Read Online The Riddle of the Lost Lover by Patricia Veryan - Free Book Online

side—”
    Consuela turned and smiled at her. “My British side loves this funny old island, dearest. As it loved my adored and so very talented English Papa. And you know perfectly well that I mean to wed an English gentleman, so—”
    â€œAn English gentleman who does not even know his real name,” snorted Lady Francesca. “No, do not send me dagger glances, miss! I know you are fond of Captain Jack Vespa, but—”
    â€œMuch more than fond, Grandmama! He is the bravest, kindest, most truly honourable gentleman I—”
    â€œYou will not interrupt, if you please,” interrupted my lady, rattling the newspaper at her granddaughter. “For him to try and his interest fix with you, this it is not proper.”
    For some days Consuela had sensed that her diminutive grandmother was pondering something, and guessing what that something was, she knew this would be a serious talk. She left the window-seat, therefore, and came with her light dancing step to sink onto the footstool before Lady Francesca’s chair, the pale pink velvet gown rippling about her. “He did not exactly declare himself, you know,” she pointed out meekly. “It was more of a ‘testing the waters,’ Toby said. A ‘supposing this,’ or a ‘supposing that,’ and if such and such chanced, might I then consider him.” She smiled tenderly. “Poor boy. He was very careful not to make me feel that we had plighted our troth, so that I could be free if other gentlemen offered.”
    â€œ If other gentlemen offer? Of course they will offer! At the ball last night the beaux were fluttering around, and you have already today receiving two charming bouquets, is it not? Nor dismiss from your mind that very handsome young colonel.”
    â€œColonel Adair is back in France with Lord Wellington. I doubt we shall see him again until the war is ended.” Despite this assertion, Consuela knew she must be careful; she was sure her Grandmother really liked Jack, but if she set her mind against him, it would be disastrous. She said airily, “Besides, you may be à l’aise, dear Nonna. Romance, so they say, is capricious, and a lady seldom marries her first love.”
    Lady Francesca shook one finger under her granddaughter’s small nose and said perversely, “This it is the talk of a flirt, signorina, and ladies who flirt have the reputations and sometimes end with nothing more!”
    â€œWhat about gentlemen who flirt? John Vespa loved another lady once—”
    â€œ Si. Long ago. But you know very well he has eyes now only for you. And it is unkind in extremity to tease the young man.”
    Consuela asked demurely, “Then you think I should accept if he really makes me an offer?”
    â€œNo! And—no! A most strong no! You will accept him only in despite of my strict disapproval, child.”
    Startled by such vehemence, Consuela searched the old lady’s face and found there a stern resolve. She said in dismay, “But—but, you are most fond of Jack!”
    â€œ Si. This it is truth.”
    â€œAnd when Sir Kendrick shot him you helped nurse him and grieved for his sake, and now we are helping him seek out his real father. Although,” she added, forgetting her earlier caution, “I care not a jot whether his father turns out to be a well-born gentleman, or—”
    â€œOr—what, Miss Rattlepate? A highwayman? A footpad? A murderer? Do you care not the jot if your children have inherit the consumptive habit? Or madness? Or the disease that brings sightlessness? What is in the blood will out!”
    Consuela was silent. Then she muttered, “As if Lady Faith would have chosen such a one for her lover.”
    â€œHa! Look who she chose for her husband! A pretty monster!”
    â€œTrue. But her parents chose him, not she. Besides, can one really tell? Sir Kendrick Vespa was to all outward appearances a