The Riddle of the Deplorable Dandy by Patricia Veryan Page B

pickle barrel.”
    *   *   *
    â€œA visitor to see you, Geraldine, my love!” With that softly uttered call, Valerian opened the door and ushered Elspeth into a small bedroom dimly lit by two candles and the flickering flames of the fire.
    The only occupant was a lady seated in an invalid chair, her back to the door as she gazed pensively at the hearth.
    Elspeth’s nerves tightened, but she had prepared herself to meet Valerian’s mistress, who would certainly be a beauty, and (whatever else) must be well bred (however abandoned).
    The Bath chair turned, and Elspeth all but reeled with shock.
    The lady was far from young; indeed, the first impression gained was that she must be several years older than the Dandy’s mama. She was not unhandsome, but the features were strong rather than delicate and showed haggard despite a liberal application of paint. The eyes, deep-set and a fine grey, reflected weariness but were her best feature, for the nose and chin, although well cut, were too pronounced to be judged dainty. She was clad in a travelling gown of blue wool buttoned high to the throat. Her figure was thin, but even seated it was evident that she was a tall lady. A shawl was about her shoulders, and as if to emphasize the fact that she was no longer young, a lace-trimmed cap was tied over a modest but charmingly curled wig.
    Speechless with astonishment, Elspeth blinked at the Dandy.
    His narrowed gaze was intent on her. He said, “Make your curtsy, ma’am, to Mrs. Geraldine Newell.” Mirth blazed suddenly in his eyes. He added: “My aunt.”
    â€œOh,” said Elspeth feebly, as she dropped a curtsy and yearned to scratch him.
    â€œMiss Clayton meant to say how do you do, Aunt Gerry,” he explained. “But she is quite off-stride. You see, ma’am, her nature is suspicious and she fancied you to be my—er, chere amie. ”
    Elspeth’s cheeks flamed, but before she could speak, Mrs. Newell uttered a throaty chuckle and said in a soft, deep voice, “A fancy I am very sure you encouraged, rascal!” A thin, long-fingered hand was extended. “He is wicked but I hope you will not take his mischief too much to heart. How do you do, my dear?”
    Holding the frail fingers briefly, Elspeth managed a disjointed response. Valerian grinned and drew up a chair for her, then sat on the bed beside a sleek black kitten. The little animal rolled over, stretched and yawned enormously, then took possession of his lap.
    Mrs. Newell said, “Gervaise tells me your brother is in some difficulty and that you have between you contrived a plan to smuggle me out of England and on your way home to smuggle Mr. Clayton out of France. Your courage is admirable, but you are a well-born young lady. Have you really faced the fact that both your safety and your reputation will be terribly at risk?”
    â€œHeaven aid me!” Valerian looked up from scratching behind the kitten’s ears and exclaimed irritably, “I’d not have asked it of Miss Clayton, had not her gapeseed of a coachman forced us off the road and ruined poor Bertha’s ankle! It has taken me forever to persuade her! For mercy’s sake do not undo what—”
    Mrs. Newell’s hand raised only slightly, but to Elspeth’s surprise Valerian was at once silenced, although he watched his aunt tight-lipped and frowning.
    â€œIt will not do, Gervaise,” the lady said with quiet gravity. “I do not know what Canterbury tales you’ve told her, and I quite comprehend why my name was changed, but Miss Clayton must not attempt this venture without a full understanding of the facts.”
    â€œYour nephew has explained your circumstances, ma’am,” said Elspeth. “And I am willing to risk danger to help my dear brother. It is true that I didn’t know you were his aunt, nor that you have been ill, but—”
    â€œBut any further