by Beth Elliott
In silence, Kitty tied the strings of her bonnet. Her aunt tapped her silver-headed stick on the floor impatiently. ‘Well, have you nothing to say, child? Here’s a handsome, elegant young man calling on you and you show not the least interest. You liked him well enough when you first saw him.’
‘Indeed, ma’am, he is everything you say,’ replied Kitty in a colourless tone. ‘He is also much sought after at all social events and he has a great talent for witty conversation.’ She pulled on her gloves. ‘And I must admit,’ she added thoughtfully, ‘he dances beautifully and has the gift of always appearing charmed by his partner.’
‘In short, he is universally pleasing…which leaves just one defect.’ Kitty looked at her in mute question. ‘His lack of fortune.’ said Lady Picton, sipping her tea and watching Kitty over the rim of the cup.
‘It is surely wrong to call that a defect,’ objected Kitty, her eyes flashing, ‘a lack of money is not a crime.’
‘Fiddle-faddle, child. These are country notions. In society, a lack of fortune is a crime – or at the very least a major handicap. Etienne is thirty years old and should be married and setting up his family. But he cannot do so unless he finds a rich wife.’ She took another sip of tea.
Kitty was a little uneasy. Why was her aunt insisting on this? If it was to try and make up a match for her with Etienne, it did not make sense. It could not work, as neither of them had any fortune. But her aunt had seen clearly. At first, she had found Etienne fascinating. More than that, she had found him exciting.
She remembered her first ball, and how she had dressed with such care, hoping to please Etienne. But that was where she had made friends with Theo. And little by little her opinion of the two men had altered. Both were extremely handsome but their characters were widely different. Etienne was all charm on the surface while Theo only revealed his good side when coaxed. The inner person was more important, thought Kitty.
She considered Theo. It was not his good looks nor his rakish charm that drew her, she was attracted by the hidden depths she sensed in him. He had great warmth of character under that cool exterior. She felt sure he could be a great social reformer – with proper encouragement, of course. There was a dreamy smile on her face when Broome came in to announce that moosoor was waiting in his carriage.
Etienne smiled at her as he helped her up into the curricle and set a rug over her knees.
‘The horses are very fresh,’ he warned her. ‘I hope you do not mind a lively ride.’
‘On the contrary, it will be such a pleasure. And I am so looking forward to seeing open green spaces.’
For the first few miles he was obliged to give all his attention to driving. When the streets grew quieter and the houses more spread out, he glanced at Kitty with a smile. ‘You are not so pale today, Miss Towers. You are recovered, no, from your headache?’
‘Oh, yes,’ she assured him. ‘and I am enjoying the treat. It is a pleasant change to see the grass and the trees. I had not realized how fast the spring is coming along.’
He returned a mechanical answer. Kitty glanced at his handsome profile. A few weeks ago she would have been delighted to be out in his company. Now she was more concerned that being seen out with him would harm her reputation, as Caroline insisted it would. But did the fashionable world know that he was such a favourite with great-aunt Picton? And how could she refuse to obey her aunt’s express wish?
The horses slowed. ‘This is where we enter the park,’ explained Etienne, sweeping neatly through the gates. Now he exerted himself to point out interesting features and landmarks. But he lacked his usual sparkle. It dawned on Kitty that he was uneasy. Can it be to do with me? she asked herself. He looked a little pale and heavy-eyed and his manner was more forced, as if he had a weighty matter on his mind.
The fine day had encouraged other people to venture out. There were a number of vehicles and riders in the Park. Etienne drove on until he reached an open area where the land fell away in front of them towards the river. It was a very beautiful view and at the same time, Kitty noticed that he had selected a spot where they were sheltered on both sides by bushes and trees. Etienne pulled the bays up. He turned towards Kitty and now she could see the strain in his eyes.
‘I trust this is sufficiently rural to please you,’ he said, indicating the peaceful valley before them. ‘We will allow ourselves a short space to contemplate nature.’
She nodded, forcing her lips into a smile. ‘Indeed,’ she replied, ‘on a day like this it is delightful.’ But her heart sank. If anyone had recognized her and reported that she had been in a secluded place with Etienne, Caroline would be furious with her. She hoped nobody else did come by to see them.
‘I have become concerned about your safety,’ announced Etienne.
Kitty jerked her head round. ‘I beg your pardon?’
He fixed his large dark eyes on her earnestly. ‘I fear your acquaintance with certain young men in your circle of friends could lead you into danger. I mean of course Mr Thatcham and his friend, Mr Weston. They are soldiers and I am certain they are dealing in political secrets.’
Kitty frowned and uttered a protest. Etienne possessed himself of her hand and held it firmly. ‘No, please listen to me. You are too innocent to realize what is happening. You have seen how Mr Thatcham has a black eye, yes?’
She nodded. A shiver ran down her back as she remembered that morning in Hookham’s Library when Theo had given her a dark warning of the dangers involved in diplomatic secrets. It seemed Etienne was also mixed up in these hidden political plots. Her throat tightened up. Now she really was in a very difficult position. She knew she would have to deny any knowledge of such matters and hoped she could do so convincingly.
Etienne watched her expression change and inclined his head. ‘Someone attacked him to obtain whatever message he was carrying. That person could attack any of his friends, if he suspected they were helping him. Believe me’ – his grip on her hand tightened – ‘I have lived in dangerous places and have seen many political quarrels end in violence.’
‘But how vital a secret could it be?’ Kitty demanded. ‘They are just two young officers. They would not be entrusted with important matters.’
A fleeting smile crossed Etienne’s face. ‘It is the young officers who do the hard work and risk their lives. But please, Miss Towers, just think. Have you not noticed how frequently Mr Weston disappears from town? Never for long, but long enough to be going to secret meetings, perhaps.…’
All Kitty’s pleasure in the outing had gone. Something seemed to be clawing at her stomach. She pressed her free hand to her mouth as she considered the facts. Finally, she nodded. ‘All that you say is true,’ she admitted reluctantly. ‘I thank you for your concern.’
For the first time, he seemed to relax. He gave her his usual beaming smile. ‘You take a weight from my mind.’ He released her hand and flung out his arms. ‘In fact, I now feel quite light-headed with relief.’
She had to smile. He was so demonstrative, his immediate change of mood made her feel more relaxed. And yet a little doubt remained. Why did he want to bring her out here to say all this? The last time she had allowed herself to be influenced by him, she had made a grave mistake and alienated the man whose good opinion she valued most.
Etienne’s excitement roused the horses and they started to move forward. He seized the reins and checked the bays. As he was doing so, Kitty stole a look at him. She sensed that he was still watchful, even though he continued to smile and make conversation. Then an idea occurred to her. She bowed her head a little, frowning in concentration. It did make sense. He was jealous on her account. That seemed the best explanation of his constant attacks on poor Theo.
Just as she reached this conclusion, Etienne leaned forward and studied her face. ‘You are still very thoughtful,’ he said in a gentle tone, ‘can it be that I have frightened you? You are very close to Lady Caroline and her group of friends.’
Kitty shot him a sparkling l
ook. ‘I am not frightened, sir. I have done nothing to make me afraid. But these are new ideas – and not very pleasant.’
‘Indeed.’ He inclined his head. ‘However, I felt it necessary to warn you because if you should be approached – for example, to hide a letter or a small packet, at once that puts you in danger.’ He grasped her hand again. ‘And I could not bear that. You are too beautiful, to precious to be a tool in the plots of spies.’
She withdrew her hand. ‘You are very good,’ she said, keeping her tone indifferent, ‘and now let us leave this topic.’ She hoped she was concealing her dismay. Could it be that he suspected her? The reference to the letter was very precise. Kitty gestured to the clouds thickening on the horizon. ‘This is a beautiful view,’ she said, ‘and I am most grateful to you for the opportunity to enjoy it. However, I think perhaps it is time to return home.’
He showed his white teeth in a laugh. ‘Oh yes, your reputation. Or rather, mine, is it not so?’ He gave her a wicked grin. Suddenly, his mood had changed as if a weight had dropped from his shoulders. He gathered up his reins and turned the horses back towards the entrance to the park. They advanced at a trot, crossing several other curricles and groups of riders.
Kitty’s heart sank as she heard a familiar and unwelcome voice hailing them. Etienne slowed his pair to a walk and another curricle came abreast. Miss Harling, smiling a very satisfied smile, was looking at Kitty.
‘What a surprise,’ she exclaimed, ‘and to see you out with our dear Etienne.’ She made no attempt to introduce the colourless gentleman driving her. Kitty and Etienne bowed and drove on.
‘Ah, that one, she is always keen to gossip.’ Etienne’s accent was more pronounced in his anger. ‘She is not a good person to have as a friend.’
‘She is just a passing acquaintance.’ Kitty wondered what sort of tale Miss Harling would tell. It was the last and worst blow since that wretched dinner party. Now she could not feel any comfort even in the open spaces and greenery of the park. Throughout the whole return journey Etienne kept up a flow of easy, amusing chatter. Kitty, who had more than enough to think about, merely responded with a few smiles and nods.
She was thankful when at last they reined in outside Lady Picton’s house. Pulling herself together, Kitty politely thanked him for an agreeable drive. She was about to descend from the curricle when he put a hand on her ann. Surprised, she raised her eyes to his in a mute question.
‘Please be careful.’ His own eyes were dark and solemn, almost pleading. ‘I would be desolated if harm came to you. I mean it, Kitty.’ He said it so earnestly that she had to overlook his use of her name.
‘Yes, er – th-thank you,’ she stammered, climbing down hastily and turning towards the house. Etienne watched until she reached the top step before touching his hat and driving off. Kitty saw him disappear along the street. She felt sure he had just given her a warning. A cold shiver ran down her spine.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
‘I tell you, Greg, you are foolish to linger here.’ Theo frowned at his heavy-eyed guest. They were seated at the table in Theo’s room, a large breakfast set out in front of them. Greg’s plate was laden but his appetite seemed to have deserted him. He lifted his tankard with a shaking hand and gulped down the contents.
‘Don’t usually feel like this after a few glasses,’ he groaned.
Theo blinked to quell his own headache. ‘Agreed, old friend. But when we were young officers in Spain, we had fewer problems to trouble us.’ He gazed out of the window at the pale-blue sky behind the rooftops. ‘Just the next campsite, the next skirmish, the dances, our horses – oh, it’s no good to remember!’ He brought himself firmly back to the present.
Greg cleared his throat. ‘Your life is here now,’ he ventured. ‘And maybe between your diplomatic efforts and your charity work, your role will be more important for the outcome of the war.’
Theo’s black brows snapped down. ‘What do you know of my charity work?’
Greg propped his head on his hand to face the freezing blue glare. ‘Who else would know your movements? Who else would have to be informed?’
‘By Gad, who has been spying on me?’ Theo leaned forward, eyes narrowed. ‘Did William tell you?’ All at once the anger faded. ‘Sorry, Greg, I understand … all part of the dirty game we play. I told you myself, didn’t I, that I wanted some purpose in life. It seemed that the best thing I could do was to help my fellow soldiers when they have been wounded so badly they cannot help themselves.’ He pushed his chair back and strode over to the window. He drummed his fingers on the sill as he stood frowning across the street.
Suddenly he came back to the table and leaned both hands on it, looking Greg very firmly in the eye. ‘And that brings me back to my argument. Wellington’s campaign is on a knife edge. You have the letters that guarantee him the money for his new defences. His enemies here are wanting to know what has been agreed, so they can prevent him from gaining any further glory; the fools.’ He tapped his finger on the table. ‘It’s time you set off. You are in danger now. What we saw last night tells me that.’
‘Etienne de Saint-Aubin? He’s an aristo. He’s no supporter of Bonaparte.’
‘Maybe, maybe not. But he came out of Lord Dalbeagh’s house and he is violently opposed to Wellington, let me tell you!’ Theo frowned fiercely. ‘Lord, don’t I wish I could go back to Wellington. I would not be hanging around here a minute longer than I had to.’
‘I only received the letter from the Foreign Minister yesterday,’ protested Greg. ‘Agreed, now I can leave, but my boat does not sail for another two weeks. There is plenty of time to get to Portsmouth. Anyway, I won’t go until after Caroline’s grand ball.’ His usually amiable face was stubborn.
Theo looked at him intently. ‘Why prolong the agony?’ When there was no reply he shrugged. ‘Very well, five more days, then. But you do not go out alone. They are after you and they are desperate.’
With a sigh, Greg nodded and refilled his tankard.
The next day, both gentlemen were heartily glad to get out of the house. Very smart in their buckskins and caped driving cloaks, they climbed into Greg’s curricle. The bay horses were restive after several days without exercise. Greg got rid of some of his own frustration in managing their high spirits.
‘They are not really broke to town traffic,’ he panted, as the horses sidled at every passing mail coach or barking dog. But Theo, wrapped in his own thoughts, only grunted. He stretched out his long legs to brace himself against the jolting of the carriage. Arms folded and face grim, he was dwelling on a pair of smiling brown eyes and a desirable mouth – and the scent of roses. His own mouth tightened.
They were driving into the City and the streets became narrower and more winding. At last Theo roused. ‘That is the third time you have driven us past Hoare’s Bank and on to the Mermaid Tavern,’ he drawled. ‘Are you checking if anyone is following you?’
‘Not really, old fellow. I was looking out for a certain person. This last time he was there. All is clear and now we will meet up at The Mermaid.’ He glanced at Theo. ‘You were asking how I get my information.…’
‘Oh, Lord! What else are you mixed up in?’ Theo discreetly felt the pistol in his coat pocket. ‘Why choose such an area of cutthroats and thieves to meet anyone? And who is going to look after your horses while we talk to this – person?’
Greg chuckled. ‘Why, you are. My informant will disappear if I bring anyone with me.’ He glanced at Theo’s frowning face and added, ‘Be easy. Jem won’t let me down.’
Theo walked the horses slowly up and down the road, keeping an eye on the door of the tavern all the while. He was thinking about Kitty Towers again. Why had she accused him of betraying Greg? Who would put such ideas into her head? She was a clever girl and her determination to use her abilities to help the less fortunate aroused his admiration. For a second he closed his eyes and remembered how charming she looked and sounded at the pianoforte last Monday evening. He had been w
ithin an inch of approaching her again to try and sort out their quarrel.
The curricle dipped as Greg jumped up. ‘You drive,’ he said tersely. ‘let’s get back.’
‘Bad news?’ Theo turned the carriage and dropped the reins slightly. The horses set off willingly. There was a lengthy pause. Then Greg gave an embarrassed cough. ‘Don’t know,’ he grimaced. ‘Oh, dash it, have to say it. You will not like it though.’
‘What will I not like?’ But Theo already had an idea.
‘Jem reports that – that Saint-Aubin took Miss Towers driving yesterday to Richmond Park.’ He stopped and glanced warily at his friend. Theo’s eyes were blue ice. ‘It means,’ went on Greg unhappily, ‘that we have to consider whether – whether—’
‘Whether she is a spy. Oh, for the Lord’s sake, Greg, that is ridiculous. You trusted her with your most important letter.’
‘I know,’ muttered Greg, ‘but people can be persuaded to change their views. And there is no denying she is on good terms with that Frenchman.’
Very upright, Theo frowned between the leader’s ears as he drove back towards Piccadilly at a shockingly fast pace. Greg wisely kept silent, not even protesting when Theo kept on past Stratton Street, past Hyde Park and on into the main road to the south-west. By the time he reached the busy commercial area nearer to the river, the horses were sweating. Theo slowed them to a trot and shot a glance at his companion.
‘I could fight you for your last remarks, you know.’
Greg gave a short laugh. ‘Damn it, old fellow, that temper of yours is still as fiery as ever. Do you think I like to tell you such things?’
Theo shook his head. ‘I understand – but you are wrong,’ he ground out. Then, with an effort to control his temper, he added, ‘Well, it was better to drive out here than to go back to my rooms. I would surely have throttled you there!’
‘You could have tried,’ retorted his friend cheerfully. ‘You never managed it yet, old fellow. Er – where are you taking us?’
