Читаем A Dangerous Fortune (1994) полностью

Augusta could not resist an acid retort. "I am sure of it. She is not fastidious." She turned away. No doubt it was too much to hope for that Nora would cause some kind of incident with the count--

She was suddenly inspired.

The count was the critical factor. If she put him together with Nora the combination could be explosive.

Her mind was racing. Tonight was a perfect opportunity. She had to do it now.

Feeling a little breathless with excitement, Augusta looked around, spotted Micky, and went over to him. "There's something I want you to do for me, now, quickly," she said.

Micky gave her a knowing look. "Anything," he murmured.

She ignored the innuendo. "Do you know Count de Tokoly?"

"Indeed. All we diplomats know one another."

"Tell him that Nora is no better than she ought to be."

Micky's mouth curled in a half-smile. "Just that?"

"You may elaborate if you wish."

"Should I hint that I know this from, let us say, personal experience?"

This conversation was transgressing the boundaries of propriety, but Micky's idea was a good one and she nodded. "Even better."

"You know what he will do?" Micky said.

"I trust he will make an indecent suggestion to her."

"If that's what you want...."

"Yes."

Micky nodded. "I am your slave, in this as in all things."

Augusta waved the compliment aside impatiently: she was too tense to listen to facetious gallantry. She looked for Nora and saw her staring around in wonderment at the lavish decor and the extravagant costumes: the girl had never seen anything like this in her life. She was quite off guard. Without further reflection Augusta made her way through the crowd to Nora's side.

She spoke into her ear. "A word of advice."

"Much obliged for it, I'm sure," Nora said.

Hugh had presumably given Nora a malevolent account of Augusta's character, but to the girl's credit she showed no sign of hostility. She appeared not to have made up her mind about Augusta, and was neither warm nor cold to her.

Augusta said: "I noticed you talking to Count de Tokoly."

"A dirty old man," Nora said immediately.

Augusta winced at her vulgarity but pressed on. "Be careful of him, if you value your reputation."

"Be careful?" Nora said. "What do you mean, exactly?"

"Be polite, of course--but whatever happens, don't let him take any liberties. The least encouragement is enough for him and if he is not set straight immediately he can be very embarrassing."

Nora nodded understanding. "Don't worry, I know how to deal with his type."