The Love Child

Ladies, some of whom I was sure were of questionable virtue, sauntered through the Exchange. They glanced from right to left and were clearly looking for interested gallants. Some of these were very glorious to behold hi their velvet cloaks, silken breeches and feathered hats, and very often they carried Toledo swords at their sides.

Many of them were followed by their pages and looked very grand indeed. I saw many glance Carlotta’s way and I was glad that she was too interested in what she was buying to notice them.

We had come to a booth where fans were on display. We paused, for Carlotta wanted to buy a fan. There was one she found which was very beautiful and decorated with brilliants. She opened it and began to fan herself.

“I must have it,” she said. “It is lovely. It will match the new silk I have bought.”

Then I found myself turning quite cold, as though someone had thrown a bucket of icy water over me. Standing at the next stall was a man whose face I should never forget if I lived to be a hundred. It was a face which still came to me hi my dreams and filled me with terror.

Beaumont Granville was buying cravats at the next stall.

“What do you think of it?” I heard Carlotta’s voice from a long way off. Time seemed to have stood still and everything was happening very slowly, for Beaumont Granville had turned at the sound of Carlotta’s voice and he had seen me.

I saw the smile of recognition turn up the comers of his mouth. I saw his gaze go from Harriet to Carlotta and rest on her fleetingly. She was holding the fan up to her lips and gazing at me over the top of it.

I was saying: “I want to go home. I feel… er…”

I was aware of them all looking at me. Harriet’s deep blue eyes curious, Carlotta’s anxious.

I turned sharply. I had to get away from that amused stare, from those eyes which would always be for me the most cruel in the world.

I caught my foot in the cobblestones and I should have fallen if Harriet had not caught me. A sharp pain shot through my ankle.

“What happened?” asked Harriet.

I did not answer. I stooped and touched my ankle. <, Then I heard his voice, which I remembered so well-musical, gentle, beguiling, and I felt as if I were in one of those nightmares which had afflicted me since that night I had spent in his odious company. “If I can be of any assistance…”

He was bowing to Harriet, to Carlotta, to me.

I said very quickly: “Thank you. Everything is all right.”

“How kind of you!” Harriet’s voice was extremely courteous. I had realized that he was still as handsome as ever. Harriet always changed subtly at the advent of a man, of whatever age, however unattractive. It was Harriet’s way.

“I am perfectly all right,” I insisted hastily.

“You’ve hurt your ankle,” said Carlotta.

“It’s nothing… absolutely nothing. I can feel nothing… .”

“I have a friendly apothecary close by,” said Beaumont Granville. “He would look at it and verify that you had not injured it. For if you have a broken bone it would be dangerous to walk on it.”

“I feel nothing at all.”

“You have gone very pale,” said Carlotta. “Hasn’t she?”

Her lovely face betrayed her anxiety. I was too worried to think clearly. I reminded myself that at all costs I must not show agitation, but how could I be calm when I feared him so much?

“You must allow me to help,” he went on. “My apothecary friend is here in the Exchange.”

He had taken a parcel from Harriet. “Allow me.” He laid a hand on my arm and his eyes looked mockingly into mine. “I really think you should see this man. A bandage may be necessary even if it is only a strain.”

“You are very kind, sir,” said Carlotta.

“I am delighted to be at your service.”

“It would be churlish to refuse such kindness,” added Harriet.

“Yes, Priscilla,” said Carlotta, “you must see this apothecary. It hurts. I can see that.”

“Then,” added Beaumont Granville, “the matter is settled. May I lead the way?”

I was limping badly. I had twisted my ankle but I was unaware of the pain. I could only ask myself what cruel trick of fate this was which had brought him back into my life.

I did not trust him for one moment. I wanted to tell him to go, to explain to them that I knew from experience that this man was no fit company for decent people.

Carlotta had slipped her arm through mine.

“Does it hurt, Priscilla?”

“No, no. This is nonsense. I’d like to go home without delay.”

Beaumont Granville was standing on the other side of me.

“Would you care to take my arm, to lean on me?” he asked solicitously.

“It is not necessary, thank you.”

“Well, it is only a few steps,” he said and led the way.

There was a smell of scents and unguents in the apothecary’s shop. We took a step down into the dark interior and a man hi a yellow coat came hurrying to meet us.

He bowed low when he saw Beaumont Granville and was prepared to be extremely subservient.

It was clear that he was a most respected customer.

“My lord,” he asked, “what can I do for you?”