The Wild Card

by Beth Elliott

  Greg heaved a sigh. ‘We have already discussed this. I accept she might be just an innocent party but there are two questions to answer. One, what was she doing in the backstreets? That is the sort of place any kind of agent would lurk. And two, why is she suddenly so friendly with Saint-Aubin?’

  ‘Perhaps it is more the case that he is attracted to her.’ Theo directed a withering look at his friend. ‘We do not all go weak at the knees at the sight of golden ringlets. As for the back-streets’ – he shrugged – ‘I would guess she was helping the maid’s family. It should be easy enough for your Jem to check that.’

  They drove on in moody silence and turned into Hyde Park. As they proceeded slowly along the main avenue, Theo added, ‘Now I come to think of it, every time I have seen Miss Towers at any social event, Saint-Aubin has always been hovering close by.’

  ‘By Gad, I do believe you are right, old fellow. Perhaps he thinks she is to inherit her great-aunt’s fortune and is trying to court her. It is certainly a reasonable explanation for his attentions.’

  ‘And means that she has nothing to do with these absurd suspicions of yours.’

  Greg looked at him thoughtfully. ‘Point taken, old fellow. Consider the matter closed.’

  Theo stared ahead grimly. ‘Wish I could!’

  Knowing his friend’s state of mind, Greg simply gave a tactful cough and concentrated on guiding his pair of horses through the cluster of carriages ahead of them. The wind was still strong and the crowd was thinner than normal. One young lady in a phaeton was struggling to keep her horses from breaking into a canter. Greg pulled up to let her through. Suddenly, he heard Theo utter a curse.

  ‘Get moving, man, quickly!’ he urged. Just as Greg was gathering up the reins to urge his pair along, a strident female voice hailed them.

  ‘Too late!’ groaned Theo.

  A barouche drew alongside. It contained a large middle-aged lady and a younger version of herself. Both were fussily dressed in strong colours that did not set off their high-coloured complexions to any advantage. Theo looked at them with a frustrated resignation.

  ‘Lady Payne,’ he inclined his head, ‘and Miss Payne.’ He indicated Greg. ‘My friend, Mr Thatcham.’

  The countess barely gave Greg a glance. ‘Dearest Theodore. What an age since we saw you. We were so disappointed to miss you when we stayed with your parents last month. But never mind, I shall expect you to call tomorrow.’ She indicated her daughter. ‘Letitia is quite impatient for a chance to show you her progress on the harp: you must remember how delightfully she entertained us the last time we were all together with your dear father and stepmama at Weston Parcombe. I recall that your papa was most impressed.’ She gave him a toothy smile and waved as the coaches drew apart.

  Greg was helpless with laughter. ‘What a dragon!’ he gasped at last.

  Theo’s brows were one straight line over the bridge of his nose. ‘I am going out of town,’ he announced through his teeth, ‘now!’

  ‘Steady on, old fellow. What about protecting me?’

  Theo gave a snort. ‘This time, the boot is on the other foot.’ He glared around moodily. ‘Did my father send her?’

  ‘Is that the – er – suitable match he was proposing to you?’

  Theo nodded. ‘And it seems he had discussed it with her mother.’ He raked a hand through his hair and scowled at Greg. ‘Why are you laughing at me?’

  ‘It – it was your face when she mentioned the harp!’ choked Greg, putting a hand to his ribs. He wiped his eyes and gave a wicked grin. ‘Lay you odds the countess will nobble you at Caroline’s ball.’

  ‘Oh, Lord! As if I did not already have enough to do there.…’ He heaved a sigh. ‘Do me a favour, Greg, dance every dance with Miss Payne.’

  ‘Sorry, old fellow,’ his unsympathetic friend seemed about to give way to another fit of laughter, ‘I could not face that prospect. She may have every quality, but beside Miss Warrington, the contrast is too awful.’

  ‘As I said before, you are a faintheart,’ growled Theo. ‘Well, at least whip your cattle up and let us enjoy a decent drive.’ He looked around and uttered a curse. ‘As fast as you can, man. Just go!’

  ‘Now what is wrong?’ Greg obediently urged the bays to a canter.

  Beside him Theo let out a long sigh of relief. ‘That was Miss Harling trying to accost us.’

  Greg burst out laughing again. ‘You used to like the ladies, dash it! Couldn’t get enough of them, in fact. What has come over you?’

  Theo grimaced. ‘These days I need something more than empty comments about the weather and the next party.’ Which was true, as far as it went, he thought, bracing his feet as Greg took a corner a mite too fast. The image of Kitty with her honest brown eyes and sweet expression came into his mind. He compressed his lips. He did not like the role he had played that morning in intercepting her. He remembered her angry look. It was going to be a hard task to win back her confidence.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  When Kitty and her aunt returned from their tea party Broome tendered a silver salver with two letters on it.

  ‘The messenger said as they was urgent, m’lady.’

  Kitty took one look at the flowing script on the elegant, hot pressed paper. ‘From Caroline,’ she said, breaking open the seal.

  The note begged her to not to fail in joining a group of ladies at Caroline’s home that evening:

  It is a meeting to discuss ways of helping orphans from the current war, so I know it will appeal to you, dear Kitty. I have informed your aunt and requested her permission for you to attend. Bring that funny little maid of yours if you wish.

  ‘Oh, ma’am, it does sound interesting. May I go?’ Kitty looked up from her letter, eyes and cheeks glowing with excitement.

  ‘Why, certainly you may, if you still have the energy, my dear, after so many outings today. I shall be glad to retire early, I must confess. But you will take Martha with you and John coachman shall fetch you home.’

  ‘Oh, thank you, but there is no need for him to wait up for me. Caroline writes that she will organize our return. Amelia is also invited.’

  The group of ladies in Caroline’s sitting-room seemed genuinely concerned to do something constructive for the young orphans. They were mainly older ladies and it soon became clear that some of them had a good knowledge of how the current war was causing much hardship and suffering in society generally. After a lengthy discussion they agreed that the best way was to establish a school, in a healthful area on the edge of town. Then they debated on how many children could be admitted and how to select them.

  Kitty was totally absorbed in all these ideas. She rejoiced that at last these wealthy members of a privileged society were showing a more human and practical side. Here was a prospect of organizing help on a scale she could never achieve alone. The time seemed to fly past as she listened and offered her own ideas. She could not believe it when Caroline rose to her feet and announced that supper was served.

  ‘But we have not finished arranging everything yet,’ she protested to Amelia, ‘what about the financing of this scheme?’

  ‘I believe the gentlemen have been discussing that,’ replied her friend. ‘And surely you can see that some of the ladies are getting a little tired now.’

  Reluctantly, Kitty followed as they went through to the dining-hall. A buffet had been set out and tables arranged so that everyone could gather in small groups. There was a loud buzz of conversation as the ladies chose from the elegantly arranged dishes. Liveried servants filled their plates and once they sat down, wine was poured.

  The door opened again and the room suddenly filled with a cheerful burst of laughter and the sound of deeper voices. The gentlemen appeared. They all seemed in good spirits as they headed for the buffet. Kitty immediately picked out Theo’s tall form. Once again she noticed how elegant he was, his broad shoulders setting off his dark-blue jacket to perfection, his long, well muscled legs showing to advantage in the narrow pantaloo
ns.

  She watched him cross the room towards the food, talking to Lord William as he went. How different he looked, relaxed and smiling. She turned her eyes to William. Whatever tale he was telling, it was making them both laugh. It was rare to see Theo so animated.

  But even as she acknowledged to herself that he was exactly the person she wanted to see at this gathering, Kitty felt all the hurt and anger at his conduct that morning in spying on her activities. This was going to spoil an evening when they really could be working together for charity. It certainly meant another quarrel. She gave a tiny sigh and picked up her fork. While she was considering whether or not she could fancy the lobster patty on her plate a figure appeared beside her.

  ‘May I?’

  Startled, Kitty looked up. It was Theo, smiling at her as if he had never had the least idea of suspecting her of being a spy. He did not wait for permission but took the seat next to her and settled a laden plate on the table. He cast an amused glance at her supper.

  ‘Miss Towers, it seems you live on fresh air.’

  ‘Are you trying to provoke me?’ Kitty said with a snap. ‘If we are to talk of portion sizes, it would appear you have not yet eaten today.’

  He laughed out loud, throwing his head back. She kept her face calm, secretly pleased at his enjoyment of that quip. Even while his suspicion stung her, she could not deny the warm sense of pleasure at having him close to her once more. It was a dilemma!

  ‘What is it?’ He set down his wineglass and tilted his head, studying her face. ‘I have the feeling that you are not quite pleased with me?’

  Kitty looked him in the eye. ‘Well, I always prefer to be honest. This morning before I met you, my maid tells me that a man was following me – a man who reported back to—’ She was stopped by Theo laying a hand on hers. He shook his head slightly, warning her to be silent. His face was serious.

  ‘This is not something we can discuss here.’

  Her mouth formed a little ’o’ of shock. She stared into his eyes, her own kindling. ‘Then it – it was true that you thought I—’ She felt horrified. He had been suspicious enough to have her followed! She swallowed a sudden lump in her throat. How could he suspect her of doing anything against her country?

  She felt a sudden pressure on her hand, which was still lying under his. Kitty looked up and saw a rueful smile on his face as he looked at her steadily.

  ‘Will you please believe me when I say that it was all a big mistake? I know I owe you an apology.’ There was no doubting the sincerity in his voice. He squeezed her hand encouragingly. Recollecting where they were, Kitty hastily withdrew hers. After a moment, she nodded.

  ‘Perhaps we can find somewhere private where I can explain the matter to your satisfaction.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘If you would like to see Caroline’s conservatory…?’

  A blush crept up, but she kept her eyes on his. ‘How can you recall such an episode?’ Even as she spoke, she felt a thrill run through her at the memory of his kiss. How much she wanted him to kiss her again. She caught her lower lip in her teeth, shocked at how quickly her body could respond to him.

  ‘Oh, very easily.’ He drank his wine and gestured to the servant who hastened to refill the glass. ‘In fact,’ he remarked thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair and considering her, ‘I think of it often and with great pleasure.’

  This was teasing. Was he trying to divert her mind from the spying episode? She was not sure and it made her feel cross.

  ‘Or else I could escort you home at the end of the evening,’ he added, breaking in on her already seething thoughts.

  ‘Thank you, but I have Martha with me.’

  ‘Ah, yes, Martha – the girl from the St Giles area. That is another topic we need to discuss.’

  ‘Oh, not now, please. We shall soon be returning to the drawing-room to make out a plan of action for helping the orphans.’

  People were already drifting out of the dining-room. Across the table, Amelia was politely conversing with Greg. Kitty looked up a little guiltily. She had been totally absorbed in her own affairs and had neglected her table companions. Amelia wore her usual sweet expression but Kitty, who knew the signs, sensed that she was uneasy.

  Greg was leaning one elbow on the table as he described something, tracing a pattern on the cloth as he spoke. When he glanced up at Amelia, he had a look on his face that Kitty could only describe as besotted. He radiated tenderness. She heard Theo give an exasperated sigh and knew he was looking at his friend. She pushed back her chair and rose.

  ‘Shall we get back to work?’

  The rest of the evening was animated. Now the gentlemen had joined them, a plan of action was quickly agreed and people appointed to oversee the job of finding a building and equipping it, while others undertook to select the most suitable children to benefit from the scheme.

  Kitty was glowing with enthusiasm at this positive action to help people in need. Theo made a number of suggestions, which were well received. Kitty caught his eye and gave him an approving smile. After that, she found him looking at her each time she glanced his way. Decidedly he was in a better mood this evening than Kitty had yet seen. Her pleasure in the whole enterprise was increased by sharing the undertaking with him.

  When the meeting was declared closed and people began to drift out of the saloon, Kitty jumped up and walked over to Theo. He was talking to Greg but turned readily towards Kitty.

  ‘Do these plans meet with your approval?’ he asked her.

  Her eager nod was enough to bring a warm smile to his face.

  ‘It quite reconciles me to living in society, when I see how much can be achieved,’ Kitty told him. She noticed that his eyes were focused on her mouth. It made her feel a little shy and she looked away. She saw Greg ready to assist Amelia into her pelisse. She felt a pang for him. But Theo was claiming her attention again. ‘It is a way of giving positive help,’ he was saying, ‘and I do hope you will agree it is better – and safer – than anything you could achieve in the St Giles Rookery.’

  Kitty tossed her head at that.

  He took her hand. ‘I cannot let the matter rest, even if your eyes are warning me to keep silent.’ He gazed at her, his face serious. ‘It is intolerable only ever to see you in company,’ he murmured at last. ‘I absolutely must make you promise not to go into that hellhole again. Now you are going to slip away and leave me worrying.’

  Still sparkling from the excitements of the evening, Kitty laughed at him. ‘Indeed I am, sir. But at least we have got through an entire evening without a quarrel.’

  He sighed. ‘Yes, but without a kiss, either.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  ‘Miss Towers?’

  The deep voice penetrated Kitty’s thoughts. She stopped and looked round, blinking a little. Theo was on the other side of the road, on horseback. He was frowning at her. Kitty gave a gasp of disbelief. It was as if she had conjured him up. She had been dwelling on his face as she walked and turning over his remarks from the previous evening.

  She had just decided that he was only flirting with her. Probably he was so used to having all the young ladies fall in love with him that he simply wanted to add her to the list. Even her friend Miss Walmseley confessed to being a little in love with Theo, he was so handsome and elegant.

  So Kitty had made up her mind to admire his work for his hospice but to keep him at arm’s length as far as she was concerned personally. But now he was in front of her once again and, as usual, she felt her willpower melt away. She was completely absorbed in the pleasure of looking at him and the temptation of spending some time in his company.

  She retained enough common sense to try and hide her feelings. She smiled at him brightly. ‘Good morning, Mr Weston. I see you have at last got your beautiful horse back.’

  His frown did not lift. He walked Nimrod across the road and came alongside Kitty. His face was serious.

  ‘Miss Towers, this is a very strange part of town for you to be in – and quite
alone as well?’

  Kitty looked round a little vaguely. ‘I have been paying a morning call on Caroline. It seemed to be a very exclusive area, so I thought I would make a detour to the north – it looked to be more open land and I enjoy walking when there is a lot to think about.’

  Theo gave her a keen look. He dismounted without any sign of weakness in his left leg, noted Kitty. As he pulled the bridle over his horse’s head and stroked Nimrod’s glossy neck, she secretly admired his smart appearance. Man and horse were splendid. She could perfectly agree with Miss Walmseley on both points. Her eyes lingered on his profile. She jumped a little when he turned towards her, tilting his head down to look at her very closely.

  ‘You seemed to be in a world of your own when I saw you.’

  Kitty blinked. ‘I – er – I was deep in thought—’

  ‘And now you are lost, are you not?’

  She looked around. ‘Well, I do not recognize this street, but no doubt I would get back to Grosvenor Square eventually.’

  He was frowning again. ‘Where is your maid?’

  ‘Martha? She has a blister and could not manage the walk. I sent her home before I reached Cavendish Square.’ He was even more strict than great-aunt Picton, thought Kitty. She indicated Nimrod. ‘Your horse appears to be in excellent condition.’

  ‘Indeed. He is fully recovered and craving exercise.’ As if to confirm this, Nimrod tossed his head and stamped a hind hoof.

  ‘Surely you would prefer to ride him in one of the parks to exercise him.’

  ‘Oh, we have been out for some time already. I was just planning to pay a call on William before returning home.’

  ‘May I?’ Kitty looked at Theo for permission before putting out a hand to stroke Nimrod’s velvety muzzle. Theo watched carefully.

  ‘In general he is not too friendly towards strangers, but I feel sure you are the exception.’

  ‘He is so handsome,’ murmured Kitty, as the horse inclined his head towards her. ‘No, I am afraid I do not have any sugar,’ she told him, giving him a final pat and stepping back.