The Waltzing Widow Read Free Page B

do such a harebrained thing. She positively dotes on that boy,” Lady Mary said, somewhat disturbed. She took a biscuit from the tray, reflecting upon the matter. “Perhaps I shall drop a hint in her ear when I call on her. She will know best how to discourage any such ridiculous ambitions, I am certain. The army is no place for one so young as Colin."
    Abigail regarded her mother in surprise. “Mama, I did not know you felt that way about the military. Why ever did you give permission for William to go if you dislike the idea so?"
    "Your brother is altogether different from Colin. He has always been army-mad, and when your grandfather offered to purchase a commission for him, and William begged me to agree to it, I could not very well refuse him his dream,” Lady Mary said. She sighed softly. “I did worry over William, of course. But the long war is done with at last, and he is not likely to see battle again now, so I am content."
    "I do not think that William will be. Content, I mean. He wrote a vastly exciting letter about the battles that some of his acquaintances participated in, and he was quite envious of all their daring deeds. He rather thought his own experience paltry by comparison. Do you remember, Mama?” Abigail asked.
    Lady Mary gave a slight shudder. “Too well, I thank you. He described it all so cheerfully and took such pride in breezing through with but a ‘scratch’ across his brow. A scratch! When he came home on leave I almost fainted at sight of that scar. He might have lost his sight."
    "I secretly thought that William's scar made him appear terribly romantic,” Abigail said.
    "Abigail! I hope that you did not tell him so,” Lady Mary said, appalled.
    "Of course not, Mama. I did not wish him to get a swelled head over it, and besides, we did not know then that the war was finished. I knew that he would think nothing of being wounded again if he believed that it would make him appear even more interesting,” Abigail said.
    "I am so glad that you said nothing, my dear. William has always been more heedless than he should be,” Lady Mary said. “I am just happy that Bonaparte abdicated before William had a chance to set foot on another battlefield."
    Abigail nodded. “That is just what I thought. I was remembering how he tried to take that high fence on a dare and the horse refused at the very last minute. William flew over its head and broke his shoulder against the post. As soon as he was healed, he set himself for the fence again."
    "And fortunately on the second round the horse landed safely and William was unscathed,” Lady Mary said. “I was never more angry with him than when I learned of that stunt. But he explained in that way of his that he could not allow himself to have failed in any endeavor. How very glad I am that the terrible war is over."
    "Even if it wasn't. Mama, you needn't have been anxious on William's account. He leads a charmed life, so Grandpapa says,” Abigail said.
    "Your grandfather does not rule fate, my dear,” Lady Mary said somewhat tardy. She was recalled by mention of the viscount of her letter. “Abigail, I have written to your grandparents to inform them that we will not be going to London for the Season."
    "Oh.” Abigail drew out the syllable in an excess of understanding. “That shall not be well-thought-of at all."
    Lady Mary smiled. “I am fully aware of that. However, I have explained the reason and that I am taking you to Brussels. Hopefully that will assuage their natural disappointment not to have you with them this spring.'’ Her daughter looked dubious, but she did not give voice to her thoughts.
    Lady Mary could not but feel that Abigail's instincts were correct. Undoubtedly Viscount and Viscountess Catlin would be extremely angered by her communication, and she fully expected a blistering reply. For that reason, for the next few days she dreaded the coming of the return post.
    But a fortnight passed and there continued an odd silence