Knowing that he was plunging into murky seas, he said, “I do hope you’re feeling better.”

Ten minutes later, feeling that he had had a crash course in gastrointestinal disasters, he was able to steer the conversation in the direction he had planned.

“I’m so sorry you missed the sailing. Are you planning to join Lady Exner in the States?”

The teeth disappeared, lost behind a thin, grim line. “The plans have not been defined.”

Meaning, Livingston thought, that Lady Exner is not going to fly her over. He assumed a false heartiness. “I see. Well, you’ve had a narrow escape and perhaps a good rest will be better for you. Lady Exner will be back in a month’s time and I’m sure you two will have a jolly time planning Philip and Val’s wedding.” He raised one eyebrow. “You don’t seem very enthusiastic, Miss Atwater.” He leaned forward confidentially, the rocking chair almost collapsing on top of him. “Are you?”

If he had opened the gates of a dam, the results could not have been more satisfactory. Penelope Atwater virtually catapulted from her supine position on the fluffed-up pillows. “Enthusiastic? When the groom shows some enthusiasm, I’ll show some. Lady Exner and I were shocked when they made their announcement last week. As Lady Exner said, there are two things in this world Philip cares about. His teaching position and his flowers.”

“I understand he’s been seeing Val for ten years,” Livingston suggested mildly.

“That’s the point.” A conspiratorial whisper. “She always initiated their activities. Lady Exner and I think she’s the one who brought about this engagement.”

Livingston leaned forward, this time cautiously. “Are you suggesting . . . ?”

“A child? No, not that. But some kind of hold, yes.”

Chapter 54

PENELOPE ATWATER HAD given him plenty to think about, Livingston decided as he sat in the most comfortable club chair in the drawing room. Penelope had finally exhausted her pent-up reactions to the announcement of Val and Philip’s impending nuptials. Actually her reaction made extremely good sense. Livingston mused that Philip obviously had a certain attraction for women, particularly starry-eyed young students, if the rumors were accurate. From what Penelope had observed in the past four years, if Philip had made a decision that it was time to marry, Val’s aggressive personality would repel rather than intrigue him. As Penelope had said, “Val’s very good at making herself useful, if you know what I mean. But some people are born bachelors, and Philip is one of them.”

Livingston found himself realizing he might want to discuss that aspect further with Penelope. She had suddenly grown extemely tired and he had insisted on leaving her to her rest.

He thought longingly of his own bed and for a moment wondered if he should simply put off the questioning of Val Twyler until morning.