The Genuine Article by Patricia Rice Page B

Lady Marian from the safety of her home if she felt they would be properly chaperoned. His two-seated carriage wouldn't hold her lady's maid or sister, unless they wished to sit in the groom's seat. He hummed thoughtfully as he fastened his coat buttons.
    "I suppose I would have to wear one of those devilish box coats in forest green or a color equally dismal," the valet continued gloomily. "That would be cheaper than turning me out in a monkey suit of red and gold. I might even have something suitable in my own wardrobe if you will trust my discretion. I could be ready when the carriage is brought around."
    "Your presumptuousness is scarcely outweighed by your arrogance, you young nodcock. Have I said I need a groom?"
    "You did not say that you did not," O'Toole replied reasonably. "And if I go out with you of an evening, you will know that I am not flirting with the maid."
    "Or stealing from the wine cellar. Jasper keeps an inventory, you know. I think you owe me a few evenings' service to pay for that bottle of burgundy that has disappeared."
    O'Toole did not look overly concerned with the accusation as he put away the gentleman's shaving gear. "I can offer my services on trial, as it were, for a few nights, until you see how well it will work out."
    A thief, a groom, and a valet, all in one, Reginald thought to himself as he picked up his hat and stick. He was certainly getting his money's worth. "Then go find your bottle-green coat or whatever, and let us be on our way." He would regret this, he had a feeling, but he would never know for certain until he tried.
    Actually, the idea of using O'Toole as his groom was an excellent one, if the man could be relied on. Reginald did not keep a stable in London. He stored his horses and carriage in a rental stall.
    He had to hire someone to look after his expensive mounts whenever he attended an entertainment not within walking distance. It was a pestilent nuisance, but he hadn't the funds to maintain a town house like his father's with a mews in back. Having someone within the household to handle the chore of ordering the carriage brought around and keeping the horses in hand would be convenient. He should have thought of it sooner.
    He didn't go so far as to allow the wretch to drive. Reginald took up the reins himself as his valet adopted a suitably correct position in the back. The lad could emulate a duke if he tried, with his posturing and posing. Perhaps he could introduce O'Toole to Lady Marian as a wealthy substitute to Darley. He wasn't making much headway with the lady on his own.
    He wheeled up in front of the Earl of Tunningham's town house and sent O'Toole up to announce his arrival. Darley would appreciate the jest when he saw the messenger.
    When the viscount came down to join him, he scarcely seemed aware of O'Toole's presence. He had been gone several days at his father's request on some estate matter, but it looked like the weight of the world had found him while he was gone. Reginald gave his friend a concerned look as he picked up the reins.
    "You look like the blue dismals have wrapped around you, old boy. Anything I can do?"
    Darley slouched in the seat to prevent wrinkling his trousers. "You've already been more than helpful, I hear. I understand you've been escorting Lady Marian in my absence?"
    Reginald raised his eyebrows but kept his attention on his horses. "At your request, you'll remember. She's something of a handful. Did you know yesterday she wished to see Elgin's marbles, but because we had exchanged words the day before, she refused to get in the carriage with me? I had to leave the carriage and follow her and her sister through the streets to make certain they didn't get into any trouble."
    "That doesn't sound like Marian." Darley crossed his arms over his chest. "If you don't like her, why did you drive her to the park and take her to Gunter's and escort her to Hatchards?"
    Reginald scowled. "Because a certain friend of mine asked that I look