"Walter Jon Williams - Wall, Stone, Craft" - читать интересную книгу автора (Williams Walter John)

George turned his searching gaze on Claire. УIТm the only Newstead I know.Ф

Mary felt a chill of alarm, for a moment seeing Claire as George doubtless saw her: black-haired, black-eyed, fatally indiscreet, and all of sixteen.

Sometimes the yearТs difference in age between Mary and Claire seemed a century.

УLord Newstead!Ф Claire babbled. УI recognize you now! How exciting to meet you!Ф

Mary resigned herself to fate. УMy lord,Ф she said, Уmay I present my sister, Miss JaneЧClaire, rather, Claire Clairmont, and Mr. Shelley.Ф

УOverwhelmed and charmed, Miss Clairmont. Mr. Perseus Omnibus Kselleius, ti kanete?Ф

Bysshe blinked for a second or two, then grinned. УThanmasia euxaristo,Ф returning politeness, Уkai eseis?Ф

For a moment Mary gloried in Bysshe, in his big frame in his shabby clothes, his fair, disordered hair, his freckles, his large handsЧand his absolute disinclination to be impressed by one of the most famous men on Earth.

George searched his mind for a moment. УPolu kala, euxaristo. Tha ethela naЧФ He groped for words, then gave a laugh. УHang the Greek!Ф he said. УItТs been far too many years since Trinity. May I present my friend Somerset?Ф

Somerset gave the atheist a cold Christian eye. УHow dТye do?Ф

George finished his introductions. There was the snapping of coach whips outside, and the sound of more stamping horses. The dogs began barking again. At least two more coaches had arrived. George led the party into the dining room. Mary found herself sitting next to George, with Claire and Bysshe across the table.

УDamme, I quite forgot to register,Ф Somerset said, rising from his bench. УWhat bed will you settle for, George?Ф

УNothing less than BonaparteТs.Ф

Somerset sighed. УI thought not,Ф he said.

УDid Bonaparte sleep here in Le Caillou?Ф Claire asked.

УThe night before Waterloo.Ф

УHow exciting! Is Waterloo nearby?Ф She looked at Bysshe. УHad we known, we could have asked for his room.Ф

УWhich we then would have had to surrender to my lord Newstead,Ф Bysshe said tolerantly. УHe has greater claim, after all, than we.Ф

George gave Mary his intent look again. His voice was pitched low. УI would not deprive two lovely ladies of their bed for all the Bonapartes in Europe.Ф

But rather join us in it, Mary thought. That look was clear enough.

The rest of GeorgeТs partyЧservants, aides-de-camp, clerks, one black man in full Mameluke fig, turned-up slippers, ostrich plumes, scarlet turban and allЧ carried GeorgeТs equipage from his carriages. In addition to an endless series of trunks and a large miscellany of weaponry there were more animals. Not only the promised apeЧactually a large monkey, which seated itself on GeorgeТs shoulderЧbut brightly-colored parrots in cages, a pair of greyhounds, some hooded hunting hawks, songbirds, two forlorn-looking kit foxes in cages, which set all the dogs howling and jumping in eagerness to get at them, and a half-grown panther in a jewelled collar, which the dogs knew better than to bark at. The innkeeper was loud in his complaint as he attempted to sort them all out and stay outside of the range of beaks, claws, and fangs.

Bysshe watched with bright eyes, enjoying the spectacle. GeorgeТs friends looked as if they were weary of it.

УI hope we will sleep tonight,Ф Mary said.

УIf you sleep not,Ф said George, playing with the monkey, Уwe shall contrive to keep you entertained.Ф

How gracious to include your friends in the orgy, Mary thought. But once again kept silent.