The Wild Card

by Beth Elliott

  Theo gave him a rueful grin. ‘You are going to see my hospice. It is not very big – I shall do more when I can raise the funds – but at least the poor devils here have a roof over their heads. There is enough land for them to grow vegetables and keep a few pigs and chickens. One or two are fit enough to chop wood and maintain the building. Between them they are managing. I am learning as I go along how to organize the whole business.’

  ‘It is a wonderful scheme,’ said Greg, much moved. ‘And I am honoured you are taking me there. This is also something to tell Wellington. You are doing as much for the war as when you were on active duty.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  ‘I can see by your smile that you have received good news.’ Lady Picton selected another slice of cold ham from the serving dish. Kitty raised her head from the letter and looked across the breakfast table at her aunt.

  ‘Yes indeed, ma’am.’ Her eyes were sparkling with pleasure. ‘My sister Sophy has written most of it but everyone has added a few words. It brings them all close to me. Mama sends you her very warmest wishes. Oh and my brother Charlie – he is the one who broke his leg – is able to walk about again – with the aid of a stick, of course.’

  ‘Well, my love, it is very pleasant to have good news from home. It has acted on you like a tonic.’

  Kitty felt there was a reproach in this. ‘It is very comforting to know that they are all well. But they are all envious of me for spending time in London and for being so spoiled by you, dear ma’am.’

  Lady Picton blinked rapidly. ‘You have such sweet ways, my dear. You have made an old woman very happy – all my household has taken you to their hearts. Indeed they have,’ she asserted more firmly as Kitty shook her head, embarrassed. ‘I can tell you about the matter now,’ she continued, ‘because I begin to understand why your mother said no to my request all those years ago.’

  Kitty froze. She had wondered for so long what this matter could be. She fixed a painful stare on Lady Picton, unaware that her face had gone white. Unable to speak, she just nodded.

  Her aunt tipped her head on one side, like a little bird. ‘When I heard that Frederica – your mother – had given birth to a fifth daughter, I suggested to her that she could let me bring you up here. You were the eldest and I thought you would benefit from a little more attention while your parents were so busy. As I have already said, Sir Geoffrey and I had no children.’ She sighed. ‘We would have been so happy … but your parents declined. And I must say, my dear Kitty, that I do begin to understand now how much it means to you all to be part of a large family.’

  ‘Yes,’ croaked Kitty. She could feel herself trembling. It was a relief to have the secret laid bare at last. Her aunt was obviously waiting for some response to her disclosure. Kitty pulled herself together. ‘That was a very kind offer, ma’am and I thank you for making it, but I will be honest and tell you that I would not like to be an only child – like Amelia.’ She smiled. ‘But she has always been like another sister to us all.’

  ‘She is fortunate,’ commented Lady Picton, laying down her knife and fork. ‘Well, that is all in the past now. Pray pass me that dish of fruit, my love.’

  Kitty obliged. She glanced at her letter again. ‘My father mentions two books he wishes me to purchase for him from Hatchard’s bookshop.’

  ‘If you are going to Piccadilly, my dear, perhaps Miss Dilworth could go with you.’

  Kitty cut up her bread and butter into small pieces before she answered. ‘The little housemaid called Martha usually comes with me. She is neat and well mannered.’

  ‘Martha? Oh, yes, I recall now. But you need Miss Dilworth for matters of your toilette. You still need a suitable fan and slippers to match your new gown.’

  Kitty was already feeling embarrassed by her aunt’s latest gift of an elegant pink silk ball dress. None of her protests – and she had made many – had moved the old lady’s determination. ‘I think we have chosen exactly the right style and colour for you.’ she had insisted, ‘I am determined you will outshine all the other girls at this ball and have the fine beaux falling over themselves to dance with you.’

  Now Kitty rose from the table. ‘Well, ma’am, perhaps I could look at some possible fans this morning and go back to make a choice in a day or two?’

  ‘Very well, child,’ approved Lady Picton. ‘But do not be too long. We have a visit to make this afternoon.’

  As she passed her aunt’s chair, Kitty bent to kiss her cheek. ‘You are so generous, dear ma’am, that I am almost mortified. Be sure I shall find some way of thanking you properly.’

  Lady Picton shook her head. ‘Well, well, who knows. That may happen sooner than you think.’ This mysterious remark was accompanied by one of her sharp glances but Kitty decided not to pursue the matter any further.

  It was not long before Kitty, with Martha by her side, was walking along Grosvenor Square. Martha was looking at her hopefully.

  Kitty smiled. ‘I have some errands to do, Martha. But if we hurry, we have just time to visit your mother. Maybe this time we shall find Sam improving.’

  The two girls quickened their pace, stopping only to purchase some lemons and sugar for the invalid. They soon reached the end of Piccadilly and the wide streets. They plunged into the crowded narrow alleys, where the stench of dirt and garbage caught in Kitty’s throat. She was becoming familiar with the route now and knew they did not have to go too far into the Rookery.

  The one room where Martha’s family lived was clean if sparsely furnished. The children knew Kitty now and clustered round following every move as she looked at Sam and talked to his mother. The little boy was still feeble and his breathing was laboured but he was definitely improving.

  ‘Lady Picton will be looking for you soon, Miss, we must ‘urry back.’ Martha was becoming anxious. ‘If she ever learns you was ’ere, miss, I’d lose me job an’ then where would Mother be?’

  Reluctantly, Kitty bade the family farewell. Soon they were back in Piccadilly and Martha could relax. There was a bench outside Hatchard’s, where the little maid sat and waited while Kitty went inside. She took a glance at the day’s newspapers, laid out on a table by the fireplace but quickly set herself to find the books for her father.

  When she emerged with a neatly wrapped parcel under her arm, Martha greeted her with relief.

  ‘Oh, miss, proper scared I be,’ she gasped. ‘I seen a man watching you through the shop doorway.’

  Kitty laughed. ‘Come, now, Martha, how can you be so sure he was looking at me? There were lots of customers in the bookshop. He was probably waiting for his master.’

  Martha shook her head. ‘’E went off sharp-like, a few minutes before you come out.’

  ‘Well, then, I expect he was looking for someone but they were not there.’ Kitty set off towards home and Martha scuttled along at her side.

  ‘Oh, no, miss. I seen ’im this mornin’ already. ’E was in the street outside me mam’s ’ouse. I looked out while you was talking to Mother about our Sam. Only thought about it when ‘e showed up outside the shop. Then ‘e went and spoke to a gentleman on the corner of the street. Maybe ’e’s a pickpocket.’ She glanced around nervously.

  ‘It must just be a coincidence.’ But Kitty quickened her step. Martha kept glancing uneasily over her shoulder but saw no more of the mysterious stranger. It was a blustery day and Kitty was struggling a little with her bonnet, her coat and her books when, just as she rounded the corner into Berkeley Street, a well-known voice said, ‘Good morning, Miss Towers. You appear to be in some difficulty. May I be of assistance?’

  Kitty raised her head to see Theo standing in front of her. Wrapped in his caped driving coat, he presented a large and formidable bulk. When last she had seen him, he had given her a cold nod and turned away. That had been her fault, she reminded herself, but it was too late to apologize now. In any case, her heart was doing funny things and she felt too breathless to speak. Another gust of wind tugged at her hat and strands of h
air blew across her face, making her blink.

  Theo moved closer. ‘I really think you need some help.’ He gently removed the parcel from under her arm. Kitty murmured something inaudible and smoothed her hair back under her hat. Theo stood watching interestedly as she tied her bonnet strings more tightly and rearranged her pelisse. Kitty risked another glance at his face. His eyes met hers and crinkled into a smile. She was still gazing at him when she became aware of someone loudly clearing his throat. Reluctantly, Kitty looked round to see Greg, waiting to greet her.

  ‘You are looking well today, Miss Towers,’ he said blandly. ‘I trust you have got rid of those headaches that were troubling you?’

  Kitty felt the colour creep up her cheeks. ‘Indeed, sir, I do feel better. As I said, I like exercise in the fresh air.’

  Now they were all walking along the street, Theo shielding Kitty from the worst of the wind. He indicated the parcel he was carrying. ‘A walk to Hatchard’s hardly counts as exercise, but perhaps you have been further afield?’ He raised an eyebrow. Kitty had the grace to blush and his expression turned more serious. He shook his head at her but merely said, ‘This wind is tiresome and blows up a lot of dust.’

  He was still trying to control her actions! She was perfectly capable of getting to Martha’s home and back. She had made the journey into the slums so many times now and not been in any danger. Why did he persist in interfering? She was searching for a suitably cutting answer when he suddenly asked, ‘Have you been buying some travel books?’

  Was this a reference to that letter, or to the evening he had kissed her? Either way, it added to her annoyance. She felt there was something more behind his question. She remembered Greg’s words – Theo was ready to murder me for involving you – and suddenly all the hurt came flooding back.

  ‘There are no letters in those books – yet!’ she flashed. She saw him stiffen and felt a perverse pleasure in making him cross. But when he turned towards her, his face showed not anger but dismay. Puzzled, she glanced at Greg and surprised a warning look from him to Theo.

  Whatever is going on? she asked herself, feeling a flutter of alarm. They both seemed to think she was involved in something suspicious. How hurtful it was! For a moment she toyed with the idea of hinting at some mystery, just to worry them. They walked on in an awkward silence. Eventually Kitty gave a brittle little laugh. ‘I have been buying philosophical treatises – for my father. Of course I will write a letter to my family to put in with them.’ She glanced at Theo, her large brown eyes reproachful.

  He gave her an embarrassed look. ‘I was only funning,’ he said, ‘but perhaps you really do dream of travel?’

  Kitty sighed. ‘Yes, I should dearly like to see some of the places I have read about, but with this terrible war, it does not seem possible to visit the Continent.’ She turned to Greg. ‘Oh, I am sorry, Mr Thatcham, of course you have to brave the risks and make the journey back to Portugal.’

  He nodded. ‘Indeed, ma’am. But that is a soldier’s life, you know.’

  They had reached Lady Picton’s house and Kitty was receiving her parcel from Theo. He raised his hat. ‘Will we see you in Hyde Park this afternoon?’

  Kitty shook her head. ‘I shall be accompanying my aunt to a tea party at Lady Deane’s house.’

  The response to this was a puzzle. ‘Lady Deane … oh – ah,’ stammered Greg. Theo gave a smile but made no comment.

  Once inside the house Kitty realized that Martha appeared even more agitated than she had been outside Hatchard’s shop.

  ‘Please, miss, the man what followed us, it was one of those two gentlemen ’e was talking to near the bookshop.’

  Kitty stared at her, aghast. ‘What? Who?’

  Martha gulped. ‘Not the one as is sweet on you, miss, the other one, with the light brown ’air.’

  ‘Sweet on me. Hah! Er … when did this happen, Martha?’

  ‘Just before you came out of the bookshop, miss. Oh, miss, are you angry with me?’

  Kitty realized she was glaring and her fists were clenched. She shook her head. ‘No, not at all, Martha. But do not speak of this to anybody,’ she warned.

  In her bedroom, Kitty flung the books down and tore at her bonnet strings, wrenching the hat off. She twisted her fingers in her curls as she thought through the events of the morning. How dare he spy on her! Having her followed around town and then intercepting her.

  It was bad enough that he could even suspect her of being in some way untrustworthy. But to behave in such a friendly way and make her feel that he was truly warming to her again. She had been so pleased to see him. And surely, she had not mistaken the softening in his expression when he spoke to her or the interest he showed in her.

  This business of the secret letters, whatever they were, was becoming sinister. How could she be sure who was a friend and who was speaking the truth? Torn between anger and distress, Kitty pressed a hand against her mouth. She forced back the sob in her throat and set about making herself presentable for the visit to her aunt’s friend.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Kitty and her aunt were the first guests to arrive in Lady Deane’s elegant drawing-room that afternoon. Kitty rose from her curtsy to find that she was being examined with a keen eye. She knew her appearance was smart but again she felt indignant that clothes and ornaments were of such importance.

  Her hostess was a neat, upright lady, who must have been a great beauty in her youth. She nodded and smiled as her eyes met Kitty’s.

  ‘I warrant you have made life more lively in your aunt’s house, my dear.’ She turned towards Lady Picton. ‘It must be very agreeable to have such a delightful young lady to take about. I must confess, I long for the chance to do the same.’ She looked back to Kitty. ‘I had four sons, so I was never able to bring out a daughter. And my sons all had sons. In fact, I believe you know one of them.’

  Kitty looked a question.

  Lady Deane laughed. ‘Do sit down, my dear. We older ladies survive on gossip, you know. My grandson is hopelessly infatuated with your little blonde friend. The most exquisite creature he has ever seen, he told me.’

  Kitty darted a glance towards her aunt but received only a bland smile. She was not sure how to reply. Either Lady Deane was indeed a sad gossip, or she was trying to promote Greg’s cause.

  ‘Miss Warrington is a very modest person,’ she said at last, ‘and would not wish to be the object of undue admiration.’

  ‘Well, Gregory is a level-headed young man. But on this occasion, he appears to be completely bowled over.’ At this moment another guest arrived. Lady Deane moved away to greet her. Kitty sat down by her aunt, hiding her dismay behind a polite smile. Both she and Millie were in a tangle and Kitty could see no way out of it.

  It was not pleasant to suffer a heartache when there was no chance of a happy outcome, she was thinking. The knot of pain in her chest seemed tighter than before. She could not forgive Theo for suspecting her. He must have been alerted by the man who had spied on her and he had come deliberately to check up on her. There was a bitter taste in her mouth.

  Her aunt laid a hand on her arm. ‘Lady Deane is speaking to you, my dear.’

  Kitty looked up and tried to smile. She accepted the cup of tea and took a sip. The warm liquid slipped down and, as she drank, Kitty felt her determination harden. Her misery was a private affair. She would present a calm and dignified appearance to all these ladies. After all, she had only to sit quietly as they chatted. She focused her attention on the group listening to their hostess.

  ‘So unlike his great friend Theodore,’ Lady Deane was saying. ‘Why, he told me how Theodore was always brave to the point of recklessness in battle. And of course, it was Theodore who led a desperate charge at the French cavalry and got cut down – and Gregory who rescued him. Lord Wellington mentioned his gallant behaviour in a despatch,’ she finished, her pride in her grandson’s bravery plain to see.

  This was bittersweet news to Kitty, doing her best to a
ppear unconcerned. She was aware that her great-aunt was watching her with a gimlet eye. She made a show of sipping her tea, keeping her eyes lowered to hide her admiration of Theo’s gallant courage. No wonder he hated his lame leg so much. But then she quickly looked up as the conversation took another turn.

  ‘Well, with that badly injured leg, his army days are over,’ another lady remarked. ‘He is back on the town, but not such a rake as he used to be. He is quite a catch, after all – heir to a very handsome viscountcy.’ Her eyes gleamed as she added, ‘I see that Augusta Payne has brought her daughter up to town – she is desperate to marry the girl to young Weston.’

  There was a general scream of laughter at this point. Kitty looked at her aunt in bewilderment, which made the other ladies laugh even more.

  ‘Poor Letitia,’ Lady Deane said mildly, ‘if only she had a little beauty.’

  ‘Or taste!’ said another dowager scornfully. ‘Young Theo Weston’s mother was such an exquisite creature. I cannot believe he would look twice at Letitia Payne.’

  ‘Maybe not but the Paynes are often guests at Weston Parcombe. Lady Payne is a great friend of his stepmama.’

  Kitty tried not to feel jealous of this unknown girl whose family were determined to turn her into Theo’s bride. But I will never be anything to him, she thought miserably. Why did it all go so wrong between us?

  ‘Are you going to call on your grandmother?’ Theo teased Greg, as they drove past her house in Mount Street on their way to Hyde Park.

  ‘When she is holding one of her tea parties?’ Greg’s voice trembled with horror. ‘I would rather face a whole French division than those dragons.’

  ‘Faintheart,’ mocked Theo. ‘There may be some rewards – pretty young ladies to talk to. And maybe you should be talking to them, just to reassure yourself about their loyalty to King and country,’ he added, in a sarcastic tone.