The Quiet Gentleman

“Nothing you would care for. At least, there was one bay I liked. He is not up to my weight, but I daresay he might suit you.”

The Dowager, having finished with her daughter’s letter, now had leisure to turn her attention to Miss Morville, who was slipping her own letter into her reticule; and to enquire with a regal condescension which almost robbed her question of its impertinence who was her correspondent. Upon learning that Mrs. Morville had written to inform her daughter that she and Mr. Morville expected to return to Lincolnshire in the following week, she fell into a complaining mood, which had the effect of speedily breaking up the nuncheon-party. Martin went off to change his riding-dress for a shooting-jacket; Miss Morville escorted the Dowager upstairs to the Italian Saloon, where she very soon fell asleep on one of the sofas; and the Earl strolled down to the stables, to take a look at Cloud’s forelegs.

He found Theo there, giving some directions to his groom, who was to bring his riding-horse over to Evesleigh on the following day, when a cast shoe should have been replaced. He burst out laughing when he heard whither the Earl was bound that afternoon, but said: “You will not go!”

“My dear Theo, I do not dare even to hesitate! Only think how shocking it would be if Louisa were to come down upon us again!”

“True! But to send you running about the countryside on such an errand — ! Shall I go in your stead?”

“No, you are not conciliatory, and although my stepmother by no means desires to conciliate Mrs. Neath, she has commanded me to perform this office for my sister.”

“Humbug! Much you would care for her commands!”

“Why, the truth is,” said the Earl, laughing, “I have not had my grays out for three days, and I can as well exercise them on a drive to Kentham as anywhere else.”

“Oh, if that is the case — ! But one might have expected Louisa to apply to Martin rather than to you!”

“But I thought I had made it plain to you that a conciliatory manner is what is desired?”

“So you did! Where is Martin?”

“I have no very exact knowledge. He is going off to West Wood, to try if he can get a shot at a kestrel, and has firmly abjured my company.”

“Oh, so that holds, does it? He had better leave them alone: they will do little harm!”

“Very likely, but I do not grudge him the relief of being able to slay something! Chard, we are going to Kentham. Bring my curricle round in half an hour, if you please!” He looked at his cousin. “When do you set forth on your travels, Theo?”

“As soon as I may. There is a letter from Maplefield I must first deal with, but unless I find another shoe to be loose I hope to be away not much later than four o’clock!”

His groom, wilting visibly, withdrew to the shelter of the harness-room. Gervase murmured: “What a harsh taskmaster you are! Driving?”

“Yes, a gig, with much of your worldly wealth stowed in the back! What hope I have of visiting the farms I had intended to visit, I know not!”

“Peace! Your unfortunate groom is out of hearing! If you mean to shut yourself up in your tower with letters from Maplefield, I’ll bid you farewell. Do not allow my tenants to impose upon me!”

Theo took his hand, and gripped it, and held it for a minute. “I won’t. Gervase — ”

“Well?”

Theo released him. “Nothing. Take care of yourself while I am gone!”

“I always do. Your presence is not needed to keep me safe, I believe.”

“No. I think you may be right.”

“I am almost sure I am right.”

“He has certainly taken it better than I expected — but Ulverston’s presence cannot but keep the wound green!”

“He leaves us on Monday, and will certainly be engaged at Whissenhurst until then.”

“That circumstance will hardly serve to mollify Martin!” said Theo, grimacing.