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obviously read the political news of
the day with some regularity. Of course, a woman of Miss Townsend's
station in life would not be faced with the normal distractions of
fashion and Town gossip. Robert responded politely to her questions
regarding the assassin's trial at the Old Bailey, which had been in
progress when he had left Town. She also asked his opinion of Lord
Liverpool and the implications of his possible appointment by the
Regent. Robert was further confounded by this intriguing woman to
recognize subtle Whig tendencies in her comments. The mystery of
Miss Townsend deepened.
    Robert was unable to probe this mystery any further
as Sir Percy Whittaker and Lord Hargreaves were announced. Both
gentlemen were longtime acquaintances of the dowager and loyal
members of her Bath coterie. Each made a beeline to her side to pay
his compliments. Lord Hargreaves was first on the spot, offering
the dowager a brief salute on each cheek. She spoke a few fond
words to the handsome silver-haired viscount before she turned to
greet her other guest.
    Sir Percy, a short, stocky gentleman with longish
gray hair and gold-rimmed spectacles, reached for the dowager's
outstretched hand, which he brought to his lips. "Frances, my
dear," he said, "it is, as always, a pleasure. You look quite smart
this evening." The dowager nodded in acknowledgment of his
compliment. Turning to Miss Townsend, he grasped that lady's hand
as well, also bringing it to his lips. "Emily, my girl. I look
forward to another delightful evening of your scintillating
conversation."
    Miss Townsend smiled at the older man, who, Robert
couldn't help but notice, held her hand a little longer than was
absolutely proper. He then turned to Robert, bowing crisply. "Lord
Bradleigh. What a pleasant surprise to find you in Bath once again.
It has been some time since we last met."
    More pleasantries were exchanged while sherry was
passed around. When dinner was announced, Robert offered his arm to
his grandmother, Lord Hargreaves escorted Mrs. Chenowith, and Sir
Percy escorted Emily. This left Major Chenowith unpartnered, and
although he seemed unconcerned, the dowager was obviously
uncomfortable, as she found uneven numbers extremely vulgar.
    Anatole's delicacies were enhanced by the lively
conversation and witty repartee of all diners, made easier by the
unusual round table. Dining in this intimate setting precluded
adherence to the standard dining room proprieties. It was almost
impossible to limit conversation to the person at one's side.
Indeed, there was much general conversation across table. Robert
noted that Miss Townsend, though soft-spoken and polite, was
actively included in most conversations. He particularly noted that
Sir Percy, whom he had known for years as one of his grandmother's
ubiquitous swains, appeared on this evening to have more interest
in Miss Townsend. The normally inscrutable baronet was positively
oozing warmth as he conversed with her. Had this aging roué developed a tendre for his grandmother's companion? Poor
Miss Townsend, he thought. He kept an eye open for hints that Miss
Townsend had also set her cap for the older man, but he saw nothing
more than friendly civility and restrained amusement.
    Sir Percy shot Robert a look at one point that made
it clear he was aware of Robert's scrutiny.
    After dinner the gentlemen immediately joined the
ladies in the drawing room, foregoing their usual port at the
insistence of the dowager. She deplored the standard practice of
postprandial segregation and refused to sanction it in her own
home. She felt that the ladies should not have to be deprived of
the gentlemen's company, just so the gentlemen might drink port,
smoke cigars, and tell bawdy stories. She saw no reason why they
could not share these activities with the ladies.
    Robert lagged behind a bit and waited to see how the
other six would arrange themselves about the room. He accepted a
glass of port from Barnes and casually roamed the room,