The Reluctant Widow

by Georgette Heyer

‘Once a performing bear had entered Nicky’s orbit the rest was inevitable.

‘A source of expense, more like, but I never heard that Francis Cheviot was a commoner like his cousin! Not but what he is like to ruin Bedlington, if he goes on his present pace. I heard that he dropped five thousand at Almack’s last week, and I dare say that’s not the half of it.

Elinor closed her eyes for a pregnant moment. ‘Yes, Nicky, I do realise that,’ she said. ‘And since I have not the least desire that he should repeat his visit I wish you will secure that door!’ ‘Well, I am by no means certain that that is what we should do,’ he said, frowning. ‘The more I think of it the more I’m persuaded there is something dashed smoky about the business. Only consider, cousin! A man who must needs come creeping into a house by a secret stair can be up to no good!’ ‘Very true. There is a want of openness about such behaviour that strikes one forcibly, and makes me at least disinclined to pursue the acquaintance.’

He was at that stage in his development when, without having giving up all hope that the wonderful would happen, only a part of his eager brain expected it.

Nicky would by no means allow it to have been so, and vociferated his protests so loudly that Bouncer sat up, bristling.

‘Indeed, my love, I do partake of your sentiments, but depend upon it you did right to trust his lordship to be the best judge of your actions.’

‘You have a reasonable answer for everything, my lord. It is what one particularly dislikes in you!

My Lord Bedlington had not kept company with the Regent for years without acquiring a hard head and the digestion of an ostrich.

She led them into the dining-parlour, and pressed them to partake of some cold meat. Nicky exclaimed: ‘What, mawdling your insides with tea again! No, I thank you!’ ‘Yes, indeed, it is very wrong to be drinking tea at such an hour as this,’ confessed Miss Beccles. ‘But such an agreeable luxury!’

‘Tell his lordship with your compliments,’ corrected Carlyon. ‘You should always add your compliments to any message you wish to render excessively cutting.’

I took the precaution of packing a pot of Dr Ratcliffe’s Restorative Pork Jelly in the larger valise, and shall endeavour to persuade my master to swallow a spoonful every now and then.’

‘Yes, Nicky, but you think I know everything because I never tell you anything I am not quite certain of,’

It is always such a mistake to allow sentiment to outweigh judgement, is it not?