Free A Pitiful Remnant by Judith B. Glad Page A

and it should arrive any mo--"
    A knock on the door was followed immediately by its
opening. The dowager marchioness stepped inside, already in full
spate.
    "...I simply do not understand why you could not have
allowed me to finish the flower I was stitching. I declare, Clarence,
you never used to be so impatient. Furthermore... Oh! Good morning,
my dear. I did not see you." Her smile was, as it had been ever since
Lisanor's arrival, sweetly insincere.
    "If you will be seated, Mother, I will explain."
    She fussed a bit more, and scolded him for receiving her in
his shirtsleeves. "Indeed, I should think you could at least don a
dressing gown. A gentleman--"
    "I fear I am still more the soldier than the gentleman,
Mother. Now, if you will be at peace for a few minutes, I believe I
have a small task that no one but you is so well suited to
undertake."
    She preened, tutted, and leaned forward expectantly.
    Lisanor had to admire his adept handling of the dowager. It
was really unfortunate that he had not been well enough to do so the
day she arrived. Lady Guillemot's remarks about her appearance still
stung.
    "And so," he concluded, "Miss Alanna Hight is needed at
Ackerslea to represent the family, at least during these early days
while we plan how to manage the two properties, so widely
separated. But until today, I had not been aware how advanced in
age her companion was. I confess to a fear that Miss Turbot may not
be able to fulfill her duties adequately. And besides, as a connection
now to Guillemot, the girl should have a chaperone more in keeping
with her station. I wondered if perhaps you might know..."
    "Well, of course she should. That a mere maid could be
thought to be a proper companion... I declare, my dear, I do not know
what you might have been thinking. But of course, with your
grandfather so newly gone... Now let me think." She tapped her chin
with one finger.
    His lordship turned his head and caught Lisanor's eye. He
winked!
    She bit her lip in order to hide its twitching. What a
complete hand he was. I like him more each day. And he was right
to scold me. I should have arranged matters better.
    Her admiration increased as he carefully manipulated his
mother into volunteering to travel to Ackerslea this very day, to care
for "that poor, abandoned child."
    Upon hearing those words, Lisanor mentally revised the
letter she had been intending to send to her sister. I must warn
her to use the utmost diplomacy. But the very characteristic
which she most found irritating--Alanna's ability to gently and
sweetly convince almost anyone that what she wanted them to do
was their own idea--would be the perfect way to handle Lady
Guillemot.
    When his mother finally took her leave, on her way to
harass her maid into packing everything she owned within the hour
so that they might depart immediately after luncheon, Lord
Guillemot collapsed back against the chaise. "I feel as if I've fought a
battle," he said. His voice was faint.
    "You were magnificent, my lord."
    "Clarence."
    "Oh, yes. You were magnificent, Clarence."
    "Pure self-interest, my...Lisanor. No honeymooning couple
should be saddled with the groom's mother." He drew one hand
across his brow, but kept his eyes closed. "I do not remember her
being quite so...so verbose."
    "I wonder if she has felt lonely since your father's
death."
    His snort was answer enough. "I cannot recall my parents
ever having what might be called a conversation. Now that I think on
it, Mother would chatter and Father would grunt at random
intervals." He shifted as if in some discomfort and opened his eyes.
"My lap desk?"
    "Oh, of course." She fetched that item and settled it across
his lap. "Are you going to tell me what you have conceived?"
    "I should not, but leave you in suspense. But yes, I'll tell you.
On the ship from Spain, Nettles made the acquaintance of a certain
somewhat unsavory Corporal Gadget. I had heard of the man in
Spain. He was quite infamous. Once he narrowly escaped