Free Storm Music (1934) by Dornford Yates

my horse.
    Presently cocktails were served.
    Five minutes later the castle clock chimed the half-hour.
    Half-past eight.
    It was twenty minutes to nine when we heard a burst of laughter, and the library doors were opened by the servant that stood without.
    Then the Count came in, still laughing, with his arm about Pharaoh's shoulders and a challenging look in his eyes.
    How Helena knew that it was Pharaoh, I cannot tell. I had, of course, described him as best I could; but many men are fair, with protruding eyes. Be that as it may, she knew him the instant she saw his face, for I felt her stiffen beside me before she got to her feet. For Pharaoh himself, I can only say that his address was as perfect as mine was mean. He might have been invited to meet me that summer eve.
    The Count of Yorick was speaking. "Helena, this is Captain Faning."
    Pharaoh came to her quickly and took her hand. As he looked into her eyes, he spoke very low.
    "What a good thing I missed Mr. Spencer. Had I hit him, I should have discarded my ace of trumps."
    Before she could answer, he laid his left hand on my arm.
    "Mr. Spencer and I," he said, turning, "have met before. In fact, I left his cousin at Salzburg— in excellent health. He was very busy when I saw him. I think he was seeking some object— I find all his work delightful— he takes such pains."
    What immediately followed I cannot clearly remember, because, I suppose, my wits were all over the place.
    I know that I stood like some convict, listening to the formality of judgment and finding the grave occasion a hideous dream. I know that Helena introduced me, and that I shook hands with the Count— a very good-looking boy, with an overbearing manner and the signs of drink in his face. And I know that while Pharaoh was speaking he kept a hand under his jacket upon his hip. He might have spared the gesture; my pistol was in the Rolls.
    All the time my brain was rampant, darting hither and thither, as a beast accustomed to freedom that has been clapped into a cage.
    In a flash we had been confounded, and Pharaoh had the ball at his feet. My cousin and Barley were at Salzburg, but Pharaoh was here in the castle, the guest of the Count. And Dewdrop was here as his servant, and Bugle and Rush were at hand. Though the castle was full of servants, the Countess was powerless as long as her brother was there: besides, my life was forfeit if Helena lifted a hand. If she sought to disillusion her brother, Pharaoh had only to whisper the secret his sister kept. As for direct action, we had not the faintest chance: Pharaoh, with Dewdrop behind him, held havoc, so to speak, in the slips.
    That nothing might be wanting to seal our discomfiture—
    "My sister tells me you're at Plumage." said the Count. "I hope you've got all you want. I was sent there to shake off measles, and I've never liked the place since."
    Before I could answer—
    "Where's Plumage?" said Pharaoh quietly.
    The Count told him exactly, whilst I stood dumb.
    "Very attractive," said Pharaoh, and tossed his cocktail off. "May I speak to my servant a minute?"
    The fellow's audacity shook me. For some reason I did not fear him; but his monstrous impertinence hit me over the heart.
    His intention was clear. Whilst we dined, Dewdrop would seek Rush and Bugle, and the two would be waiting at Plumage when I returned.
    And Helena and I could do nothing. I heard the Count send for "Captain Faning's servant." Before he arrived, however, the doors were opened again and a butler entered the room.
    "My lady is served."
    As we passed through the hall the curtains of an archway were parted, and Dewdrop appeared. Helena saw him, as I did, and quickened her pace. Instinctively I did the same; but Pharaoh was waiting for Dewdrop, and his host was waiting for Pharaoh, before he passed on himself.
    My lady and I were within the dining-room. Except for the servants we had the room to ourselves.
    I heard her speak to the butler.
    "Ask the Count to begin," she