Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

Madeleine was unconvinced. "Do you really suppose people think ... that?"

Augusta forced herself to have patience with Madeleine's delicacy. "My dear, we are both married women, and we know what men are like. They have animal appetites. The world assumes that a single man of fifty-three living with a pretty boy is vicious and, heaven knows, in most cases the world is probably right."

Madeleine frowned, looking worried. Before she could say anything else there was a knock at the door and Edward came in. "What is it, Mother?" he asked.

Augusta was annoyed by the interruption and she had no idea what the boy was talking about. "What do you mean?"

"You sent for me."

"I most certainly did not. I told you to show Lady Florence around the garden."

Edward looked hurt. "Hugh said you wanted to see me!"

Augusta understood. "Did he? And I suppose he is showing Lady Florence the garden now?"

Edward saw what she was getting at. "I do believe he is," he said, looking wounded. "Don't be cross with me, Mother, please."

Augusta melted instantly. "Don't worry, Teddy dear," she said. "Hugh is such a sly boy." But if he thought he could outwit his aunt Augusta he was also foolish.

This distraction had irritated her, but on reflection she thought she had said enough to Madeleine about cousin Samuel. At this stage all she wanted was to plant the seed of doubt: anything more might be too heavy-handed. She decided to leave well enough alone. She ushered her sister-in-law and her son out of the room, saying: "Now I must return to my guests."

They went downstairs. The party was going well, to judge by the cacophony of talk, laughter, and a hundred silver teaspoons clinking in bone china saucers. Augusta briefly checked the dining room, where the servants were dispensing lobster salad, fruitcake and iced drinks. She moved through the hall, speaking a word or two to each guest who caught her eye, but looking for a particular one--Florence's mother, Lady Stalworthy.