The Baron of Latiz (7)

 7

Samh 08.20.1339 23:04

As soon as supper ended, Amoranda told Silvergor what Mr. Froch and Mr. Galeid had plotted. Silvergor’s cheeks glowed with anger.

“How can such a lovely woman as you expose yourself to such base company as them? Is it possible that the fine perception which pours from your lips with every word you speak gets anything back from spending time with such vermin? Can a man add mud to his wine and drink it with pleasure?

“Pardon me, if my zeal for so good an uncle to you and so good a friend to me pushes me a little too far. It is not possible for me to see anything so beloved by him run into such rubbish. You seem to have so true a notion of our sex to be so grossly imposed upon by them.

“Say no more,” Amoranda said, holding up her hand in protest. “I have promised to be mostly governed by you. Since my uncle has sent you in his place, I submit to your advice and bring myself to comply with your desires as much as possible.” 

The old gentleman beamed at her reply, and Amoranda could not refrain from being pleased herself to see how happy he was. 

“But, Madam,” Silvergor said, “I long to know how you intend to deal with those villains who plan to kidnap you?” 

“When the hour comes for them to execute their intended project, I plan to place to sturdy servants dressed in Pethany’s and my clothes in the greenhouse. Since they plan to do this at night, it will make it easier since the moons will be their only light. It will not be easy for them to distinguish between my men and us until their sense of feeling alerts them to the secret. My servants are not lacking in courage, and I hope the injuries they sustain will give them second thoughts about doing it again. I dare say my servants will give them love for love and pay them in their own coin. What do you think of my counterplot? Isn’t it better than theirs?”

“I think so,” he said, “but I have one earnest request to make. Since this is the first thing I have asked of you, I hope you will not deny me.”

“No,” Amoranda said, “I am sure you will ask nothing I should refuse, and therefore, I promise.”

“Then, let me be the one impersonating you in the greenhouse tomorrow night.”