Page 34 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
She lingered about, busying herself at straightening the kitchen, and making a grand, protracted show of it as she eavesdropped on the conversation.
“Perhaps, My Lord,” said Elizabeth, “you could assist me and my husband with a business venture.”
“Could I? How would that be?”
Lady Elizabeth stirred her tea slowly, placed the spoon cup-side, and let it sit while she spoke.
“I’m interested in purchasing land in Scotland. I know that your father and his relations have purchasing power there.”
“You could say that. He is very well-sold in Scotland.”
Lady Elizabeth chuckled at the comment. “Very well. He is well sold. I was there when I was a girl and should like to retire there in my old age.”
Lord Peter thought for a moment. “There is a tract of land near the Rothdale Hills. Are you familiar?”
“I can’t say that I am.”
“Hmm, pity.” He took a sip of his tea, and in raising the cup, caught Madeline’s eye.
She stared back at him, fighting the urge to look away, nibbling her bottom lip.
He put the cup down. “It’s ... uh, it’s a beautiful area of rolling land.”
“Is it secluded?”
“Hmm, mostly secluded.”
“Fine, fine,” said Elizabeth and raised her cup. “To business!”
He smiled. “To business.”
Again, he caught Madeline’s eye. She was motioning towards Lady Elizabeth. He shook his head as if confused. It was terribly frustrating for Madeline, who turned towards the stove and busied herself wiping it down.
“Madeline, dear, are you alright?”
“Right as can be, My Lady.”
“Right,” said Elizabeth, a wary tone in her voice. “So, you will return, then?”
He looked past her, directly at Madeline. “Indeed, I shall return tomorrow.”
Lady Madeline could not help the smile that threatened to rend her face in two.
Chapter 24
Letter from Lord Peter Lytton to his father, Duke of Briarmere.
Dearest Father dear,
Hilly ho! Well, old boy, what would you say if I told you I was in love? Really, truly in love?
I suppose I should back it up, eh? Very well then. Once upon I time, I was born. That ought to do it, yes? Yes, I was born and raised a wealthy little brat who had everything a man could ask for. I was despondent and tired and utterly through with it all by the time my voice first broke. And from then on, I wended my way through life like a tiny boat – what’s that line that Hamlet uses, Father? Tempest-tossed? Yes, I went through life not knowing where I was or where I wound up, but I did know one thing. I’ll wager a King’s ransom you’d like to know what that one thing is, eh?
I knew I wanted to be free. But I know now that freedom comes in many forms. Yes, having a wife can mean a man is shackled to the earth and not allowed to wander where his curiosity and reach may lead him. But that is a situation to be avoided as much as the bonds of slavery are to be avoided. Freedom to me, Father, means that I can choose the woman with whom I am to spend my years. She need not be anyone special. She could be a bluestocking, or a waif from the South of Wales, or a Lady’s maid.
Father, you're clutching your heart again. You know it to be true. If you’ve come this far, I beseech you, come a little further.
Do you believe in love at first sight? What a trite question that is, and I’m ashamed to have asked it. But I do believe in it. I do now. It has nothing to do with the physical, Father. That is for rakes and men without imagination. No, Father, the love of which I speak is the one that transcends the senses. I met her today. She is a Lady’s maid, and do you know something? I do not care one whit about that. Oh, I suppose I am right in line with your expectations of me. You know what? I care not for those either.
