by Beth Elliott
There was a burst of chatter as a group of ladies entered the room. He saw two of them go over and greet Kitty and Amelia. For a few minutes he watched them opening books and showing each other different passages, with much talk and laughter. It gave him an idea.
Shortly afterwards, having found what he wanted, Theo limped over to the young ladies and nodded courteously to them all before addressing Kitty.
‘Miss Towers, I believe I recently heard you express a desire to travel on the Continent. I feel sure this book about Italy will be of interest to you.’
Politeness forced Kitty to give him her attention. ‘Come,’ Theo went on in a light tone, ‘let me place it on this table so I can show you the picture I particularly want you to see. It is of Venice.’ He managed to draw her a little apart from her friends by laying the book on an empty table near a window. He turned the pages and bent his head close to hers as he indicated a large colour plate.
‘How interesting.’ Kitty exclaimed, leaning over the page. He almost forgot his mission when her curls tumbled forward and nearly touched his face. At the same time he breathed in the scent of roses. He cleared his throat. ‘Please trust me,’ he murmured, indicating the picture as he spoke almost in her ear.
Kitty glanced sideways at him. He could not resist a quick look at her mouth, so perfectly shaped with its full underlip and such an inviting shade of pink. He drew a steadying breath and cleared his throat yet again.
‘Mr Thatcham is not well enough to come himself this morning. He was attacked on his way home last night. Do you really think,’ he added hastily, as she gasped in horror, ‘that I plan to do anything to harm my friend? I am trying to help him.’
‘Was he robbed?’
Theo looked into her large, anxious eyes. ‘You prevented that.’
‘Is he badly hurt?’ Kitty was looking appalled.
He shrugged. ‘A sore head and a black eye. He will feel better when he has this letter back in his possession.’
‘D-Do you think the villain is watching us now?’
Theo smiled grimly. ‘It is quite possible. Can you give me the letter very unobtrusively? You do understand that you are at risk while it is in your possession?’
Kitty stared at him. He watched the colour fade from her cheeks as she grasped how serious the matter was. Then a fighting gleam came into her eyes and she nodded. ‘Thank you, Mr Weston. I shall certainly consider this book,’ she said quite loudly. She picked it up and rejoined Amelia.
Now it was Theo’s turn to examine the people choosing their books. He had to admit none of them looked tough enough to overpower a big fellow like Greg, but someone was obviously determined to get the secret information about Wellington’s war plans.
Theo grimaced as he thought of how Greg had looked that morning. One side of his face was horribly bruised and his eye completely shut. He had been only too happy to give up his place to Theo.
In a very short time Kitty was approaching him again. She had three books tucked under her arm and was holding out a fourth one to him.
‘Thank you for showing me this travel book, Mr Weston. However, I shall not take it on this occasion. Would you be kind enough to return it to the correct shelf?’
‘Of course.’ Now he could smile. He was amazed at her reaction to this. Her cheeks went a most becoming shade of pink and she turned away hastily. Raising his black brows, he retreated to a corner seat, where he unfolded his newspaper again. The packet was tucked in the page showing the picture of Venice. Hastily he slipped it into his jacket pocket. He breathed a sigh of relief, as much for Kitty as for Wellington’s letter. And Greg would be vastly relieved to have this back safely.
Over the newspaper, his eyes met Kitty’s as she followed her friends out of the door. He nodded at her and this time was rewarded with a sweet smile. Theo felt a tug of attraction and, with it, an instinct to protect this unusual girl. If anyone threatened Kitty, they would have him to deal with.
He smiled as he recalled that she had not shown any fear when she realized she was involved in a dangerous business. But then, she had no idea how ruthless these people could be. He surveyed the growing crowd in the library. Appearances did not indicate any possible spies but, thought Theo, they were bound to be the most unlikely of people.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
‘No, miss, not that road!’ Martha flapped her hands frantically. ‘You don’t want to go down there, miss, it’s terrible rough. We goes through there.’ She pointed to a small alley on the left.
‘Oh, yes, I see now. I thought I had learnt the way.’ Kitty frowned as she looked at the tangle of alleys leading from this open space in amongst the endless narrow streets. What had once been grand town houses had decayed into this higgledy-piggledy mass. Lean-to rooms had been added on to old walls. Doors and windows had been knocked into the crumbling walls. Often the only covering was a scrap of wood or rag.
Her gaze lifted to the upper floors, where faces stared out, idly watching her. Some of them were dulled by drink, some were grey with hunger. Everywhere there were tiny passageways, mysterious entrances and steps leading to yet more sinister little yards. It was an absolute warren, overflowing with ragged people. A few of them appeared to be selling objects from a shelf in front of a dwelling or doing jobs like repairing chairs but most just sat huddled together with their animals on doorsteps.
Partly clothed children swarmed around whining for pennies. All this added to her confusion. In addition she had to concentrate on avoiding the endless piles of unsavoury rubbish. The stench of rotten food and unwashed humanity was almost overwhelming. No wonder so many of these poor souls looked so grey.
She suddenly realized how alien this world was and felt a shiver run down her spine. Thank goodness for Martha, to guide her safely back home. Heads turned to watch as she went past. She could see the calculation in the eyes as they inspected her hat and pelisse. Still, she did not regret coming for this second visit to help Martha’s little brother.
Lady Picton had readily agreed to let Martha accompany Kitty when she went out to the lending library or shopping. It was a pleasure to see how Martha’s pale face brightened each time Kitty summoned her for an outing. And on two occasions their walks took them past the fashionable streets and eastwards into the stinking alleyways of the old city. Here, Martha’s family had been forced to live since her father had been conscripted into the army.
Some roads were so narrow that a broad-shouldered man would have to turn sideways to get through. It was poverty on a scale that Kitty had never imagined. She felt stunned on her first visit. Then she began to wonder what could be done to improve the lives of these unfortunate souls. This was something she wanted to discuss with Theo, when they could have time for a serious conversation. But he had been absent from town since their meeting in the library.
Meanwhile, Kitty and Martha had taken fruit and bread to the single room that was home for all Martha’s family. Kitty advised cooling the little boy’s head by sponging him with wet rags, but in view of the family’s poverty, there was nothing else they could do. On this second visit, it was plain that little Sam was still very unwell but he managed a smile on seeing his visitors. The girls felt more hopeful that he could recover.
Now they were hurrying to get back to Grosvenor Square by lunchtime. Kitty raised her skirts to step across another mass of stinking refuse where a pig was rooting. They crossed the street and took the alley to the left. This soon opened into a wider road, still dingy but less crowded with ragged children. The air smelt fresher. There were several shops and housewives with baskets were gossiping and bargaining. It already seemed a safer environment.
‘Quick, miss,’ Martha whispered, ‘turn your face towards the wall for ’eaven’s sake.’
‘Why?’ Kitty frowned at her. ‘We must hurry.’
We must ’ide,’ whispered Martha nervously. ‘That moosoo is over the road.’
‘Surely not! You must be mistaken.’ But to her astonishment, it really wa
s Etienne de Saint-Aubin, just ahead of her in the narrow street. He was in the act of coming out of a doorway, with a man each side of him. She swallowed hard. Etienne had sharp eyes and he noticed everything. He would certainly tell her aunt.
She did as Martha suggested and pretended to be looking at a shop window. Perhaps he would hurry away. Behind her she could hear the sounds of a struggle. Then there was a thud, a groan and some coarse laughter. Kitty turned sharply. Etienne was sprawling face down in the alley. He was close enough for her to touch him. The two men were standing over him. She shielded her face and edged away, pulling Martha with her.
People were rushing to watch the scene. As the crowd gathered, one of the bullies raised a fist like a ham and yelled, ‘An’ jes’ see yer do as we tell yer, bejabers, or there’s more to come.’ Kitty noticed the man’s shock of red hair. He spat, folded his arms and leaned back against the doorframe. The other man disappeared inside.
Etienne slowly got to his feet. He was clutching his ribs. He bent to pick up his hat. He cast a burning look at his tormentors in the doorway, which made them jeer at him again. He turned away at last and set off down the street. When Kitty looked round again, he had gone.
It was a subdued Kitty who made her way back into the more wealthy part of town. It seemed there were dark undercurrents to the lives of more people than just servants. She knew Etienne had very little money and wondered if he had been attacked because of debt. But she could not offer to help. Her aunt would be outraged if she knew where Kitty had been and Martha would certainly be turned off without a reference.
‘Why, Miss Towers. Good morning to you.’
The deep voice startled Kitty out of her thoughts. She raised her head to see Theo right in front of her. His eyes were keen and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. She pulled herself together and nodded a greeting.
‘Miss Towers, you have hurried along Bond Street without one glance at any of the smart displays in the shop windows. How is this possible?’
Kitty looked around. Indeed, they were in Bond Street, close to the entrance to Jackson’s Boxing Saloon. She tried to push the image of Etienne and the bullies to the back of her mind. Theo was still watching her, one eyebrow raised. His teasing smile faded and his gaze became concerned.
Kitty cast him a wary glance. ‘I fear I am late, sir. My aunt will be displeased if I linger any further.’
‘Well, I, too, am on my way home. My route takes me past Grosvenor Square. I will accompany you, if I may.’
For once, Kitty would have preferred to avoid his company, but she did not see how to say so without giving offence. She gave him a tiny smile and began to walk on. He fell into step beside her. Martha followed behind. They reached the corner and turned into the quieter street leading to the square, still in silence. Kitty knew that Theo was looking at her closely.
‘You seem rather preoccupied, Miss Towers. I would almost say you look as if you have had a shock. Forgive me, has anyone been pestering you?’
Why did he have to be so astute? She forced a little laugh. ‘Not at all, sir. I am just anxious not to upset my aunt’s plans.’
‘But there is something wrong.’ He bent his head to examine her face. ‘Even the most frugal young lady enjoys looking at fashions. To be so preoccupied makes me wonder if you have perhaps seen a different kind of society. Have you ventured past the Haymarket and into the poorer parts of town? Or perhaps you have been harassed by beggars?’
Kitty gave a little gasp, which she hastily turned into a cough.
‘Well?’ he insisted. ‘Am I right?’
‘I – er.…’ She gave him a reluctant smile. ‘Yes, sir. Oh, nobody pestered me. I went to the St Giles area. And there is a great deal of work to be done there.’
Theo stopped abruptly. He was frowning, but in a look of concern, not ill-humour. ‘You have been into the slums of the old city? Into St Giles?’
She nodded. ‘I have, but I would be obliged if you would keep that confidential. My aunt must not know anything of this.’
He nodded impatiently. ‘Your aunt will know soon enough if you develop a fever. Those slums are full of disease.’
‘I have only been into one home,’ said Kitty defensively.
‘One could be enough.’ His tone was serious. ‘I respect your interest in the welfare of the poor, but that is not a place where you can do any good. And you are putting yourself in danger.’
‘I have my maid with me,’ retorted Kitty. ‘She knows the area; in fact, we have been to her home.’ She was about to mention little Sam’s fever but checked herself. He would say that it proved his point. She moved on. He still accompanied her. Now she felt angry. He was interfering. Of course she needed to see for herself what life was like in the slums.
He still had that heavy frown on his face. At last she could stand the silence no more. She stopped again and lifted her chin defiantly. Before his eyes could have their usual effect on her, she asserted, ‘I know you mean well and I thank you for your concern. However, I am a vicar’s daughter and I am accustomed to seeing poverty and slum conditions.’
‘But I warrant you have not seen anything like the area of St Giles before. Come, Miss Towers, aside from the health risks, that particular area is teeming with rogues. Why, a group of gentlemen would fear to venture in. I shudder to think what might happen. You have been lucky so far.’ He took her hand and held it firmly. There was a rueful smile on his face now. ‘I mean it, you must not do that again. It is no place for a young lady – especially a pretty young lady, if I may say so.’
They looked at each other for a long moment. Theo’s gaze sharpened. His dark brows drew together. ‘You do not mean to follow my advice, do you?’
‘I cannot.’ Kitty held his gaze. She saw the spark of anger in his eyes, watched his lips tighten, then a polite mask hid his emotions.
He inclined his head. ‘If you must go back, take a sturdy serving man with you. Good day to you.’
Theo strode away as fast as his aching leg would let him. How could this girl make him feel so angry and so anxious at one and the same time? Why should he care what became of her if she was headstrong and foolish? But he did care and – if he let himself admit it, he admired her determination to do what she could to help those less fortunate than herself.
The devil of it was that in those back alleys she would soon attract the attention of some ruthless crook. Then she would simply disappear. He had to make her understand that there were other ways to give help to the poor. He shook his head. He needed more time with her. She was stubborn; she was spirited, but she was intelligent and, in the end, he would convince her. The task was not going to be altogether unpleasant.
He dwelt on her wonderful brown eyes, honest and direct, warning him to mind his own business. Here was a young woman of principle, and at the same time she was a pleasure to look at. He drew in his breath, remembering how she smelled of roses. And that mouth…. His frown disappeared. By the time he reached his rooms in Stratton Street he was smiling in a way that caused his valet to look at him twice.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Theo shook back the lace ruffles from his wrist and picked up a glass of wine from the tray the footman was holding out to him. He moved through the crowd to a position in the large alcove opposite the entrance to the ballroom. He scanned the brightly dressed dancers and the chaperons, who, for the most part, were not wearing masks.
It was Lady Stratford’s masquerade ball. Theo had dressed in a deep crimson jacket and breeches of eighteenth-century style, with enormous cuffs, tight waisted and laced with gold. He had lace at his throat and at his wrists. It was the nearest he could get to his old military uniform.
Was it going to be another insipid night? He could not trust his leg enough to risk taking part in the dances. His lips compressed as he remembered those merry evenings in whatever Spanish village Wellington’s army was encamped. There had always been music and dancing and Theo had revelled in the light-hearted atmospher
e, the movement, the pretty girls.
Well, his leg was getting stronger and, one day soon, he would be able to dance again. But, for tonight, he needed some agreeable company to while away the time. Greg was out of town again. He had taken his groom, so Theo hoped he would be safe from any further attacks. And at least he was carrying out his official business. Better than moping around after that blonde doll. She would never make a soldier’s wife, but there was no talking any sense to Greg on that subject!
As for himself, now, that was a different matter. Yes, he was hoping to see Kitty this evening, but only to talk her out of her determination to wander the streets of the slum areas. He would force her to realize just what dangers lurked in those narrow alleys. He took another sip of his wine and glanced around the room once more.
His eyes brightened behind his mask as he recognized Lord William in a costume from the time of Queen Elizabeth. Close to William, he could see a group of females. There was Caroline, dressed to match William, in a wide skirted robe and a huge gauze ruff. Her bright hair was curled and dressed with pearls. They were all masked but he had no difficulty in spotting the blonde-haired girl who was causing Greg to be such a dead bore.
But more importantly, next to her was a taller young lady. Theo’s spirits rose as he spotted the shining chestnut ringlets. He considered her slender form in the charming gown. All sense of boredom vanished.
‘Can you spare me the time of a dance?’
Kitty turned her head towards the tall gentleman who had appeared at her elbow. She inspected his magnificent red-velvet costume very thoroughly before looking up to his black mask. She saw the blue eyes sparkling at her and exclaimed, ‘I thought it must be you.’
‘Do you approve of my disguise?’
He sounded amused. She gestured at his ruffles. ‘Indeed, sir, you have captured all the style of the last century’s costume. It is splendid.’ She glanced at the other guests. ‘I had no idea that people dressed in historical costumes. And there must be plenty of suitable garments in my aunt’s attics,’ she added regretfully. She indicated her mask of feathers and silk leaves. ‘My friend made this; she has such clever fingers.’
