Page 22 of A Kiss to Stop a Wedding
‘You certainly tried to give him that impression,’ she muttered. ‘Your final comment about beingwell entertainedwas designed to taunt him!’
‘It was irresistible.’ His lips twitched at the memory.
She gasped. ‘How dare you use me in your quarrel!’
‘It was nothing to do with any quarrel, merely a natural ballroom rivalry.’
The Viscount had annoyed him with his superior air and Matt had known that his words, and the audacious glance he had thrown at Flora, would anger him. However, the lady was clearly not amused and Matt wished now he had not allowed his irritation to get the better of him.
He said in a low voice, ‘It was badly done of me; I beg your pardon.’
There was no time to find out if he had placated her because they were already entering the dining room.
Matt saw at once that their host had set out to impress. The table was covered with an overabundance of silver and glass that glittered and winked in the candlelight. Having held the chair for Flora to sit down,he walked around to take his place between her aunt and Mrs Gask, who was seated at the foot of the table.
He was determined not to give the Viscount cause to think there was anything untoward going on between Flora and himself. As the dinner progressed, he divided his attention between Mrs Farnleigh and his hostess while around them conversation ranged from the new theatre opening in south London to the latest verses published by Lord Byron.
Finally, Matt heard his name on the Viscount’s lips.
‘I understand Mr Talacre here is the manager of some sort of…pleasure gardens in Gloucestershire,’ he announced. ‘Is that not so, sir?’
‘I am part-owner of Bellemonte, yes.’
The Viscount waved one white hand. ‘I stand corrected.’
‘Mr Talacre has told us a little about this,’ put in Mr Farnleigh. ‘It appears the gardens were in a very poor state when he came across them and he has quite turned their fortunes around.’
‘I must say it sounds all quite fascinating.’ said Lady Condicote, admiring.
‘Indeed?’ The Viscount smiled, but Matt could see no amusement in those cold blue eyes. ‘It appears I am the only one who knows nothing about this venture of yours, sir. Perhaps you would like to explain a little more about these gardens. Are they perhaps like Vauxhall, open to everyone?’
‘As long as they can pay the entrance fee,’ Matt replied. ‘I employ wardens—constables—to maintain good standards of behaviour.’
Sir Roger chuckled. ‘To keep the fine young bucks in check, I imagine!’
‘Yes, when necessary. We provide entertainment, too, throughout the season. Concerts and balls. Even fireworks, upon occasion.’
‘But who attends these entertainments?’ demanded the Viscount. ‘You are near Bristol, are you not? There can be no comparison with London Society. It must be full of cits and traders.’
Matt allowed himself a smile. ‘Some very wealthy traders live in the city, my lord. We do not preclude anyone. There are also those who visit Clifton and Hotwells for the waters. They are often in need of entertainment and happy to make the two-mile journey to visit Bellemonte.’
‘Hardly theton, then.’
‘Perhaps not, in the main.’ Matt sipped his wine. ‘But lucrative.’
‘And your patron is the Earl of Dallamire, I believe,’ added Sir Roger. ‘Does he often attend?’
‘Occasionally, when his duties allow.’
Flora watched and listened as Matt expanded on his theme. It was clear that he was very proud of Bellemonte. His enthusiasm was infectious and around her the other guests began to ask questions, keen tolearn more. Only the Viscount was silent, his expression one of faint disapproval, while any comments he made were couched in friendly terms, but they were invariably critical. She guessed Quentin had introduced the subject merely to belittle Matt’s achievements, although in her opinion, he had not succeeded.
‘An admirable project, Mr Talacre.’ Sir Roger raised his glass in Matt’s direction. ‘You have given employment to a number of ex-soldiers, too, I believe?’
‘Yes. They are among my best workers. But there is still much work to be done,’ Matt concluded. ‘I want to return the gardens to their former glory. For example, opening up paths that have not been used for many years. And tracking down the missing statuary.’
Flora held her breath. This was clearly aimed at the Viscount and she looked towards him. Quentin, however, remained impassive and waved to a servant to refill his wine glass before making a reply.
‘A daunting task, sir,’ he said at last. ‘I hope you will not be disappointed.’
