The Fortune Hunter Page 0,60

point at which a true fortune hunter would act to save the day. She reviewed the stories told the night before but couldn't bring herself to use any of the techniques described. She didn't believe she could swoon into his arms, and she would die rather than rip her clothing and cry rape.

She made one try. "You must be lonely living in this big house all by yourself, Sir Cedric."

"But I don't," he responded. "My oldest son and his family live here with me. It will, after all, be his one day. I hope... ah, yes." They passed back through the yew hedge, and Amy saw that her chaperons had been joined by a family.

A severe-looking man in the knee breeches commonly worn for business sat by a quiet, pleasant-looking woman who was clearly expecting another child. A toddler and a boy of about five played nearby under the eye of a nursemaid.

Amy was introduced to Edwin Forbes and his wife Susan. Mrs. Forbes seemed pleasant enough, but her husband was chilly. It might just be his nature, for he had a cool demeanor, but Amy suspected he disliked his father's association with her, and with reason.

Amy looked guiltily at the two charming children and felt as if she were planning to steal the bread from their mouths. It did no good to remind herself that Sir Cedric was reputed to be enormously rich; anything she gained for her family would be taken from his.

But she must. She had no choice. She could not go home empty handed.

She thought briefly of the Duke of Rowanford. He was wealthy enough and free of entanglements. But even if he could be brought to the point, he wanted to marry for love. Nor could she contemplate stealing Clyta's beloved, even if she could find no way to help her friend to gain him. Better he marry another entirely.

Amy tried to be gay and charming as the tea progressed, but the effort exhausted her and she subsided into silence, giving thanks for Nell Claybury who filled the gap with effortlessly pleasant chatter.

As she parted from Sir Cedric at the coach, Amy looked anxiously for some indication of his feeling. His smile was very kind, and he squeezed her hand slightly before releasing it. She forced herself to relax. Just because she felt this pressing urgency was no reason for him to feel it. Indeed, he would doubtless believe it was too soon to be speaking. He had only known her for a fortnight and not everyone, she thought waspishly, was as crass as Harry Crisp.

"Sir Cedric is such a charming man, isn't he?" said Nell as they headed back to Chelsea. "His wife was a lovely woman, so warm and generous."

"How long ago did she die?" Amy asked.

Nell wrinkled her brow in thought. "It must be a few years. Before my Bertie, of that I'm sure. It was a long illness, I'm afraid. It must have been very difficult for them all. It is time he married again." She looked at Amy thoughtfully.

On their return to New Street, Amy found a letter from Beryl and a note from Clyta. Beryl wrote:

Dearest Amy, We are so pleased to hear of your adventures, and you mustn't feel guilty for enjoying yourself. I am sure we will all have our turn at dissipation once you are married. Nor must you be in a hurry about such an important decision. You must be sure to choose the man who will truly make you happy.

Heavens. Beryl seemed to think they were lining up at the door.

We are all well and, yes, we are remembering to water the vegetables and I have sown another crop of peas and beans. I laugh to think of you at a grand ball worrying about whether we have earthed up the potatoes. I am sure your conversation is extraordinary, but will doubtless charm an agriculturally minded gentleman!

Mr. Staverley invited us over again to consider his plans for the acolyte's cell, for we are convinced that is what it is. He has ordered a great many books on the subject and is in daily expectation of a visit from Sir Arnold Foulks-Hamilton, the antiquarian, who will surely be able to give a definitive assessment. I fear poor Mr. Staverley will be upset if the building does not prove to be monastic, but I am convinced it must be.

He was most disappointed that you were away. I took Jassy for convention's sake but it did not