Once Dishonored

by Mary Jo Putney

  As soon as the carriage started moving, Kendra relaxed into the seat with a sigh and took Lucas’s hand. “That went well, don’t you think?”

  “I do. You and Jane both want the best for Katie, and everyone will benefit.” He gave Kendra a sidelong glance. “Even if she and Jane were willing, you couldn’t take Katie to London now and risk Denshire finding out he has a daughter. From what I’ve heard of him, he’d probably grab her as he did Christopher just to make you miserable.”

  Kendra felt as if icy water had been poured on her head. “I hadn’t thought of that! Denshire and his malice seem so far away. But you’re right, he would demand custody and send her off to some horrible school just as he did with Christopher.”

  “That won’t happen,” Lucas said reassuringly. “Katie is safe and very lucky to be with people who love her.”

  “I won’t tell anyone about her except Simon and Suzanne so she’ll stay safe.” Wanting to change the direction of her thoughts, she said, “I’m looking forward to returning to Angelo’s for more fencing lessons and sparring with some of the women Suzanne introduced me to. It’s splendid exercise. Athena Masterson promised to send me some garments that are suitable for fencing.”

  “I’ll go with you, if you don’t mind,” Lucas said. “I enjoyed my previous visit, apart from being challenged to a duel, of course.”

  “Of course I don’t mind.” She studied the lean, elegant length of him and couldn’t help but think of the strong body that lay under his well-tailored garments. They’d seen each other’s scars the night before: the ugly parallel burn marks on her leg from when she was knocked onto the burning hot grate. The jagged, alarming scar on his left shoulder and back from the near lethal wound he’d suffered in the navy. Seeing their pasts written on their flesh, which was another kind of intimacy.

  Aloud, she said, “How long until you visit the infirmary again?”

  He chuckled. “Not long. I plan to work there regularly.”

  “I need to be doing something useful,” Kendra said thoughtfully. “I wonder if Zion House could use an inexperienced volunteer. I could work with children, perhaps.”

  “Mention your interest in volunteering to Lady Kirkland and you’ll be there the next morning teaching little children their letters,” Lucas assured her.

  “That sounds very satisfying.” And being busy would keep her from brooding on her situation. She’d done too much of that before she met Lucas. Now that she’d decided to move on with her life, helping those less fortunate seemed a good way to help herself as well.

  Her life really was getting better. It was a novel and very welcome thought.

  * * *

  As their coach rolled up the drive to Camden Keep, Kendra sat up and stretched her limbs in various directions. Lucas loved watching her and looked forward to seeing her fence at Angelo’s. She had grace and strength like a great cat, and like a lioness, she protected her children and others whom she loved.

  As she straightened her skirts, she said, “When we came through before, it was too difficult to speak of my search to learn the truth about Caitlin, but now that I know she’s alive and well, I want to share the good news. I also feel that I owe your aunt and uncle an explanation for taking advantage of their hospitality. I presume they can be trusted to keep the story to themselves?”

  Lucas nodded. “Being a British Resident at an Indian royal court is like being an ambassador. Discretion is second nature. Just ask them to keep it private and they will.”

  The coach halted at the Keep and Lucas and Kendra climbed out and were admitted to the house. They found their hosts in the family drawing room. “What good timing,” Aunt Anna said warmly as she rose. “We’ll be having tea soon.”

  “After I’ve visited the Magdalene,” Uncle William added. “I was about to go out. Would you like to join me, Lucas? She’s always particularly happy to see you.”

  When he hesitated, Kendra said, “Go along with your uncle and give the Magdalene my regards. I’ll call on her later.” Turning to his aunt, she said, “I’d like to tell you of our successful journey.”

  Guessing she wanted to speak with his aunt alone, Lucas said, “Uncle William, I trust you have carrots so I can bribe my lady mule to remember me?”

  His uncle laughed. “Even better, I have apples. But no need to bribe her. You’re still her favorite.”

  “She and I traveled many long miles together.” Happy to stretch his legs, Lucas accompanied his uncle outside to the stable area behind the house. Since the weather was mild, his white mule was grazing in a small paddock. She looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and gave a happy little bray as she joined them at the fence.

  As the Magdalene had her neck scratched from two directions and daintily accepted half an apple, Lucas’s uncle said, “Your lovely lady friend looked more cheerful than she did two days ago.”

  “Her journey turned out much better than expected,” Lucas replied. “I imagine she’s telling Aunt Anna about it now. I’ll leave it to Kendra to explain to you.”

  Uncle William looked curious, but didn’t pursue the point. “Now that the weather is really spring, we’ll be coming up to London in a fortnight or so to get our annual dose of social frivolity. Do you want to join us at Foxton House?”

  “Thank you, but I’m settled with Simon and Suzanne.” Lucas smiled. “And they have a most excellent French cook.”

  His uncle chuckled. “Hard to argue with that.” He fed another half apple to the mule. “Are you in love with Kendra?”

  Lucas froze. “As a divorced woman, she is legally forbidden to marry.”

  “That wasn’t my question.” His uncle looked up from the mule to catch Lucas’s gaze. “She’s a fine young woman who is handling a difficult situation with grace and determination. The two of you seem very close.”

  Lucas wondered if his uncle suspected that he and Kendra had become lovers. He’d always been uncannily perceptive. “The fact that we’re both dishonored has proved a surprisingly strong bond.”

  “I can see that would make a good foundation, but there seems to be more between you than that. We’d like to see you settled down with the right woman, and we both like your Kendra.” William grinned. “So does the Magdalene.”

  Lucas’s face tightened. “Unless something changes, marriage will be impossible.”

  “Things often do change,” his uncle observed.

  Deciding it was time for a change of subject, Lucas said, “In Lower Dauntrey, we met a very impressive young curate, a Mr. Hutton, at the parish church of St. Mary of the Fields. He was especially helpful to us, and he and his wife both seemed very caring. I think he’d be a good choice when the next Camden Keep living becomes available.”

  “Which will be quite soon,” his uncle said with interest. “When the time comes, we can go to Lower Dauntry to meet him. But now it’s time to go in for tea.”

  Tea was always good for a change of subject.

  CHAPTER 20

  Kendra rolled over and stretched. She liked being back in her familiar bed in Thorsay House, but why did it feel rather empty even though she’d spent only a single night with Lucas?

  At least she’d see him soon when he came to collect her for the visit to Angelo’s Academy. Speaking of which, she needed to get moving to be ready in time.

  After washing up, she brushed out her hair and tied it back with a simple black ribbon. Now it was time to try on the garments that Athena had sent. It was strange to draw on the pantaloons. Made of black stockinette, they had a strap under the foot and the knit fabric stretched with movement. Perfect for fencing.

  They were also quite scandalous. Kendra wasn’t sure how she felt about that. She pulled on her own pair of well-broken-in black riding boots. Then, per Athena’s instructions, she donned a set of short stays that provided support for her breasts but were loose enough for movement. A full-sleeved shirt went over the stays.

  All black, of course. She’d explained to Athena and the others
that she wore black as a symbol of mourning for the death of justice. They had agreed that it made a good statement as well as commenting that she looked good in black.

  Over the shirt, she added a garment that was something between a buttoned vest and a tunic. Again black, it fell almost to her knees and made the outfit a little less scandalous. None of the garments were formfitting, but neither were they baggy. Athena had done a good job of estimating Kendra’s size.

  She looked dangerous. Good. Turning away from the mirror, she lifted her riding crop and lunged forward as if it was a small sword. Heavens, the freedom of movement! She twisted through several other fencing exercises and wasn’t once constrained by her garments. A woman could get used to this!

  Much as she liked the pantaloons, Kendra wasn’t ready to be seen wearing them on a public street. She tossed her cloak over her arm and went down to find breakfast.

  Thorsay House was primarily run by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Donald was Thorsayian and his wife, Emma, was a London girl whom he’d met when he was stationed at an army barracks in the city. They ran the household with an easy competence and a Thorsayian informality. Kendra felt very lucky that she was able to live here.

  Emma Brown looked up at Kendra’s entrance. “Good morning. Your usual?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Emma put an egg into simmering water and poured Kendra a cup of steaming tea. “That’s quite the outfit you’re wearing, but isn’t it early in the day for a masquerade?”

  Kendra laughed and cut a slice of bread, then stuck it on a long toasting fork and held it over the fire. “I’m going to Angelo’s Fencing Academy this morning. One of the other women who fences there sent me this outfit. It’s so easy to move around wearing this!”

  “A good thing you’ll have a sword to fight off the men who like the look of your legs,” Emma said dryly.

  “Lord Foxton will escort me over and back, and he’s a dab hand with a dirk,” Kendra explained.

  “Really? He looks too pretty to be a fighter.”

  “He was an officer in the Royal Navy and is more dangerous than he appears.” Her bread toasted, Kendra buttered the slice, then cut it into the narrow strips called toast soldiers.

  Emma served the soft-boiled egg in an egg cup. Kendra neatly decapitated her egg and dipped the first toast soldier into the warm yolk. Delicious, and each bite was followed by a mouthful of tea. She loved the informality of Thorsay House, and the way she was accepted without judgment. She paid a generous fee for the use of the house, and in return received a comfortable lodging and easy company.

  “The house has been quiet for the last fortnight,” she remarked. “Are any other Thorsayians expected?”

  Emma shrugged. “Hard to say. Most just show up at the door as you did. You’re the only long-term guest we’ve had recently.” She topped up the tea for them both. “But I did hear that the young laird may soon be coming through on his way back home.”

  “My cousin Ramsay? It’s been years since I’ve seen him. Where has he been living lately?” Kendra asked with surprise.

  “Constantinople, they say. ’Tis a long voyage from there to here.”

  “A couple of months, I’d guess,” Kendra agreed. If Ramsay was coming home, it probably meant the old laird was failing in health. She’d like to see Ramsay again. He’d been like a big brother to her when she was a little girl summering in Thorsay. But he’d had restless feet and headed out to distant lands when he finished university.

  She was finishing her breakfast when Donald Brown entered the kitchen, saying laconically, “Your friend is here, Miss Kendra.”

  “Thank you.” She swallowed the last of her tea and stood, giving Donald his first look at her pantaloons.

  “You’re going out in your drawers?” he asked, scandalized.

  “Pantaloons, not drawers,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to fencing in them.”

  “What’s the world comin’ to?” he muttered, but his gaze was amused and appreciative.

  “Greater freedom for women, I hope!” With a departing smile, she collected her cloak and headed toward the drawing room. When she entered, Lucas was studying a battle-scarred round shield, but he turned at her arrival, then stood stock-still, staring. He swallowed hard before saying, “Good morning.”

  “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you really surprised,” she said cheerfully. “Athena Masterson sent the clothes over while we were traveling. I hope to see her at Angelo’s this morning.”

  Collecting himself, Lucas said, “Your outfit will offer great flexibility for fencing.” He grinned. “Or possibly for becoming a jewel thief.”

  She glanced down at herself. “I hadn’t thought of that, but I’ll bear it in mind if I need to take up a new occupation.”

  “You may cause a riot as we walk over,” he said, seeming unable to wrench his gaze from her legs. “And if you cross swords with any men at the academy, you’ll win because they’ll be too stunned by the sight of you to put up a defense.”

  “I’m divided between feeling dashing and alarmed,” she admitted as she donned her cloak to conceal her appearance from men on the street. “But I do love the freedom of movement that I have.”

  They stepped out on the street and the bright spring breeze blew her loose cloak around her legs. Her pantaloons made the effect interestingly different from her usual skirts. She also found that her strides were longer and freer. Lucas didn’t have to alter his pace for them to walk side by side down the street. Yes, she liked this.

  Angelo’s was rather quiet when they arrived, but four women had claimed the left end of the main room and were chatting in a friendly way as two of them sparred with their blunted small swords. All wore pantaloons, though only Kendra was dressed in all black.

  Kendra smiled at the sight, feeling as if she was joining a very special club. Athena Masterson was part of the group and wore black boots and pantaloons along with a white shirt and dark red tunic. She made a very convincing warrior woman. She turned to greet the new arrival. “Kendra, welcome to the Fencing Females Fighting Society! I’m glad you braved the pantaloons. It’s much harder to fence in a skirt.”

  Kendra grinned at her, immediately feeling at home. “You did a good job guessing my size. Thank you!”

  “My sister-in-law, Lady Kiri Mackenzie, is a wizard with clothing and fashion and she developed the pantaloons,” Athena explained. “She often fences here but couldn’t come this morning. I’ll tell her how pleased you are with your new ensemble.”

  “I think pantaloons are a splendid idea,” Lucas said. “Why should women always wear clothing that is so confining?”

  “I like your point of view.” Athena extended her hand. “I’m Athena Masterson and you must be Foxton?”

  “Indeed I am,” he said as they shook hands.

  “Do you know if Henry Angelo is available?” Kendra asked. “I’d like to have another lesson with him if I could.”

  Another woman, this one with red-gold hair, shook her head. “He’s out until this afternoon. For lessons, it’s best to book the time in advance.”

  “I’ll do that next time, Callie,” Kendra said. “For today, is anyone up for a little gentle sparring with a novice?”

  “It would be my pleasure since I’m no expert myself.” She turned to Lucas and offered her hand. “I’m Callie Kingston. I heard about your sparring session with your cousin. I gather that the two of you put on a dazzling show. I’m sorry I missed it.”

  “I’ll see if I can persuade Simon to join me here next Wednesday. He’s my favorite sparring partner,” he said as they shook hands. “I’ll leave you to your mayhem and see if I can find a sparring partner of my own.”

  Kendra set aside her cloak, then lifted a practice sword, testing the balance in her hand. “Now show me how bad I am, Callie!”

  * * *

  Lucas took off his coat and hat, enjoying the prospect of some demanding exercise. After collecting one of the practice swords racked along t
he opposite wall, he looked around for a prospective partner.

  A sparring match was going on at the opposite end of the room from the women, and several other men were watching, so he approached one of the onlookers who also held a practice sword and looked ready to use it. “Hello,” he said pleasantly. “I’m Foxton. Would you like to do some sparring?”

  “Foxton?” Looking revolted, the man scowled and made an elaborate show of turning his back.

  Lucas felt as if he’d been punched in the belly. In the last few days of travel with Kendra, he’d not thought about his pariah status. Now it was brought back to him with sharp malice.

  Then Athena Masterson was at his shoulder. “Would you be willing to spar with a mere female?” she asked. “Like Callie, I’m more accomplished with a gun than a sword, but the way to improve is by sparring with someone who is better, which you are.”

  Lucas’s tension eased away. “I’d be delighted to cross swords with you. I have a suspicion that you’re better than you admit.”

  “I’m not really,” she said as they moved to a clear space in the center of the room. “But I have had some unwelcome experiences of war when I lived on the Peninsula. That produces a certain ruthlessness.”

  “War does that,” Lucas agreed. They saluted each other with their blades, then began easily testing each other’s ability. Almost as tall as Lucas and with a long reach and quick reflexes, Athena was a worthy opponent. Their speed increased to a swift, athletic bout that ended when he touched the practice sword to the center of her chest. “Touché, my lady!” he said, panting. “I’m very glad I didn’t have to fight you seriously!”

  “The feeling is mutual!” she said with a breathy laugh.

  Kendra and Callie had also finished their bout and were laughing together. Kendra turned and came to Lucas, breathing hard, her face flushed. She looked beautiful and enticing and he was tempted to kiss her. Just as well they were in public.

  “I wish I’d discovered fencing years ago!” she said.