A Masked Deception

Lord Romley one evening showed interest in the old Norman church at Brampton town, four miles away.

"Yes, it is in very good repair," the earl replied to a question directed at him, "and almost entirely original. It is still used as our parish church."

"The new vicar is very knowledgeable about it," Margaret added. "He knows every tomb and the history of everyone buried there."

"We will be going there to church next Sunday," Brampton added, "but in the meanwhile, we could arrange an excursion there if anyone is interested."

"Splendid!" said Faith. "Do you not agree, Ke

It seemed that everyone agreed. The excursion was set for the following afternoon, weather permitting. Meanwhile, the evening's conversation became brisk with plans for conveying sixteen people-Devin Northcott said he would ride over to the house after luncheon and make one of the party. It was decided that the closed traveling carriage and the open landau would together convey twelve people. Devin offered to take one other person up with him in his curricle. Two of the men would ride.

The following afternoon proved perfect for an outing. The sun shone from a cloudless sky; there was no wind to threaten hats or bo

Lady Romley and the dowager Countess of Brampton were helped into the closed carriage. The dowager declared that although the day was hot and still now, a treacherous breeze would be caused by the movement of the carriages and might bring chills with it. Better to be safe inside a closed conveyance, she said. They were joined by Lucy and Sir Henry, Faith and Ke

A

"I shall leave the landau for Lady Brampton," Susa

What could he do? He gave the expected gallant reply, grasped her plump waist, and hoisted her into the high seat beside his. He threw a helpless glance in Charlotte's direction.

Lord Romley and Rodney Langford meanwhile appeared on horseback, ready to accompany the carriages.

Devin Northcott was quick to size up the remaining possibilities. He did not wish to place Miss Wells in an embarrassing situation.

"Lady Brampton," he said smiling and extending a hand to her, "d'ye trust my driving well enough to accompany me? Am considered an adequate whip. Ask Bram there."

Margaret smiled and took his hand. "I do not need to ask, sir," she assured him. "I know I can trust such a good friend of my husband's." She allowed him to lift her carefully to her seat.

It ca

The vicar did indeed prove knowledgeable about the old church. He was delighted with his large and distinguished audience. He discoursed eloquently on the history and architecture of the building as he led the party down the nave toward the altar.

It soon became apparent, though, that the desire for an outing more than an eagerness for a history lesson had prompted most of the party to come. By the time the vicar reached the altar, more than half an hour after he had begun his guided tour, only Lord Romley, Margaret, Devin, Susa

"If we stay here, Mr. Langford," she pouted prettily, "we shall be caught again by the vicar and forced to listen to the history of every horrid tombstone."

He gri

Charles and Charlotte, meanwhile, were already in the village, sitting on a rustic bench outside the alehouse. They were arguing.

"I ca

"Charlotte, my love, have mercy on a man's tender constitution," Charles pleaded. "Boredom is a terrible-enough disease; it could be fatal. I might forget to continue living. But much worse is the very real danger of contracting pneumonia."

"You had better explain yourself," Charlotte said tartly. "You ca

"By Jove, you are as cross as a bear today, are you not, my love?" Charles commented. "I merely meant that such a draft is caused by the fluttering of Miss Kemp's eyelashes that I am in mortal danger of catching a chill."

"Hmm," said Charlotte.

Charles leaned forward and looked into her face. "Out with it, Charlotte, my love," he said.

"Out with what?"

"With whatever it is that is bothering you."

"Whatever do you mean?" she said irritably. "There is nothing bothering me."

"I know you better than to believe that," he said. He thought for a while, still staring into her face. "Is this house party not to your liking?" he asked. "Is there someone missing that you would wish to be here?"

"No, of course not!"

"Hmm. Then, is there someone here that is not paying you the attention that you would wish?"

"Charles, stop this, this instant. I should like some lemonade, please."

"All in good time, my love. Who could it be? Ted Kemp? No, too milk and water for you. Rodney Langford? No, you would never be sure the right twin was making love to you. Devin Northcott? No, he is too old and set in his ways."

"He is not old," snapped Charlotte. "You told me yourself that he is but thirty."

"Aha! My love, I hope you never take to lying," he said smugly. "You would never convince anybody."

"Whatever do you mean?" she said.

"So the independent little Miss Wells is in love with a confirmed, old bachelor, is she?"

Charlotte opened her mouth to protest the description of Devin, then shut it again. "But I am just making a cake of myself," she said, the bad temper gone from her voice. "He does not know I exist."

"I would not say that," Charles mused. "He seemed very aware of your existence that day he rescued you from certain death in the park."

"Don't tease, Charles. This is no joke to me."

"Poor Charlotte," he commented, an affectionate smile in his eyes. "What can we do?"

"I don't know," she replied seriously. "We need a plan."

"Well, while you are devising one, smile and look cheerful," he advised. "Here comes the gentleman with your sister, and you do not wish him to know that you are languishing for him, do you?"

Charlotte smiled.

The vicar had finally exhausted all the information he knew about the interior of the church. He suggested that he take his party of three into the graveyard to show them some of the older and more interesting tombstones.

Margaret lagged behind as they emerged from the cold darkness of the stone building into the bright heat out of doors.

"Take m' arm, Lady Bram?" Devin offered, turning back to her and perceiving her fatigue.