lady St. James prompted.

Pandora sighed. "You have never seen Asheville in the vials of wrath."

'He would not dare to castigate you," Francois declared.

The remark caused Pandora to smile sadly. "My husband would castigate a saint if he deemed the

Qfi circumstances correct, and let no one say I am one of their number."

'You need have no fear, my dear madame," Francois reassured her. "Should Lord Asheville be so foolish as to attempt to punish you, I will call him out."

Although she was touched by his declaration of devotion, Pandora was obliged to conceal her amusement. "Dear Francois, I would not on any account have you do that."

'You would have no choice, madame, for it is certain I would not first ask your permission."

'It would pain me a great deal if you drew Ashe-ville's cork, and if, as is like to be the case, he hurt you, then I would be distraught, and I am certain you would not wish for that."

Frangois marched angrily toward the door. "Oh, it is not to be borne. You are laughing at me."

'No, no!" Pandora hastened to assure him.

'You think I am just a boy, when in reality I am a man. I brought my sister to safety out of France, so I do know a little about these things."

He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. "Oh, dear," Pandora lamented, "I have succeeded in alienating the both of them now."

'They will recover," her friend assured her, "but you must know, you cannot remain Louise de Chambray forever."

Pandora's eyes sparkled. "I don't believe it will be for much longer. Asheville is almost on the point of committing a great indiscretion, and when he does, I can reveal myself to him as his wife. Oh, the glory of it. I can scarce wait. In any event he and I planned to hold our first Grand Ball in February, so he needs must reinstall me in

Hanover Square

some time before that date."

A moment after, there came a knock at the door and a footman entered bearing a large basket of flowers and fruit.

Rosamond gasped at the magnificence of it. "How lovely."

'It is for Madame de Chambray, my lady," the lackey informed her. "It has just arrived."

'Which one of your admirers, I wonder," Rosamond murmured.

Pandora laughed. "I have almost forgotten what it is to receive a token of a gentleman's regard, for when I wed Asheville, I was resigned to no longer having admirers."

'A mere marriage cannot stop gentlemen admiring you. You are like to have more than before. When you wed, you left a good many gentlemen to wear the willow."

Pandora went to take the card from the basket. "They're from Asheville. I might have known. It is typical of his extravagance." A moment later she gasped and Lady St. James said wryly, "Flowers from one's husband. How unique."

Again Pandora gasped, and when she looked up, her eyes were filled with panic. "Rosa, the note states he has gone out of town for a few days. What can it mean? If he is gone to Brocklesby… ?"

'Then there is nought you can do about it if he has already left."

Pandora took a deep breath. "Indeed, you are correct. If I left now for Brocklesby, I could not get there before him. What am I to do now? All will be up, and long before I am ready."

In the face of her friend's panic Rosamond rose from the daybed and pulled at the bell rope. "Let us see if we can discover more of the matter." When a servant arrived shortly afterward, she asked, "Is his lordship still at home?"

'I believe he is, my lady."

'Be pleased to ask him to wait upon me without delay."

Some few minutes elapsed before Roderick St. James appeared. "Rosa, my dear, I was just about to leave for Boodles. What is it that is of such import to delay my departure?"

His wife smiled placatingly. "Dearest, only look what Lord Asheville has sent to Louise."

'Very nice," he murmured, scarcely giving it a glance.

'We were never more surprised to learn he is gone out of town," Rosamond went on. "I presume you knew of his departure."

'He did make me aware of it, yes, together with his regrets at, er"—his face grew pink—"not being able to see Cousin Louise for the few days it will take him to complete his business."

'I suppose he is anxious to see dear Pandora at Brocklesby Hall."

All the while the conversation was ensuing, Pandora stood at the window looking out into the street below.

'I suppose so," Lord St. James replied, glancing uncomfortably at Pandora, who was pretending not to be listening to the conversation.

'You must do more than suppose, dearest," his wife insisted. "I am persuaded you know exactly what he is about."

'He didn't inform me of his movements, Rosa. You know Asheville can be as close as oak when he so wishes. What is to you, in any event?"

'Curiosity, my dear, and naturally, Cousin Louise wished to thank him for his token. We wondered when he will be returning to London."

'I do know he'll be back for Monday," her husband said with sudden certainty, taking out his gold hunter and glancing at it before returning it to his waistcoat pocket. "I called in at

Hanover Square

this morning, as a matter of fact, to confirm that Asheville would be back in time to accompany me to a mill at Clapham Fields. His house steward believes he is gone to Newmarket." He glanced once again at the apparently uncaring Pandora. "He has three horses in training there, not to mention all the breeding stock. Well, I suppose he is bound to call in at Brocklesby Hall on his way back."

Rosamond and Pandora exchanged glances, and to Lord St. James's surprise, he was all but knocked over by the two ladies, who made a very fast and exceedingly undignified exit from the room.

EIGHT

It was almost dark when Lord Asheville's traveling carriage passed through the gates of Brocklesby Hall and bowled at a spanking pace along the elm-lined driveway. The great porticoed ediface loomed out of the gloom as he approached. Lights were to be seen in several windows, and a thin plume of smoke curled into the sky from each of the chimneys, giving the house an air of welcome.

The earl was greeted at the door by his house steward, Wilson, who took his lordship's caped greatcoat, hat, and cane as he welcomed his master most effusively. A fire in the hearth of the cavernous hall was a warming sight, and the earl held out his hands toward it.

'A fire is lit in the drawing room, my lord," Wilson informed him, "and Cook has taken the liberty of preparing a cold collation."

'I ate on the road," the earl explained, "but you may bring up a bottle of champagne." The man was about to do his master's bidding when the earl added, "And fetch two glasses while you are about it."

'Two, my lord?"

The earl smiled urbanely. "That is correct. One for me and one for Lady Asheville. Where may I find her?"

The house steward began to look uncomfortable. "I'm afraid her ladyship has retired early this evening, my lord. According to her abigail she was suffering the headache and has taken laudanum. She left orders not to be disturbed."

'That is exceeding odd, Wilson, for there could be no one to disturb her prior to my arrival, and she had no warning of that."

'No, indeed, my lord," the house steward answered in a baleful voice.

'However, I am persuaded it is unlikely she would wish to miss my brief visit. Bring the bottle, Wilson, and the glasses. I shall take them up to her myself. The champagne cannot fail to raise her spirits and banish even the most severe of headaches."

The earl waited patiently in the hall in front of the fire, his hands clasped behind his back, until Wilson returned with a silver tray bearing a bottle and two glasses.

Before relinquishing the burden to his master, the house steward cleared his throat. "Henderson made mention of some accounts requiring your consideration, my lord. They are set out in the library for your perusal, and I can send word for Henderson to come up to the house immediately, seeing as you intend to remain only a short while."

'There is no need to trouble his evening rest, Wilson. The morrow will be soon enough. I shall not be leaving here at the crack of dawn, you may be sure."

'Very well, my lord," Wilson answered resignedly.

The earl hurried up the stairs, balancing the silver tray in one hand while he knocked at the door of his wife's bedchamber. There was no reply, but undaunted, he gently opened the door and slipped inside.

'Pandora," he whispered as he closed the door behind him.

Again there was no reply or any movement in the four-poster bed. Heavy velvet curtains had been drawn to shut out the encroaching night, and the only light in the room came from the embers of the fire.

The earl placed the tray on the bedside table and with one hand drew back one of the curtains of the four-poster. Lying in the center of the bed, clad in a satin bedgown, her red hair fanning out over the pillow like a cloud, Pandora stirred gently.

He whispered her name once again, and this time her eyes flickered open. When they focused on him at last, they registered extreme shock and she shrank away in fear.

'Asheville, what… ?"

'Don't be alarmed. I have only just arrived. How is your headache, my dear?"

'My… ? Oh, gone, quite gone." All at once she was totally awake. "Asheville, what are you doing here?"

His lips quirked into a smile. "Why should I not be here? It is my home, remember."

'I am well aware of that," she responded, displaying no pleasure at seeing him. "I also realize all the diversions you are missing in London, and would not want that for anything. I trust it is not concern for me that prompts this visit."

'Your welcome is so fulsome, I am in danger of being overwhelmed by it," he told her, his voice heavy with irony. "I had hoped you might be pleased."

'I beg your pardon, but you must see that this is the greatest shock to me. Quite an unexpected honor."

The earl began to pour some champagne into the glasses. " 'Tis nothing to get into a pucker about, Pandora. I was visiting my stud at Newmarket and decided to call in here on my way back to London. I was scarce diverted from my route."

'I am indeed honored," she told him sarcastically.

He handed her one of the glasses, which she was tempted to refuse, but then she sat up against the lace-edged pillows and accepted it from him with an ironic smile.

'We must make a toast, Gareth." She raised her glass. "To the success of your stud."

'How are you faring, Pandora?" he asked a moment later.

'How kind of you to inquire. Time passes here with such speed, I scarce have a moment to spare. 'Tis quite amazing how busy I am."

'You surprise me," he told her as he sipped the champagne.

'I'm amazed you doubt it. I have never hemmed so many handkerchiefs, and my eyes are grown quite red from all the reading I do. I had never appreciated Mrs. Radcliffe before, but be sure I do now. Moreover, I am very well occupied dispensing largesse among your tenants. Shame on you; you are exceeding neglectful of your duties here."

'So bountiful. That pleases me very much, for a caring Lady Asheville is precisely what is needed here."

'I own it is difficult to follow your dear mama, for she is regarded as something of a saint, but I contrive very well, you may be sure."

'I dare say, with such an excess of activity, you have little time for anything else."

'Oh, indeed, I do! On clement days I often embark upon botanizing expeditions. You must see my prodigious collection of leaves before you go. It will astound you."

'How improving," he said, draining his glass, and it was his turn to be sarcastic.

'As you may observe, the good country air has had a great beneficial effect upon me."

He smiled as he gazed down at her in the half light. "Yes, I can see that is so. You look very beautiful, Pandora."

'As I recall, it was not a lack of beauty that prompted you to banish me from all I enjoy."

He sank down onto the counterpane at her side and put his glass on the table. "Can we not be done with this nonsense, Pandora? The truth is, I have found life tedious without you."

It was her turn to smile. "Oh, I am persuaded you have been much too occupied for such feelings. I do receive correspondence from London, you know, so do not seek to gammon me."

'Do not believe all you are told."

'I assure you, I believe only the half of it."

As he put his hand on her shoulder, caressing it gently, Pandora continued to sip her champagne, apparently heedless of his touch, which in truth did affect her. His hand traveled upward to caress the silky softness of her hair before he cupped her chin in his palm and turned her face toward his, causing her heart to beat faster.

When she was forced to look at him, he said softly, "I cannot believe you are so indifferent to me. You never were before."

'You have not used me so ill before," she replied in a husky voice that almost betrayed her true feelings.

'I am willing to forgive you," he whispered, his lips close to hers.

'Forgive me!" she protested, and he jerked away from her. "I have done no wrong."

'It appears your sojourn in the country has not improved your temper, my dear."

She could no longer meet his gaze and, instead, averted her eyes. "I cannot forget the wrong you have done me or the anguish I have been obliged to suffer ever since."

Once again he leaned forward to kiss her lips, and she wanted so desperately to melt into his arms, to be done with the foolish business of pretense, but if she did, he could claim victory over her, and she was not, as yet, prepared for that.

When he drew away from her, she asked with none of her longing apparent, "Tell me, Gareth, when you are questioned about my absence from town, how do you respond?"

As he turned to pour more champagne into his glass, he replied, "I contrive, Pandora. Truly I do."

'I wonder. You see, I am of the opinion that there is more to this visit than you would have me believe."

'And what is it you believe?" he asked, betraying no emotion.

'You are in a fix, finding it difficult to explain away my continued absence, and so you suffer constant embarrassment, which would not sit well with you. I'll warrant you did not consider that at the outset. Well, I am bound to warn you that should I return with you now, my behavior would not be a jot different to how it has been, and such an irritation to you. In fact, I feel so outraged at your ill use of me, it is like I shall be even more shocking in the future. Do you still wish to be reconciled with me?"

Her head came back proudly as she gazed at him in triumph. His face became a furious mask as he jumped to his feet.

'Damn you, Pandora! You are indeed a witch." He strode across the room before pausing at the door. "Enjoy your rustication, my dear, for as long as it is like to continue. I shall be gone before you rise on the morrow."

The door snapped shut behind him, and Pandora let out a long sigh. It had cost her dear to let him go, and even now she was tempted to call him back. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, aware that her day clothes had been pushed underneath in her hurry, for she had barely arrived at Brocklesby Hall ahead of him. There was only sufficient time to instruct the servants in what they must say and do. The hastily lit fire had hardly warmed the unused room, and she clutched her arms about her, shivering slightly.

The half-empty champagne bottle was still on the table, and Pandora picked up her glass and held it high. "A toast to Madame de Chambray," she whispered in a broken voice before draining the glass and throwing it into the hearth, where it shattered into countless tiny pieces.

She choked back a sob and then, throwing herself down onto the bed, burst into tears.

The bright winter sun was shining on St. George's Fields, where the open space was usually crowded with elegant carriages bearing fashionably dressed ladies, gentlemen, and their companions. Bucks drove their high-perch phaetons and curricles into the melee, where pedestrians were trying to avoid wheel ruts and those young Corinthians showing off their prowess with a team of horses. Peddlers passed among the crowds selling anything from ribbons and nosegays to hot pies, and they were all doing a great trade.

Pandora had left Lady St. James and Jeanne in their carriage, where the viscountess was receiving friends and acquaintances. Because Pandora did not feel much like conversing, she and Francois wandered along to inspect at close quarters the balloon that was about to be inflated.

'Imagine," Pandora said in awe, "man is now able to fly."

Since her return to London she had overcome her heartache and was all the more determined to pay the earl back.

'Ah, yes," Francois agreed. "It is exciting, is it not? For me it could not be better. Watching a balloon ascent in the company of the most beautiful woman in London. I am the most fortunate of men."

Beneath the copious powder on her face, Pandora blushed. "Francois…" she said warningly, "you must remember this situation is only temporary, and I am a married woman who hopes to be soon reconciled with her husband."

'What other female is worth the attention, madame? A married lady needs must have a gallant. Have you considered what you will do if Lord Asheville does not wish to be reconciled with you?"

Pandora's heart felt as if it were turning to stone. "No, Francois, I dare not think of it. I will not," she added firmly.

'Oh, look," he cried, diverting her in some small measure, "they are beginning to inflate the balloon."

'How I wish I could fly in it," Pandora admitted. "Mayhap it can be arranged, madame." She could not help but chuckle at the thought. "That is just the kind of thing I am like to do, so I

dare not even consider it. Madame de Chambray would not, so neither must I."

'If only it could cross the channel to France," he mused. "How wonderful it would be to pelt those slimy Jacobins with gunpowder."

They were joined at that moment by a group of young ladies in whose eyes Francois had found much favor. While he gravely explained the working of a hot air balloon to the attentive girls, Pandora took the opportunity to slip away from him. Since her return from Brocklesby Hall, close on the heels of the earl, she had had no sight of him, but now she glimpsed him climbing down from his curricle. She watched the set of his head as he handed the ribbons to his tiger, and her resolve was reinforced. He was too top-lofty by far.

It would have been easy for Pandora to lose herself in the crowd, but that did not suit her purpose. As he walked away from his curricle, she called out, "Lord Asheville."

Frowning, he glanced in her direction and then his lips curved into a smile. "Madame de Chambray." He took her hand and bowed low over it. "What a welcome surprise to see you here. I could not be certain you would be." At last he let go of her hand, making it evident to Pandora that he did not wish to. "I look to you to keep me abreast of the on dits that circulated in my absence."

'You do not have the appearance of a tattle-basket, my lord," she answered demurely.

'It is often as well to know what is being said in one's absence."

'I regret I cannot help you there; I have been absent myself for the past two days." At the sight of his puzzlement, she went on to explain, "I journeyed to Dover in order to arrange a sea passage for my sister."

'So she is to come to London?"

'Hopefully, very soon. We have had word she has left Paris."

'Then I wish her Godspeed, madame."

'I too," Pandora replied with obvious sincerity.

'It seems an age since we last met," he went on a moment later.

'I am persuaded that it is, my lord, but in truth I did not look to see you here. The note that accompanied your delightful basket informed me you were going out of town, and I was quite certain it was like to be a lengthy stay."

'I trust that news did not distress you, madame."

'You must know it did."

'I was resolved not to stay away too long, for you must know there is much I am loath to miss in town just now."

Pandora made good use of her parasol which she twirled coquettishly while she conversed. It had another use, preventing the earl from getting too close a look at her face, which now sported many patches on her perfect skin.

'How could I know that, my lord?"

He smiled into her eyes. "Be certain of it."

She smiled and accepted his declaration, and all the while she was tempted to denounce him where he stood. However, at the sight of the elderly gentleman who was approaching them, Pandora grew afraid. He was tall and very thin, wearing a brocade coat with paste buttons and a queue wig tied back with a velvet ribbon.

'Oh, no, Papa," she murmured to herself and immediately turned away.

The gentleman raised his walking cane to attract Lord Asheville's attention as he came, and the earl looked no more pleased to see him than Pandora was.

'Asheville, just the fellow!"

The earl bowed stiffly. "Sir Henry. I did not look to see you here. I believed you to be out of town."

'This seemed a novel diversion after taking the waters of Bath."

'I trust that the visit benefited your health, sir."

'I am of the opinion that it did. However, that place is not as it used to be when Beau Nash held sway. Now, Asheville, what is this I have been hearing about m' daughter?"

'Pandora is at Brocklesby Hall at present."

'Indeed, that is precisely what I have heard. She is not unwell, I trust."

'She is in rude health, I assure you, sir."

'Then what nonsense is that? Pandora rusticating at this time of the year? I have never known it of her before."

Amidst her disquiet Pandora was beginning to enjoy her husband's discomfiture as she feigned interest in what was happening around the balloon.

'An elderly cousin of mine—an invalid—was taken ill, and Pandora felt it incumbent upon her to render him some comfort for a short while. I am persuaded she will not stay for long, but on the other hand it is quite like that she will."

Sir Henry's eyebrows rose. "This is quite unlike the chit, but I confess to be heartened by this news. Mayhap being leg-shackled to you has, after all, mellowed her hoydenish ways."

The earl smiled wryly. "Oh, I would not depend upon it, sir."

'When she returns, and like you, I am certain she will not suffer rustication for long—not Pandora—pray tell her I wish to see her."

'Indeed, I will, Sir Henry. In the meantime allow me to introduce Madame de Chambray. General Sir Henry Kettering, madame."

'Ah, yes," her father responded, taking note of Pandora at last. "Your servant, ma'am."

Pandora inclined her head so that the brim of her feathered bonnet concealed most of her face. After her initial panic she realized she had little to fear. Her father rarely took much note of ladies nowadays. He scarce glanced at her.

'Bad business in France," he murmured. "Damned Jacobins." He nodded affably in the earl's direction, placing one hand on his shoulder. "Fine fellow, Asheville. Glad m' daughter chose to wed you."

As he strode away, there was a brief silence between Pandora and the earl, whom she suspected was feeling embarrassed by the encounter with his father-in-law. Then, after a few moments, the earl said with false heartiness, "Sir Henry is my wife's father. He was quite a hero of the American war."

'He looks to be slightly mad," she countered. Her success on yet another occasion caused her to feel rather reckless.

'Oh, no, that is far from being true, although I would say he is a mite eccentric. It is a fault in Englishmen—ladies, too."

'I had noted," she mused, "that English gentlemen place their horseflesh above their womenfolk in import. That I find most strange. Tell me, Lord Asheville, does your wife favor Sir Henry?" she went on quickly. "I fancy he might have been handsome in his youth."

'I understand Lady Kettering was a great beauty of her time. Pandora, I believe favors her."

They began to walk toward the crowds. "Her name is most unusual, I think."

'It is of mythical origins," the earl confirmed, "and I am bound to confess, madame, it suits her admirably. Recall how the original Pandora opened the box of evil. My wife is often doing such things. I pray it will not cause her downfall." Pandora's hand clenched into a fist around her parasol as he went on, unaware of her anger, "Enough talk of Lady Asheville. Let us talk about you. I am in a fidge to know all about you."

'How flattering you are. My life up until now has been quite unremarkable, I assure you."

'I take leave to doubt that, but even the most unremarkable facts about you are of the greatest interest to me, and yet I know little beyond your name and the fact you are, regrettably, widowed."

Pandora was startled, for she had given no thought to the provenance of the mythical identity she had assumed.

'Why… yes, my lord, that is so."

'Do you have no children?"

'Alas, I was widowed very soon after my marriage," she replied, allowing her head to droop slightly.

'What a great misfortune that must have been," he commiserated.

'Not as great as you would think, for my husband, how shall I put it, my lord? He was not a kind man. Many ladies are unfortunately burdened with husbands who are less than indulgent toward them."

The earl looked outraged. "It is not only ladies who are so unfortunate. Let me assure you, some gentlemen have the misfortune to become leg-shackled to ladies who bring them to the brink of financial ruin with their deep gaming, or invite unhealthy gossip with their behavior. However, I can scarce believe any man of sensibility could be anything other than kindness itself to you."

Once again Pandora hung her head in mock despondency, and all at once she was enjoying herself hugely. "He was not a man of sensibility, I fear. His doxies were of more import to him than I, his cronies, too. It is often the way with gentlemen."

The earl moved closer to her. "I must tell you, madame, it is as well he is dead, for I would feel it incumbent upon me to call the poltroon out for misusing you."

She sighed deeply. "Oh, my lord, how that sentiment, so genuinely given, heartens me, but you must know, in France, as it is here in England, a gentleman may use his wife as he will."

'Not a gentleman of worth, madame."

'Oh, I am fully aware you would not behave in so heartless a manner, Lord Asheville. How I envy Lady Asheville the husband she has in you." To Pandora's satisfaction he looked extremely discomforted by her fulsome praise, which was no more than she had intended.

A great roar rose up from the crowd as the balloon's mooring ropes were severed. Both Pandora and her husband gave their attention now to the ascent. The basket shuddered and once faltered as it rose from the ground. The earl shaded his eyes with his hand, to see better the balloon as it rose unsteadily into the sky.

'What a magnificent sight," he declared.

'It has been a very agreeable afternoon," she responded.

When the balloon grew smaller and more distant, the earl transferred his attention to Pandora again. "Madame, do I dare to hope you will attend Lady Hartingford's rout?"

'Lady St. James informs me we are invited. There will be Italian singers to entertain us, I understand."

'Signora Marella, who is presently the rage of London."

'I would not want to miss that for the world," she added with a smile that dimpled her cheeks.

'Then it will be my pleasure to see you there."

He began to escort her to where Lady St. James was awaiting her in the carriage. "Mayhap Lady Asheville will be returned to London by then."

'Alas, that is in grave doubt, madame."

'Oh, for shame, Lord Asheville. I had hoped to have the very great pleasure of meeting her at last."

'My visit to Brocklesby Hall has merely confirmed that it is like Lady Asheville will remain there for the rest of the Season."

As he spoke, Pandora drew in a deep breath, feeling indignant, but when they reached Rosamond's carriage, she looked at him and her lips bore a smile.

'That is a great misfortune for her."

'Indeed, but my wife has a great sense of duty, and her cousin…"

'I thought it was your cousin. I was quite persuaded you said so to Sir Henry a short while ago."

The earl looked nonplussed. "In truth he is not a close relative at all, in fact a very distant one. We just call him cousin for ease of explanation. In any event he is in bad health, with no immediate sign of recovery. I have recently seen him for myself."

As he handed her into the carriage, she couldn't help but retort, "How I admire her, my lord." She sat down next to her friend, who was watching and listening with great interest. "It is also evident to me from the way you always speak of Lady Asheville that you harbor an uncommon fondness for your wife."

Pandora was at once rewarded by the look of astonishment that came onto his face. She sat back in the squabs and emitted a long sigh of satisfaction as the driver flicked his whip over the backs of the team and the carriage set off across the field, leaving Asheville to stare after her.

NINE

By the time Signora Marella, the Italian contralto, was introduced to the select audience at Lady Hartingford's house, Lord Asheville had not arrived at the gathering. Gowned magnificently in chartreuse silk and wearing diamonds wherever they could be accommodated, Pandora had circulated among the guests, apparently at ease but anxiously awaiting the earl's arrival. It was, she reflected sourly, almost as it was during their courtship, only then it had been much more enjoyable. Intimacies could be exchanged with friends who were similarly engaged in the search for a suitable match. As she searched her memory of that time, she could recall no intimation of his heartless nature.

When the contralto began her first aria, Pandora settled in her seat to enjoy the performance. In a way she was glad the earl had not, after all, decided to attend the evening's entertainment. His absence meant that, for once, she could enjoy the evening without first thinking on every word she uttered. In his company she had to be constantly on her i.n guard, for fear of saying something that would give her away. That difficulty was something she had not anticipated at the outset of the pose. In truth, becoming Madame de Chambray had become harder work than she had foreseen.

Everything she did had to be treated as a novelty, and accordingly, pursuits that were familiar to her had to be regarded as new and diverting. In addition she was obliged to feign ignorance about people she knew all too well. Fortunately one of Pandora's attributes was being quick-witted and never before had she been so in need of it.

The music was a delight, and it was easy to see why Signora Marella had become the rage of the ton that Season. Listening to her dulcet tones was certainly easier on Pandora's feet than the more usual balls and routs she attended. As Signora Marella trilled, she allowed her mind to reflect upon her encounter with the earl at Brocklesby Hall. How easy it would have been to accept his truce. At this very moment she would be receiving her dues as the Countess of Asheville instead of playing the part of some nonexistent emigree. In a small way she wished she had given in to the temptation of accepting the olive branch he had offered, but the proud Kettering part of her knew the play must be continued until the last act was finished, and she was now more than ever determined that it would.

A movement in the chair next to hers caused her to look around with a great deal of hope and a little fear, to see Sir Aldan Buckley settling into the seat. The hope faded, and her fear became apprehension. Sir Aldan smiled and nodded to her, something to which she responded halfheartedly before returning her attention to the efforts of Signora Marella.

The Earl of Asheville walked slowly down the curved staircase of his house in

Hanover Square

. He was dressed for evening in a coat of dark blue broadcloth, with a fall of finest lace at his throat and cuffs. As he came down the stairs, he reflected how quickly Pandora had made the place her own since their marriage. Since she had gone, it had seemed terribly quiet, something he had not noticed or minded before their marriage. Now the silence was beginning to be irksome, although he was reluctant to admit that, even to himself.

The sound of the carriage pulling onto the forecourt brightened his spirits. The thought went through his mind that perhaps Pandora had, after all, repented her wrongs and was returning to tell him so. He hurried down the last few steps and across the wide expanse of hall. A footman dressed in green-and-gold livery sprang to open the door.

The earl went to greet the carriage's passenger, but at the sight of the lady who was just then alighting he look aghast.

'Mama!" he exclaimed.

Of all people she was the last he would hope to see in town at this moment. The severe-looking matron, clad in black bombazine, allowed him to kiss her papery cheek.

'Asheville, 'tis good to see you in such high feather."

'You look to be in rude health, Mama."

'And so I am."

'This is a great surprise," he said, forcing a good deal of heartiness into his manner.

In truth, as he recovered a little of his composure, he was horrified she should choose to arrive at this very time.

'

'Twas a sudden whim, I confess, and I am greatly heartened by the warmth of your welcome, m' boy."

He led her up to the small sitting room, where she seated herself by the fire. The earl hurried away to give instructions for his mother's rooms to be made ready, and when he returned a few minutes later, he was more composed.

With a hand that shook slightly, he removed his jeweled snuffbox from his waistcoat pocket, took a pinch before he put it away again, and all the while his formidable mother regarded him with great severity.

'

'Tis unusual to see you in town nowadays, Mama. Have the diversions of Tunbridge Wells palled already? I feared that they would."

'In that you are quite wrong, Asheville. I still find Tunbridge Wells a very tolerable place to live and am like to continue doing so for the foreseeable future."

Hopefully he ventured, "Then it is like you will not be staying for long in London, which you have grown to dislike."

'That is quite so. I shall remain in town for only as long as it takes to settle one or two matters I consider of some import."

'Ah, now I understand, Mama," he said with false heartiness. "You wish to patronize your mantua maker, milliner, and so on? That is quite understandable."

'That is not my reason for making that abominable journey. Do you think I have windmills in my head, like some green girl?"

'Indeed not, Mama."

'My sole reason for coming up to town is to have a coze with my son on a matter which has come to my attention of late."

Just then the earl experienced a good deal of foreboding. "It must be a matter of great import to bring you to town with such haste."

'Indeed, it is, so, let us not mince words any longer. I have received a letter from Meg Chisholm, the contents of which have greatly alarmed me, I confess."

'The queen of the tattle-baskets," the earl responded sarcastically. "You should not concern yourself about anything she imparts."

'Don't be so insolent. Lady Chisholm is an old and honored friend."

The earl looked penitent. "I beg pardon, Mama. The title was not one I bestowed upon her."

'I have not come here to discuss Meg Chisholm, so do not divert my thoughts."

'No, Mama," the earl responded with a sigh.

'Lady Asheville is the reason for my visit—your wife."

'Pandora."

The dowager made a noise that indicated her irritation. "It is perfectly plain to whom I refer. It has been brought to my attention that your wife of no more than three months is now living at Brocklesby Hall while you remain here in London. Is that true, Asheville?"

Once again he drew a sigh. "Yes, Mama, it is."

'I confess I am at a loss to know what to think on it."

'You may be assured, it is nothing for you to be in a fidge about, Mama," her son answered smoothly.

'Indeed, you are incorrect there. It troubles my head and is like to do so until I have an explanation. How do you suppose you can fill your nursery when Lady Asheville is in one place and you are in another?"

' Tis a parting of short duration, you may be certain, and nothing over which you should get into a pucker."

'I find it most unusual and quite alarming. Admit it, Asheville, you and she have parted brass rags."

The earl laughed. "No, Mama. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pandora and I are in perfect accord."

'Then why… ?"

He could not meet his mother's keen gaze and instead stared into the leaping flames of the fire. " 'Tis most unfortunate, I own, but a distant relative of hers—injured most grievously during the war in the Americas—is in need of nursing. Pandora thought it incumbent upon her to bear him company for a short while in order to raise his spirits a little. She is adept, you must own, in doing so."

The dowager looked astonished. "That goosecap nursing an invalid? That is a notion I find exceeding difficult to comprehend."

Rallying now, the earl chided, "Truly, Mama, you have no need to trouble your head on this matter."

'Your marriage is of great import. You took an unconscionable time in choosing a bride. I'd have thought the last thing you wanted was to part, however short a period it may be."

'Rely upon it, Mama, neither of us relishes the necessity."

'That is all very well, but you have a duty. The Ashevilles are an old and great family, as you well know. Your ancestors date back directly to William the Conqueror. The line must be perpetuated without delay. I was of the opinion you were fully aware of it, but I am not so certain that crackbrained wife of yours is."

The earl was fast becoming irritated by this oft repeated tale, but he scarcely showed it. "I assure you, in the fullness of time you will have many grandchildren to gladden your heart, Mama."

The dowager grunted. "You have always known my opinion of your choice of bride, Asheville."

'Yes, Mama," he replied with the air of one who was sorely tried, "but at least you can have no quarrel with her antecedents."

'Nor I have, but the chit has windmills in her head. I have always thought so. When you decided to offer for her, I confess, I could not envisage how you could deal with her."

'I assure you I do, and this parting is of a very temporary nature. It is all a nothing."

'In truth it surprises me to hear of her charity."

Lady Asheville conceded. "Mayhap I have judged the chit wrongly after all."

Her son allowed himself a small smile of relief. "I have always told you so, Mama. Pandora has virtues that are not always apparent."

'Her portion was ample, I grant you," his mother added.

Seeking to end the discussion on this note, the earl took out his gold hunter and glanced at it. Noting the gesture, his mother, her manner considerably softened now, told him. "No doubt you have an engagement this evening, and in view of my unexpected arrival, you need not feel obliged to remain at home on my account."

'It is a long-standing engagement; otherwise be assured I would remain at home to bear you company." He bent to kiss her again, and as he straightened up, he added, "Now you have contrived to reassure yourself as to the state of my marriage, I trust you will feel free to return to Tunbridge Wells. I know how tedious you find London."

'I am not so young anymore, my dear. The journey was a tiring one, and I feel quite done up, so I shall remain only long enough to regain my spirits. Naturally it would be tolerable if I was to see your wife before I return to Tunbridge Wells."

The earl bit back a cry of irritation. Females, he thought vexedly. They were the very devil. However, he continued to smile at his mother as he replied, "It is quite like that you will. Pandora will be very soon back at my side where she belongs."

'That news gladdens my heart, m' boy."

He moved away from her quickly, saying, "I will bid you a very good night, Mama."

Just as he reached the door, she said in an uncharacteristically casual manner, "It is, of course, none of my concern, Asheville. You are a grown man long out of leading strings, but it would do better if you were to delay taking a chere amie until after there is an heir in your nursery."

Lord Asheville turned on his heel, his irritation apparent now. "Mama, what are you about?"

The dowager smiled sweetly. "The French doxy with whom you have been seen abroad of late. No doubting she makes exceeding pleasant company, but remember, duty always comes before pleasure. Recall that is the motto on the family coat of arms. Mayhap you should read it the very next time you climb into that phaeton of yours."

'Madame de Chambray, for 'tis obvious it is to her you refer, is no doxy. She is a cousin of Lady St. James and has suffered great deprivation in her flight from danger. It is incumbent upon all of us to ease the sorrow of these emigrees. It could, after all, have happened to us."

Lady Asheville was evidently horrified at the notion. "Here in England? What tush, Asheville. Whatever can you be thinking of to suggest it? There was never any possibility of it happening here. The English have too much good sense."

'Nevertheless, Mama, I have merely helped to ease her pain a little."

'Very commendable of you, my dear," his mother replied dryly. " 'Tis to be hoped, you would do exactly the same if the lady in question had been hagridden."

'What makes you think she is not?"

'I take leave to doubt it. Well, you may go along to your pleasures now. I have delayed you for long enough."

Still appearing piqued, the earl bowed low before her before he made a grateful exit. As he came down the stairs once more, he was no longer looking forward to the company of Madame de Chambray. The arrival of his mother had quite spoiled the anticipation of that particular pleasure.

Seated on the other side of Pandora at the recital was Francois, who frequently cast dark looks at Sir Aldan. The baronet, however, was totally unaware of the boy's malice as he listened with apparent ecstasy to the music.

When Signora Marella's last note faded away, the audience began to applaud enthusiastically, and Francois whispered, "Do not allow Sir Aldan to take you in to supper. I wish to have the honor."

'Frangois, I must not allow you to monopolize my company, however pleasant that may be for both of us. It is important to the plan for me to be with Sir Aldan as often as is possible. Moreover, 'tis unnatural for one's nephew to be so attentive. Lord Asheville has already commented upon it."

'Lord Asheville," the boy said contemptuously. "I care nothing for what he says or thinks."

Casting one last dark look toward Sir Aldan, Francois got up from his chair and walked away. Pandora drew a little sigh as Sir Aldan leaned closer to her. "What a voice. Such delicacy of tone. It is most rare."

Pandora began to fan herself, for she had become averse to the baronet's company since her estrangement from the earl, and yet she knew she must tolerate him for now.

'I am delighted to hear you enjoy the recital, Sir Aldan."

'Did you not? You do seem a mite preoccupied this evening."

'I am flattered you have observed that in me. I had not thought it noticeable."

She glanced around, but there was still no sign of the earl, and she was beginning to wonder if she was truly glad about that or not. It was beginning to be apparent to her that she was unable to enjoy any diversion if he was absent.

'You must be certain, madame, I note everything about you," Sir Aldan was saying. "May I have the extreme honor of escorting you in to supper?"

Once again she glanced around and then resignedly replied, "I thank you, Sir Aldan. That will be quite congenial."

As they wandered into the supper room, he said, "I do trust the cause of your megrims is not serious."

'Indeed, it is, Sir Aldan. How can it not be? I am concerned for my family in France, my friends, too."

Sir Aldan shook his head, the powder from his hair dusting his shoulders like snow. He was wearing a brocade coat with paste buttons, and his face was as liberally powdered as his hair. Pandora could not help but compare him unfavorably with the earl, who at all times was a picture of sartorial elegance. Just then she wondered how she could have ever considered this man one of her suitors.

'

'Tis a bad business," he agreed, "but be assured, madame, you are now among friends. Not only are you perfectly safe from any harm, but made very welcome, too."

Pandora's cheeks grew pink. "I could not help but be aware of it. My heart is constantly warmed by the way I have been received."

'I do hope that means you feel you will be able to settle here."

'Do I have a choice, Sir Aldan? I think not. I cannot return to France however much I wish to do so. That would be most foolhardy at the present time."

'What I mean is… no more nonsense about entering a nunnery. You did make mention of the possibility."

'I have not entirely dismissed the notion," she answered airily.

'Madame de Chambray, if I may be permitted to say so," he said in an agitated manner, "that would be a sinful waste."

Pandora laughed. "About that matter we shall have to see. To enter into the service of one's God cannot be deemed a waste."

'For you, I am persuaded it would be. You would be obligated to miss so much you evidently enjoy. I am persuaded you are diverted by evenings such as this."

'I cannot help but agree with you on that score,  especially when I am in such company as yours, Sir Aldan. Then the pleasure is much increased." She watched him preen himself before she added, almost chuckling at her own duplicity, "But I must confess, if I were to leave London, it would not trouble me at all. What is most disappointing, I find, is the lack of court life. In France most of us lived at Versailles for a great part of the year. Here no one goes to Windsor."

'Our sainted King and Queen are unlike yours, madame. They prefer a quiet life with their family, and naturally, the King's illness has somewhat curtailed his public life."

'Ah, now I understand the better. On reflection, thinking of all that is happening in France, mayhap King George is the wiser."

When they reached the supper room and the splendid buffet set out for their enjoyment, Pandora and her escort helped themselves to plentiful servings of ham, chicken, and savory mousse. Solicitously Sir Aldan settled her in a seat before going to fetch lemonade. As Pandora glanced around anxiously, she caught sight of Francois. He glowered at her from across the room before marching toward the door, even though she gave him an encouraging smile.

Sir Aldan soon returned with the lemonade and seated himself next to her. "I cannot conceive why I accepted your invitation to supper, Sir Aldan," she said, lapsing into the flirtatious role that came so easily to her.

'Madame, you did so because you find my company as congenial as I do yours."

'You are, I confess, diverting."

'A lady of your beauty and charm cannot help but attract attention, but in truth, madame, I wish to be more in your company than I am able."

'Before you continue, I feel it only fair to confess that Lord Asheville warned me against you," she said maliciously.

The baronet almost choked on his ham. "Madame! How dare he! I had always considered him a scapegrace, but this is outside of enough. I must protest. It is most unfair."

'I cannot conceive why he should do such a thing," she went on when he had finished his outrage. "You have always been so amiable."

'I am delighted to hear you say so," he answered, only slightly mollified, "but I am bound to say, there are things about Asheville you do not know. He has, I do not doubt, put the saddle upon the wrong horse. He is the one you should treat with the utmost caution. I have taken him in extreme dislike…"

'That much is very evident," she told him as she heedlessly continued to eat her supper, "but I am bound to confess that Lord Asheville has always appeared most agreeable to me."

'He always exerts a good deal of charm toward any handsome lady, but in truth he is a rake and a scapegrace. His tongue is too smooth and he gambles too deep."

'A fault in many men," Pandora pointed out.

'Madame, I feel I am falling into the trap of sinking down as far as my Lord Asheville. Suffice to say there are good reasons, quite unwarranted, I assure you, for his malice toward me."

Pandora paused in her enjoyment of the food and look interested. "I am truly intrigued, Sir Aldan. Do tell me. I am in a fidge to know."

At this he appeared to become extremely uncomfortable. His cheeks had taken on a decidedly pinkish tone, and she wondered if it was because he had been overindulgent with the rouge and hare's-foot.'

'Tis a matter of the utmost delicacy. I could not betray a sacred trust."

'Now would I wish you to, but I feel our relationship transcends pretense, and I can assure you, you may rely upon my discretion. I can be as close as oak when I wish."

'Very well," he conceded with a sigh. "You are, in a way, concerned in the matter, so it is right you should know. I would hate for you to be deceived by that man."

'Indeed, I should dislike making a cake of myself."

'Be assured, I shall not allow that to happen, madame. I would defend your honor with my life."

'Sir Aldan, I am totally overcome," she answered, betraying no trace of her amusement as she recalled his quick exit from the garden on the evening Lord Asheville found them together. "However, I must urge you to continue with your on dit."

'You may not be aware of the fact, madame, but Asheville and I were once rivals for the hand of Lady Asheville. The truth is," he added, glancing at her quickly, "that dear lady favored my suit. Indeed, she did. However, it was parental pressure that ensured that it was Asheville who finally triumphed."

'I certainly did not know that," she agreed, astounded at the overweening arrogance of the man.

'

'Tis true, alas for me. You may imagine the devastation I suffered. Moreover, Asheville was well aware of his wife's true feelings, which did nothing to endear him to me. After their marriage I was left to grieve the loss of my dear love. However, on her eventual return to town it was evident to me the poor chit bitterly regretted her marriage to that poltroon, which was no more than I expected, in truth, although it grieved me anew for her sake."

'How shocking," Pandora murmured, holding her irritation in check, of necessity.

'Ah, yes, indeed. The sadness we both endured was incalculable. To see her wherever I went, so beautiful, so ill-used, was almost more than I could bear. Inevitably, madame, nature in such matters being what it is, she could no longer conceal her feelings for me." He sighed. "I know she tried. For the sake of propriety we both did, but I am ashamed to confess, Lord Asheville caught us committing a slight indiscretion. Oh, be assured, I would not have caused her pain for anything, but she begged me for a sign I still cared for her, and it was beyond me to refuse her."

As he cast her a piteous look, she murmured, "So that is why Lady Asheville is gone to the country."

'Precisely, madame. A rose that blooms only in the full light of town diversions is banished from all she loves and from all who love her. 'Tis tragic, you must own."

Pandora smiled at him. "My dear Sir Aldan, it is quite evident to me that you still love her deeply."

'Alas, I shall always harbor a fondness for Lady Asheville. However, the truth is—dare I admit it?— I have met another, a lady who is free to return my affection in the abundance in which it is given."

'I wonder who that lady might be?" Pandora said teasingly.

'I think you must have an inkling, madame," he answered with equal coyness.

'I have a notion you are referring to me."

'None other, madame… Louise. That name is sweeter music than any sung tonight."

Pandora fluttered her fan and scolded, "You must contrive not to be so outrageous in your praise Sir Aldan."

'

'Tis nought but the truth, and you must know it. I am persuaded you will return my affection, for it cannot be any other. We have both known un-happiness, and now is the time to redress the misery we have both known. You cannot wish to remain a widow."

'That is true, but-"

'We shall deal famously together, I know it."

'How can anyone be certain of that?" she asked, scarcely hiding her bitterness now.

'Asheville has poisoned your mind, I see it," Sir Aldan replied grimly. "He has charm in abundance, I must own, but he cannot offer his name to you as I do. Only think, madame, our future happiness will be assured if you accept my offer, and fi so will poor Lady Asheville's. She is a true victim of this affair, and she will at last be allowed to return to all that she loves if I am no longer considered a danger to Lord Asheville."

Pandora laughed harshly. "If Lord Asheville is the blackguard you describe, I take leave to doubt she would wish to return."

'I assure you she will be looking forward to that day most anxiously, just as I await your answer."

Pandora didn't know whether to laugh or to cry-As she looked around for a means to escape, she said breathlessly, "Sir Aldan, this is a great surprise to me."

'The suddenness of my feelings has surprised me, too," he confessed, "but I do not wish to lose what is so precious to me."

'You must give me more time to examine my feelings," she begged. "Too much has happened so quickly."

Suddenly she caught sight of the earl, who had just entered the supper room. He was glancing around, and then when his eyes came to rest on Pandora, she saw that his face looked like thunder, and she was alarmed anew.

Not for the first time did she question what she was doing. She half rose from her seat as he began to make his way toward her. Sir Aldan caught sight of him, too, at that moment, and his expression hardened. Pandora had a sudden fear about what might occur if they met in her company, and after hesitating a moment, she had a further notion. Putting one hand up to her head she swayed slightly on her feet.

''Tis so hot in here," she murmured, and when the earl was almost upon them, she feigned a swoon.

Immediately a crowd closed around her as she was lowered into the chair. A vinaigrette was produced by one lady whose face hovered over her.

'There is no air in here," someone said.

'The poor lady must have experienced so much. No wonder she has swooned." As Pandora pushed away the pungency of the vinaigrette, her eyes flickered open. Sir Aldan was fussing but looked completely helpless.

'Do stand aside," he begged. "Allow me near to her, I pray."

No one took any note of his plea, but the crowd did part as the earl pushed his way forward.

'Call for Madame de Chambray's carriage at once," he ordered without taking his eyes from her.

'Madame de Chambray will be recovered in a while," Sir Aldan told him testily. "Pray leave her to me."

Pandora felt she could only close her eyes once more and feign further weakness.

Without troubling to answer Sir Aldan, the earl scooped Pandora up into his arms and began to carry her out of the supper room.

'By gad," Pandora heard Sir Aldan say, "What is he about? The fellow is too top-lofty by far."

Although she was being carried through the crowded rooms to the interest of all around them, Pandora had no thought for the gossip that would ensue, for suddenly she was happy to be in Ashe-ville's arms, and she laid her head against his shoulder, simply enjoying the sensation of being held by him. It had seemed such a long time since she had lain in his arms.

Her carriage was just arriving when they came into the hall. A lackey opened the door, and although Pandora was reluctant to be parted from him, she could not tell him so. He gently placed her inside, and she sank back against the squabs, feeling truly weak now. The lemon-scented cologne he always wore made her head swim.

Although he had relinquished his hold on her, he did not draw away immediately. "I am much obliged to you, my lord," she said in a whisper. "I am always at your service, madame."

'I am a fearful nuisance, am I not?"

His lips twiched into a smile. "Only in the most delightful manner, I assure you. Go home and rest," he added then, his voice suddenly grown soft. "I fear you are exhausting yourself in a round of relentless pleasure. I understand your need to do so, but mayhap it is not so wise."

'You are full of good sense, my lord." He withdrew from the carriage at last, and she sat forward a little, having rallied somewhat. "You seem exceeding concerned for me."

' Tis only natural that I should be." Pandora sighed and sank back into the squabs once more. "You are an enigma to me, I confess. You warn me against Sir Aldan Buckley, and he counsels me against you. Who on earth am I to believe?"

His eyes were very dark as they looked deep into hers. "Madame, you must listen to your heart." fl

The spell between them was abruptly broken by the arrival of Francois, who came running from the house. "Tante Louise, what is amiss?"

'Take your aunt home, monsieur," the earl advised as he stood to one side. "She is a trifle unwell this evening, but I am persuaded it is nothing to get into a pucker about."

'I take leave to disagree, my lord," the young man replied as he climbed into the carriage, fussing all the while. Pandora was scarcely aware of him until he asked, "Why did you have an attack of the vapors? Was it the fault of Sir Aldan or Lord Asheville?"

'It was neither," she replied absently. "It was simply the heat."

When Francois tapped the partition behind the driver, the carriage jerked forward, and Pandora turned to look out of the rear window. The earl was still standing on the driveway, and he raised his hand in a gesture of farewell as the carriage started off before he turned around and walked back into the house. Pandora stared after him until he had gone, and then she sat back, staring sightlessly ahead of her and drawing a heartfelt sigh.

'You must listen to your heart," he had said.

Pandora dared not. She was too afraid of what she might find there.

TEN

Lady St. James entered Pandora's bedchamber late on the following morning, to discover her friend still abed, sipping disconsolately a cup of chocolate.

'My dear Pandora, taking to your bed is quite unlike you. I trust that you are not unwell."

'I am in fine health, I thank you, Rosa, merely fatigued."

Her friend drew up a chair and sat by the bed. "I am obliged to confess to being concerned for you, Pandora. Francois informs me that you had an attack of the vapors last evening at the Hartingfords'. I have never known it in you before."

Pandora smiled faintly. "It was not as it seemed. I merely pretended that I swooned. It was opportune for me to do so."

Lady St. James peered at her worriedly. "Are you certain that is all it was?"

'Yes, you must not trouble your head on it."

'All the same, you do look a trifle hagridden this morning."

Pandora sank back into the pillows and sighed.

'Is it any wonder? This playacting would tax the most robust creature, and I am beginning to realize I am not one of their number."

'I have feared for this for some days past. You can always cry off, my dear."

'With each passing day I am more and more tempted to do so, until I see Asheville, which makes me all the more determined to continue, only it becomes more difficult to maintain the pretense. I cannot conceive why. At the outset I had no notion how difficult it would be."

'Oh, my dear, you make me feel so guilty for encouraging this madness. It did seem a lark, did it not?"

Pandora smiled genuinely now. "You must not blame yourself. After all, it is I who has always been deemed a goosecap. Mayhap it is true after all."

'You are as melancholy as a gib-cat this morning. I am becoming truly concerned for you. Tell me what happened to precipitate this attack of the megrims. I'll warrant, it is Asheville who has put you out of humor."

'Indeed, he is a part of my lowness of spirits. I cannot deny that, but, Rosa, 'tis everything that plagues me. The matter has become impossibly complex. When I set out on this masquerade, it did not occur to me that everyone would convey on dits to me as to Lady Asheville's character. La! Little of it has been in the least bit flattering."

Rosamond St. James laughed in the face of her friend's outrage. "Surely the reason is obvious to you, my dear."

'I am beginning to appreciate what a disagreeable baggage I truly am!"

'Tush. You are young, beautiful, wealthy, and the wife of one of the most sought-after gentlemen in London. Moreover, you have a gentleness of spirit that confounds them, so you may be sure it is only envy that prompts such tattle. Rejoice in your true friends who love you."

Pandora smiled. "Dear Rosa, you do raise my spirits. If only it was just the tattle-boxes who trouble me. I believe I could dismiss them, but I also have a care for your nephew, who has become very proprietorial. I would not wish for the world to hurt him."

'You will not. You are his first calf love and a very necessary person in his life. Recall, Frangois has never been away from parental or tutorial supervision until now. He will recover, you may be certain."

'And Jeanne? She is constantly in high dudgeon, and I am at a loss as to how to placate her."

'There you have youthful uncertainties, my dear. Poor Jeanne sees in you the woman she would like to become, and in Asheville the man she hopes will one day claim her heart. As soon as a few beaux begin to call upon her, you will see a distinct improvement in her humor."

'I do hope you are correct," Pandora answered worriedly.

'You may depend upon it. Now, have I contrived to dismiss most of your worries?"

'Only partly," Pandora confessed, biting her lip. "Last night Buck Buckley came up to scratch."

Lady St. James chuckled heartily. "This is famous! What a buffle-head he is, but I can see that matters become daily more complex for you."

'That is only a part of it." When her friend looked intrigued, Pandora went on. "As well as declaring his fondness for me, Madame de Chambray, he also suggested that our match would enable Lady Asheville to return to town. It seems Lady Asheville is madly in love with him after discovering the error in marrying her husband." Her friend laughed heartily, but Pandora looked disgusted. "The arrogance of that man is matched only by that of my husband."

'I take it that Sir Aldan is not correct in what he believes your feelings to be," Lady St. James ventured.

'Indeed, he is not!" Pandora declared in outraged tones.

'I can perfectly understand why you felt the need to feign a swoon."

'Especially when Asheville arrived looking as if he were ready to kill someone. I cannot conceive why he was in such high dudgeon, for I am persuaded he arrived in that mind, and it was not just the sight of me with Buck Buckley. That was when I deemed it appropriate to swoon. I feared what he might say and do."

'Asheville has always cared too much for what is proper to do anything too outrageous."

'I was not willing to take the risk." Pandora sighed deeply once again. "The worst aspect of the entire affair, I am bound to confess, is the knowl-edge that Asheville has become entranced by another woman."

Rosamond St. James's eyes opened wide with surprise. "I have heard nothing of that, I assure you."

'Madame de Chambray," Pandora chided gently, and her friend looked abashed.

'How can you be troubled by that? You are Madame de Chambray. If you have forgotten that, I must truly worry for your sanity."

Pandora laughed brokenly. "Asheville does not know that I am Madame de Chambray, which is more to the point. He is harboring a definite fondness for a beautiful young French widow. Do not bandy words, Rosa. You must own it is true."

'As I have already said on several occasions, you are able to end the play now, if you so wish. You also have it in your power to end Lord Asheville's association with Madame de Chambray. Not many wives are in the happy position to be able to act in such a manner." When Pandora did not reply, she went on, "I only wish I could bring you some solace, my dear, but I fear I cannot. Matters will not grow any less fraught." She brought an envelope out of her pocket. "This arrived this morning."

Before Rosamond St. James could reveal more, there came a knock on the door, and a footman entered bearing a basket of flowers. "From Lord Asheville, madame. He is downstairs inquiring as to your health."

Pandora drew in a sharp breath. "Tell his lordship Madame de Chambray thanks him for his kindness and is in rude health." When the lackey had gone, she turned to her friend once more. "Now do you see? How dare he be so blatant?"

'Perchance he recognizes something in Madame de Chambray he finds fetching," Rosamond suggested.

'No doubt it is the same quality he found fetching in that female he used to visit in

Bloomsbury Square

, and still does, for all I know. What do you have there in your hand, Rosa?"

Lady St. James addressed herself to the invitation. "Ernestina, Countess of Asheville, has the pleasure of requesting the pleasure of the company of Lady St. James and Madame de Chambray to a the at Asheville House,

Hanover Square

…"

Pandora had drawn a horrified gasp at the mention of her mother-in-law's name. "All is up now, Rosa," she said grimly as her friend looked up at her. "Asheville's mother prides herself on being up to snuff in all matters. Nothing escapes that sharp-eyed stare of hers. She will see through my disguise at the first glance."

'Surely you credit her with too much power, Pandora. No one, including your own husband, has yet penetrated your disguise, so why should one old lady?"

'Evidently you are not acquainted with Asheville's mother?"

'Only in passing, I confess. I own, she appears to be a trifle alarming."

'What an understatement!" Pandora assured her. "I suppose you know she was bitterly opposed to our marriage. She considered me totally unsuited to such an elevated position. She'd as lief had Asheville leg-shackled to Fanny Courdon."

'Recall, he is her only child. 'Tis understandable that she would be a trifle concerned for his choice of wife."

'In any event, when she retired to Tunbridge Wells after our wedding, no one was more gratified than I."

'I can readily understand that, but was there any indication that she might come up to town?"

'No, and I don't suppose my husband had a notion, either." There was some satisfaction in her tone. "Lady Asheville was heartily weary of the social round and only remained as long as it was necessary to act as hostess at Asheville House."

Pandora's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as her friend suggested, "Mayhap that is the reason for her return just now. Your husband is in need of a hostess for the Season."

'Oh, no! Asheville would never call in his mother. He could not admit to her the truth of the matter, for she would cry roast meat, in that she was correct in her reading of my character. Oh, no, Rosa, you are wrong in this."

'Then, why… ?"

'The only reason for her return must be because someone has told her of my absence and she wishes to take advantage of it. Oh, yes, I see it clearly now. She will urge my husband to let me molder in the country and then encourage him to associate with doxies until he no longer wants to see me again."

'Pandora, why should she do such a thing?"

'Because she hates me. It is quite fashionable to do so in London this Season!"

At the thought of this wrong being perpetrated toward her, Pandora dissolved into tears, pressing a handkerchief to her eyes as she rocked to and fro in her distress. Lady St. James jumped to her feet and hovered over her weeping friend.

'Pandora, my dear, I am more than ever of the opinion this is all becoming too much for you. It began as a great lark, but if it is unhinging your reason, then I agree it must end. The strain on your sensibilities is too much. It cannot go on."

Pandora looked up at her then, her eyes bright as emeralds through her tears, which she was now fighting back valiantly. "You are wrong, Rosa. It must go on. I cannot permit her to win. Can you not understand that?"

Lady St. James looked a mite uncertain then, but she answered, "I think so, although the cost… I am becoming so afraid for your reason, my dear."

'I beg you, do not concern yourself for me. I will contrive." Pandora now spoke with resolve; all her earlier uncertainty was gone. "I must finish what I set out to achieve, at least until after the masquerade at Ranelagh. If by then I have not encouraged his indiscretion and won my victory, then it is like I shall not do so, however long I remain as Madame de Chambray. In that event I shall be obliged to retire to my cursed rustication after all."

'What of Asheville's mother? Have you forgotten what you have only just said about her?"

All at once Pandora displayed something of her old spirit. "I have forgotten nothing. If I can con-ft found Lady Asheville, then that indeed will be a victory. Naturally, when this is all over, it will also be something to hold over my husband's head should he attempt to ill-use me on another occasion. His mother is truly the only person in the world he fears. If I threaten to betray my masquerade to her, he will always be in my power."

'If you do, after all, contrive to best her," Rosamond replied doubtfully. "If all you say of her is true, the odds are very great against you."

'Recall, I have always been a gamester, and more often than not, I win. On this occasion I am merely gaming upon my future, so the odds needs must be great. One way or another the masquerade at Ranelagh will end my own little play, which I am determined will now run until the very last act."

'How fitting," acknowledged the viscountess.

Pandora threw back the counterpane and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "There is one consolation to be had, Rosa. If it all goes wrong in the end, I will be able to take to the boards as an actress. What has happened of late leads me to believe my talent could easily rival that of Mrs. Siddons!"

Lady St. James and her French "cousin" did not arrive at

Hanover Square

on the appointed day until they were certain most of the other guests would have arrived. Despite her bravado, Pandora still feared her mother-in-law's power, and she deemed it sensible not to confront her directly. Much better to mingle with the crowd, where she would not be so prominent.

It was, however, a strange feeling for her to enter her own house as a stranger to it. As she walked slowly up the great staircase to the first-floor salon where she had greeted so many guests herself, Pandora felt emotional, too. Suddenly she had a longing for this to be her assembly, to stand at her husband's side at the head of the stairs and greet their guests as she had done before.

As she glanced around, she felt that her husband's ancestors, to be seen in the paintings that lined the staircase, were casting her disapproving looks. For once she could not blame them if they did.

The grand salon, where most of the Asheville entertaining took place, was a splendid room. Silk damask lined the wall, and matching eau de Nil damask covered the many chairs that had originally been brought over from France. In one corner stood her own harpsichord, on which she often entertained guests. Her husband enjoyed hearing her play, but today the instrument stood idle and alone.

As they entered the salon, smiling and nodding to acquaintances, something that belied their inner disquiet, Pandora looked around for a sight of her husband, who was not immediately to be seen. However, the dowager was easily seen at the far side of the room, where various of her old acquaintances stopped to converse. Ernestina Asheville had been in her youth, and for many years afterward, a leader of the ton. After the death of her husband she lost her taste for the social round, and it became her ambition for her only son to marry, in order to perpetuate the illustrious line.

Unfortunately the wealthy young earl enjoyed his freedom and the company of several ladies who would never have been acceptable as his countess. Nevertheless, he did eventually accept the necessity of marriage and chose as his bride Miss Pandora Kettering, much to his mother's chagrin. In his own way the earl was as forceful as his mother and proceeded with his courtship, so after the marriage the dowager retired to a handsome house in Tunbridge Wells, where she was able to take the waters and receive all the respect that she considered was her due.

All this was very well known to Pandora, who did not doubt for one moment Ernestina Asheville would be rejoicing in the absence of her daughter-in-law. She was quite convinced that the dowager hoped the parting to be a permanent one and to this end was once more taking up her duties as hostess at Asheville House. Once again Pandora's eyes filled with tears, for she regarded it to be so unjust.

All at once she caught sight of the earl at the far side of the room, in conversation with several of his mother's guests. Her desire to throw herself into his arms was alarming. In fact, her longing to be back here as mistress of the house no longer bore any relationship to attending balls and routs or, indeed, any of the diversions she normally enjoyed so heartily. She merely wanted to be with him again and no longer be a stranger in her own house.

'Madame de Chambray."

She turned to acknowledge an acquaintance, with whom she conversed for some time, and she was convinced no one could guess the heartache she was experiencing.

Everyone, it appeared, wished to discuss with her the worsening situation in France, which was quite natural. Uncharacteristically Pandora was now compelled to read the news sheets to keep abreast of all that was happening in that country. Previously Pandora had only wished to read The Ladies' Magazine and any fashion plates that came her way. Now she was becoming rather knowledgeable, unfashionably so, about politics and other matters that normally concerned only the menfolk. Pandora found it alarming that while she and her friends enjoyed diverse entertainments, dreadful happenings were occurring so near at hand.

Soon, tea and delicious pastries were being served, and Pandora began to relax. All at once it was diverting to be present in her own house while her husband and mother-in-law had no notion she was there. The only drawback was that she could not boast of it to anyone save Rosamond.

'Madame de Chambray."

Pandora looked up from her enjoyment of the pastries to discover the earl towering over her.

'I am relieved to see you recovered after the other evening."

'Yes, I am, I thank you," she responded in some confusion, glad of her large hat with its profusion of ribbons that served to hide part of her face. "I assure you, swooning is a most uncommon occurrence for me."

'I believe it, but your attendance here today was in some doubt in my mind, and I am persuaded my mother will be gratified you condescended to accept her invitation."

'I take leave to doubt that she is able to notice me among so many, my lord. This is quite a hurricane, you know."

'As you cannot profess to be acquainted with my mother, I am obliged to assure you she misses little, however crowded the room. Come, I would very much like to show you something."

Intrigued, Pandora followed him, aware that Rosamond was watching with great interest while conversing with a friend. The earl led the way out of the salon, which was some relief to Pandora, for she had the fear he might be taking her to be presented to the dowager. He led her into the gallery, where it was far less crowded and she was much happier, for the farther away from her mother-in-law, the safer she felt.

'Your house is most handsome, my lord," she ventured, feeling some comment was expected of her.

'It gratifies me that you should think so," he responded, casting her a smile that discomposed her once again. "Praise from someone of such exquisite taste can only be a great compliment. This house can, however, only be a backdrop of those who visit it, and I fancy it can only be enhanced by your presence."

'Lord Asheville, I do believe you are attempting to flirt with me," she answered coquettishly.

Once again he smiled. "It is a most diverting occupation with one so delightful as you."

He paused before a painting, and unwillingly she  withdrew her attention from him and looked toward the canvas, as he was doing. On the last occasion Pandora had passed through the gallery a portrait of one of the earl's cavalier ancestors had hung there. When she looked, she gasped, for now hanging in the place of prominence where none could miss it was her own portrait executed by Thomas Lawrence.

The artist had portrayed her wearing a white gown of silk gauze, her red hair cascading in ringlets over her shoulders. He'd insisted that she be seated on a rustic bench with a pastoral backdrop. In truth she had not expected it to turn out so fine.

'Is it not splendid?" the earl inquired, gazing upon it with genuine pleasure. "I feel it is a worthy addition to the gallery."

'Yes," she breathed. "It is quite, quite splendid."

'You do not, of course, know her, but be assured that Mr. Lawrence has captured the very spirit of Pandora. Did you ever see such gloriously red hair?"

'It most certainly sets her apart from others. You would know her anywhere because of that hair."

'Quite so."

'Indeed," she said then, casting him a mischievous smile. "I am quite anxious of it."

'You need not be, madame, for you have a unique charm all your own."

Pandora returned her attention to the portrait. "Did you not tell me on a previous occasion it was unfinished at the time of your wife's departure from town?"

'That is quite true, madame. You have an excellent memory in addition to your other many attributes. Mr. Lawrence had not quite finished when my wife was obliged to leave town, but it was only a matter of a few minor details. I am delighted I did not have to wait much longer to put it on display."

'Lady Asheville will be delighted when she sees it," Pandora murmured, scarcely knowing what else to say.

'I can see you are much impressed, and rightly so. We have many fine artists here in London. Mayhap you would do well to engage Mr. Lawrence to paint your portrait."

She was deep in thought, considering once more the portrait hanging on the wall. "Oh, do you think so?" she asked in some surprise.

'It is evident you would have left all such possessions behind you in France."

'Yes, yes, that is so. It was all I could do to bring out my jewels safely."

'It would be a great misfortune if your descendants had no notion of your beauty."

'I will give it some consideration," she vowed, "and I thank you for the honor of allowing me to be one of the first to see this painting of Lady Asheville." Pandora hesitated for a moment before adding, "I imagine your dear mother is delighted to have her daughter-in-law's portrait on display where it belongs."

'Oh, yes, she is most impressed," the earl replied, displaying a little discomfiture, which was what she expected. As they began to walk back toward the salon, he recovered himself sufficiently to tell her, "My wife has the mistaken and irrational fear that she will be forgotten by all who know her while she is obliged to be out of town. Well, now with her portrait hanging here for all to see, that is impossible."

Pandora turned to cast him a sharp look, a rebuke trembling on her lips. Most fortunately it was never uttered, for at that moment she caught sight of Fanny Courdon, who was just entering the gallery. On finding Pandora in the earl's company, the young woman looked not at all pleased.

She gave Pandora a cool look as she said, "Madame de Chambray, I have been seeking you out for an age."

'Indeed. That is a singular honor, my lady."

'Lady Asheville charged me to do so," the marchioness replied, making it quite clear it was not on her own account. "She wishes me to convey her desire for you to join her in the salon."

Pandora's eyes opened wide in alarm. She glanced at the earl, who appeared bland, and then she turned back to her old rival. "That must be a great honor, but surely there are others who are more deserving of it than I."

'I entirely agree with you on that score," murmured the other woman.

But the earl added quickly, "If Mama requests a coze, madame, I assure you she will not be gainsaid. Lady Courdon, while Madame de Chambray cozes with my mother, mayhap you would like to come with me to see the finished portrait of my wife."

Fanny Courdon's manner thawed considerably at the invitation. "It would be a great pleasure to accompany you, my lord. Good day to you, madame"

The earl bowed to her as he took his leave. As Pandora watched them walk away together, their heads close in conversation, she experienced emotions that were not only new to her, but not very pleasant. Moreover, she felt a real sense of loss at his departure.

On her way back to the salon, when she passed the staircase, she was tempted to run down and out of the house, but pride would not permit her to do so. She drew up her head and went back into the salon to the greatest test she had yet endured.

The lady conversing on the sofa with the dowager rose as Pandora approached them. She glanced around to catch a glimpse of Rosamond, whose face had become a horrified mask at the sight of her friend approaching the dowager. Lady St. James, unaware that Pandora had been summoned to meet the earl's mother, frantically shook her head in an attempt to dissuade Pandora from such foolhardi-ness Pandora, however, who had come too far to retreat, firmly turned her back on all others as she curtsied before her mother-in-law, who patted the now vacant seat at her side.

'Madame de Chambray, I believe," she said crisply. "We meet at last."

'My lady, this is an honor," Pandora murmured in her soft French accent, keeping her head slightly averted all the while.

'Well, do sit down. I cannot forever be craning my neck, and I wish to have a proper look at you." Fortunately Pandora was able to seat herself in such a manner that Lady Asheville could not look directly into her face in the searching way she habitually employed.

'I have been hearing much about you, madame," the dowager told Pandora, "which I confess has made me a mite curious to make your acquaintance today."

'I trust what you have heard about me is favorable, my lady."

'Oh, indeed. Everyone is most impressed by your bearing, in view of your recent misfortunes."

'I am safe in England and surrounded by so many friends, I consider myself fortunate, certainly more than many I have been obliged to leave behind in France."

'You are too modest, I feel, but that is also a quality I greatly admire. So many young ladies cannot count modesty among their attributes."

'I wonder to whom you allude, my lady," Pandora murmured, allowing herself a wry smile.

'It is of no account. Having spoken to you, I am now more able to understand my son's admiration of you." Pandora felt her cheeks begin to burn. "And for your part, I do not doubt you reciprocate that esteem."

'How could I not, my lady? Lord Asheville is everything which is laudable."

'I am persuaded you must also be aware of his long and illustrious lineage."

During the period of Pandora's betrothal, the dowager had ensured that she did know of it. Lectures on the family lineage had been so intense, she felt she knew most of Asheville's antecedents better than her own. Every painting in the galleries, both here and at Brocklesby Hall, was as familiar to her as her own face.

'Only moments before I came here, Lord Asheville was showing me portraits of his ancestors, and the new one of his wife. I could not help but be aware of the splendor of your line, and I am most impressed, you may be certain."

'My dearest wish, and Asheville's most earnest desire, is for there to be an heir to the title and the lands, which are considerable. In truth, madame, that is the reason my son felt it incumbent upon him to wed this year. Had it been otherwise, I feel certain he would have continued his bachelor existence, which was congenial to him."

As the dowager spoke, Pandora raised her head to find herself looking directly at the earl, who had placed himself across the room. He appeared to be supremely at ease, leaning negligently against a pillar, his arms folded in front of him. As Pandora's angry gaze met his, he smiled almost knowingly, although he couldn't possibly have known the content of the conversation or her reaction to it, and she looked away quickly, for fear that her anger would be detected.

'Madame" the dowager was saying, "I speak to you as one woman of sensibility to another. I must appeal to you."

'My lady?" Pandora asked in astonishment, wondering if she had missed something her mother-in-law had said.

'My daughter-in-law, of whom you will have heard much, will soon return to town."

'I did not know that," Pandora murmured. "I understood that her stay in the country was to be a lengthy one."

'My son assures me it is not so."

'And what, may I ask, my lady, is that to me?"

'Ah, yes." To Pandora's amazement her mother-in-law appeared somewhat uncertain as she continued, "I must entreat you to allow them sufficient time to fill their nursery." This statement caused Pandora to look even more astonished.

'I cannot conceive how that may have anything to do with me, my lady."

'Come now, such coyness does not become you, my dear," the dowager continued, returning to her more usual crisp manner. "Once there is an heir to the title, no doubt my son will be able to make sure you and he meet often. I do trust that I have now made myself plain, madame."

'Abundantly, my lady," Pandora responded through tightly clenched teeth.

To anyone watching her sitting at the dowager's side, Pandora appeared to be the epitome of decorum. Inside, however, her feelings were in a turmoil. How she longed to give vent to her anger. She had never been closer to revealing her true identity than at that moment.

'Mama, you really mustn't monopolize Madame de Chambray," the earl chided as he came up behind them. "You are not the only person to find her company congenial."

Pandora started, but she was glad of the interruption, never more so. Had she been left in the dowager's company for much longer, she might have been tempted to say or do something rash. One thing her disguise had taught her, and that was prudence. She doubted if she would ever be so impetuous again.

'We have finished our coze," the dowager told him, bestowing upon Pandora a rare smile. "And I find we are totally in accord with one another, I am delighted to vouchsafe."

Understandably Pandora found she could not respond but merely curtsied and moved away, letting out a long sigh of relief as she did so. The old harridan, she thought, how dare she collude at finding a chere amie for her son? Pandora felt outraged by it, but she really couldn't pretend to be surprised.

'I trust that my mother did not weary you with her prattling," the earl ventured.

Pandora contrived to smile sweetly and reply, "Oh, no, 'twas most pleasant, I own. Lady Asheville was most condescending to me. I do believe it is time for me to depart. I see Lady St. James beckoning to me. It really is a pity to end such a congenial afternoon."

Lady St. James was looking tense but relaxed a little when she saw Pandora smiling. The earl bowed low over her hand.

'I sincerely hope it will not be too long a time before we meet again, madame."

'I am quite certain it will not be, my lord."

Aware that he remained to watch her, she hurried down the stairs with her friend without looking back. Neither of them spoke until they were safely in the carriage and unable to be overheard.

Then Lady St. James cried, "My dear, how dared you approach Lady Asheville so brazenly? I confess I was almost stricken with a seizure when I saw you do so."

'To believe I would have the temerity to approach her, Rosa, belies an ignorance of my mother-in-law. I was summoned to her presence, no less."

Rosamond gasped. "How alarming it must have been for you, but do tell, how did it go? I am in a fidge to know. There were times when you looked under siege."

'As indeed I was. La! Rosa, what a day this has been. That old witch. She has not changed one jot. Imagine! She as much as gave her blessing for me to become Asheville's doxy, providing I gave him enough time to provide an heir!"

'How provoking for you." Her friend chuckled. "I am relieved to see you do not take it amiss."

Two spots of color in Pandora's cheeks gave lie to that. "I am in high dudgeon, you may be sure, but I cannot help cry roast meat, for she had no notion who I was!"

''Tis amazing."

'Can you imagine her vapors had I owned to being her reviled daughter-in-law? In truth, Rosa, she was so arrogant and disagreeable, I was sorely tempted to do so, and to the devil with the result."

Rosamond St. James fell back into the squabs and roared with laughter. Relieved at last of all constraints upon her behavior, Pandora was able to join her, and the two young ladies were still merrily chuckling when the carriage arrived back at

Curzon Street

a short while later.

ELEVEN

'Shall you wear a blue or a scarlet dominco for the masquerade?" Lady St. James mused as Pandora eased out of the sitting room window into Curzon greet and the passing, ever-changing pageant of peddlers and pedestrians that suddenly appeared to fascinate her.

'Whatever you do will suffice for me   she replied, exhibiting no real enthusiasm for the matter.

"Scarlet is not your color, my dear; at least, it never was, but now with your hair…

There is no justice at all," Jeanne declared, looking up from her sewing. "You both enjoy every diversion, and I am obliged to stay at home unless it is to act the abigail"

'Tush"  responded Lady St. James. " 'Tis not for much longer. When your mama arrives; arrangements can be made for your come-out next Season"

'I can scarce wait for it, you may be sure, "  the girl responded, casting a meaningful glance at the deeply thoughtful countess at the window. "And when I am wed, I shall never allow myself to be parted from my husband. I could not bear it."

'In truth, ma chere, I shall be heartily glad when you are leg-shackled," the viscountess replied.

'What gratitude for my cooperation!"

'I am indebted to you," Pandora told her, coming away from the window at last.

Jeanne cast her a malicious look. "Have you given any thought to what will happen if Lord Asheville is not amused by your masquerade, Lady Asheville?"

Pandora sighed. "I think of nothing else at present. It is always possible he will cast me off utterly when he hears of it, although I had considered him to be kindhearted. I am no longer able to assume any such thing, alas, and I could not bear permanent rustication, so it is like I could take to playacting if he takes it all amiss. I have had a good apprenticeship.''

'If the members of Whites and Boodles knew of it," Lady St. James observed, "they would be greatly amused, and the wagers would be of huge proportions."

'Then it is well they do not know, for I do not wish to be the object of wagers."

'You were once," her friend pointed out. "A great deal of money was wagered upon whom you would choose to marry. As I recall, Asheville was the favorite."

'Which only proves they were all as foolish as I."

'St. James tells me," Rosamond ventured a few moments later, "that Asheville is in a constant ill humor nowadays." She glanced slyly at her friend before continuing. "I wonder why that is, Pandora?"

'He is perfectly amiable when I am in his company " she answered in some surprise. "At least, when he is in Madame de Chambray's company. If he knew it was me beneath that wig, he'd be as mad as a weaver."

'He is perfectly amiable whenever he is in my company," Jeanne added.

Lady St. James looked across at her. "Young lady, our guests will be arriving very soon. It would be best if you retire now."

'Very well," the girl answered crisply, gathering up her sewing. "Bonne nuit, Mesdames."

'Jeanne is becoming quite insolent," Lady St. James said with a sigh as the girl left the room and Pandora went to pluck disconsolately at the harpsichord. "St. James said Asheville is either mute as a fish," the viscountess persisted, "or as cross as two sticks. Perchance he is missing you, Pandora, more than he would care to admit. I'll wager you have not considered that possibility."

'His behavior has not demonstrated that, Rosa, and recall, his mother is now in residence in

Hanover Square

. Her presence alone is sufficient to make him drain the cup of misery to its dregs."^ "I thought it entirely possible he misses you."

'If that were so, he would have followed me to Brocklesby Hall and begged my forgiveness for his heartless use of me."

'But he did."

'No, he did not. As far as he was concerned,  had been rusticating for some considerable time, and when he did finally arrive, only because he was in the area, he treated me with the utmost patronage, graciously offering his forgiveness, which is not the same by any means. If he had a care for me, he would have begged my forgiveness and not left it so long to do so."

'It is just as well he did not pursue you to Brocklesby Hall"—the viscountess chuckled—"for if he had, he wouldn't have found you there. You were at PelhamTowers with me."

Pandora paused in her playing to glance at her friend. "I shall wear the scarlet domino, Rosa. It is not what Pandora Asheville would wear, and that pleases me."

Rosamond St. James got to her feet. "I hear a carriage on the forecourt, so it is like our guests are arriving."

While Lady St. James went to join her husband and greet the guests arriving for their assembly, Pandora remained at the harpsichord, picking out sentimental tunes that suited her mood.

'You play so beautifully, madame."

Without her being too aware of it, the room had been filling slowly with people, and it was now becoming crowded. Pandora recognized the voice immediately and looked up to see Sir Aldan Buckley leaning over the harpsichord smiling at her with heavily rouged lips. It was tempting for her to dismiss him once and for all, but it suited her purpose to flirt with him, and because he had switched his allegiance so easily, she felt no compunction about hurting his feelings. Only his purse would ache for what he believed he had lost in his French widow.

Pandora got to her feet, flicking out her lace fan. Clad in white muslin, a blue satin sash accentuating her slim waist, she knew she presented an alluring figure. However, it was not nattering for her to have to acknowledge it was her supposed wealth that attracted him like a moth to a flame. She could not attribute that to Asheville's pursuit of her, at least not on this occasion.

'Why, I thank you, Sir Aldan," she replied, dimpling prettily. "How kind of you to say so."

'It should be no surprise to you to learn the depths of admiration I harbor for everything you say and do." .

'You do my heart good, I am bound to confess. And I thank you for all the tokens you have been sending of me late, but I must protest at your extreme generosity." He looked pleased. "I have scarce begun. "The house isn't big enough to accommodate all the gewgaws you have already sent."

'Mere tokens of my esteem, and only a small degree of all you will enjoy once we are wed. Oh, crudest of ladies, do not keep me in doubt any longer. Do I dare to hope you will accept my offer.

Pandora watched him from behind her fan as he preened himself in expectation of a favorable answer. When she did speak, her voice was full of regret. "Alas, 'tis not possible for me to do so, Sir Aldan."

His face immediately registered his dismay. 'How can that be? Is there another who is able to offer you married felicity?"

'In a way, yes."

'Zounds! I cannot credit that."

'It is not quite what you might think, sir. The fact is"—she paused for full effect before going on— "I have today heard that my husband is still alive."

A look of horror came over his face at this revelation. "How can that be, madame?"

The anguish that then appeared in Pandora's expression would have done justice to Mrs. Siddons. "The past few months have been a veritable hell for me, Sir Aldan. You could not possibly know of it, living in the blessed security of England. My husband, the comte, is a well-known figure of great import in France. It was related to me that he had been set upon by a group of Jacobins and mortally wounded. I felt it necessary to escape before I, too, fell victim to their evil ways. Now I have been informed he was only injured in the attack and was nursed to health by some peasants in great secrecy. I have only just been informed that he is making his way to England and is like to arrive at any time."

Sir Aldan's surprise now turned to outrage. "Madame, you have not acted like a recent widow."

Pandora's head drooped even lower in her mock despair. "In all truth, can you blame me for that? I came here believing myself a widow, a stranger in a foreign land. It was incumbent upon me to secure a finer future for myself, and I am so grateful to you for offering it to me. You will always have my deepest gratitude."

Sir Aldan pulled at his coat. "I would do myself an injustice if I did not admit I feel ill-used."

'Indeed, I cannot blame that in you. It would take a saint to feel otherwise, but as one who professes affection for me, can you not find it in your heart to forgive and be glad for my newfound good fortune?"

'You may rest assured that I do."

She put one hand on his arm. "I do thank you, Sir Aldan. Naturally I must beg of you the utmost secrecy in this matter. Armand is still in great danger until he reaches these shores."

'The matter is entirely entre nous, madame," he responded, his manner somewhat colder than of late.

'Mayhap," she ventured as he began to move away from her "we can still contrive to be… friends."

The baronet looked shocked. Pandora knew as well as he that it was a wealthy wife he needed just then and not a mistress.

'I fear you will be fully occupied ministering to your husband's needs after so long an absence," he replied.

'At first, I do not doubt it will be so, but afterward…"

'We shall see, madame," he replied, moving away from her with rather more haste than she had seen him exhibit before.

As she watched him, she chuckled quietly to herself behind her fan before turning on her heel and walking into the card room. One of Asheville's constant complaints was that she gamed too often and too deep. On this evening she felt that good fortune would be hers, and if it was not, he could not scold her, for once.

She paused in the doorway, surveying the room carefully before deciding which table she would join. It was a deliberate act, for she wished to choose partners who were renowned for losing.

All the while she played the cards she also flirted with the gentlemen who surrounded her, so much so they could scarce keep their attention on the cards. The ploy was so successful, Pandora accumulated substantial winnings, which was fortunate, for she could not afford to lose the little pin money she had by her.

'My pockets are to let," declared Lord Humphrey, who immediately vacated his seat. "Perchance you will afford me an opportunity to win back my purse on another occasion, madame."

'It will be a pleasure, my lord," she replied, be stowing upon him a bewitching smile.

Some of her pleasure faded, however, when she found it was the earl who had taken Lord Humphrey's place at the card table. Her concentration on the game could hardly continue if he was present. He was, she thought as she glanced at him covertly, as handsome as ever, a realization that made her heart beat fast. Just then she was tempted to withdraw from the game, but the inclination lasted for only a moment.

He smiled at her across the table. "Madame de Chambray, what a pleasant evening this is becoming. I cannot imagine a gaming partner I would prefer more."

'You will prefer one who allows you to win."

'That is undoubtedly true, and I do invariably win."

'But you will not, naturally, mind if I take your purse on this occasion, my lord?"

'It would be a pleasure to lose to you, madame. However"—he glanced around—"it has not yet come to pass. Lady Courdon," he called, and the marchioness hurried to his side. "Stay by me," he ordered. "Your presence will bring me good fortune, I feel."

Fanny Courdon cast Pandora a smug smile. "I am determined that I will."

Her presence was most disconcerting to Pandora, who was never more surprised when she continued to win. After several unsuccessful games the earl turned to the marchioness and dismissed her.

'My dear, I believe I must dispense with your services before my pockets are entirely to let."

'She has never brought me any luck at the gaming tables," Asheville remarked, to the amusement of all those gathered about the table.

'Tis time for you to withdraw, I think," Pandora ventured, "before you go deep into dun territory."

'My dear," the earl replied dismissively, "you have evidently not resided in London long enough to understand that I am fully able to honor any vouchers I may write."

'I did not doubt it," she responded. "We will continue if you wish to do so."

'By all means, let us play the game to the end."

As he smiled grimly, she eyed him covertly, but his face bore no telling expression. "Or until you are entirely out of funds," she added.

Once again he lost, while Pandora won. One wit said, "You usually have the devil's own luck, Asheville. I wonder why it has deserted you this evening. Mayhap you should bring your wife back to London before you approach the tables again."

Pandora continued to watch him, but he was un-fazed by the comment, answering easily, "Perchance you are correct."

Winning had never been so easy for Pandora, who was able to smile with triumph at last when the earl declared, "I am all dished up. My situation is past praying for."

Normally Pandora would not be able to experience this kind of triumph, for the earl refused to game with her in public, so her success on this occasion was all the more sweet.

'It occurs to me, my lord, that this is a rare occasion," she told him.

'One day, I vow, I shall drub you," he responded good-naturedly.

Pandora was unable to hide her delight as she pocketed her considerable winnings. "Do not depend upon it, my lord."

As they left the table, he told her, "You would do well to conserve your good fortune, madame. Lady luck, as you have just observed, is known to be fickle."

'Indeed, I believe I shall act upon such good advice. 'Tis not often I am able to do so."

He looked surprised at that admission. "It seems to me that you are a lady who likes to win!"

Pandora opened her fan. "Who does not?"

'And you will always attract good fortune, I fancy. You are deserving of it."

'How can you know what I deserve, my lord? I may well be the personification of evil. You know me not at all."

He laughed deprecatingly. "I feel that I do. Moreover, I am a better judge of nature than you believe."

'Perchance you are an expert on the nature of females."

'I do pride myself on that ability."

'You appear exceeding certain of yourself, my lord."

'Ah, alas, madame, it is a fault in me I am unable to correct."

'Then mayhap someone will one day correct it for you."

'I await that day, which I trust is as yet far away."

'I trust that Lady Asheville—the dowager Lady Asheville—is in good health."

'Indeed."

'And yet she has not accompanied you here tonight. I cannot help but wonder on that."

'My mother eschews the social round nowadays."

'But she still remains in town?"

'For the present. However, I believe the time is drawing close when she will depart for her home in Tunbridge Wells."

'If that is so, she will no doubt be unable to see your wife on her eventual return to town."

'That is a misfortune they will both be obliged to bear. However, I feel I must tell you, my mother has spoken of you in the most glowing terms."

'It is indeed generous of her."

'You are being modest, but I am of the opinion," he added in a lowered voice, "you must have some notion as to your own charm and its effect upon all those you meet."

When Pandora caught sight of Francois approaching them through the crowd, she didn't know whether to be glad or not. Time was fast running out for her masquerade.

'Tante Louise, it is requested that you play the harpsichord for us."

When Pandora began to demur, the earl insisted, "You must allow us this small pleasure, madame. A proficiency at the harpsichord must be another one of your many accomplishments."

'Lord Asheville is correct, Tante, you cannot disappoint all those who are anxious to hear you play. I will turn your music," he added quickly.

'Monsieur de Fontenac, you are unique among other nephews of my acquaintance in your attention to your aunt," the earl remarked, his voice heavy with irony.

Frangois cast him a cold look. "Madame de Chambray is unique among aunts, my lord."

The earl's smile was filled with mockery. "My dear boy, I am very much inclined to agree with you on that statement."

The earl stood back a pace as Francois made ready to escort her to the harpsichord, and Pandora could see no alternative but to play, although she had no fancy for doing so at the moment. While she played for the assembled party, Lord Asheville contrived to move closer to Sir Aldan Buckley, who was staring at her with an unprecedented ferocity, something the earl could not help but notice.

'What a delightful touch she has," he remarked when he was standing next to Sir Aldan.

'Indeed," the baronet responded without taking his eyes off Pandora for a moment.

'There is only one other with such proficiency at the harpsichord, and that is my wife. I have no doubt that you recall that well, Buckley."

'Madame de Chambray cannot be thought to come close to Lady Asheville."

'Buckley, what ails you, my dear fellow?" the earl inquired in a hearty manner. "Only yesterday you could not find fault in anything Madame de Chambray said or did, but now you look as if you are in high dudgeon, and I cannot believe that she is the cause of it."

'I have very good cause for my outrage, Asheville. Very good cause indeed, I assure you. I feel ill-used."

'Surely the sound of Madame de Chambray's playing cannot help but soothe your soul."

'Madame de Chambray is the cause of my megrims."

The earl's eyebrows rose a little. "From all I observe, you appeared to be getting on famously, none more so. Truth to tell, I have become quite envious of the cordiality which was apparent between you."

'You are cruel to remind me of it, my lord, but even so, I feel it only fair to warn you that the lady, whose name I shall not mention, but who is of interest to both of us, has recently discovered her husband is alive, dashing all my hopes and plans for the future."

'How thoughtless of him."

'I do not doubt you will cry roast meat over this, but I am desolate and cannot be comforted."

The earl made a conscious attempt to hide his amusement. "Are you quite certain of your facts? I am no more pleased about this than you are."

Satisfied he had caused Lord Asheville some shock, Sir Aldan smiled for the first time. "It was told to me in confidence, thus my reluctance to name the lady, but you may rely upon the veracity of what I have said."

'Well, it is of no concern to me," the earl went on airily. "If I so choose, I can call the fellow out and draw his cork. From all Madame de Chambray has told me, it would not grieve her in the slightest."

'Even so, it is a desperate remedy."

'Have no fear, I shall not resort to be dueling on this occasion. Lady Asheville will be back in town with the sennight, and I must address myself to her."

Sir Aldan looked startled. "I had no notion she would return so soon."

'I had looked to see you pleased at the news."

'Oh, I am, I assure you," the baronet insisted.

'I must naturally insist that you keep your distance when she does return, Buckley."

'We are like to meet socially."

'I believe you will find Lady Asheville has lost her taste for your company."

'I take leave to doubt that," the baronet said angrily.

'Let me assure you, it is so."

'I will not believe it until Lady Asheville herself has told me so."

'Buckley, I am telling you. Let that be sufficient.

Sir Aldan glanced at the earl and saw his resolve The baronet swallowed noisily. This is devastating news to me."

'You must endeavor to bear it bravely," the earl told him in a rallying tone.

'We have the misfortune to like the same ladies Asheville," Sir Aldan remarked a moment later and was unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice That should forge a bond between us, not a chasm."

The earl laughed. "I fear that the ladies in question do not much like you, sir." He gave Sir Aldan a withering look. "And I cannot wonder why That coat is as offensive to me as it most undoubtedly will be to Madame de Chambray."

Sir Aldan's eyes opened wide at this unexpected attack. "Lord Asheville! That insult was quite uncalled for, as I employ the finest tailor in London Everyone knows it. I really must protest "

'Protest is all you will do. Now, be pleased to remove yourself and allow me to enjoy what remains of this recital."

'I pity Lady Asheville with all my heart," Sir Aldan said darkly. "She is leg-shackled to a blackguard of the first order."

He turned on his heel, and the earl smiled faintly before turning his attention back to Pandora at the harpsichord.

TWELVE

In the event, Lady St. James did not need her domino for the masquerade, for a note arrived that morning informing them of the imminent arrival of her cousin from France.

'What a relief that is to me," Rosamond declared. "I cannot tell you what a fidge I have been in every time I have heard the news from Paris."

'This is indeed good news," Pandora agreed, "but there is now no choice for me. I must act with no further delay, for after tonight the masquerade must be over."

'Do not allow my cousin's arrival to panic you, my dear. You are very welcome to stay in this house to continue awhile longer should you wish."

'It is kind of you to say so, dearest, but you will have sufficient to deal with when your cousin does arrive, as will Frangois and Jeanne. In truth I no longer have the heart to exploit such a tragic situation."

'That is something I would not have envisaged your saying a few weeks ago."

'It is possible I am vastly wiser than I was then. In any event, this has gone on long enough," she added with more briskness. "I did not envisage it becoming quite so complex."

'What exactly do you intend to do to end it?"

'I must make my attempt to lure Asheville into an indiscretion with no further delay. If I cannot, and he has been exceeding careful so far, I shall be obliged to retire to Brocklesby Hall until such time he allows me back into town."

'I do not know whether I wish you to succeed or not."

Pandora laughed brokenly. "Nor do I, but I have had the devil's own luck so far. Perchance it will stay with me until the end of the game."

'Lord Asheville is not aware he is playing a game."

'Then the odds needs must be on my side."

Madame de Fontenac arrived during the afternoon. She appeared frail and fatigued, which was no more than could be expected after the ordeal of her journey, but she was considerably relieved to be safe and in the bosom of her family at last. Pandora's heart went out to her. Madame de Fontenac was nothing like the flirtatious, fictional Madame de Chambray. Surprisingly, after being reunited with his mother, Francois insisted upon escorting Pandora to Ranelagh for the masquerade, where they were to join some acquaintances in their own box.

'Will you will be my friend when you return to being Lady Asheville?" Francois asked of her as the music played in the rotunda and those in the box enjoyed a hearty supper.

'I have always been Lady Asheville," Pandora assured him. "And I hope very much to remain your friend. However, Francois, now she is arrived in England, your poor dear mother will need your support even more than I have done."

'I know it. I am man enough to afford you both support. You need not doubt it, my lady."

'You are the dearest boy, and one day you will make some lady a wonderful husband."

'But she will not be the first lady of my choice."

'Certainly she will," Pandora enthused. "You will marry only a lady of your choice, Francois."

'It will certainly be possible if I call Lord Asheville out and draw his cork."

Pandora was amused by his ardor, but she strove hard to hide it. "Oh, I beg of you, do not even consider it. You have no cause, in any event."

'His ill treatment of you is reason enough."

'It has all been a trifle, Francois." He looked horrified. "How can you say so after all you have been obliged to endure of late?"

'Had I not acted in such a headstrong manner at the outset, the matter would have been quickly resolved. Now I am trapped with only one way out. I cannot cry off now, I fear. I must continue until the end, whatever that might be."

'Have no fear, my lady. I am resolved to remain your champion."

His loyalty caused her to smile again. "How that knowledge warms my heart, Francois."

'A heart you have given to another, I fancy."

Square, to enjoy her triumph, or to be banished forever to Brocklesby Hall. Once, the thought of spending time in the country had been unbearable to her. Now, Pandora was forced to acknowledge that it was life without the earl she could not bear to contemplate.

Once in the hall of the rotunda she was diverted by having to guess the identity of those strolling there. Some were easy to identify, others not so simple. As always it was vastly amusing. Pandora knew that in her scarlet domino and mask she could not be easily identified, except when she spoke in that soft, seductive French accent that was becoming second nature to her.

As usual she kept seeking out a glimpse of the earl, for she felt now she had no more time to lose. The ruse, in any event, was no longer so amusing, and she was eager to see an end to it.

Suddenly she became tense when she spotted someone with Lord Asheville's bearing walking toward them. He was accompanying a lady who could easily be his mother. Pandora squeezed Francois's arm, and they made their way toward the couple.

'Is this not the most delightful evening?" Pandora greeted them.

The man, who was wearing a blue domino and mask, bowed low in front of her. "It is all the more delightful for this encounter, ma'am," came the reply, and Pandora's smile froze behind her mask, for it was not the earl, after all.

As soon as she could extricate herself, Pandora sketched a little curtsy, and she and Francois moved on. "That, I am persuaded, was Lord and

Lady Erskine," All at once she began to laugh. "He is nothing like my husband. Oh, dear, Francois, what if I'am unable to discover which one he is? Or better still, what if I entice a complete stranger?"

'That cannot possibly happen, even if you are obliged to wait until the unmasking."

'I cannot wait that long. Shall I be obliged to challenge every tall gentleman present?"

She began to laugh again, until someone said, "How splendid it is to see you in such good spirits, ma'am."

Her laughter faded when she looked up. He was wearing a black-and-silver domino that covered the elegant clothes that would normally have made him conspicuous to her. Behind the mask his dark eyes sparkled, whether with amusement or malice Pandora could not know, but she would have recognized them anywhere.

'A gentleman in black," she gasped. "I wonder who he may be."

'I know who you are," he responded enigmatically.

'What a tease that is for me."

'We have met before."

'Then I feel we must be friends, sir."

'Much more than that."

'I am all the more intrigued."

'We must continue our promenade," Francois began as he started to move away.

'Not so fast. This gentleman makes me curious," Pandora told him.

'You are exceeding wise, ma'am. Come with me to the lake, and I will give you more clues to my identity," the earl promised.

'How can I refuse such an invitation?" she responded, despite Francois's gasp of annoyance.

The earl turned his attention to the young man. "Unfortunately, young man, there is room within the boat for only the two of us. No doubt you will find other entertainment where you may."

Francois had no choice but to withdraw, but Pandora was very well aware he was not happy to do so. When the earl took her hand and began to lead her toward the lake, she said, "You were exceeding cruel to that young man who is devoted to me."

'

'Tis nothing to the cruelty he will encounter in the future at the hands of ladies."

'You evidently do not have high regard for females, sir."

'I beg you to forgive that slight note of bitterness, ma'am, for I have suffered cruelly at the altar of feminine worship."

'That is a terrible tale indeed. It saddens me greatly to hear of it."

'I did not mean to depress your spirits, ma'am. I should like to gladden your heart."

'It is exceeding gallant of you to say so."

An attendant was waiting at the lakeside. Lord Asheville handed Pandora into one of the small boats, which was not an easy task, owing to her many voluminous skirts. When he, too, was seated a moment later, he took up the oars, rowing gently away from the shore and into the center of the lake, where many other couples were enjoying the boating.

'Do you not think this is a night when magic is abroad?" Pandora ventured.

'How strange that you should say so. I have had just those thoughts myself. 'Tis an evening when devils may be transformed into saints."

'Or the other way around," she reminded him, and he laughed.

'Perchance hags may become beauties," he ventured.

'There might well be a hag behind this mask. You cannot know, sir."

'It makes no odds to me. You see, at midnight you will become a great beauty, so have no fear. You only have to wait."

'You truly believe in the power of magic, do you not?"

'Mayhap just for tonight."

Pandora laughed and sat back as he propelled the boat across the smooth surface of the water. Soon it became apparent there were fewer boats at this part of the lake, and the music had grown fainter.

After a while the earl rowed the boat into the bank and got out, holding his hand to her. Pandora allowed him to help her onto the bank, reluctant to relinquish his hand. He suffered a similar reluctance, for he kept hold of her as they walked together to one of the paths illuminated by colored lanterns hanging in the trees.

'This is such a lovely spot," she murmured. "One can truly believe in the power of magic."

Let us walk back toward the rotunda, and mayhap by the time we arrive you will have guessed who I am."

She drew a deep sigh. "Apparently it is so. I would like to say I wish it otherwise, but Lord Asheville is the only man I have ever loved. It should have been apparent to me from the outset, but poor, blind fool that I am, I could not see it. It appears I was masked long before the masquerade began."

'Does Lord Asheville return your devotion?"

The question brought unbidden tears to her eyes, and she looked away in dismay. "I doubt it. His behavior has never betrayed the slightest affection for me beyond what is polite. His conduct while he believed me to be in Suffolk does not indicate a man who is lovesick. In any event, a man as stylish as my husband would regard it unfashionable to be in love with his own wife. Someone else's mayhap, but never his own."

'I wish, how I wish, I could do something to end your agony, my lady," Francois exclaimed.

'I shall be content to return to my home in

Hanover Square

and take my rightful place at his side. That is as much as I can ask now. You can help me achieve my wish by escorting me around the rotunda in the hope I shall encounter him tonight, for time is fast running out in this comedie noire."

'It will be an honor to escort you," Franccois replied, "but I cannot help but hope we do not encounter Lord Asheville this evening."

Pandora cast him a sympathetic smile and then adjusted her domino and mask before they left the box, where the servants were still putting out the miscellany of tidbits she had been unable to touch. By the morrow she would be back in Hanover.

'Time is passing, sir, and I am of the opinion we will have unmasked long before we arrive."

'So much the better, for we will be done with pretense at last, and that must be a great relief to the both of us."

His words seemed uncannily appropriate, and momentarily they unnerved her. Then she cried, "La! What a clear night it is. How fortunate we are the weather is not inclement."

The earl clucked his tongue reprovingly. "Surely you can talk about something of greater import than the weather, ma'am."

'You are at present a stranger to me, so on what subject may we converse with any certainty?"

'There are many things. Life. Love. There is no subject we cannot broach, for our masks make mountebanks of us all."

'So, you are a confessed mountebank, sir." Pandora chuckled. "I confess I am disappointed in you."

'I pray you, do not think ill of me, for when we unmask, the truth will be evident to you at last."

'You talk in riddles, and I grow weary," she said with a sigh.

'You need be weary no longer, ma'am. Look at the sky. The firecrackers have begun to explode. 'Tis time to unmask."

Pandora looked up to where the crackers were exploding and lighting up the sky with their fire. Other couples parading in the gardens paused, too, and then, with a great deal of laughter, they began to unmask each other.

When the last firecracker faded out of the sky, Lord Asheville said in a soft voice, "The masquerade ends," and reached out for the strings of her mask. Pandora had no option but to allow him to unfasten them. "Why, Madame de Chambray, as I thought," he said, sounding satisfied.

'And you, sir? I am in a fidge to know the identity of my gallant this evening."

'Can you not even hazard a guess?"

'Lord Merston?" With one movement of his hand he untied his own mask. "Lord Asheville," she gasped, feigning surprise. "How amusing this has been," she added in her flirtatious manner.

'I have also enjoyed the evening," he admitted, "but nothing can last forever, especially when it is a sham. Reality always beckons."

'Alas, that is so. Shall we return to the rotunda, or do you have other plans for the rest of the evening?"

He caught hold of her hand and drew her toward him. "As we are alone at last, and so rarely, I am bound to confess I have no wish to share your company with others."

'Lord Asheville!" she protested laughingly. "You go too far."

'Unlike Sir Aldan Buckley I have no care whether your husband lives or not," he whispered, his face close to hers now.

Pandora's heart was beating so fast, she was certain he must be aware of it. "I… love him dearly," she murmured. "I must caution you that there can be no other in my life."

His lips touched hers, and his arms went around her. Pandora clung to him, reveling in the kiss and in just being with him again. The yearning she experienced bore no relation to the short period of time they had been apart.

When he drew away at last, his eyes were very dark, looking deep into hers. "Come with me to

Hanover Square

," he urged, "where we can be alone together."

'We cannot. Lady Asheville…"

'Do you not recall that my wife is in Suffolk?"

'I was in mind of your mother. She is at present resident at your house."

'You need not fear her. Lady Asheville retires early nowadays, so there will be no one to disturb us, I assure you."

Once again he drew her toward him, burying his face in her neck. "I was bewitched by you from our very first meeting. You must be aware of that "

Before she could reply, he kissed her again-her neck her cheeks, and, finally, her lips. Pandora ached with longing, and so persuasive was his kiss she was only vaguely aware that she had achieved what she had set out to do. That hardly mattered anymore. Of much more importance was the feel of his arms about her as he rained kisses on her face Pandora felt she was drowning in the pleasure of

'What do you say?" he asked as he drew away a small smile playing about the corners of his lips' "Let us be away to a place where we can be alone to delight in one another for as long as we wish "

'What of your wife?" she asked in a frightened whisper.

'To the devil with her," he answered, drawing her close to him again. "It is Madame de Chambray who delights my heart tonight."

It was his calling her Madame de Chambray that finally broke the spell. It was, of course, Louise de Chambray he wished to seduce. His words of love were for a Frenchwoman, so, far from triumphing over him, Pandora was forced to concede he had bested her without even being aware of it.

With a cry of anguish she tore away from his embrace. "No!" she cried. "No!" and turning on her heel, she fled from him with tears flowing down her cheeks.

Her speedy change of mood startled the earl, who stared after her for some moments, and then, casting off his domino, he made to follow her, only to find that Francois de Fontenac was blocking his path.

'Out of my way, monsieur," the earl demanded, making to push past him.

'You have gone too far now, my lord. Madame de Chambray's anguish is also mine, and you will meet me over this."

'You are scarce breeched," the earl replied, not troubling to hide his contempt.

'I am old enough to draw your cork, as indeed I will."

'Step aside."

Any other man, even if he were not of such tender years, would have done the earl's bidding, for his manner had become decidedly icy, but Francois asked, "Do you refuse to accept my challenge?"

The earl drew a sigh. "Call on me on the morrow, de Fontenac. If you are still of that mind, I will name my seconds. Now, be pleased to step aside for if you do not, I will be obliged to knock you down."

Frangois did step aside, and the earl rushed past him. He suspected Pandora might attempt to leave the pleasure gardens, rather than rejoin her friends in their box, and accordingly he made for the entrance. He caught sight of her near the gate and called out her name. She glanced back before hurrying on to where numerous carriages awaited their aristocratic owners.

Frantically she looked for the St. James carriage in which she had arrived, but in her state of anguish she could not distinguish it from the others, and because the earl was fast catching up with her, she dashed out to hail a sedan chair. So great was her pain and so desperate was she to escape him, she did not see the curricle bearing down upon her until it was too late.

The earl did see it in time, and he shouted a warning that arrested her immediately, but the carriage still caught her a glancing blow and she was knocked backward, losing her senses almost immediately. Just as the intense pain erupted inside her head and darkness began to claim her, she realized that the earl had been calling her Pandora.

THIRTEEN

Lady St. James arrived at Asheville House in a great state of anxiety as her facial expression showed quite plainly. The few minutes before she was ushered into the library where Lord Asheville was ensconced seemed a lifetime to her, and she paced the hall continuously.

'Lord Asheville," she said breathlessly as he rose from his seat behind the large mahogany desk. "How is Pandora? The news of her misfortune had only just reached me, and I beg you tell me without delay."

The earl looked grim and unusually pale. "I can tell you nothing at present, my lady."

'But you must…"

'The physician is with her now. I am hoping his opinion will be a favorable one."

'Has she perchance regained her senses?"

'I fear not, and there is no knowing when she is like to do so."

Rosamond St. James had discarded her muff and was wringing her hands in anguish. "The fault for all this is mine."

'I am fully aware where the blame lies," he said severely. "I am the most to blame, and I must carry that burden always, but it is also true that Pandora would never have embarked upon this folly had it not been for your encouragement and aid."

Tears began to run down Rosamond's cheeks. "You cannot castigate me any more severely than I have myself since learning of this catastrophe."

The earl turned away from her. "Then I have nothing more to say to you, ma'am."

'She is not in any danger," the viscountess persisted, ignoring his pointed dismissal of her. "Pray tell me she is not in danger of her life."

'I regret I cannot give you that reassurance, ma'am."

Lady St. James had never seen him look so implacable. "If Pandora has been given notice to quit…"

At this suggestion the earl turned round again and thumped his fist on the desk top. "Do not even suggest that, my lady!"

Startled, she begged, "What may I do to help? Only say it and it will be done."

'Nothing. There is nothing either of us can do. I have called in the finest physician in London. Pandora's life is beyond the ministrations of any of us."

'I cannot conceive how this can have happened." wailed the viscountess.

'Can you not?" the earl went on mercilessly. "When foolish females gather together, 'tis evident to me tragedy is bound to ensue."

'Twas only meant as a jest."

'You will observe that is no longer diverting."

'I wonder if it ever was," she mused.

'Lady St. James, if… when my wife recovers her senses, I would be obliged if you'd kindly refrain from soliciting her company."

'If it means her well-being, I most certainly will," the lady vowed, "but I am bound to tell you I am inordinately fond of her. I feel I must also tell you that if you had not been so intransigent, Pandora would not have been driven to subterfuge."

The earl was astonished by her attack. "My lady, whatever Banbury Tales she might have related to you, be assured I have always treated my wife with the utmost indulgence."

'Indifference, more like," the viscountess scoffed, well into her stride now. " 'Tis easy for you to blame others for the faults that lie at your door, my lord. Have you ever told Pandora that you love her? I'll warrant you have not."

'Lady St. James, you go too far."

'Mayhap I do, my lord, but before I leave this house, I will go even further, when I say Pandora only became embroiled in this tomfoolery because she was madly in love with you!" She snatched up her muff and saying, "Good day to you, my lord," she marched out of the room, leaving the earl looking stunned.

As the door slammed shut behind her, he sank down in his chair once again, to stare blankly into space until a lackey arrived some time later to inform him that the physician had completed his examination.

'I tell you, I do not want beef tea, Nan," Pandora insisted. "I do not want anything to eat. Now, be pleased to take it away and do not dare to bring it back."

Nan fluffed up the pillows, and Pandora sank back against them closing her eyes. "This peevishness is to be expected," the abigail said soothingly. "Doctor Challis warned me that you would suffer the megrims, but you are still exceeding pale, ma'am. You really should take a morsel; otherwise you'll not get back your strength."

'Do you really think I care?" Pandora responded, her voice faint.

'Oh, my lady," Nan chided, casting her a reproachful look. "After the nasty fright you've given us. Despaired of your life, we did."

'I beg your pardon for that, Nan," Pandora replied, displaying some of her old spark, "but I have ever been a trial to those about me, and I dare say I always will."

'If you do not eat something soon, ma'am, I shall feel obliged to fetch her ladyship, and you would not dare gainsay her."

'If you do so, Nan, I shall dismiss you immediately."

There came a knock at the door, and a moment later the earl peered in. Pandora had dreaded the moment she would have to face him, although she had a hazy recollection of his being at her bedside from time to time. Then she had hovered between consciousness and oblivion, so he could not take her to task. Now there was no escape from his wrath.

'You look much improved this morning, Pandora," he said, with a heartiness that didn't ring true, as he came further into the room.

'Do you think so?" she responded ungraciously. "I do feel much improved."

'You are evidently bedeviled by the megrims, which is only to be expected, for you have been exceeding ill, I fear. At one time I despaired of seeing you sitting up and recovered of your senses."

He advanced across the room, both hands clasped behind his back. At the same time Nan passed him on her way out with the rejected beef tea.

'Her ladyship still refuses to eat, my lord," the abigail complained.

'No doubt she will do so in due course," he replied.

Pandora could not look at him as he stood at the bedside. "Well, how do you feel today, my dear?" he asked, and there was nothing but concern in his manner.

'My head aches."

'That is not so surprising. You cracked it exceeding hard when you fell. The miracle is that you were not more badly hurt." After a moment's silence between them he went on, "You will be glad to hear I have sent word of your recovery to Lady St. James."

'I am much obliged to you, Asheville."

'I am bound to confess, when she called upon me, I was less than gracious to her, but I was concerned for you at the time."

Tears pricked in her eyes, which remained downcast. "Dare I ask your forgiveness, Gareth."

He sank down onto the counterpane and his proximity to her could only add to the weakness she felt just then. "Forgive you? I cannot conceive of a reason why I have the need."

"You must know why."

"In truth, Pandora, I had come to make amends to you. You might have been killed the other night."

She looked up at him then. "I did not mean the accident, which was a consequence of my own folly. I meant"—again she looked away—"my foolish masquerade as Madame de Chambray."

'Oh, that," he answered with a sigh.

'You have known about it all along, haven't you?" she asked in a very small voice.

'No, I did not."

More hopefully then, she asked, "When exactly did you rumble me? Mayhap I deceived you for a little while."

'Oh, you did," he assured her in a rallying tone that gave her more heart. "When I saw you at Roddy St. James's house, I had no notion you were not Madame de Chambray."

'Then, when did you realize?" she asked pite-ously.

'On the following day when St. James's carriage passed me in

Bond Street

. I caught sight of you looking out. There was no doubt in my mind who you were then. Pandora, in a most startling gray wig."

'You recognized me so soon," she wailed.

Tears spilled onto her cheeks as he asked wryly, "Did you think I would not know my own wife? It is like I would have seen through your disguise a day earlier if I hadn't been in such a hurry to get to that mill."

'Why did you not denounce me and put an end to the wretched business?"

'At first I was in a fidge to know what you were about, and then"—he paused—"I acknowledged I wanted you near to me and not at Brocklesby Hall, after all. For much of the time you were exceeding infuriating to me, but truth to tell, Pandora, I did miss you when you were gone."

Again Pandora lifted her eyes to meet his. "You let me continue that absurd playacting! Oh, Gareth, how could you be so heartless?"

'You appeared to be enjoying yourself hugely," he answered in some dismay, "and joining in the pretense most certainly amused me."

'I am relieved to hear you say so, but what if I had been rumbled by someone other than you?"

He shrugged. "That would have been a trifle embarrassing, but I dare say I would have admitted to knowing all along. In fact, I could have declared it a wager, something everyone understands."

'What a chucklehead I have been," she wailed.

'Such a delightful one, I must own. I have enjoyed the masquerade, and I am persuaded so have you, so we can dispense now with all this penitence. It does not become you, Pandora."

He brought out his lace-trimmed handkerchief and dabbed at the tears that were once again beginning to spill onto her cheeks. "There, Pandora, we will have no more tears over this matter. I insist upon it."

'I was persuaded you would be furious with me"

'My anger was great the evening I caught you with Buckley. I cannot deny that, but just now I am so pleased to have you back here with me and restored to good health." He fumbled behind his back and brought out the box he had been hiding since he came into the room. "Perchance this will banish your megrims for good and all."

Pandora just stared at the box and the earl was obliged to open it for her. There, nestling in the velvet, was a necklace of the finest emeralds.

'Oh, this is magnificent. Why… ?"

'A gift, a small gewgaw, to make amends for the anguish I have caused you of late. You may argue that you were deserving of it, but I could have called a halt at the outset if it had pleased me to do so."

'But even so, this is overly generous of you."

'Nonsense. Have I not always said you must wear emeralds? They match your eyes, although even the most flawless gem could not rival their brightness. That is something you could never disguise."

He fastened the necklace at her throat, and she looked at him in awe. "You knew all the while; I can scarce credit that you contrived to hide it from me.

'You are not the only one with an inclination for playacting, my love."

'I am bound to concede that you played the part with good grace, Gareth. I was quite persuaded you had a definite fancy for Madame de Chambray."

'And so I had. She was a delightful lady, but I must confess, Pandora is more to my liking. I am so glad you have disposed of those patches you were by, my love, I trust that young man who championed you so well will be satisfied to retire now. If he has hopes to become your gallant, I fear I will allow you time only for me from now onward."

'For my part I am resolved to be the most dutiful wife," she assured him. "Francois will recover from his infatuation, as will his sister, who, I fear, is now wearing the willow for you. I do love you, Gareth," she added plaintively. "That was the only reason I accepted your offer above all others. Buck Buckley means nothing to me and never did."

'I know," he answered gently. "It seems," he added, affecting a sigh, "I forgot to tell you how much I love you, Pandora, so I am telling you now, and vow to continue doing so in the future. For the rest of our lives together, in fact."

She gasped softly before he kissed her again. This time she wound her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with equal passion, as she had longed to do for such a long time.

However, when a knock on the door heralded Nan's return, the earl cursed softly before turning to ask, "What do you want now, woman?"

'Beggin' your pardon, my lord, but Doctor Challis has arrived to see her ladyship."

He cast Pandora a regretful look and would have moved away, but she said quickly, "Doctor? Oh, do send him away, Nan. I need no physician, There is absolutely nothing wrong with me."

The maid looked about to protest, when the earl added, "You heard what her ladyship has said. You may dismiss Doctor Challis. The payment of his account will be solace enough."

'Yes, my lord," the abigail replied, looking mutinous. "There is also the dowager Lady Asheville. She is insisting upon seeing her ladyship, and I fear I can no longer gainsay her. What am I to say to her?"

The earl smiled. "Tell her the doctor is with your mistress; that should be sufficient to delay her a little longer."

A look of bewilderment came over the maid's face, and as soon as she had gone, the earl turned back to his wife, who slipped her arms around his neck once again.

'You are the only physic I need, Gareth. Now that we are reconciled, I feel the strength flowing into my bones."

'One thing I am quite determined upon, nothing will ever set us apart again," he vowed as he went to turn the key in the lock.

'I have also made up my mind on that," she told him wryly, and when he came back to her, at long last Pandora was able to give herself up to his embrace, now she was in her rightful place.