Free The Waltzing Widow by Gayle Buck Page B

have picked up such restless habits, for I am sure that I must have taught her to behave with more decorum."
    "Of course you did, Agatha,” Lady Mary said reassuringly. She glanced over at her daughter, wondering what she must think of her former governess's criticism. Abigail had often objected to Miss Steepleton's old-fashioned and stuffy strictures, stating that the retiring woman behaved little better than a cowering rabbit in company and that for her part she would not do so. But for this once Abigail appeared completely oblivious of Miss Steepleton's comments.
    It was a very long morning, despite the pleasant intervals with new acquaintances who came to call. Among the visitors were their neighbors Mr. Creevey and his stepdaughters, the Misses Ord. The Misses Ord, having been established in Brussels already for several months, were quite willing to discuss upcoming entertainments and the merits of various young officers, and succeeded in diverting Abigail's attention for the duration of their visit.
    Lady Mary discovered in Mr. Creevey a well-informed gentleman who was able to give her some notion what the Bonaparte situation meant, as he apparently possessed an exceptionally wide and illustrious acquaintance. Lady Mary was so much struck by the gentleman's air of certainty that nothing was yet to be feared that she was made more confident of the decision she had made to remain in Brussels for the time being.
    Luncheon came and went before at last Abigail's vigil was rewarded. When the viscount and the viscountess were announced, she flew up out of her chair with her hands outstretched. “Grandmama! Grandpapa!” She hugged each of them in turn, and with a stream of cheerful chatter tripping from her tongue, made certain that they were comfortably seated and saw that they were served refreshments.
    Viscountess Catlin basked in her granddaughter's attention. She said fondly, “I am certain that I do not know how I shall go on when you are wedded, Abigail. You have always been such a comfort to me. But I shall manage, as I always have."
    Abigail laughed merrily. “Oh, Grandmama! As though you haven't a dozen servants hanging about all the day with nothing to do but see to your least whim."
    Viscountess Catlin patted her granddaughter's smooth cheek. “But none can compare with you, my dearest child, for the very sight of your sweet face lifts my spirits,” she said. She was rewarded for her sentiment with a quick hug from her happy granddaughter.
    Meanwhile, greetings were taking place between the viscount and the other two ladies. Miss Steepleton, who stood in the greatest awe of her mistress's parents, was always flustered in their presence. She uttered what she thought an unexceptionable nicety. “I hope that we see you well this morning, my lord.” She was aghast when the viscount swept cold, contemptuous eyes over her.
    "My state of health is hardly a topic for public bandying, madam,” he said bitingly. His response reduced Miss Steepleton to an ineffectual stammer.
    Lady Mary had greeted her father even as she listened to the byplay between the viscountess and Abigail. But his acid tone firmly attached her attention and she resignedly came to her companion's rescue. She gave a laugh, saying with an air of easy amusement, “The viscount's state of health can nearly always be gauged by the degree of his irascibility, Agatha. I judge that today his lordship is in fine fettle."
    Viscount Catlin gave a short bark of laughter. Miss Steepleton was uncertain whether she should also laugh; one could never tell with the viscount. She decided that her best policy would be to efface herself as unobtrusively and as quickly as possible, and she faded into the background behind Lady Mary's chair.
    Viscount Catlin was barely aware of the Steepleton woman's retreat. She was unworthy meat for his ill-humor today. He regarded his daughter's serene expression, relishing the cool expression in her gray eyes. Already she was on