“And say what? Why did you leave me? Why are you here now?”
Emily gave him a pointed look. “That would not be the best way to proceed, but I still think you should speak with her. Something is troubling her.”
The statement caught Ethan’s attention. He saw Kate talking to Mrs. Wyatt; she did not appear upset. “She seems perfectly fine to me.”
Emily took him aside. “Kate is putting on a cheerful face for our hosts. Believe me, Ethan, she was close to tears this afternoon.”
“What do you know?”
“Almost nothing. Kate only mentioned that she and Robbie might be in danger.”
“Who is Robbie?”
“Kate’s son. She and Robbie are visiting from their home in Leicester. Her husband passed away eight months ago.”
Ethan gave his sister a penetrating stare. “Wait, did you say this afternoon?”
“She is the friend I met for lunch today.”
“I see. Keeping secrets from me already and I not here only a little over a day. I say Emily, you know how to blindside a fellow.”
“Do not blame me. Kate asked me not to tell you anything. She is my friend and I respected her request.”
“But she would not tell you why she was upset?”
Emily shook her head. “No.”
Ethan glanced in Kate’s direction and met her gaze. He swore he saw a faint blush on her cheeks. So, the lady had secrets.
The servants set up tables for cards, and the guests found their seats. Ethan was not much for parlor games; he preferred more sporting activities. Some of the men sat on couches scattered around the room. Ethan settled into a chair and nursed his drink.
For the next two hours, he did his damnedest not to ogle at Kate. But no matter where she moved about the room, he always found her, like a magnet seeking its other half.
Kate did not appear to notice his constant surveillance. Ethan prided himself on reading people. Everyone had a tell, whether it was the shiftiness of their eyes or in the way they held themselves. Ethan could usually pinpoint it and use it to his advantage. With Kate, he saw nothing out of the ordinary. If she feared something or someone, she showed no signs of it. She must have fine-tuned her acting skills because he could not see through her façade.
Ethan had first witnessed those skills five years earlier when Kate had made him believe she cared for him, only to then run off with another man. No doubt, she had spent the last years perfecting the aloof indifference and the painted-on smile of a woman of her station. The idea left a sour taste in his mouth, and he swallowed the last of his brandy in one gulp. The spirit burned a path down his throat, finally settling in his gut.
He was about to approach Kate when Emily stepped in front of him. “It’s getting late, Ethan, perhaps we should go.”
The set of her jaw and her firm grip on his arm made Ethan realize Emily would not take no for an answer. He nodded his head in agreement. They made their farewells as they waited for their carriage. Fifteen minutes later the siblings headed for the front door.
Kate was ahead of them, just about to enter her carriage.
Emily waved and called, “Good night, Kate.”
Kate smiled and replied, “Good night, Emily.” She glanced at Ethan, but he remained silent. Kate’s head dropped as she took the last step into the carriage.
Emily swatted Ethan’s arm. “Well, that was rude. You could at least be civil. Mother would be furious if she saw how you behaved.”
“Then, I should be grateful that Mother is not here.”
Just as they were about to enter their carriage, Emily exclaimed, “Drat, I forgot my reticule. I’ll only be a few moments.” She hurried back inside the house leaving her brother standing beside the carriage.
As Ethan waited, he replayed the evening’s events. Emily was right, he should have been more cordial to Kate. Some bloody gentleman he was, he admonished himself. Well, there was nothing he could do about it at the moment. The sound of Emily coming down the steps drew his attention.
“So sorry, Ethan.”
“Quite all right.”
He offered his hand to help Emily into the carriage when he heard a noise in the distance.
Emily paused. “Was that gunfire? Who would be shooting this late at night?”
He wondered the same thing. Another shot rang out from the direction Kate had taken. Suddenly, he recalled Emily’s earlier statement that Kate might be in danger. The color left Ethan’s face, and a bitter sense of dread swept through him. A stable boy was walking a horse to its owner when he grabbed the reins, leapt up, and spurred the beast into action.
The horse galloped down the road at breakneck speed, the full moon lighting the way. When he crested a tiny hill, Ethan saw Kate’s carriage a few yards ahead. There was no movement from the conveyance or from the surrounding area. He knew better than to yell out; it would give away his position and endanger anyone in the carriage.
No sooner had the horse stopped, then Ethan jumped down and landed in a crouched position. He surveyed the area and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Trees lined both sides of the lane, a perfect place to hide. If there had been a gunman, hopefully, he had left. Ethan cautiously made his way to the carriage. The door laid wide open, but there was no one inside.
Ethan’s voice was low but urgent. “Kate!” She couldn’t have gotten far.
“Ethan!” The response came from the other side of the carriage. He walked toward it and saw Kate pressing a cloth against the coachman’s shoulder. Ethan ran the last few feet.
“What happened? Are you hurt?”
Kate shook her head. “I’m fine. We were heading home, then all of a sudden, there was gunfire. Giles is wounded. I think the shots came from that direction.” Kate pointed to the opposite side of the road. “I figured we would be safe over here.”
“Did you see anyone?”
“No, but I’m afraid they may be waiting for us.”
“We have to get you out of here,” Ethan insisted.
“Not without Giles.”
“Very well.” He opened the door and placed the wounded man inside the carriage. Ethan motioned to Kate. “Get in. I’ll take the carriage back to Sir Brampton’s house.”
“But what about you? What if someone is waiting to shoot again?”
Ethan closed the carriage door. “Don’t worry; I’ve been shot at before.” He provided no further explanation before hopping into the driver’s seat.
They returned to Sir Brampton’s home to find Emily anxiously waiting outside the house. Relief washed over her face when she saw Ethan. “What happened, is everyone all right?”
“Is Dr. Wallace still here?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, I believe so,” Emily answered.
“Tell him we need him. Somebody shot Kate’s coachman. Be discrete.”
Emily hurried into the house. In the meantime, Ethan opened the door to the coach. Kate sat beside the coachman, still holding the cloth to his shoulder. A sweeping glance showed Kate did not appear to have any injuries. The only sign that showed something was amiss was the loss of her hat and her disheveled hair. Ethan started to speak when footsteps sounded.
A moment later, Emily returned with Dr. Wallace. Kate left the carriage so the doctor could tend to the wounded man. She stood beside Emily while they waited.
Who would shoot at Kate and for what reason? He would get answers, but not in front of his sister and Dr. Wallace. He needed to get Kate alone, and then he would demand details, whether or not she wanted to tell him.
At last Dr. Wallace finished his exam. “Well, the bullet exited out the back of the shoulder. No major damage was done. I bandaged his wound. With some rest, he should be fine.”
Kate stepped forward. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll see that Giles is well-rested.”
Ethan shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you, Dr. Wallace. I believe we would all appreciate it if you said nothing about this to the other guests or the Sir Brampton. I’m sure it would upset t
hem to know something like this has happened.”
Doctor Wallace argued, “If a madman is shooting at innocent people, Sir Brampton should be made aware. It is our duty.”
Kate stepped forward, “Please, Doctor, for my sake and my son’s sake, I beg you not to say anything. I have only recently come home, and I do not wish to cause any distress.”
The old man nodded, “Very well, I will say nothing, for your sake, my lady.” Dr. Wallace bowed and went back inside.
Ethan turned to Kate and insisted, “I’ll drive the carriage to your parent’s home.”
Kate bristled, “I can get one of Sir Brampton’s men to take us home. You do not have to bother, Ethan.”
“It’s not a bother, and I want to make sure you get home safely. Whoever took those shots may be waiting for you, and I will not see you hurt. I am doing this whether or not you approve, Kate.”
Ethan knew she was not pleased with the idea, but he needed to speak to her once they returned to her house.
Kate hugged Emily goodbye then entered the carriage without a word.
“When will you be home?” Emily asked Ethan.
“Later, but first, I need to get some answers from Kate.”
Emily put a hand on his arm. “Be gentle with her; she has been through a lot.”
Ethan nodded, climbed into the driver’s bench, and snapped the horses into action.
Chapter 5
Kate sat in the carriage, rattled by the events of the evening. Now, she was forced into close proximity with the one man she dreaded seeing the most. While Ethan seemed concerned about her welfare, he kept his distance. There was no warmth in his eyes. During the party, she had caught him stealing glances her way. She had done her best to ignore the piercing intensity of his stormy green eyes; eyes that years ago had looked upon her with love.
As much as Kate wanted to tell Ethan the truth about everything, she could not. She had lost him, and there was no way to get him back. No amount of explaining could undo the years of heartache. She had to live with the decisions she had and the consequences.
The carriage pulled up to her parents’ home. A footman opened the door and gasped at the sight of the coachman inside. Ethan explained that the coach had been prey to would-be thieves. The footman took Giles to his room, while Kate led Ethan into the house. She assumed there was no point in arguing with him to leave. Ethan had always been stubborn, and she knew when not to challenge him.
As they walked down the hall, she was aware of him just a few steps behind her. She smelled the faint scent of sandalwood from his cologne. He was handsome in his dark, royal blue, fitted jacket, and his finely tailored trousers. His golden tresses had darkened slightly over the years and resembled the color of a lush wheat field at the height of summer. Kate chastised herself. She had to remember where she was and that someone had attempted to hurt her tonight. There was no question in her mind that she had been the intended target of the bullets.
No matter what transpired in the next few minutes, Kate would not allow Ethan to get involved in her affairs. The faster he left, the sooner she could figure out her next move. Above all else, she had to protect Robbie.
Kate entered the study and poured herself a glass of sherry. The warmth spread through her body with the first sip. It gave her the liquid courage she needed for the impending conversation.
Ethan watched her from his position by the fireplace. The tension rolled off his shoulders in waves and he clenched his jaw. He was like a caged beast ready to spring at the slightest baiting. Kate sat in a chair and met Ethan’s questioning countenance. If she spoke too soon, Kate worried she might tell him everything or lose her nerve and cry, which was the last thing she wanted to do. She had to be strong; she could not let Ethan see the unease or panic that lurked just beneath the surface.
Ethan broke eye contact and sighed, “Do you want to tell me why the hell you were shot at tonight?”
The cold emptiness in Ethan’s voice chilled Kate to the bone. It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water on her. He was a stranger to her now. All the years apart had changed him into someone she did not recognize. The man standing in front of her was not the boy she had loved. His green eyes, which had once sparkled with mirth, were now filled with animosity. His tone spoke of faint annoyance as if being here was beneath him. Very well, she would give him the same courtesy.
“It is as you said to the footman, just thieves in the night.”
Ethan chuckled and stared her down. “I am not in the mood for games, Kate.” He moved closer to her. “Now, tell me the truth.”
All the anger and frustration that had been pent up for so long exploded. Kate had been on edge for the last few months. Now, on top of everything else, Ethan wanted to interrogate her; it was too much. She sprang to her feet and closed the distance between them. For once, she would not allow a man to dictate to her.
“What right do you have to give me orders or demand answers? Until tonight, we have not spoken to each other in five years. I do not need your help, Ethan, nor do I want it. I am a grown woman, not some smitten, innocent girl easily placated.”
Ethan’s eyes glimmered. “You always were stubborn.”
Kate spat, “And you were always lazy and spoiled All you wanted in life was to gamble the night away with your friends. You never had any ambition in life, but I cared for you despite your flaws.” She had not meant to bring up the past, but now it was out in the open.
“So, I should thank you? I suppose I should also thank you for caring about me so much that you spread your legs, behind my back, for Nathan Montgomery.”
Kate slapped Ethan across the face. Her hand stung from the impact.
“How dare you speak of things you know nothing about. I do not care to hear any further insults, so I will ask you to leave this house. Good night, my lord.”
Kate marched toward the door, but Ethan caught her arm. She scowled at the man, and her muscles tensed for another attack.
“Kate, please, forgive me. I am a bloody bastard. I should not have said such things.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “You were right about me. I didn’t give a damn when I was younger, but things have changed for both of us since then. I want to help you, Kate. Please believe me.”
She wanted to believe Ethan but, could she trust him? Even if he could help, Kate did not want to put him in danger. If anything happened to Ethan, she would never forgive herself. It would be better if he left. Perhaps, if she made him angry enough, he would leave. From the looks of it, she did not think he would go without a fight.
Kate sneered, “After all these years, I’m supposed to run to you? I am sorry, Ethan, but I have little faith that you can help me. Life must be dull in London if you want to help a widow with a small child. I’m sure there are more favorable pursuits waiting for you in town.”
Ethan moved closer to Kate and met her eyes stare. She melted from the intensity of his expression. Damn her weak resolve. He leaned in and kissed her. It was barely a whisper on Kate’s lips, but it was enough to rekindle a flame that she believed long extinguished. Funny, she did not recall closing her eyes, but when she opened them, Ethan’s face was mere inches away. He seemed to wrestle with his emotions, but he never took his eyes off her.
Ethan cursed and drew her in again. Kate held on to his arms for support, afraid her legs would give way. The fierceness of his embrace swept her away. Her pent-up frustrations combined with her long-repressed desire for him allowed the flood gates to open. With a single kiss Ethan had broken down her defenses.
Kate was helpless to fight it. She rubbed her hands up his arms and broad shoulders to encircle his neck. Ethan stepped closer, their bodies touching as he leaned down to claim her again. The taste of his lips was so familiar, even after all these years. Unlike their encounters from the past, there was no fumbling of inexperience. No, they were older, and they knew what they wanted. Kate never wanted the kiss to end.
Ethan weaved his fingers through Kate’s h
air, tilting her head to deepen the embrace. She followed his lead. He barraged her with kisses, then nibbled his way down her neck. Kate sighed and savored the sweetness of his taste on her lips. It had been so long since she had felt like a woman. So long since she had felt safe enough to let her guard down. The desire to cry out in relief, and surrender to what she felt in Ethan’s arms, was strong. But what about Robbie and their attacker? This was no time for lost love. Suddenly, the gravity of her situation came crashing down on her, and Kate could not breathe.
Chapter 6
The moment their lips had met, all reason had fled from Ethan’s mind. This was what he had craved for years, the feel of Kate in his arms, where she belonged. Her lips had been soft and pliant under his. A growing lust had raged within him, even from the short embrace. Kate broke the kiss long before he wanted it to end. When she pulled away Ethan noticed her pained expression just before she turned away from him. He watched her wander around the room, lost in thought, before she lowered herself into a seat.
Ethan had never seen Kate so distraught, and it devastated him. She believed him the same man she had left five years ago. Back then he had been a foolish rascal. He had raced horses down the London streets on a bet and had drank until all hours of the night, not to mention the dens of depravity he and his friends had frequented. They had all been a diversion, anything to fill his time as a spoiled son of a nobleman. If only he could go back and tell his younger self what was in store for the future, he would have done things differently.
In truth, Ethan had been more interested in pursuing his own pleasures in his younger years, but time had matured him. Now, he had a purpose in life. He and his friends were a part of Sir Darnley’s agency. Now, he put other’s safety and welfare above his own.
In a way, Kate’s departure had helped shape him into the man who stood before her. When Ethan was younger, he had shied away from any threat of harm to himself. Now, he was the first one to ride into the fight, especially if it regarded Kate.
The Spy's Lady: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 2) Page 3
