The conversation was thus distracted, and by the evening they were so full of vim that they ventured into Soho, finding themselves in an infamous faro club. Yet here, having availed himself of the refreshments, Archie felt a melancholy set in. He stared morosely around the room at the doubtlessly superior specimens of manhood and, eye landing on a gentleman he recognised as the dashing Lord Selbourne, said darkly to Gerry, ‘I bet Miss Talbot would pay attention to him.’
‘Oh, I’d steer clear of Selby,’ Gerry said, turning to peer over Archie’s shoulder. ‘Looks like a gentleman, still has the title, but heard he’s a bounder of the worst sort.’
‘Bounder,’ Rupert affirmed, with dark significance.
‘All I’m saying is,’ Archie said crossly, ‘he looks the sort that knows how to make a proper offer to a woman – one everyone would take notice of.’
They all stared at Lord Selbourne, who, sensing their gaze, looked up and waved a laconic finger of acknowledgement their way – they looked quickly away, blushing.
‘I want to be just like him,’ Archie asserted boldly.
‘Not a penny to his name, old boy, and riddled with debt – best be yourself,’ Gerry told him heartily.
After losing spectacularly to the house, they began a meandering walk back across London. Despite the hour, the streets were still spotted with similarly inebriated persons, and so it was not until a group of men followed them down a narrowing side street that they registered something might be a little off. Moments later, another group appeared in front of them, blocking off the street. Rearing back in confusion, Archie felt the clarity of danger rush through him sickeningly.
‘I-I say,’ he heard Gerry stammer uncertainly.
Even Rupert’s usually phlegmatic disposition had given way to alarm. Feeling, somehow, that the situation could be resolved with a little old-fashioned politeness, Archie swept a bow and asked, courteously, ‘How may we help you, gentlemen?’
‘Hand over your money,’ his adversary said calmly. ‘And we won’t hurt you.’
‘The devil of the thing is, we don’t have any,’ Gerry piped up. ‘Lost all our coins at cards.’
‘And the rest of it is all rather tied up,’ Archie agreed, quite troubled.
‘How very disappointing,’ the man said, taking a step forward. Archie saw the flash of a drawn blade.
‘I say!’ a voice shouted from the street.
A shot rang in the air. The men scattered. Archie let out a gust of air, turning thankfully to their saviour. As he stepped towards them, Archie made out the deep red of his embroidered waistcoat and recognised Lord Selbourne.
‘Thank you, my lord!’ he gasped gratefully. ‘Thanks awfully.’
‘No trouble.’ Lord Selbourne pocketed his pistol nonchalantly. ‘This part of town can be devilishly dangerous. Radcliffe’s brother, aren’t you?’ he asked rhetorically, reaching out a hand to Archie, who grasped it like a lifeline. ‘Best we all be off, boys. You never know who you might run into on a night such as this.’
They followed Lord Selbourne obediently all the way to the well-tended streets of Grosvenor Square, where he left them with a smile and a bow. The young gentlemen parted ways dreamily, each one mentally rewriting the events to reconfigure themselves as taking a more heroic role. Even the hysterical confrontation with his mother that followed his entry into the house could not ruin Archie’s mood, and he settled into bed with a smile upon his face. Miss Talbot, he felt sure, would have to sit up and listen now.
Netley Cottage, Thursday April 9th
Dearest Kitty,
We were most pleased to receive your last letter, though it arrived only yesterday – the postal service seems in no hurry to deliver correspondence to our county. You must regale us with a detailed account of each ball – as full as you can fit in one sheet – for we would so enjoy picturing both you and Cecily in such grand places, amongst such lofty persons.
We have been enjoying weeks of temperate weather, though just yesterday a strong wind rose, knocking loose a considerable number of roof tiles in the night. Should the good weather endure, we ought to be fine, though if we suffer a rainy spell it is likely to leak again – what would you advise I do? The funds you left are enough for our weekly expenses, but they will not cover the cost of repair, and I do not think we can manage both.
Jane and I encountered Mr Linfield in Biddington yesterday. He is married now and was odiously patronising. Still, this in no way excuses Jane’s behaviour – it was obvious to everyone she fully intended for the turnips to fall upon him. Needless to say, I scolded her thoroughly for the incivility – but I cannot deny it was pleasing to see Linfield covered in vegetables.