His eyebrows had risen higher through this tirade, and once she had finished, he shut his snuffbox with a decisive snap.
‘By George, you are right,’ he said, with a maniacal gleam to his eye. ‘Most remiss of me – going forward, I shall dedicate myself to your cause, Miss Talbot.’
‘You will?’ she asked, a little wary at this change of heart.
‘Oh, I shall be your most loyal servant,’ he assured her.
Kitty had been right to be wary, as it quickly became apparent that Radcliffe’s offer was motivated by an extremely evil spirit of mischief. For the rest of the evening, he affixed himself to her side like an irritating shadow, whispering ‘helpful’ commentary in her ear regarding every gentleman she spoke to or looked at.
‘Now to your left you will see Mr Thornbury,’ he was now saying, sotto voce. ‘Four thousand pounds a year, not bad at all, but quite mad, you know. Runs in the family – he’d shoot you within the week, thinking you were a fox or somesuch. That gentleman, on the other hand – not mad at all, so a point in his favour. But quite riddled with pox, I hear. How does that weigh with you?’
She tried to ignore him, but it was like having a particularly loud and irksome fly buzzing around her, sufficiently distracting that she could not help tuning in despite her best efforts. When strapped for inspiration on damning tidbits about a passing young man, he would just whisper ‘rich’ or ‘poor’ into her ear.
‘Would you stop that!’ she hissed, after it became apparent that her policy of ignoring him was not working.
‘I am merely trying to be of use to you, my dear Miss Talbot,’ he replied, all faux-contrition, ‘I am endeavouring to be charitable, and I do not think that involves allowing you to speak to a loose fish without fair warning.’
‘Someone will hear you,’ she whispered threateningly.
‘Well then, I hope they may also take the warning,’ he said, generously.
She cast about for a saviour and grinned widely at an approaching gentleman – who unfortunately appeared to find the expression alarming rather than inviting and swerved away. After she had seen this same action repeated several times, she realised with horror that, ‘People think we’re courting, now! For goodness’ sake.’
Luckily this seemed to shock Radcliffe out of his amusement, and she used the distraction to throw herself into the crowd. Really, was it not enough for him to have ruined her efforts once – was he to be a constant curse upon her? Kitty found herself next to the refreshments table and stood for a moment, pretending to admire the feast but in truth spying for a new dance partner. She spotted Lord Arden oiling his way across the floor towards her, and turned quickly around. She caught the eye of a glamorous dowager – her ample bosom heaving with jewels – and as the lady was smiling at her in obvious invitation, Kitty was forced to approach, though reluctantly.
Kitty had developed a respectful distrust of these sorts of ladies during her time in London. As far as she could tell, the negotiations around the construction – or destruction – of potential marital alliances were performed entirely by these highly motivated women on behalf of their charges. The work might be subtler than a siege – introductions arranged, conversations manipulated, and adversaries degenerated all with a light hand – but it was as cut-throat and as planned as any military campaign.
‘Ma’am,’ she said politely as she rose from her curtsey, not yet knowing how to address her.
‘Miss Talbot, isn’t it?’ she said, warmly. ‘Lady Kingsbury, how do you do? Quick, let us pretend we are having the most serious tête-à-tête, or else Lord Arden will be over here asking for a dance.’
Her eyes were bright with confidential mischief and Kitty warmed to her instantly.
‘Tell me,’ Lady Kingsbury leant in with exaggerated intimacy. Out of the corner of her eye, Kitty saw Lord Arden turn around. ‘Are you indeed about to make quite the finest catch of the Season?’ She inclined her head to where Radcliffe was speaking to his mother.
It was so very cleverly done – so inviting, with such an air of friendly gossip – that Kitty was quite breathless with admiration. Were Kitty an ounce less discerning, or at all interested in Radcliffe besides, she might easily give in to the temptation to discuss the matter with the lady.
‘I’m sure I do not know what you mean, my lady,’ she said. ‘If you are speaking of Lord Radcliffe, I only know him through my acquaintance with the family.’