Patricia Veryan - [Sanguinet Saga 05] - Nanette by Patricia Veryan Page B

Meanwhile, Lord Bolster would convey her to Cancrizans. There
was a small dispute between himself and Mr. Plum as to his
appropriation of the chaise, but since the vehicle was plainly marked
with his initials, ownership was reluctantly conceded. When Plum
triumphantly ordered Monsewer's horse freed from the poles, Jeremy just
as triumphantly desired Joseph, who had now come up with them, to
assist him in harnessing his fine grey gelding to the chaise. At
length, Mrs. Bacon was ushered inside. Harry wrapped a warm travelling
rug about her knees, quieted her anxieties with a kiss, sprang down,
closed the door, and turned to Bolster.
    "Harry," said that worthy in a troubled undervoice. "I don't
like leaving you in this damned mess!"
    "Get her the devil out of here!" Redmond murmured urgently. "I
shall follow you with the wagon just as quickly as I can."
     
    All afternoon Sir Harry strove doggedly against Mr. Plum and
his leering sycophants. With the aid of the faithful Joseph, a footman,
and a groom who had also refused to leave, the wagon was loaded with
the belongings to which he was able to prove ownership. His progress
through the house provided excellent entertainment for Plum and
company, who did all possible to harass and impede him, nudging one
another, shouting mockery, and howling their amusement. When Harry
crossed to the drawing room sideboard to pour a glass of Madeira for
himself and his three helpers, a swaggering lout snatched up and
deliberately dropped the decanter. The lout was neatly floored for his
insult, whereafter the rest of that uncouth crew took care to stay
clear of Harry's deadly fists.
    In the study, a hurried search through his father's desk
brought forth a notepad carefully inscribed with their various
birthdates, evoking a pang he could barely hide. A crude comment from
one of his tormentors so infuriated him that he wrenched the next
drawer too hard. The resultant cascade of papers, old quill pens,
broken pencils, and all the litter that accumulates in desk drawers
over a period of years added immeasureably to the amusement of his
audience. Among the debris, he came upon a packet of letters half under
the drawer lining, neatly tied and inscribed by a female hand. Curious,
he stuffed them into his pocket.
    Shortly after six o'clock, friends of M. Sanguinet began to
arrive. An ill-assorted lot, clad in a miscellany of garments ranging
from morning clothes to one magnificent fellow in full Ball dress, they
prowled the house and engaged in furious altercations over various
items of value. Choked with fury, Harry stalked through the uproar,
head high, as they wrangled over his father's beloved clocks and
miniatures, sterling, china, paintings, and rugs. Watching him with the
eyes of love, Joseph fought to emulate that fiercely proud demeanour
but stumbled along, barely able to see through his tears.
    Sir Harry's intention to depart without further violence
almost came to naught when he was forbidden to remove several fine old
books Mitchell had purchased from a private library sale the previous
summer. The more he argued with the adamant and insulting Plum, the
louder and more hilarious grew the comments of the crowd, and he was
urged to take his case "to ol' Parnell" at Sanguinet Towers. Through
teeth gritted with fury he smiled, "I shall."
    Joseph insisted upon driving the wagon, adding his few
belongings to the contents, and they departed, profanely bidden adieu
by Mr. Plum, his minions, and the guests.
    At the top of the hill, Sir Harry drew rein. For a long,
aching moment he looked back. Then, without a word, he rode on.
     
    It was cold that evening, the wind moaning through the trees,
a new moon peeping occasionally from behind racing clouds and casting
shifting shadows across the narrow, deserted road. Lace was fidgety
and, having seen Redmond twice glance back, Joseph turned also and
voiced the fear that rank riders might be about. He had no sooner
uttered the words than one of Harry's