Regency Masquerade

Chapter Thirty Six

Richard went out to welcome the new arrivals and introduced them gracefully to Frances without making any reference to her past other than to say she had been living abroad and had only recently arrived in London. He wanted to see if anyone recognised her as Peter Francis, if not, he was tempted to let the deception pass unconfessed. Jack Lambert and Harry Belmont both gave her a second look, a slight frown on their faces. Sammy Fairfax however, immediately identified her as Diana from the Dalrymple's masked ball, and Carleton took the opportunity to tell them the shortened story of her relationship to Lady Murray and the disputed inheritance.

This caused Jack Lambert to study her even more closely as he recalled his encounter with 'Diana'. He stopped and stared at her in dismay as he remembered their conversation, good God, she had told him to his face that she was an adventuress, did Carleton know? He glanced sideways at him, but as he could see nothing in his face apart from an expression of polite interest, he schooled himself to patience, he could hardly quiz him in the middle of a dinner party.

His thoughts continued to race along, when he first saw Frances this evening he had imagined she looked familiar but Diana had been masked, he had not seen her face, it must be someone else that she resembled. It fretted him all through the first course, but it was Harry who inquired courteously, "Pardon me Lady Carleton, but do you have a young relative called Peter Francis? I have been wondering who you remind me of, the resemblance is quite striking."

Of course, thought Jack, Peter Francis was who she reminded him of, it was really quite a strong likeness, in fact ... he got a sudden cold feeling in the pit of his stomach and his eyes flew to Richard's. Richard held his gaze steadily, a slightly defiant look on his face. He folded his napkin deliberately and placed it on the table, then stood up and went to stand behind his wife, a hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "I think perhaps we had better tell our friends the truth, Frances. I was hoping we could finish dinner first but I think Jack has already guessed."

Frances glanced quickly up at Richard then looked directly at Jack Lambert, "You have guessed correctly, Mr Lambert," she said. "When I arrived in London and was searching for my identity I was masquerading for a while as Peter Francis." There were shocked looks on every face except for Theo and Fanny who looked at Richard in distress.

Frances continued matter-of-factly, "I was quite safe believe me, much safer than I would have been as a young woman alone in London, accompanied only by a manservant. I put up at the Pelican inn with John Hopgood to keep watch over me, and then I accidently ran into Richard while he was being attacked by footpads and, well, the rest you have heard and here we are today!" She smiled brightly at everyone.

Jack Lambert looked as if he was biting his tongue to keep from exploding and Carleton spoke rapidly before anyone else, "I can assure you all, that although Frances has behaved unconventionally, she has done nothing to be ashamed of. I remind you that she is my wife, please consider that before saying anything we will all regret."

He paused and looked around at them all. "We would very much like you to remain our friends, but if you feel I am asking too much, then you must do as you see fit." There was an uncomfortable silence, Jack and Harry were both staring at Frances, finding their eyes drawn involuntarily to her breasts and figure as they struggled to come to terms with the fact that Frances and Peter were the same person. The others looked awkwardly from one to another.

Then, "I can't believe it!" blurted Harry, "Outshot by a girl!" The naive protest caused a burst of laughter from Jack and Richard and broke the tension between them.

"Come on, Richard, tell us the rest of the story," demanded Jack, "You can't leave it at that! How did you find out?" Carleton could not help himself, he blushed.

Frances leapt in with a smile to fill the silence as Jack stared at him, "I told Richard myself, I felt too guilty for deceiving him. Let me tell you a little more about what happened when I went to stay with my grandmother."

She kept them distracted for the next few minutes with the story of her imprisonment and rescue by Carleton, and then absorbed their full attention with her account of their runaway marriage by special licence, once again sending up a silent prayer of gratitude for Mrs Pearson's company on the journey which made it sound romantic rather than scandalous.

Jack sat back gratefully, he had not meant to embarrass Richard and he really did not want to know if Richard had made a pass at Peter. He thought he was the only one there with enough worldly knowledge to suspect that might have occurred. Hastily he poured himself another glass of wine.

The servants brought in the next course and everyone resumed eating, almost without realising that the moment to walk out had passed.

Later that night as they slid into bed, Frances told him contentedly, "Perhaps I will never receive a voucher for Almack's, but I think we have a wonderful group of friends who will stand by us. I am looking forward to arranging some house parties when we return to Chatswood, perhaps Harry and I can have another shooting match!"

"Yes indeed," agreed Richard distractedly.

"But?" queried Frances.

"Nothing important," he denied, unconvincingly.

"Richard, please tell me what is worrying you," she turned her head to look him in the eyes.

"It's only ... I think Jack thinks I ..." he trailed off and dropped his eyes, how could he explain that to his wife?

Frances reached out and held his face firmly between her hands, "You are right, it is not important. I know you love me whether I am Frances ... or Peter!" Carleton flinched. "Peter is still me, just me in different clothes, that is all. You don't need to worry what Jack thinks, or anyone else for that matter!"

She pulled him over so that his long, hard body was on top of her and kissed his mouth. "I love you so much, make love to me, Richard." In less than a second, all thoughts of anyone else except Frances had left his head.