The Reluctant Heiress

by Dilly Court

  Martha breathed a sigh and smiled with tears in her eyes. ‘Thank you, Miss Kate. That’s put my mind at rest. Arthur and I are too old to start afresh with a new family. It would be my pleasure to serve you and Sir Harry if you …’ Martha covered her mouth with her hand. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to presume.’

  Kate laughed. ‘You’re the second person today who has suggested that Harry and I might make a match. Don’t worry, Martha. If we do decide to marry, you will be among the first to know.’

  ‘I have known him since he was born, miss. I couldn’t want for a better outcome.’ Martha blew her nose loudly on a hanky she took from her pocket. ‘Will you be staying for the night? I’ll have your room made ready if you are.’

  ‘I think my business here is done. I’ll get Goodfellow to drive me back to London as soon as I’ve had a bowl of the delicious-smelling stew you have bubbling away on the hob. I’ve missed your cooking, Martha.’

  ‘Of course, miss. I’ll send Tilly to light a fire in the dining room.’

  ‘Don’t trouble her. I’m quite happy to sit here at the kitchen table. Tilly can take a message to the stables so that Goodfellow is ready when I want to leave.’

  Kate was so busy that she did not have time to worry about the success or failure of their plans for the capture of Monks. To her its success was a foregone conclusion and the first thing she did when she returned to Finsbury Square was to order invitations to be printed as a matter of urgency. Giles saw to it that the event was mentioned on the front page of The Times, leaving nothing to chance. It might not be an obvious choice of reading matter for someone like Monks, but as Giles explained, it was where society functions were announced. Monks would follow the money, it was as simple as that.

  Ted, Joe and Augustus rode up to London and Perry accompanied them to Moses Moss’s shop in Covent Garden where he purchased suitable outfits for them, at Kate’s expense, although Perry had been instructed not to tell them who was paying. Kate knew it would hurt their male pride to be beholden to a woman, and Perry reported back to her that all three had been quite happy to believe that Giles had footed the bill. Kate herself took Ivy to Peter Robinson’s store in Oxford Street, where she was also fitted for a new gown.

  Caterers were booked, and at Arabella’s request a special order was given to Gunter’s for their delicious fancies and ice cream to be served in the supper room. Harry kept away from Finsbury Square and Kate had to be content in knowing that soon all these cat-and-mouse games would be over. Her dearest wish was to lead an ordinary life without fear of being abducted or even murdered by Monks.

  Arabella seemed to have forgotten the main reason for the ball and had convinced herself that it was a genuine introduction to the society that she longed to embrace. Lady Lyndon had been let into the secret and she was eager to get the whole thing over and done with, while Annie was quietly supportive. Kate worked hard to make sure that everything went to plan, leaving Perry to liaise with the police. There was nothing more she could do now but hope that Monks would be unable to resist the temptation of easy pickings.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Everything was ready. Kate was dressed in a ball gown of ivory satin over a wide crinoline. The low-cut décolletage was framed by a waterfall of Honiton lace and the sleeves were trimmed with glistening glass bugle beads that caught the light every time she moved. Ivy had put Kate’s hair up in a coronet of curls interspersed with loops of pearls, but despite the grandeur of her gown, Kate’s mind was not on her own appearance. Her one thought was for the ball to be a success in bringing about the capture and arrest of Monks and his gang. She had only met him twice, but she knew she would recognise him the moment she set eyes on him. She was excited but she was also apprehensive. So many things could go wrong, but at least the house in Berkeley Square was a wonderful setting for such an occasion. She had been there since early morning, supervising everything down to the smallest detail in order that her mother could enjoy being hostess without the worry it entailed. The drama that was to unfold would make Arabella’s debut in society memorable, even if for the wrong reasons.

  Kate walked the length of the ballroom with its highly polished wooden floor surrounded by tables set with pristine white damask cloths, gleaming silverware and cut-crystal glasses that winked and shone in the light from sparkling chandeliers. Everything was perfect, from the exquisite floral arrangements that filled the air with their exotic perfume to the musicians from the newly arrived orchestra, who were just tuning their instruments. Kate made her way to the supper room and was dazzled by the array of delicious dishes set out on long tables. The aroma was so tempting that at any other time it would have made her mouth water, but tonight she had no appetite. It felt as if her whole life was dangling on a thread as fine as the silk from a spider’s web. She turned with a start at the sound of a familiar voice calling her name.

  ‘Kate.’

  ‘Harry! What are you doing?’ Kate glanced round to see if any of the servants were looking, but fortunately they were being harried by Giles’s butler as they added the final touches to the banquet. ‘You mustn’t be seen.’

  He was at her side in two steps and he held her at arm’s length. ‘You are so beautiful, Kate. You always look lovely to me, even when you’re dressed as a poor serving maid, but tonight you are truly breath-taking.’

  ‘Thank you, but please keep out of sight. The guests will start arriving at any moment.’

  ‘I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get Monks for a long time. We’re ready for him.’

  ‘Someone’s coming, Harry. You have to leave now.’

  He leaned over and kissed her briefly on the lips. ‘I’m going, but you have Ted, Joe and Spears on hand to keep you safe. We don’t know when Monks will put in an appearance, but it’s my guess that he’ll wait until the guests have drunk too much champagne to be aware of what is happening. Don’t take any risks.’

  ‘That goes for you, too. Now please, leave me to handle this my way. Go.’ His comic expression made her laugh, but she pushed him away and turned her back on him. She could hear her mother and Giles in the ballroom and she went to join them.

  Even though she had seen her mother’s gown during the fitting sessions, this was the first time Kate had seen her mother wearing the exquisite creation in magenta silk trimmed with black lace. A necklace of rubies and diamonds shone like fire around Arabella’s slender neck, with matching earrings and flower-like diamond pins in her fair hair.

  ‘Mama, you look amazing,’ Kate said earnestly. ‘But I don’t recognise your jewels.’

  Giles slipped his arm around Arabella’s waist. ‘A wedding present from me, Kate.’

  ‘But you’re not …’ Kate looked from one to the other and realised that they were smiling blissfully. ‘You’re married already. When? How? I don’t understand.’

  Arabella broke away from her new husband and slipped her arm around Kate’s shoulders in an unusual gesture of motherly affection. ‘My dear, neither of us have to ask anyone’s permission, but I am still supposed to be in mourning, so we thought it best to get a special licence and marry quietly.’

  ‘I don’t know what to say, but I suppose congratulations are in order,’ Kate said dazedly. ‘But this ball was supposed to celebrate your engagement. What will you tell your guests?’

  Arabella moved to Giles’s side and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. ‘I realise that it’s rather unusual, but as long as everyone enjoys themselves I don’t think it matters. I just hope that things don’t get out of hand.’

  ‘That won’t happen, Arabella,’ Giles said firmly. ‘The police are here now, as is the chief inspector, who is an old friend. Everything is in place and all we have to do is to welcome our guests as they arrive, but Kate, if things get too hectic I want you to promise me you’ll see your mama to safety before anything else.’

  ‘Of course I will.’ Kate turned towards the stairs where Giles’s butler cleared his throat loudly before announci
ng the first arrivals.

  Kate stood in line with her mother and her new stepfather to receive the guests, most of whom were unfamiliar to her, but she managed to smile and nod as if she did this every day of her life. Her hand was aching and her face felt as though it was set in a rictus grin when the last couple had been warmly welcomed, and she could only admire her mother for acting as though she were accustomed to entertaining on a grand scale. Even so, and although she had sent out the invitations herself, Kate was amazed to see so many people, and so much obvious wealth. If Monks missed this chance he would be either stupid or extremely clever. Kate tried to enjoy the evening but all the time she was waiting for something dire to happen.

  Ivy was stationed in the small parlour adjoining the ballroom where the ladies’ capes and wraps were laid out, and Joe was in the next room attending to the gentlemen’s coats, hats and gloves. Ted and Augustus, looking very smart in their evening dress, stood to attention on either side of the door, apparently to prevent gate crashers, but Kate could tell by their rigid stance that they were prepared for trouble.

  The orchestra struck up a grand march and couples paraded solemnly round the floor, the women’s jewels gleaming in the candlelight. The air was heavy with expensive perfume and pomade, and a hint of Havana cigar smoke wafted in from the terrace. Couples whirled around to the strain of waltzes and the more formal cotillion and quadrille. Kate was claimed by several good-looking, well-bred gentleman, whose names she had already forgotten. She danced and responded half-heartedly to their attempts at conversation but she was on edge all the time, waiting for something to happen. Champagne was flowing and as the evening progressed the guests wandered into the supper room to sample the sumptuous banquet spread out before them.

  Kate had worried at the start that Monks would appear too early and ruin everything, but now when it was getting late, she was beginning to fear that he might not turn up at all. When one of the gentlemen, with whom she had danced twice, asked her to accompany him to the supper room, Kate could hardly refuse without looking petulant, but nerves were causing her stomach to churn uncomfortably. She allowed him to pile delicacies onto her plate, even though she knew she would not be able to eat a morsel, but when he led her to a small table at the side of the room she accepted his offer to fetch her a glass of champagne.

  She sat down, gazing despondently at the food, which at one time she would have eaten and thoroughly enjoyed, when suddenly she was aware of someone standing very close to her. She looked up, thinking it was her dance partner, when her heart gave an uncomfortable leap in her chest. The well-dressed gentleman who was looking down at her sported an ugly scar on his right cheek, which even the neat beard, moustache and sideboards could not quite disguise.

  ‘Don’t make a sound, Miss Martin,’ Monks said with a wolfish grin. ‘You’ll do as I say or it will be the worse for your dearest mama. Look how happy she is.’ He jerked his head in the direction of Arabella, who was chatting to a woman whose diamonds flashed and winked in the candlelight. ‘One wrong word from you and your mama goes to heaven, or the other place.’ He shot a sideways glance at a man standing close to Arabella. ‘He’s one of my men. We’re all here and we are armed in case you’re thinking of summoning help.’

  ‘What do you want?’ Kate demanded in a low voice.

  ‘Come with me. Act normally as if you and I were about to join in the country dance.’

  ‘What if I say no?’

  ‘Then I signal to my men and they will shoot the first person who challenges them.’

  Kate rose to her feet. She could see her dance partner approaching with a glass of champagne in each hand, but she walked straight past him with Monks so close behind her that she could feel his breath hot against her neck.

  ‘Miss Martin, I …’ The young man took one look at Monks and stepped aside.

  Kate stared straight ahead. She could see her mother and Giles on the dance floor and she managed to catch Perry’s eye, but she did not dare to call out. Then suddenly, without warning, Monks drew her into the midst of the dancers and he pulled a pistol from beneath his frock coat, brandishing it in the air and barking an order for everyone to stop where they were.

  Kate tried to break away from him but his grasp on her tightened painfully. ‘Stand very still,’ he said in a loud, clear voice. ‘No one will get hurt if you do exactly as I say.’

  A cry of fear rippled around the room and some of the gentlemen made as if to rush at Monks, but his men emerged from the crowd, forcing them back.

  ‘As you see,’ Monks continued calmly, ‘we are armed and not afraid to use our weapons. I want all the ladies to stand in the middle of the room – gentlemen move away.’

  There were muttered protests but Monks’ men formed an armed circle around the centre of the dance floor, and the women huddled together, some of them sobbing while others faced their aggressors with silent fury.

  ‘Ladies, take off your jewels and drop them in my colleague’s hat. I want everything so don’t try to conceal your valuables or we might be forced to search you.’

  One of Monks’ men walked round slowly, holding out a top hat into which the terrified women dropped their priceless pieces of jewellery.

  ‘And the gentlemen, take off your stick pins and gold pocket watches, but make one sudden move and you will face the consequences.’

  Kate caught sight of Harry at the far end of the ballroom and she could see Ted and Augustus standing either side of the main doors with Joe close by.

  ‘I can see you, Harry Trader,’ Monks said in a loud voice. ‘Don’t imagine I haven’t planned for all contingencies, but I have the trump card.’ He tightened his grip on Kate, clenching his arm under her chin, so that it was almost impossible for her to breathe, let alone to call out. ‘Miss Martin will be the first person to suffer if you make a move.’

  Kate found herself pressed to Monks’ body but she managed to draw her right foot back far enough to deal him a sharp kick on the shin, and at the same moment she sunk her teeth into his wrist. He released her with a yelp of pain and she collapsed onto the floor. The women around them screamed and in their panic they moved as one body, pushing through the ring of Monks’ men in an attempt to reach safety. At the same moment the police rushed through the double doors and a scuffle broke out. Kate dragged herself to her feet and managed to reach Annie, who was crouched in a corner, obviously terrified.

  Kate put her arms around the frightened girl. ‘You’re safe now, Annie. The police are here.’

  ‘What’s happening? Where’s Perry?’ Annie whispered through chattering teeth.

  ‘I’m sure he’s all right, and the police are gaining control.’ Kate looked up to see Ivy coming towards them. ‘Ivy, will you look after Annie? I want to find my mother and Lady Lyndon. I can’t see them anywhere.’

  ‘Your ma is safe,’ Ivy said in a low voice. ‘I think Lady Lyndon is with her, but I never saw such a to-do in all me born days. My Ted got one of Monks’ men. He knocked him down with one swipe to the jaw.’

  ‘Stay here and don’t move,’ Kate said urgently. She had seen Monks edging towards the only way of escape and no one else seemed to have noticed. After everything he had put them through she was not going to allow him to get away and, regardless of her own safety, she managed to dodge flailing arms as she tried to reach Joe, who was standing guard by the double doors.

  ‘Look out, Joe,’ she cried in desperation. ‘Stop Monks – he’s trying to get away.’

  Despite the uproar in the ballroom, Joe heard her warning cry. Wielding one of his crutches like a battle axe, he caught Monks a blow to the head that sent him crashing to the floor. With a victorious shout, Joe launched himself on top of the fallen man, pinning him to the ground until a burly police sergeant came to his aid. The sergeant helped Joe to his feet while a constable tied Monks’ wrists behind his back. Kate found herself caught up in the tumult once again, and it was almost impossible to distinguish between the men who had come to rob them
and the gentlemen who were guests. The screams of women echoed off the high ceiling together with the muted sobbing of those who had managed to scramble to safety.

  The musicians had stopped playing at the first sign of trouble and they snatched up their precious instruments, keeping them out of danger. Kate managed to get to the edge of the fray by following the cellist, who carried his instrument on his back like some bizarre tortoise. She stumbled over an insensate body and would have fallen, but was caught in a pair of strong arms.

  ‘Kate, are you all right?’

  Harry’s voice was like music to her ears and she breathed a sigh of relief. ‘They’ve got Monks, Harry. It’s over.’

  ‘Thanks you to, my darling. Monks won’t be going anywhere except the police cells.’

  Kate moved aside as a woman dived down to rescue her pearl necklace. She waved it in Kate’s face.

  ‘This is a precious family heirloom. We were invited to a grand ball, but we were robbed at gun point.’

  Kate had no idea who this woman was, but she felt obliged to apologise. ‘I am so sorry, ma’am.’

  ‘Don’t apologise, my dear. I’ve never had such an exciting evening in my life. I hope there is plenty more champagne. Fasten my necklace for me. The evening isn’t over yet.’

  Kate fastened the triple strands of pearls around the woman’s neck.

  ‘Thank you, my dear. I’ll have so much to tell my friends.’ The woman beckoned to a gentleman, who appeared to be her husband. ‘Champagne, Frederick. I need several glasses to get over the shock. Tell those idiotic musicians to play something lively. Where’s Giles? He needs to take charge.’

  Kate turned to Harry, shaking her head. ‘I don’t think anyone who attended tonight will forget this party.’

  He smiled and brushed her cheek with a swift kiss. ‘I want to make sure that Monks is safely locked up in the Black Maria before I do anything else. But I claim the last waltz with you, my darling.’