Her thoughts were interrupted when the butler announced Emily’s arrival. Kate smiled and embraced her. They were best friends and had grown up in neighboring homes. It had been Kate who gave Emily her nickname, Emmy, which had stuck with her throughout their childhood. Although Kate was two years older than Emily, they had always shared a special bond. It had been several years since they had spoken, butt Kate needed a friend with whom she could share her trepidations. They sat down at a table overlooking the gardens.
“Thank you for coming, Emmy. I was glad to hear you were home to accept my invitation.”
“Oh, Kate, how could I not? I have missed you so much. When you married and moved away, I felt like I had lost my sister. How long will you be staying?”
“A few weeks, perhaps. I wanted to take Robbie away for a while. The house has been so quiet and dull since we have been in mourning. And Robbie is so young; he needs fresh air and sunshine.”
Kate’s husband, Nathan, the Earl of Leeds, had died eight months earlier, due to a sudden illness. His death had left her alone to care for their five-year-old son, who was now the new Earl.
“Well, I am glad to have you home. I know you cannot do much socially while you are still in mourning, but I am sure a small dinner or card party would not be out of place. At least, here in the country, the rules are more lenient.”
Emily had always tried to make others happy; it was the trait Kate liked most about her old friend. “It has been almost a year since Nathan’s passing. I think a few small gatherings would be fine. Even though I grew up here, I would prefer to keep things quiet.”
Most importantly, she did not want Nathan’s cousin, Arthur Penbrooke, to discover her whereabouts. Kate worried she had not taken Robbie far enough away to be out of that man’s grasp. For now, she would enjoy her time with Emily and leave her doubts for later.
Emily teased, “Am I allowed to meet the young lord?”
Kate smiled, “Of course, you can meet him after lunch.”
The two fell into their old routine of talking and laughing. It did Kate good to feel normal for once, like she was a youthful girl again with no cares in the world. The last few months had been trying, and she was glad to have a friend to talk to.
They had a pleasant lunch while Emily filled her in on all the gossip around the county. In turn, Kate opened up about her life with Nathan. She told Emily about their lovely estate with rolling green pastures in a quaint tiny village. She spoke about her hopes for Robbie and the future, but there were things she did not say, secrets best left buried and memories too painful to mention.
As they finished with lunch, a maid entered. “Begging your pardon, my lady, but the young master has fallen ill. He’s bringing up his food, and Nana is worried.”
Kate and Emily hurried to the nursery where Robbie lay in bed. A sheen of sweat formed on the young boy’s brow, and his tiny face was scrunched up in pain. He rolled around on the bed clutching his stomach. Kate rushed over to him and placed a hand on his forehead. She looked up at his nursemaid, Nana.
“How long has he been like this?”
“Just the last half hour, my lady. I thought it would pass, but it has gotten worse.”
Kate tried to soothe her son. “Robbie, dearest, tell Mother where it hurts.”
The little boy pointed to his stomach. “It hurts, Mommy.” He threw his arms out and held Kate close. Suddenly, Robbie gagged and pulled away from her. He leaned over the bucket beside his bed and vomited, then laid back on his pillow.
Emily placed a reassuring hand on Kate’s shoulder. “I have helped Dr. Wallace with the sick in town. May I?” She motioned toward Robbie.
“Yes, please do.”
Emily gently pushed on Robbie’s belly, then checked his eyes and mouth. She just finished her examination when Robbie got sick again. He cried, and Nana folded him into a comforting embrace. Emily pulled Kate aside. “It may have been something he ate, but I think you should call Dr. Wallace to be sure. I don’t want to miss anything.”
“You have been a great help, Emmy, thank you.”
Kate turned to the maid. “Please have Dr. Wallace called.” Then, she knelt beside the bed and held Robbie’s hand. “Darling, can you tell Mommy what you ate today?”
“I had my breakfast with Nana, and then we went to the village for a walk.”
“Did you eat anything while you were in the village?”
Robbie turned his face into the pillow and didn’t answer.
She looked to Nana for the answer. “No, your ladyship. I did not give him any food. I told him it would spoil his lunch.”
Kate sighed and turned her attention back to her son. She knew he was hiding something because he would not look her in the eye. It was paramount that the boy tell her what had occurred.
“Robbie dear, if you ate something and Nana did not see, I will not be cross. If you ate something, it might be why your tummy is hurting. If you tell Mommy, we can tell the doctor, and he can help you feel better.”
The little boy stayed quiet for a moment, then whispered, “A man gave me a bag of candy.”
“When did he give it to you?” Kate struggled to keep the dread out of her voice. It would not help the situation to become upset. She had to remain calm for Robbie’s sake.
“When me and Nana were at the store. Nana wasn’t watching; she was paying for my new ball. The man said I could have the candy because I was a good boy, but he told me not to tell anyone.” Robbie cried again. “I’m sorry.”
She hugged him. “It’s all right, Robbie. No one is mad. Do you still have the candy, or did you eat it all?”
He pointed to his jacket hanging on the back of a chair. Emily checked the pockets and pulled out a small bag. She took a piece of the candy out and inspected it. It did not look suspicious, so she took a small bite, and rolled it around in her mouth. She spit the piece out into her handkerchief.
“There is a subtle taste that is not quite get covered up by the chocolate flavor. I’m not sure what it is. We must wait for Dr. Wallace.”
The doctor arrived a half-hour later and examined Robbie. The boy had kept some water down, but his stomach still hurt. Emily showed the doctor the chocolates and told him of their suspicions. Dr. Wallace took a bite, just like Emily had done.
“I believe you are correct, Emily, the candy tastes odd. I suspect something may have been added to make the boy sick, but why would someone want to hurt the child?”
Dr. Wallace glanced at Kate for an answer, but she had none. “I do not know, Doctor, perhaps it was a cruel trick by some horrid man. Will Robbie get better?”
“He seems calm, and he can drink. It could have been worse if he had eaten more of the candy. For today, give him only water and broth. If he keeps that down, he can have some porridge tomorrow. If that stays down, gradually introduce more foods. I’ll be back in the morning to check on him.”
Kate saw the doctor out, then checked on Robbie one more time. He was fast asleep. Nana promised to monitor him, so the ladies returned to the parlor. Exhausted, Kate dropped into the nearest chair. He had found them; it was as she had feared. She laid her head in her hands and whispered, “Damn him.”
Emily sat next to her friend. “Kate, is something the matter? Do you know who gave Robbie those candies?”
She hesitated to tell anyone of her recent troubles. There had been so many secrets over the years, but now things were spiraling out of control. She had been dealing with this nuisance since Nathan’s death, but the situation was escalating. Kate had thought she could outrun her problems, but they had followed her here. She had to tell Emily at least part of the story.
“I don’t know who exactly gave Robbie those candies, but I think we are in danger.”
Emily gasped. “What do you mean? Who would want to hurt you? Why?”
“I should not say anything more. I do not want to put you in danger. No one else knows, except for Nana. I don’t want you to worry, and please don’t tell anyone else. I
thought Robbie and I would be free from misfortune if we came to my parents’ home, but it seems trouble has found us.”
“Kate, this is ridiculous. You have to at least let me tell Ethan.”
Ethan. The name stirred up memories and desires Kate had tried to bury long ago. He was the only man she had ever loved, and she had left him for another. Kate had tried to banish all thought of him, but lately, it had been more difficult. In her darkest, loneliest hours, she remembered the feel of his powerful arms around her. But then she would recall the hurt she had caused him, and knew he must hate her, even after all these years. There was no way she could ask him for help now. Any bonds that may have held them together had been cut the day she had married Nathan.
Kate bit her lip. “No. I am the least of his concerns. Besides, he is no doubt busy with his business in London.”
Emily leaned forward in her chair. “He’s here at the manor house. He arrived yesterday.”
Kate’s pulse beat faster. The thought of Ethan, with only a few miles separating them, made her dizzy. “What can Ethan do anyway?”
“He knows people that can help,” Emily implored.
“Really? If I remember correctly, Ethan’s circle of friends were more interested in gambling and parties. What type of help would that be?”
Ethan and his friends had been reckless in their youth. They had been notorious, in London, for their raucous behavior. Although Ethan had professed to love her in their younger years, Kate had doubted his sincerity. She believed he had seen her as the most convenient choice for a wife since they had grown up together. Back then, he seemed more interested in his vices than in her or their future. If Kate had fought harder for their relationship all those years ago, perhaps things might have turned out differently. But then, she would not have Robbie, and she would not give him up for the world. Instead, Kate had taken her fate into her own hands. She had married Nathan, and in the process, given up her one real chance of happiness. Kate had hoped Ethan had moved on and found someone else. He deserved to be happy.
“Ethan has changed since you saw him five years ago. But if you do not want me to tell him, then I will say nothing. I should go; we have a dinner engagement tonight.”
“I do as well,” Kate said and walked Emily out to her waiting carriage. The friends promised to meet in the next few days.
After Emily left, Kate checked on Robbie, who remained asleep, then retired to her bedroom to rest. She threw her hands over her eyes to shut out the light and the image of Ethan. It felt like a lifetime ago. If he was in residence, she would most likely bump into him somewhere. She recalled the last time she had seen Ethan at a ball in London.
It was the night before she had left for the continent, and her life had changed forever. Nathan had been by her side most of the evening since they had been making plans for their departure. Kate and a companion were scheduled to leave for a trip to the continent, and Nathan was to follow shortly after. At one point, Ethan had come over and asked her to dance. He had clearly been drinking and made some rude comments about Nathan. They had ended up arguing and Kate had left Ethan standing alone on the dance floor.
In all their years of acquaintance, Kate had never seen him act that way. The Norris’ had been Kate’s friends since childhood. Their parents’ estates were near each other, and, later, Kate and Emily attended the same finishing school.
When Kate had come home from school the year she turned fifteen, it had been a turning point in her life. She had blossomed into a young lady, with curves in places any man would appreciate. Ethan had not been an exception.
For years, Kate had harbored a secret adoration for Ethan. He was smart, charming, and devastatingly handsome, but he had always treated her like another sister. That summer had been different. Something had changed between them.
Ethan had asked her to dance at balls, and he had taken her on picnics and other outings. Three years later, they had professed their love for one another, but there had been one problem. Ethan enjoyed his time in London and the fun he had with his friends while in the city. He frolicked around town with the sons of other noblemen, doing anything and everything to make mischief.
Kate had overlooked most of his actions since nothing serious ever occurred, but she had wondered if he would ever be ready to settle down. He had been like an untamed stallion; nobody could stop him.
More than likely Ethan had long forgotten about her and the affection he once had for her. Emily had not mentioned a wife or a fiancé, and Kate had not asked. The thought was too painful to comprehend.
If Kate met Ethan during her stay, she would act cool and detached. Whatever feelings she harbored for Ethan would disappear once she saw him again. She had changed a lot in five years, and, no doubt, Ethan had as well. They were adults now, and what they had imagined was love five years ago, was nothing but a passing whim. They had been childish dreams back then, and if she met him today, there would be nothing but cold indifference. Kate’s mind was made up, but her heart was another matter.
Chapter 4
Ethan and Emily arrived at Sir Brampton’s house shortly after six. Some of the other guests had already arrived. Sir Brampton was the local magistrate and a close friend of Ethan’s father. The magistrate had been in the army as a young man and had taught Ethan how to shoot. Sir Brampton’s sister, Mrs. Esther Wyatt, now lived with him since her husband’s death two years prior. They were a jovial pair who always wore a smile on their faces. Their home was warm and welcoming, and they opened it to everyone in the neighborhood.
The siblings entered the drawing-room and were welcomed by the host and hostess. Ethan scanned the room and saw Dr. Wallace, the village preacher, and other prominent locals. Emily greeted the doctor and his wife, while Ethan joined a group of gentlemen conversing in the corner. They welcomed his participation in their debate regarding the war. Ethan patiently listened as each man voiced his opinion regarding perceived shortcomings of the campaign and how they could be solved. If they only knew it was not as simple as they made it out to be. The intricacies of war were lost on the men, except for Sir Brampton.
Even though he had never been on the front lines, some of Ethan’s missions on the continent had shown him glimpses the horrors of war. The devastation was not confined to the battlefield; the friends and families of the soldiers also suffered. He prayed the war would end soon.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ethan spotted one last guest enter the room, Kate. His mouth became dry, and his palms felt sweaty. It was the first time he had set eyes on her in five years. She was as beautiful as he remembered, but she wore mourning clothes. Who close to her had died? Her husband, Nathan? With work occupying most of his time, Ethan had not kept up with society news over the last year. He would have to ask Emily later. The gown Kate wore was dark purple, which meant the death had occurred several months ago.
The dress complimented the deep, vibrant red of her hair. Ethan had forgotten about her hair; it reminded him of a sunrise with varying shades of red intertwining. Her blue eyes were alert and searched the room until they landed on him. The electricity sizzled between them. Kate was the first to break the connection.
Emily greeted Kate, who had a warm smile for her friend. Ethan had always loved Kate’s smile, especially when it had been directed his way. That would never happen again. He would only be here for a brief time before returning to London and the agency. He had nothing to offer her. Besides, she probably wanted nothing to do with him. The last time they had spoken, he had been a drunken idiot and had said some hurtful things.
Throughout dinner, Ethan’s gaze strayed down the table to Kate, who sat next to Sir Brampton. She was engaged in conversation with the magistrate and appeared to be enjoying herself. Ethan, on the other hand, found it difficult to concentrate.
“Will you be staying with us long, your lordship?” Mr. Phillips, the vicar, asked him.
Ethan tore his gaze from Kate. “No, I ‘m afraid not. I will be here only about a month. M
y parents are abroad, and I am seeing to the estate until they return.”
“So, you will not be here for the fair, how unfortunate,” Mrs. Wyatt chimed in, pouting.
“I have business back in London that I must return to.” Ethan answered.
“Well you will have to come to one shoot with us,” Sir Brampton said. “You cannot be here for an entire month and not have one good day of hunting.”
Ethan tried to be cordial. “I will have to check my appointments. Thank you for the invitation, sir.”
The conversation turned away from Ethan. The ladies spoke about the preparations for the fair next month. Sir Brampton spoke of his preference of fox hunting over pheasant hunting and started a heated debate with one of the other guests. Ethan, for his part, stayed out of the remainder of the dinner conversation. If he was asked his opinion on any topics, he kept his answers short.
As much as he tried, he could not keep his eyes from straying to Kate at every opportunity. He could still remember the taste of her lips. In their youth, they had shared a few clandestine meetings. In the country, it was easier to hide from prying eyes. They had been young and in love, or at least he had thought. The remembrance of Kate’s betrayal felt like a knife into his heart all over again. His emotions, which he usually had complete control of, where scattered in all directions, all because of Kate.
Damn, why did she have to show up now? He had believed his feelings for her had diminished over the years. But seeing her tonight, showed it had been a false hope. He was just as in love with her now as he had been five years ago.
After dinner, the party moved into the parlor, and Emily looped her arm through Ethan’s. “Well, brother, I could not help but notice you were monstrously rude at dinner.”
Ethan scoffed, “I don’t know what you mean. I said nothing rude nor snide to anyone.”
“You didn’t say much at all. Every time I looked at you, your eyes were on Kate. Why don’t you talk to her?”
The Spy's Lady: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 2) Page 2
