The Wild Card

by Beth Elliott

  He was looking at her attire, his head on one side. She was wearing a simple yellow gown that toned with the leaves of her mask.

  ‘I see nothing amiss. You look very elegant.’

  Kitty eyed him warily. They had not parted on the best of terms that morning, but now he was charm itself. He wanted to talk to her. Perhaps he was going to tell her that he had decided she could be trusted to manage her own affairs. Somehow, she did not feel that he would see things in that way.

  Meanwhile, she found it very agreeable to be in his company once more. Their conversations were always interesting and always too short. She fanned herself, aware that her heart was bumping against her ribs with anticipation. Theo acknowledged greetings from several new arrivals but still remained by her side. He gave her another long look.

  ‘Will you consent to sacrifice a dance for me – you know I cannot take my part on the floor?’

  ‘It is no sacrifice,’ said Kitty warmly, ‘but I know what you are planning to say to me.’

  She could tell he was smiling behind his mask. He tilted his head to one side and quizzed her. ‘Someone has to say it.’

  They were interrupted by their hostess, who sailed up to greet the whole of Caroline’s group.

  ‘What splendid costumes,’ she said, ‘you are all very fine. I just wanted to remind you to take a walk through the conservatory. You know my husband is a most enthusiastic collector of foreign plants and there are some exquisite blooms open at present.’

  ‘How interesting, ma’am,’ exclaimed Amelia. ‘It is a favourite hobby of my father’s, also. I shall be able to tell him about your collection.’

  Lady Stratford beamed at her. ‘In that case, come at once, before the crowd gets there.’

  She swept them through the ballroom and along a wide passage, discussing rare blooms with Amelia.

  ‘So your little friend does have other interests than horses and fashion,’ Theo murmured as he walked beside Kitty.

  She shook her head crossly. ‘Why are you so determined to dislike her? She is a very talented young lady – and kind.’

  He shrugged, but made no reply. They had reached the conservatory and were all loud in their praises of the splendid display. There were many exotic flowers and strange, spiky leaved bushes. They wandered round in genuine admiration for the patience and care that had gone into producing such a beautiful environment.

  The lush greenery created a calming atmosphere. Kitty lingered in a quiet corner. What a contrast with the scenes she had seen that morning in the slums. She sighed. It had been a tiring day. Now she needed to gather her strength to counter all the arguments that Theo would shortly put forward to prevent her going to Martha’s home again.

  The others spread out and drifted away. Gradually silence fell. Still Kitty stayed where she was. She untied the strings of her mask and pulled it off. She was looking at a shrub, bearing a dozen brilliant red tubular flowers with vivid yellow stamens. Which part of the world had that come from? Somewhere she would never have the chance to visit. With a faint smile she reached out to touch the delicate petals.

  ‘Here you are,’ Theo’s voice was soft. Kitty glanced over her shoulder. He also had taken off his mask. A warm smile lit his features and Kitty’s heart turned over in her chest. He was irresistibly handsome. His costume suited his tall figure perfectly, setting off the hard planes of his face and his dark hair. She determined not to quarrel with him tonight, whatever he said about her visits to the Rookery.

  She smiled back and indicated the flowering shrub. ‘How strange, is it not, that this fragile plant can survive the journey from its home country and be brought right across the world to grow here in such beauty?’

  Theo nodded. He took a step closer. His eyes were on her lips. He breathed hard and seemed to recollect himself.

  ‘Miss Towers, – Kitty – never mind the flowers for the moment. I must make you understand how dangerous it is for you to venture into the slums unprotected, but I am determined not to quarrel with you tonight.’

  Somehow he was holding her hand and Kitty was conscious of the latent strength in his grasp. His clasp was so comforting that she did not attempt to withdraw her own hand. She waited for him to continue. He waved his free hand impatiently. ‘I am impressed by your courage and determination to do what you feel is right for the poor … but—’

  Kitty pouted. ‘I knew there would be a but.’ She looked up at him, her face serious. ‘It is something I have grown up doing. I help my father. Once you understand how it is possible to assist helpless people, it would be wicked not to try. Do you not feel the same?’

  Theo sighed. His eyes searched her face. ‘Do you have any idea of the risks to a young and pretty woman in those slums?’

  She drew back slightly. ‘Well, there are certainly some villains there, but I came back safely.’

  ‘You have been lucky so far!’ he said in a harsh tone. ‘Next time it may not be so easy to avoid them – and there is always the risk of disease.’

  It seemed as if they were going to quarrel after all. Kitty transferred her gaze to the red flowers, trying to recapture the sense of peace. She attempted to pull her hand free but he held on to it. She turned her head and looked up into his face. He stared back very intently. With a groan, he let go of her hand and pulled her into his arms. Kitty knew she should resist, but she was already melting against his broad chest. It felt so good to be held like this, to smell the tang of his citrus cologne, his clean linen, the scent of himself.

  She raised her face without any urging and a moment later Theo’s lips were on hers, warm and firm. His kiss was gentle at first, quickly becoming more passionate. Kitty felt the thrill of it right through her body. She leaned against him, her knees too weak to hold her upright. She felt his hand at the back of her neck, urging her closer still.

  Her eyes closed, her mind spun away from everything but the sweet sensation of his kiss. Then abruptly, he broke off and even as she reached for him again he had turned his back on her. She was standing behind him and he was facing the entrance.

  A light step could be heard coming nearer and Freddy’s voice, saying, ’I believe I can see someone here. Oh, hello, Weston. Are you alone?’

  ‘No,’ replied Theo, ‘I have been trying to rouse Miss Towers from her contemplation of these flowers.’

  Kitty had whipped her mask back into place. Her whole body was aching for another kiss. Her breathing was uneven. Her lips felt swollen and hot. She clasped her hands behind her back to hide her trembling fingers.

  ‘Is Caroline looking for me?’ she asked, ‘I had not realized how long I had stayed here.’

  ‘No matter,’ said Freddy cheerfully, ‘but you should rejoin our group now. You are supposed to be dancing with me at this moment, y’know.’ He offered his arm. As she took it, Kitty glanced at Theo. His face was studiously blank but his eyes were burning into hers.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  ‘You seem to be a trifle weary this afternoon.’ Lady Picton surveyed Kitty critically. ‘Did you find the masquerade ball tiring, my dear?’

  ‘Oh, not at all, ma’am.’ Kitty set another stitch in her work and examined the effect. She looked up. ‘It was a fairly small gathering, but most amusing. Many of the guests had dressed in historical costume.’ Kitty thought of one particular costume and smiled to herself. She rubbed a finger across her lips. How vexatious of Freddy to arrive just at that moment.

  ‘It is very fortunate that you are acquainted with Lady Caroline. It has meant that you are included in so many invitations. Really, things have worked out far better than I had hoped.’

  ‘Indeed, ma’am, most fortunate,’ answered Kitty, almost at random. She was trying to recapture the sensation of Theo’s strong arms around her.

  ‘Did you get many invitations to dance?’

  Kitty laid aside her embroidery and concentrated on answering. Her aunt was always anxious to know which young men were showing an interest in her great-niece. It amused Kitty
that she seemed to know all the families and could assess at once whether the young man was a good prospect as a husband.

  Not that it mattered, thought Kitty again. She was not intending to get married. What she had seen in the Rookery had shown her that there was far too much work to do in such places; it would be quite impossible to be trying to run a household in addition to that.

  Great-aunt Picton finished her commentary on the young men named by Kitty. She shook her head. ‘No new faces at that ball then.’

  ‘Well, none that I could see, dear ma’am. They kept their masks on—’

  ‘Hah! I am sure you know who is who by now. Well, let us have some music, child, if you please. It will not do to be neglecting your pianoforte practice.’

  Obediently, Kitty went to the instrument and opened it. She played a selection of the old tunes that pleased Lady Picton. Eventually she sang a ballad and looked up at the end to see that her aunt was smiling – but not at her. The door of the sitting-room was open. In the doorway was Broome, beaming proudly in Kitty’s direction. Just inside the room, his eyes fixed on her, was Etienne.

  Kitty was embarrassed at so much attention. She rose abruptly, putting out a hand to close the music. To her annoyance the sheets fell to the ground. At once Etienne sprang forward to retrieve them. The door closed discreetly behind the butler.

  ‘Please do not stop,’ begged Etienne. ‘it was so delightful. I would very much enjoy to hear a little more.’

  Lady Picton smiled and nodded. Reluctantly, Kitty sat down at the pianoforte once more. She played several airs and sang one more song. Then she rose again. Etienne also rose to his feet.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said simply, ‘I cannot say how much I enjoyed your performance.’ His face showed his pleasure.

  Kitty could not doubt his sincerity. ‘Why, thank you, sir, but my skill is not so great. Just enough to entertain my family.’

  ‘It was charming,’ he replied, his brown eyes glowing. ‘Believe me, I do appreciate good music. Do you know that Signor Alberti is in London? He will give a recital at the beginning of next week.’

  She inclined her head. ‘Indeed, I will be there with Lady Caroline.’

  Kitty was amazed to see him looking as smart and unruffled as if his beating of the previous day had never happened. Surely he must be sore and bruised? But there was no visible sign of it. She watched as he turned his attention to Lady Picton, enquiring after her rheumatism. He exerted himself to entertain her with his usual mixture of gossip and funny stories.

  Kitty picked up her embroidery again. She took little part in the conversation, content to see her aunt so well entertained. Then she realized that Etienne was on his feet once more and coming towards her.

  ‘May I see?’ He levelled his quizzing glass at the delicate flowers she had worked on the gauzy material. ‘Ah,’ he exclaimed, ‘this is for an evening gown. How exquisitely you sew.’

  ‘You are very complimentary today. But do not tell me you are an expert?’

  He raised his shoulders with a mocking smile. ‘I cannot make the stitches, but I can appreciate the result. Your sewing is so even.’ He looked at Lady Picton. ‘It reminds me of my mother. She was a fine needlewoman. My sister also—’ He broke off and went back to his seat. There was a silence.

  Eventually, Lady Picton said, ‘Have you had any news of your sister recently?’

  There was a distinct slump to Etienne’s shoulders. ‘Not for a long time, madame. In fact, she has only sent one letter since she went to Moscow.’

  ‘We have to hope that all is well,’ said the old lady bracingly. She looked at him with sympathy. ‘At least, by marrying Prince Yevgeny, she is far away from that monster Bonaparte and his armies.’

  He inclined his head. ‘As you say. And she is no doubt used to that dreadful climate by now.’ He made a determined effort to brighten up and announced, ‘Maybe, one day, I shall go and visit her.’

  Kitty raised her head at this. ‘It must be a long journey to Moscow and quite adventurous. I am always fascinated by distant lands.’ She smiled at their visitor. ‘Have you travelled much?’

  He gave a dry little laugh. ‘You see before you a person who has spent his life wandering from one country to another. It becomes a little monotonous.’

  ‘Oh. I suppose so.’ Kitty thought about it. ‘But I should find the variety in the scenery and customs so interesting.’

  He shook his head. ‘You can always find that information in books and pictures. Travelling is not really suitable for a woman, in my opinion.’

  ‘Why ever not?’ she asked indignantly.

  He shrugged. ‘Women are better off in their own homes. They are too delicate for the hurly-burly of long journeys and there are many dangers involved in travel.’

  ‘But what about your sister? She has made a long journey, surely?’

  Etienne nodded. ‘In our circumstances, I had to agree to her marriage to a Russian prince. We have no estates any more, you understand. In short, it was the lesser of two evils.’

  ‘But it means you have to live far apart.’

  He opened his hands in one of his expressive gestures. ‘She is well established with her husband. And there are plenty of servants to ensure her life is comfortable.’

  Kitty considered the matter. ‘She will have a great deal of responsibility then for the welfare of her household.’

  Etienne gave a short laugh. ‘You speak as if the welfare of the lower classes was of importance. They are there to save my sister any exertion. That is all I care about.’

  Lady Picton intervened before Kitty could make a sharp retort. ‘Kitty, my love, would you ring for Broome to bring the sherry. I declare, he was so entranced by your performance on the pianoforte that he has quite forgotten us.’

  Kitty rose to pull the bell rope. By the time she sat down again, she had overcome the desire to argue with Etienne. She wondered if his experience of the day before had some bearing on his contemptuous attitude to the working classes. She examined him again and this time, noticed dark shadows under his eyes. He was suffering. She could only admire his efforts to appear as smart and as bright as usual. His visits to her aunt were an act of kindness, whatever his opinions.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  ‘Oh, I am so cross this evening!’ declared Caroline to Amelia. ‘You have no idea how provoking the gentlemen have been since they went to their horrid prizefight yesterday.’

  ‘But they were looking forward to the event for days – they talked of nothing else,’ Amelia protested. She took the glass of lemonade Caroline was holding out to her. ‘You are looking as immaculate as always, Caro. I love this hooped trimming on your gown – and the little silk roses.’

  ‘Darling, I know your sweet ways, Millie but your flattery does not stop me from feeling cross. You have not had to sit through a meal with two men who do nothing but frown and snap if you ask them a question. I am certain they have all had a big quarrel but we ladies are not to know.’

  ‘Well, that makes me glad we ladies do not bother with such sporting events if that is how it ends,’ declared Amelia, turning towards Kitty. ‘Do you agree with me, Kitty?’

  Kitty looked at her blankly. ‘I am so sorry,’ she said, ‘I was not paying attention.’

  ‘Oh, really! Whatever has come over you?’ exclaimed Amelia, half laughing and half cross. ‘Ever since the masked ball, you have been lost in thought. Goodness knows what set you off.’

  ‘Those wonderful flowers have given me a craving to travel the world,’ replied Kitty. It was the best excuse she could think of. Until she saw Theo again, she felt unable to make any decision about what that kiss had meant. Had he just been flirting with her? She knew Caroline would think so, but to Kitty it seemed that he had given in to his feelings spontaneously, as she had. But why had he not made any effort to see her in the five days since the ball?

  The memory of that kiss still made her go hot whenever she thought of it, which was very frequently. She stifled a s
igh and roused herself to answer Millie’s question.

  ‘I wonder if they had other things to discuss,’ she said, sipping her drink thoughtfully.

  ‘Whatever can you mean?’ squeaked Amelia.

  ‘Oh, gentlemen have all kinds of business,’ said Kitty, thinking of the mysterious letter that had been so important to two of them, at least.

  Caroline raised her glass to her lips. ‘They could be quarrelling over you, Millie.’

  Amelia looked startled.

  Caroline shook her head. ‘Poor Greg Thatcham is certainly smitten. And Freddy always was your champion, so he has been bristling like a guard dog.’ She gave a wry smile. ‘Of course, we are so used to you and your beauty we do not always appreciate just what the effect is on strangers. But no, it was not a duel between those two – nothing of that kind. Poor William, he never can keep secrets so I know the problem involved Greg and Theo. He said everyone saw them arguing in a very heated way.’

  ‘And that spoiled the atmosphere for the whole group!’ said Amelia.

  Kitty would have liked to ask for more details. But at least she knew where Theo was. He is still arguing, she thought, hiding a smile. A movement close by drew her attention.

  ‘Here comes one gentleman who seems still to be in a good humour.’ Kitty kept her gaze on Etienne, who was approaching with his light step.

  ‘Ladies.’ His smiling gaze embraced them all. ‘The second half of the recital is about to begin. I have come to escort you back into the hall.’

  They stood up and began moving along the corridor. Kitty found Etienne by her side. As always, he was faultlessly dressed. She stole a glance at his classic profile and thick, sleek hair. It was now several days since she had seen him manhandled by the Irish bully. It was hard to believe it had really happened.