Miss Fanshawe's Fortune - Linore Rose Burkard Page 0,27
man’s penchant for solitude, as he eschewed society more often than not. But perhaps it was due to the long-standing feud which existed between Sir Hugo and his mother. Or that he had scarcely laid eyes upon Mrs. Arundell for most of Sebastian’s life. With a hand upon his chin, Sebastian said, “You must allow me to express how grateful I am that you are come to escort my mother; this will heal the family breach. I have never understood, sir—I’ll be frank with you,” he said, extending a hand. “What the discord was, between you.”
Sir Hugo shifted uneasily in his chair, but his eyes held a gleam of interest that hadn’t been there earlier. He cleared his throat. “It seems, my boy, that your mother has finally seen fit to lay aside her complaint, which, I assure you, no one can be more gratified at, than I.”
“Do you mind my asking—what was her complaint, sir? You’ll pardon my curiosity, but you must allow that an ancient grudge which has been guarded and kept secret for all my life must hold some fascination.” He smiled wryly. “‘Twas on account of it that we hardly know you.”
Sir Hugo seemed surprised. “I was not aware, sir, that your mama would grant me enough notice to constitute an ancient grudge; do you indeed call it that?”
Sebastian shook his head. “It has been my impression; I beg your pardon if I am mistaken. My mother has ever been reticent on that head, but I did indeed have the understanding there was ill will on some account between you.” Sir Hugo frowned and lapsed into silent thoughts but offered no further comment on the matter. Sebastian understood he was not to be enlightened. He rubbed his hands together. “No matter; as she has accepted your escort this evening, I have every hope that bygones are now bygones, and our two families can enjoy as much felicitous accord and mutual society as any who are related.”
Sir Hugo said, “Hear, hear! My hope exactly, sir.”
Sebastian wondered if he might broach the matter of Sir Hugo’s wife seeking, but just then the door opened to reveal his mother. The men came to their feet while she stopped in the doorway so that Frannie, moving in front of her with her back to the room, adjusted something in the region of Mrs. Arundell’s turban. “There you are, ma’am, I’ve fixed it into place,” Frannie said in a low tone.
“Thank you,” said Mrs. Arundell. Beneath her breath she added, “I hear you perfectly!” Then, gently, “Perhaps next time you will accompany us.” Frannie nodded, gave a small curtsey and then, after turning her head just enough to steal a glance at Sebastian, she turned away and disappeared from sight. Her face had been visible for no more than a second, her profile for another. Sebastian was about to greet his mother but the words, “Good evening Mama, here is Sir Hugo,” froze on his tongue. Sir Hugo was staring in consternation toward the doorway, the color wholly drained from his face. Sebastian did not know what to make of it. His mother, surely, was not so changed as to cause such a reaction in the man. Indeed, she had a remarkable youthfulness about her.
As Mrs. Arundell entered with a light step and a smile, Sir Hugo recovered himself and made a deep bow. Sebastian said with real pride after making his own bow, “You look splendid, Mama!”
“Thank you, dearest,” she murmured, still moving towards the estranged cousin-in-law with an outstretched hand, the smile still upon her lips. And she did look exquisite in deep blue cotton velvet with short, puffed sleeves, and a contrasting gold-embroidered sash with gold tassels circling the high waist. A bejeweled hem with a design in rich gold thread, and a gold brooch centered upon the bodice were striking. The matching turban not only set off light, feminine curls about her face, but served ingeniously to keep her hearing device securely in place.
“My word!” said Sir Hugo, deeply impressed. He extended a hand to take one of hers. “My word, Penelope! You don’t look changed at all!” His eyes beamed approval.
Sebastian noted with relief that he no longer seemed flummoxed.
Mrs. Arundell blushed faintly, but smiling, said, “Nonsense, Hugo! You know we are both quite ancient now.”
“Ancient?” he asked, amused. “Not yet, Penelope. Not quite yet.” Keeping his eyes steadily upon hers, he added, with quiet emphasis, “‘Tis good indeed to see you, my dear.”