Sir Richard Caseby walked into the library of Aldringham House just as his host was feeding the fire with several sheets of writing paper.
‘Well, Jason, is that an irate husband demanding satisfaction, or an angry papa that you have consigned to the flames?’
After watching the last of the sheets curl and blacken, the Earl of Aldringham turned to greet his friend.
‘Neither,’ he said, in his habitual drawl. ‘It was - ah - an old friend, wishing to remind me of the pleasant nights we had shared.’ He laughed at his friend’s look of disgust. ‘Quite so, my dear Richard. One can almost smell the gutter. A few of my paramours appear to have no sense of decency.’
Sir Richard moved towards the fire, glad of the warmth after the chill spring air in the London street.
‘I doubt if your acquaintance with the lady has done much to improve her.’
The earl laughed softly as he took up the decanter from a side-table.
‘Doubtless you are correct, my friend, but since she so warmly received my overtures, can you blame me for taking my pleasure there?’
Sir Richard smiled at his friend’s unconcern, but shook his head as he accepted a glass.
‘Jason, you are indeed a sad rake! But you will meet your match one day, you know.’ He sipped his brandy. ‘By the bye, is your affaire with Lady Ralchester ended? There is talk of young Gillington being the new favourite.’
‘I grew tired of her tantrums.’ A gleam of amusement shone in his cold blue eyes. ‘She is increasing, you know. Her husband will own the child, of course. No doubt he does not even suspect.’
Sir Richard set down his glass with a decided snap.
‘Is it yours?’
The earl shrugged. ‘Possibly. I’ve no idea.’
‘Have you no sense of propriety, or regard for anyone save yourself? Jason, you would be wise to quit this -this rake-hell life before you find that even your title won’t prevent you receiving the cut direct from the ton!’
The earl frowned. ‘Don’t make the mistake of meddling in my affairs, Dick. I will brook no interference - as many have discovered, to their cost!’ He added in his quiet drawl, ‘I have a great regard for you, my friend. I should be loath to put a bullet through you.’
‘Spare me your play-acting!’ Sir Richard grinned. ‘Oh damn you, Jason! ‘Tis impossible for me to hate you, but I can understand why so many do. I know you can be generous - we have been friends for so long that I have seen many instances of your kindness towards me and my family - yet you treat the rest of the world as if you hated it.’
‘Perhaps I do.’
‘Oh come now! You suffered a disappointment in your youth, what man has not?’
The sneering look on the earl’s face became even more pronounced.
‘I was humiliated, Richard. I laid everything at the feet of that harlot and she cast me aside in favour of a richer prize!’
‘Pshaw, Jason, that was more than a dozen years ago.’
The earl refilled their glasses. He held his own up to the light, staring at the amber liquid.
‘Should that make a difference?’
‘Of course. We have all of us suffered set-backs. You judge the world by one woman—’
‘Oh no, my friend - have you forgotten that not even my own mother could remain faithful? I have met many women since then but not one that didn’t want me for my title or my fortune - and usually both. Aye, and we are surrounded by such toadies and sycophants that I could count on one hand those I consider true friends.’
Sir Richard shook his head at him. ‘My poor friend, that you should go through the world seeing only its darker side.’
‘Better that than as you do, sir. To look for the good in every man and be constantly disappointed.’
‘No, no, Jason. Not constantly.' he grinned. ‘But, to be serious. Can you not see that to cause such havoc in Town is likely to do you little good?’
Lord Aldringham smiled faintly and raised his glass to his friend.
‘Fear not, Dick. I am too old to change my mode of life now. You know as well as I that the Descotts have always been a wild crowd, caring for no one, and I hold my Italian mother to blame for the vile temper I have inherited! But you will be pleased to hear that I have decided to quit Town for a while, until the Ralchester affair has blown over.’
‘Do you go to Russetts, or abroad, mayhap?’
‘To Russetts. I’ve a new chaise there that I have not yet tried. I had it shipped over from Italy. It’s light and fast - with the right horse between the shafts I’d wager there’s nothing in England to beat it. I shall be bringing it to Town for the winter, but I hope you will find time to visit me before then.’
‘No doubt I shall. When do you set off?’
‘Tomorrow morning. But first I stop at Bath, to pay my respects to my grandmother.’
‘Ah, the Dowager Duchess of Steepledean.’ Sir Richard grinned. ‘Since her circle of friends are for the most part in their dotage, I feel I can rest easy for a while!’