At the Earl's Convenience by Maggi Andersen

countess. Without Devereux here as a buffer, she felt vulnerable and out of place. Her discomfort meant little, however, compared to her fears for him, and her chin trembled whenever she thought of him. She couldn’t bear to consider what dreadful fate might have befallen him. Might he be lying ill somewhere? She’d even prefer him to be in another woman’s bed. Fed up with her disturbing thoughts, she threw back the covers.
    “I shall wear my lavender walking dress and my leather half-boots, Sarah.” She would visit the Horse Guards. It wasn’t far from here. She’d enjoy a walk.
    “London’s ever so busy, my lady. And the noise!” Sarah took Selina’s gown from the wardrobe.
    “You’d rather be in the country?”
    Sarah giggled. “Oh no, my lady. It’s very exciting.”
    Mr. Hawkins’ scandalized expression followed Selina into the street. It began to rain, and she unfurled her umbrella. The pavement was crowded with maids, liveried footmen, and well-dressed gentlemen all going about their business. At the corner, a street sweeper held up the traffic, and she slipped him a penny to cross the road. Two women walked past with pattens on their feet. The circular rings attached to their shoes raised them above the gutters and piles of horse manure. She would never wear them. A person couldn’t stride out, and mincing along would surely get on her nerves.
    By the time Selina had reached Hyde Park Corner, she’d had quite enough of the trying conditions. She removed the hanky shielding her nose and hailed a passing hackney. When the vehicle put her down in Horse Guards Road, she paid the jarvey and crossed to Army Headquarters.
    A soldier barred her way.
    “Lady Halcrow,” she said. “I wish to see someone in authority.”
    “Do you have an appointment, Lady Halcrow?”
    “It’s of vital importance that I do. A matter of life and death.”
    Impervious to her dramatic plea, the soldier dismissed her, staring beyond her left ear. “Surely, there’s someone here who can tell me where the Earl of Halcrow is to be found. I am his wife.”
    Suddenly, the soldier came to life, saluting a man in a greatcoat who’d alighted from a carriage. The man was about to enter the building when he turned back. He raised his tall black hat. “You are Lady Halcrow?”
    “Do you know the earl, sir?”
    He nodded his head and gestured toward the doorway. “Come with me, if you will, Lady Halcrow.”
    Inside, soldiers stood to attention as they passed. Selina followed the man who was obviously important, along a corridor. He stood aside and gestured for her to step into his office. Shutting the door behind them, he turned to shake her hand. “George Scovell. Please sit down, Lady Halcrow. May I offer you refreshment?”
    “No, thank you.” Selina sat, arranged her skirts and gazed into eyes sharp with intelligence. “Do you have news of my husband, Mr. Scovell?”
    Scovell removed his greatcoat and hat and hung them on a stand. He smoothed his bushy grey sideburns with measured movements and then sat behind his desk. He formed a steeple with his fingers, his gaze anchoring her attention. “We are not sure where Lord Halcrow is at the present time, my lady.”
    Selina stared at him. “Might he be on the Continent?”
    “I don’t believe so.”
    Her throat tightened. “He’s not here in London, surely.”
    “His lordship has been.” He glanced toward the closed door. “I’m sorry I can’t tell you more. Except to say that you should go home. Wait for word. You must be patient, for his lordship will return to you in good time. All being well.”
    “All being well?” Selina rubbed the tight skin at her temples. Her head had begun to ache.
    He frowned. “There are many dangerous people in London, Lady Halcrow. Your being here mightn’t serve your husband well. I suggest you return to the country. There’s little society in London until Parliament sits.”
    “I am not here for the society.” She searched his