Page:The Great Roxhythe - Georgette Heyer.pdf/16

"You confound me with your woulds and coulds, sir! I know not the answer to your riddle, yet if I command your company …?"

"Then on two sides my company is demanded, and on the both by Royalty."

"How?" she dimpled.

"Why, Fairest, if His Majesty is King of England, you are the Queen of Beauty, and I know not whose claim be the stronger."

As Mrs. Chester was no more than ordinarily good looking, this fulsome compliment pleased her very much.

"And so what would you do?"

"I would compromise, sweet."

"Compromise! I do not think I like the word. But how?"

Roxhythe picked up his hat and gloves and bowed.

"I would take you with me to His Majesty so you might both have my company."

Her laughter followed him across the gallery as he walked in the wake of the page to the King's private closet.

Charles sat at his desk, his chin in his hand, but at Roxhythe's entry he rose and came forward, hands outstretched.

Roxhythe took them in his, carrying them to his lips.

"Ye are recovered from your indisposition, Davy?" asked the King affectionately. "Do you know that 'tis five days since I have seen you?"

"Do I not, Sir!" smiled Roxhythe.

"And even now I have to send for you because you do not come! What ill usage is this, David?"

"None, Sir," was the prompt reply. "I have been a suppliant at your door, and turned away because that Your Majesty was greatly occupied with State affairs."

"They had no orders to turn you away, David! Odds-life, but one would think the business of more account than you!"

"One might," conceded Roxhythe, and laughed. "They would have announced me, but hearing Your Majesty's occupation, I forbad them."