The Masked Baron

by Anneka Walker

  Chapter 10

  While Birks saddled his black Turk stallion, Ellis pulled his short sword out and decapitated a wildflower barely visible in the evening glow. First, Annie had riffled through his things and now this Brennan business. He did not know what annoyed him more, the fact that he believed Annie had been softening toward him or that he’d softened too much toward her. Either way, he’d allowed her to distract him. Worse even, he’d nearly let Mr. Brennan abduct Annie by bringing her to live at Braitwood Hall in the first place. Now his enemies would be her enemies. The thought made his blood run cold.

  He resheathed his sword and swung up onto his saddle. His only lingering comfort was that Annie had yet to learn to dance. He knew he’d hate watching Kerrigan teach her, but at least it would give him more time. There could be no thinking of himself until he found his sister, but there was still the hope Annie could help him. She’d brought him Eliana’s journal, hadn’t she? All he needed was a few more well-placed signs to lead him in the right direction. He kicked his heel, and his horse leapt forward. The night air exhilarated him, clearing Annie’s image from his mind and helping him focus once more.

  ***

  Andalin heard the dogs barking in the night but did not see them until the next morning on her way out for her riding lesson. Mr. Lewis approached her as she crossed to the stables, while gripping the leashes to three excited young Great Danes.

  “Those are fine-looking creatures,” Andalin said by way of a greeting.

  Mr. Lewis grinned from ear to ear, making him look a sight younger. “I’ve forgotten how much I missed havin’ dogs around the place. It’ll take a bit to train them up, but they’re a fine, healthy bunch.”

  Andalin peeled off her riding gloves and scratched behind the ears of a dog as black as midnight. His body nearly reached her waist. He rubbed against her riding skirt as if they had known each other for years. “They’re big, but can they be intimidating?”

  “Oh, well, they’re big, but they’re still young—practically pups. Once they get a feel for the land and the household, they’ll be a protective bunch. Dogs are extremely loyal.”

  “It’s my fault such measures have to be taken in the first place.” If only she had told someone about Mr. Brennan’s first visit, all this could have been avoided.

  “Where a female is, trouble ain’t far behind.” Mr. Lewis said with a grin. “This mess started a long time ago. Unfortunately, as long as ye live at Braitwood Hall, yer a part of it.”

  Sometimes Mr. Lewis reminded her of Papa. Not in appearance, but in the soft way he imparted his wisdom. She thought about the extra work Mr. Lewis would have with the dogs to attend to and sighed.

  “Ye shouldn’t have had such a scare yesterday. It’s a real shame.”

  Andalin shook her head but could think of nothing to say. She followed Mr. Lewis to the stables just as a horse and rider came in fast from out of the woods.

  “That’ll be his lordship. He’s been out riding all night.”

  Ellis puzzled her. What sort of man rode all night through the Black Forest without good cause? Shouldn’t a man who professed to know the dangers of the forest at least venture to ride in the daylight?

  Ellis reined in his horse and dismounted a few feet from them. Both rider and horse were drenched in sweat.

  Mr. Lewis grumbled. “Birks will be none too happy. You’ve worn the poor creature out again, milord.”

  Ellis gave a crooked smile. “My horse knows when I need a hard ride. He hasn’t failed me yet.”

  Ellis removed his hat and then ran his hand through his wet hair. He tipped his head to Andalin. “Good morning.”

  She hadn’t known a sweaty man could look handsome. She realized her mouth was open, and she presently shut it. “Good morning.”

  Ellis swatted his stallion into the stable. Then he took the dog’s leashes from their trainer so Mr. Lewis could tend to the horse.

  “Magnificent dogs, wouldn’t you agree?” Ellis asked her.

  “Yes, maybe you should take them with you on your next night ride.”

  “I prefer being alone.” Ellis knelt on the damp grass and rubbed the dogs, alternating between each one. “These beauties are for your protection. It would be good for you to let them be around you as much as possible when you are outside. In fact, I insist Mr. Lewis and the dogs accompany you on your walks.”

  Andalin rolled her eyes. “What if I prefer to be alone?”

  Ellis glanced up and saw her annoyance. “After yesterday, and after the journal, I am wary to let you outside at all.”

  Andalin folded her arms. “Don’t make me regret giving the journal to you.” She saw the sad look in Ellis’s eyes, and remorse stung her. “Forgive me. I never could have kept such a treasure from you. But please remember, I’m not a real lady. I’ve had a great deal of conversations with men who are rough around the edges. I’m probably more at ease with them than I am with those of your class.”

  Ellis stood and brushed off his breeches. “I know you have your reservations about Braitwood Hall, and about me, but you must learn to trust me. I have written to Lord Kerrigan and requested he bring a few of his staff with him when he returns at the end of the week. Because of your revelation about dancing, I fear you will not be ready for the ball.

  “Instead of attending the ball, Lord Kerrigan will bring his sister and mother out for a visit. They will be your first test. We will gauge your social skills and manners and begin the dancing lessons, and then we will see about your next opportunity to be introduced into Society. Until then I need you to be on your guard. It will be a few days yet until they arrive, and you must stay out of mischief.”

  “I don’t know whether to be offended or to thank you,” Andalin said. “You have a way of making me feel like a foolish child.”

  After unleashing the dogs, Ellis sent them running across the wide lawn. “I find myself talking to you as if you were Eliana. I have never been very good with words.” Ellis put his hands on his hips and stared off toward the forest. “It will be good for you to have some female company.”

  “If you think it’s best,” she said, her mind already turning over his words. He compared her to his sister. A compliment, really. She should be worried about the visitors, not what Ellis thought about her. They would be ladies, not the friendly, neighborly gossips she was used to back home. She didn’t like the idea of being tested before being introduced to Society. She would rather put the whole thing behind her. Dare she suggest Ellis forget his grand plans and let Lord Kerrigan marry her?

  Ellis put his hat back on his head and nodded goodbye before retreating to the house. It dawned on her that she had missed yet another opportunity to drill him about the secrets.

  Andalin’s riding lesson wasn’t as enjoyable as she imagined it would be. Her mind circulated around her concern for what the Kerrigan family would think of her. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone or make a fool of herself. After her lesson she decided to seek Mrs. Lewis out. She found her dusting in the sitting room off the dining hall.

  “Mrs. Lewis, if it’s not too much trouble, may I speak with you for a moment?”

  Mrs. Lewis gave an inviting smile and set her duster down. “Please, join me. I need a sit-down anyway.”

  Andalin sank into the sofa seat and pulled a pillow onto her lap. “Has Lord Cadogen mentioned Lord Kerrigan’s mother and sister visiting?”

  “Yes. In fact, it was my idea. You have proved yourself ready for this next step.”

  Andalin’s eyes widened. “Then, you think it is a good idea?”

  Mrs. Lewis’s eyes went soft and motherly. “Of course! It will do you a world of good to have a small taste of Society before being thrown to the wolves. Oh, forgive me. That wasn’t a very tasteful comparison after what you and your father went through. But, never you mind, the Kerrigan ladies are charming.”

 
“What are they like? How do I go about conversing with them?”

  Mrs. Lewis thought for a moment. “Mrs. Trenton is a few years older than you, newly married, and very friendly. Lady Kerrigan, Lord Kerrigan’s mother, can be aloof, but she has a kind heart. Both are fiercely loyal to his lordship and will be instrumental in preparing you for your coming-out. They’re employing Mrs. Trenton’s dressmaker, and you’ll have the latest fashions. It’s all very exciting!”

  It was worse than Andalin had imagined. She would be a project. “Do they know my working-class origin?”

  Mrs. Lewis frowned. “They’ll only know what Lord Cadogen tells them. Since he usually says very little, I imagine they know just enough to help get you ready for your debut.”

  Andalin chewed her lower lip. “I think I prefer it that way. Though, I’m not too sure I can pretend for long.”

  “There is no reason to pretend,” Mrs. Lewis said with an encouraging smile. “Just be yourself. You picked up just fine on dining manners. We haven’t needed a tutor for your speech because of your parentage and how well-read you are. As far as being refined in your appearance, just let Hannah pick out your dresses each night for dinner and see to your hair. There really isn’t much else to it. I’d say all you need is to observe a few elegant ladies, and you will be ready.”

  Andalin appreciated Mrs. Lewis’s confidence in her. “I don’t think Lord Cadogen would agree I am as ready as you think. This is a test. He knows I will not meet his expectations, and I find myself agreeing with him. I have a hard time desiring the confinements being a lady brings. On the inside I’m ever a tradesman’s daughter.”

  “Nonsense! A gentleman will be lucky to secure a singular girl such as yourself.”

  Andalin giggled. “More odd than remarkable, I daresay. But I shall do my best. Though, my motivation is purely to keep from further injuring my pride.”

  Mrs. Lewis patted her knee. “Wonderful. Now, I’m going to finish up in here. Why don’t you go put in a request for peach pie tonight. Matilda would love an excuse to make one.”

  ***

  Andalin went to her window and pried it open. The night air sent a chill down her arms, but she didn’t mind. She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders and leaned over the sill. The stars glowed, bright and crisp, and the moon hung like a shiny silver coin in the sky. She wished tonight she was under the same sky many miles away. The feeling of homesickness had waned with each passing day, but tonight she felt it acutely.

  The first full moon in September was always Corbridge’s harvest festival. The town celebrated with a picnic dinner, children’s games, and after the sun went down, dancing. She had many fond memories made arm-in-arm with Marybeth and Edith, and even the Youngs, who worked with her father. Though she might miss them, she did not miss having to avoid Mr. Crow last year and the possessive way he’d danced with her. Andalin shuddered. She had almost forgotten the man had asked Papa for her hand. He would have been relentless at the dance this year—perhaps with the claim as her husband. She gripped her mother’s necklace and sighed.

  Out of the corner of her eye she saw a rider disappear into the woods. Ellis again! What was he up to? It was a full moon. Nonsense; Ellis was not a werewolf. But he was up to something. Andalin pulled her window closed, followed by the drapes. She sat down at her writing desk and drummed her fingers on the wood.

  She wasn’t going to be able to sleep now. She pulled on her robe and slippers, determined not to come back to her room until she begged some answers. No distractions this time.

  Andalin hurried down the stairs toward the kitchen in search of Matilda—the only one likely to tell her anything. She hoped Matilda might still be up washing dishes. Andalin pushed the kitchen door open and let out a happy sigh. “I’m ever so glad you are still awake!”

  Matilda was busy darning stockings at the table. “Won’t be much longer. These old bones have a hard time getting up before the sun if I stay up too late.”

  Sitting next to Matilda, Andalin watched her for a moment before her tongue practically leapt from her mouth. “I need to know about Eliana.”

  Matilda’s beady eyes jumped to meet hers. “Eliana? What are ye doing thinking about her?”

  Andalin shrugged, which Mrs. Lewis repeatedly told her was unladylike. “You can tell me about her, can’t you? Why all the secrets? Why does Lord Cadogen ride out every full moon?”

  Matilda put her hand up to stop the questions. “Maybe ye should be asking Mrs. Lewis or Hannah about these things.”

  “Mrs. Lewis is masterful about skirting any unfavorable topics. Hannah seems to think a ghost will spring up around the corner if she even mentions the past. Matilda, I’m going positively insane cooped up in this house full of secrets. Will no one tell me?”

  Matilda eyed her warily and then went back to darning her stockings.

  “Not you too!”

  Matilda chuckled and tsked her tongue. “Child, ye don’t want to get mixed up in our troubles.”

  Andalin folded her arms defiantly. “As Mr. Lewis told me only this morning, living here makes these my troubles too. I’m right in the middle of it without the advantage of knowing why. My heart is telling me to trust Lord Cadogen, but my mind is still wary.”

  Matilda put her sewing back in a small basket beside her. “Part of me wants to tell ye, but it isn’t my story to tell. I suggest ye ask the master. He’ll not mince words.”

  Andalin rested her chin in her hand. “He drops bits of information here and there, but he’s terribly elusive. I hardly know if the day will pass and I even set eyes on him.”

  Matilda chuckled again. “That’s a man for ye. If I were as young and headstrong as ye, I’d just follow him and see for myself.”

  Andalin blanched. “You cannot be serious. Into the Black Forest? In the dead of night?”

  “Ye’re right. ’Twould be a foolish errand.” A wry smile crossed Matilda’s face.

  “I wouldn’t be able to catch him tonight anyway,” Andalin said.

  Matilda nodded, pulling herself to her feet. “Yes, but he’ll ride again tomorrow night.”

  “How do you know?”

  Matilda picked up her things. “He’s more a creature of habit than ye realize. Once ye’ve been around as long as I have, ye get to know a person.”

  “Yes, and I am beginning to get to know you. You are as mischievous as a black cat.”

  Matilda shuffled toward the door. “And that’s exactly why I’m going to tell ye I hid the last slice of pie in the back of the bread box. Good night, luv.”

  Pie wouldn’t solve any of her problems. Just the same, Andalin crossed to the bread box and pushed aside the contents until she pulled out the leftover pie. She placed a bite in her mouth and smiled. Maybe she was wrong about the pie. Anything this divine had to help.

  Chapter 11

  There were few things Andalin detested, but darkness, cold, and wolves were amongst them. It rattled her to think she was planning on riding out into the Black Forest, where all her passionate dislikes were in one location.

  Considering her narrow window of time, her flawed plan would have to suffice. She managed to convince Hannah she was tired and wanted to go to bed directly after dinner. Hannah helped her out of her cumbersome evening dress, which Andalin quickly switched for her riding habit as soon as Hannah left the room. After pinning her shawl around her shoulders, Andalin selected her warmest cloak and pulled on her riding gloves.

  She couldn’t believe she was taking Matilda’s advice.

  Andalin slipped out of the house while the servants gathered for their late dinner. When the dogs barked happily at her heels, wanting to follow her, Andalin was ready. She threw her meat scraps from dinner toward them, and they were immediately distracted. She slipped into the stables unnoticed.

  This was a small triumph since saddling Ginger proved a difficu
lt feat. She had watched it done several times but had never attempted it herself. The seconds flashed by in her mind, and she urged her fingers to move more quickly. Every rustle and creak had her whipping her head behind her in fear of discovery. When Ginger was ready, she ducked down in the stall and waited.

  Rubbing Ginger’s neck, she attempted to wait patiently for Ellis. After a good half hour, both she and Ginger were anxious. Andalin bounced on the balls of her feet to keep her legs warm.

  Finally, she heard Ellis enter the stable and after a few minutes spied him leaving, leading his horse behind him. Andalin unlatched Ginger’s stall door and followed, mounting only when she thought Ellis was far enough ahead not to notice. The proximity of the forest loomed before her. From where she stood, she could count hundreds of hiding places for evil. Were her shivers from the night air or the fear settling on her shoulders? Her resolve was beginning to weaken.

  This had better bring answers.

  It wasn’t long before she was quietly tailing Ellis through the Black Forest. The night noises were loud and frightening, but they helped mask the sound of Ginger’s hooves. It calmed her to be within sight and sound of Ellis. Just the same, she steeled herself for a glimpse of wolves or, worse, ghosts of Ellis’s past.

  They avoided the main road, following either a path forged by Ellis or a deer trail. Twice she lost sight of him in the thick trees, but Ginger led her back to him again. They weren’t moving too quickly, which surprised Andalin after learning Ellis preferred a bruising ride.

  The night waned, and she lost track of time. Surely hours had passed. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she felt herself drifting in the saddle. The cold nipped at her, bringing her conscious again. She was miserably uncomfortable and had yet to discover any answers. Sometime later she finally fell asleep. She woke with a jolt of pain. She opened her eyes, but everything was a dark, dizzy blur.

  “Annie?”

  Andalin blinked; she knew that voice. She closed her eyes again.