Page 106 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“Is this not a most welcome surprise?” said Papa.
“It is definitely a surprise,” said Madeline. “Of that much I am sure.”
“Yes, and a most welcome one,” said Papa.
“Well now,” said Mama as she sidled over with a knowing smile on her face. “I see my devious little plan has come to fruition.”
“Yourplan,” said Madeline. “You invited him?”
“I did. Why did you not tell me he had returned from Ireland?”
“I ... I merely forgot. And he’s been busy, and so he has not had time to call. Isn’t that right, Oliver?”
“I’m ... afraid so.”
“Well,” said Mama, “I was lucky to run into Lord Oliver at Almack’s a week ago. Imagine my surprise.”
“And mine,” said Oliver.
Papa spread his arms. “Well, here we are. And did you know that Lord Peter Lytton is here as well? I certainly had no idea.”
Madeline’s head felt as though it might roll right off her shoulders at any moment.
“I did know that. He and I took a short stroll.”
“Is that so?” said Oliver.
Madeline widened her eyes at him.
“If you’ll pardon me,” said Papa, “I am going to have a chat with Lord Peter. I see he’s still in mourning, poor fellow. Excuse me.”
Mama smiled at Madeline. “And far be it for me to be a third wheel. Excuse me.”
Madeline and Oliver stared at one another, saying nothing.
#
Dinner was a most awkward affair for no less than three of the participants. Madeline sat directly across from the man everyone thought was her fiancé. Lord Peter sat several chairs down from him.
“The problem with the French,” Uncle Roger was saying, “is that they never do anything by halves. It is for this reason that we ought to be fully committed in our efforts.”
“Surely you don’t mean to say that we have been negligent in our duties to Mother England?” said Papa.
“No, not in particular. But we need to ensure that our spirit never falters once, is all I’m saying. Heaven knows the French spirit has not faltered.”
“Uncle,” said Emily, “you must take care not to let your tongue get the better of your thoughts. You are implying that the English spirit is weak.”
“Am I? I suppose I am. But it is only because we areallweak, my dear. Born in sin, we are. Sloth is but ingrained in our nature. Sometimes, in order to reject the devil that threatens to drag us into the abyss, we must act without regard to consequence. For the very act of acting is, well, action! And action is the enemy of sloth. The spirit cannot die when the body resolves to act on its behalf and stave off those forces which wish it to stagnate.”
“So,” said Emily, “if I may interpret your statements correctly, you are saying that committing to a purpose – any purpose in life – is to act without thinking?”
“Not all the time,” returned Uncle Roger. “But our fortitude is constantly challenged. It is inthosetimes that we must take care to continue our course.”
Madeline reflected on these words as she watched her fork move a congregation of peas around her plate. Here she was, having committed herself to ending her relationship with Oliver. And here he was now before her, with all his dejected nature laid bare to her. Yes, he’d accepted Mama’s invitation in order to make a last ditch effort at regaining her confidence in their relationship. But the source of that lapse in confidence sat three chairs to his left, chatting with the Marquess’s wife. She looked at him. He avoided her gaze. Instead, he stared at Emily as she debated with Uncle Roger.
“Uncle,” said Emily, “you are saying if I find myself questioning my course in any matter—whether it be, say, a relationship or a business venture—if I find myself thinking that perhaps it is a poor idea to be pursuing such a thing, I should just recommit to my original purpose, as it were, and not let rational thought dictate the rest of my decisions?”
“Child,” said Roger, “you put it most eloquently.”
