The Education Of Joanne Part 26

"Did you consent to this marriage?" Jason asked hollowly.

The comtesse flew to Joanne's side, brushed Furness' hand from her arm. "Tell him you did not, machere, tell him." "But I have agreed," Joanne forced herself to say. She refused to turn and look at them. Kenton came to her side and slowly turned her to face him. "Do you love him?" he asked, taking her hand.

She nodded but her eyes begged forgiveness of the lie.

Bitter anger boiled up within Kenton. "This is your doing," he clipped, turning to Furness.

"She has told you of her agreement-there is nothing you can do, my lord," sneered the harsh-faced figure. "Did you not have enough satisfaction from sampling her charms while she stayed with you?"

Kenton's fist snapped out.

Furness dropped to the floor.

The comtesse applauded and Wiltham cringed, pulling Joanne before him like a s.h.i.+eld. The young

woman stood in uncomprehending disbelief.

"It is more than his doing," Benjamin said. He had entered quietly and seeing the papers, had leafed through them. These he now handed to Kenton. "Read the terms herein."

A groan escaped from Furness. He struggled to sit. One of the liveried servants standing in the doorway

rushed to help him rise. "Get out," Furness snarled, "get out and shut that door." The servant tripped in

his hurry to leave, staggered through the door, and slammed it shut behind him.

Rising slowly, Furness eyed Kenton, hatred in his every line. "I demand satisfaction." Venom dripped from the words.

"You shall have it," Kenton answered, glancing up from the doc.u.ments he was reading, "but this matter

will be taken care of first." He turned to Joanne.

"You have agreed to this marriage but I believe it was not done willingly. I cannot stand by and let your life be ruined."

"You cannot prevent this," roared Furness.

"These doc.u.ments say I can," Kenton said with deadly calm. "You know what the result would be if I had them published."

Fury choked Furness. He lunged for the papers.

"I wouldn't do that, my lord," Ames said, stepping ahead of Kenton. "One of your men had no further

use for this," he added, pointing a flintlock pistol at Furness' chest.

Impotent rage gripped the man; he did not move.

Ignoring him, Kenton returned his attention to Joanne. "These papers secure all that is not entailed, and

provide a generous allowance during the earl's life-they need only be signed by your husband.

"If it is Humbolt you want, he will have you. You need not go to him dowerless." He handed the papers to the comtesse.

"Give these to a trusted solicitor. He will know what to do. "Now, take Joanne. Wed her to Humbolt

with all haste. Go now."

Trembling under Kenton's gaze, Wiltham stepped away from Joanne.

The comtesse put her arm about Joanne's waist and tugged, but the young woman did not move. Her battered spirit trembled.

Why did he speak of Humbolt? What can I say?

"Go," snapped Kenton angrily. "You will thank me one day for doing this."

Defeated by his look, tone, and words, Joanne slumped, but caught herself and the comtesse hurried her

from the room.

When the women were gone, Kenton turned to Furness. "The choice of weapons is yours."

"Pistols," spat the other.

"Hyde Park at first light?"

Furness nodded.

"My second will be Dr. Ames."

"Wiltham will have to do for mine," Furness returned, looking with disgust at the frightened figure who

neither moved nor ventured to speak.

"Ames will settle the details with him." Bowing formally, Kenton straightened, turned, and strode from the room.

"I take it there is no chance' or settling this peacefully?" Ames asked Furness fulfilling that part of his

duty.

"Speak to Wiltham, Doctor. I shall see Kenton dead at first light."

"We are home, come," the comtesse coaxed.

Joanne looked past her to confirm the fact; she had not thought to see these doors again.

The footman handed the women down the coach's steps. The small French butler stood beside the open

door.

"We are happy to see you returned, madame," he greeted the women.

"Dr. Ames and Lord Jason may come soon-or at early light. When they do they are to be shown into

the morning room immediately," she ordered.

"Oui, madame," he answered. His mistress's looks and tone suggested concern, urgency. Throwing open

the doors to the morning room, he proceeded to light the candles and lamps. The comtesse gave him their dominos as she entered.

"Do you wish something brought, madame?"

Certainement. A duel came to the butler's mind as he recalled her words-at early light. He bowed and went for the brandy. * * * *

The morning room was set so that the full wall of windows faced east. Catching the full force of the rising sun, it was a cheerful place in which to take the morning's repast. Even later in the day it was a favourite haunt. Its yellow-sprigged paper encouraged lightness and gaiety. The Louis Quatorze furniture, brought from France, was light and airy. The comtesse's unique use of decorative plants instead of ma.s.sive family portraits or the clutter of small trivia set an attractive tone.

Joanne saw none of this as she stood before the windows. Now a wall of black that only threw her reflection accusingly back at her.'

"Ma chere, drink this. You are s.h.i.+vering."

Obedient because it was easiest, Joanne took the small gla.s.s and drained it. The smooth brandy spread a burst of warmth through her. "Will it be today?" she asked.

The comtesse's first thought was to feign ignorance but her niece's look stayed that. These were the first words Joanne had spoken since leaving Furness' quarters; there could be no pretence.

"It is probable that it will be this morn-at sunrise. That is the preferred time for such things," she answered softly.

"I could have tried to dissuade him," Joanne despaired.

"Non, it would have been impossible. Men regard their honour highly; none may interfere where it is concerned. Someday the duel will be prohibited, but for now," the comtesse sighed, "we can do little but wait.

"Let us sit-or perhaps you wish to retire, to undress?"

"No. No." Joanne moved about randomly with a vacant look in her eyes. She finally sat in a chair that face the windows. "How did you know where to find me?"

"We were going to Furness to ask Wiltham's direction. Lady Sarah told us he had said the two of you were to be wed," the comtesse added in explanation. "When I stepped out of the coach before his doors, I saw the posy Lady Sarah had pinned to your domino on the ground. We knew then you were inside.

"Kenton fought like a madman when they did not want to let us enter. Benjamin did no less," she added conscientiously. "Thank G.o.d we were in time."

"Would that you had never come."

"But why say that?" The comtesse moved to stand before her.

"He will kill Jason. Even if he fails in that, all of you will be ruined," Joanne answered dully. Something in Joanne's eyes flickered. The awful emptiness yielded to a faint hope.

Scenes of life at Kentoncombe flowed over Joanne. Jason at work in the fields, with the farm stock, with his men. He is a good man, a kind man, she thought, and I love him.

Then think, her subconscious prodded her. Think how he taught you to reason-to control your temper, your fears. He gave you strength by having confidence in you. Use it now.