Wednesday, December 25, 2024

The Viscount of La Soutain (12)

12

Samh 9.14.1342 19:00

 

Geodor and Jeanilotta were left standing in the middle of the room as Abaledina’s aunt whisked her away through the crowd. All he could do was offer his arm to her cousin, which was graciously accepted. He found it difficult to believe Abaledina was unwell.

“Is your cousin really ill? Have I caused her to be more so? We must check on her so I may apologize,” he said, trying to lead her into the ballroom.

“Not seriously so,” Jeanilotta said quickly, detaining him, “She was only feeling a little poorly yesterday, but mamma is so careful of her for my brother’s sake.”

Geodor frowned. Based on what Abaledina told him, the match was unwelcome, and the couple hadn’t spent time together for six years. He wondered why her mother and cousin were pushing for it and kept reminding him about it. At the same time, Jeanilotta had a doting beau whom she claimed to love, but she was simpering on his arm. His line of work had taught him to be suspicious, and he began to wonder what exactly was going on in this household. Whatever it was, he had a feeling Abaledina was the one going to be harmed by it.

“Nevertheless, we will go check on her,” he said firmly tugging her in the direction that Mrs. Gillfillian had taken. Regrettably, at every turn were obstructions through the dense crowd.

“I think she went this way,” Jeanilotta said sweetly. They progressed for a bit, and then she tugged him a different way. “Actually, I believe it was this way.”

Periodically, she would stop and talk, showing off that she was hanging on his arm. He began to believe she was deliberately keeping him from his goal. However, they eventually came upon the old ladies with whom Abaledina was left.

“Well, I was sure Mother was bringing her to sit here,” Jeanilotta said. “Excuse me, Mrs. Urlegaldo, have you seen Abaledina?”

“Yes, she said she had a headache and went to her room just a few minutes ago.”

“Oh, my, I shall have to go and check on her myself to make sure that silly maid of hers is taking good care of her!” Mrs. Gillfillian exclaimed as she came up behind them. “I knew she overdid it tonight!”

“I was preparing to leave. I would like to go up to her and bid her adieu.”

“Oh, I am afraid Abaledina is too ill to see you anymore this evening. I will be sure to give her your regards,” the aunt parried.

“No, if she permits me, I must see her to wish her well and tell her I’m sorry for contributing to her condition,” he replied, determinedly.

“I’ll see if she is up to it,” Mrs. Gillfillian said hurrying off. She shortly returned, arousing his suspicion that she had not visited the woman in question.

“I’m sorry, Viscount Elwynalam,” she declared, “Abaledina expressed much regret but said that it would be impossible for her to see you again this evening.” Geodor gave Mrs. Gillfillian a polite nod. Then he Jeanilotta to Theodomani and tenderly placed her hand in his. He started for the door then stopped and drew Mrs. Gillfillian aside.

“Madam,” he said in a low, calm tone. “I offer thanks for your exceeding kindness. I do have one more favor to ask. Will you have the goodness to summon the Abaledina’s maid?”

“With the greatest pleasure,” she replied, as politely as she could, but her anger and fear were quite visible to him.

When the girl appeared, he said quietly, “Conduct me to your mistress’ parlor immediately.” The simple girl did as she was told. Once they were at the door, he continued, “Go and see if Miss Gillfillian will receive Viscount Elwynalam for a few moments.”

She entered and quickly returned.

“She begs you to enter.”

He was not surprised to find that contrary to what those below had said, she did not look ill at all. In fact, he had never seen her half so beautiful as when she rose from the easy chair and advanced to meet him. A single tear glistened in her eye and cast a saddened expression over her whole face.

Geodor’s first impulse was to clasp her in his arms, but he was not a creature of impulse. Tenderly taking her hands in his own, he said melodiously, “I have been forced to be very rude to you tonight. I trust I am already pardoned, but permit me to ask if I have been in any way accessory to your illness.”

“No, indeed,” she replied, smilingly. “Fear not, my illness only exists in my aunt’s imagination. I retired here because although I am used to being a spectator, I grew weary of being a prisoner, too. Here,” she said pointing to the books in her library, “I have friends that are always true.”

 “I have a favor to request,” Geodor said, after having contemplated her a moment with surprise and admiration. “Will you return to the ball with me? I think I can secure for ourselves another pleasant hour, and I shall ever be grateful.”

Abaledina’s stomach flip-flopped, and she hesitated. She understood the reasons for her aunt’s contrivance and knew that she would be very angry with her if she went with him. On the other hand, she had already instigated opposition to her aunt’s plans. The present was a good opportunity to show her independence. There was also the fact she wanted to oblige him.

“Bring my gloves,” she said to Luna, and after pulling them on, she gave her hand to him. They silently proceeded downstairs to the room where her aunt had interrupted them. Viscount Elwynalam then proceeded as if nothing had occurred, remarking upon an exquisitely done family portrait.

“That came from Swienzea,” Abaledina said. “The lady leaning upon the bosom of the aged man was my mother. It was the last time she found comfort in her grandfather’s arms; they both died soon after the portrait was created. The other elderly man was my great-grandfather’s neighbor. The tall, stern man is my grandfather. The neighbor’s son is the man sitting there in blue. He is holding his young son’s hand. I’ve often wondered how my charming mother found herself in a portrait with so many proud and stern men.”

Viscount Elwynalam gazed earnestly at the portrait.

“In Swienzea, you must have a large and well-connected family. Where are they?” he asked at length.

“I’ve never met them,” she replied. “I’m sorry that I don’t know their names. I’ve no recollection of my mother and only think of her as she is represented in this portrait. My mother died young while she was here in Anorraq.”

“Ah, there you are, my dear,” her aunt’s shrill voice suddenly interrupted their private perusal of the artwork. “Have you recovered so soon? How very fortunate!” Mrs. Gillfillian had a nervous smile plastered upon her face as she roughly kissed Abaledina’s cheek. “You are pale yet,” she chided. “Viscount Elwynalam must be a powerful magnet to have drawn you from your sick room. I only hope he shall not have cause to repent the indiscretion.”

“Mrs. Gillfillian,” Viscount Elwynalam said menacingly. “I found this lady quite healthy and enjoying a book, which she relinquished for my gratification. If relieving a lady from the sickness of being a bored prisoner was reckless on my part, I will assume the consequences,” he shot back at her. “If, however, you are fabricating an illness to prevent your ward from enjoying society, it must be reported to the authorities.” That said, he gave the woman a crushing look, wrapped Abaledina’s hand around his arm, and passed into the next room with her. 

The full ebook is available HERE or check back tomorrow for the next chapter.

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