'That you've come to paint the sea and the cliffs. 'And when I sees 'im again I shall tell 'im that's the truth.'
'Yes, that's right, Lily,' said John. 'But tell me, do you know why Lord Warenford is staying at the Keep?'
'Of course. To marry Miss Katherine. Everyone in the village knows he wants to marry her, 'cos her father was an earl and she's a real lady.' Lily shivered and pulled her cloak tighter about her. 'I must go. Da' s gone fishin' but after last night I'd best be home when he gets in.'
'It would seem the packet from that marker in the bay did get to the Keep,' murmured John as he watched her hurrying away.
'Aye, but how the devil did she get there without my seeing her?' demanded Matthew.
'Don't berate yourself, my friend. It would be easy to miss a slip of a girl on that wild coast.'
Matthew shook his head, frowning over how he could have allowed such a lapse of concentration and he was still mulling over the problem when they saw a party of some half a dozen riders coming towards them. John and Matty pulled over to the roadside, John nodding as the riders slowed.
'Captain Thropton.'
The Captain touched his hat.
'Master Steel, the gentleman on a sketching tour. Good day to you sir. You are finding the views here to your liking?'
'Indeed, Captain, a fascinating coastline. And you, sir, still on the lookout for your square-rigged ship?
'No, no, a naval cutter chased her off ... yesterday? No, the day before.' The Captain puffed out his chest, his black side-whiskers bristling. 'The Navy is taking a keen interest in our coast now, sir, what with the Stuart on the move across the border. They're blockading the French ports and patrolling these waters regularly to prevent aid getting through to the rebels.' He jerked his head, indicating the soldiers behind him. 'You see I have some help now, for my patrols, and talk is that once Marshall Wade has secured Newcastle he will be sending militiamen here.'
'Oh? I thought you might have your own militia in these parts.'
'And just where do you think we might find so many men, Master Steel? Look around you, there's more cattle than people along this stretch of the coast, sir, and so I'll tell you. But don't you worry, if the rebels decide to travel down to London we'll be ready for 'em!' He touched his hat again and prepared to move off. 'Oh - by the bye,' his eyes took in their full saddlebags. 'Master Steel - where might you be staying tonight, in case I need to be getting in touch with you, like?'
John gave him his sweetest smile. 'Why, Captain, you can find me at the Manor.'
'What, with old Master Ellingham? I thought you was barely acquainted.'
'That has changed.'
Thropton bent a fierce glance upon him. 'You know his history?'
'Yes, I am aware of it.'
The Captain shook his head. 'Then I advise you to be careful, young sir, not to get caught up in any nefarious schemes. The old man was a rebel in his day.'
'And he has paid dearly for it.'
'That's as maybe. These are troubled times, young sir, troubled times, and I should be sorry to see a fine young man like yourself goin' astray.'
John swept off his hat and made the Captain a fine bow, bending low over his horse's neck.
'Thank you for your advice, Captain. I promise you my reasons for staying at the Manor are of a much more … personal nature.'
Again, the fierce eyes glared at him.
'Still thinking of fixing your interest with Mistress Ellingham, are you? I've already told you she's betrothed to Lord Warenford, and you'd be doing us all a great disservice if you was to come between 'em.'
'Oh, and why is that?' asked John, all innocence.
'This match will do much to heal the old wounds,' the captain told him. 'There's plenty that would still follow Ellingham's lead: if he shows himself loyal to the King then many another family roundabouts that will do the same.'
'And Lord Warenford is a government man?'
'No question of it. Why, he's a friend of the Lord Hertford, and you know he has always been a loyal Hanover man. Lord love you, Master Steel, we've no doubt about the earl's loyalty.'
With another nod the Captain rode on, and John and Matty were free to continue on their way.
'Well, well, Matty. What say you to that? Are we truly so wide of the mark, do you think?'
'Captain Thropton is mighty sure of the earl,' returned Matty cautiously.
'But I'd wager he knows nothing of the swords stockpiled at the Keep,' replied John. 'And why would a loyal subject keep that from a government man?'
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
If John had been expecting a warm reception at the Manor then he was disappointed. Morwick informed him that Master Ellingham was indisposed, and had been taken to his room, Master Henry was away and Mistress Ellingham was attending her father, but would join him for dinner. John accepted the news calmly enough, but as soon as he had been shown to his room he sent his man to the stables to see what could be learned. By the time Matthew returned John had unpacked his travelling bags and was shrugging himself into his coat of plum and gold striped velvet.
'You have changed for dinner!' exclaimed Matthew, mortified.
John laughed. 'Did you think I could not manage without you? I am not such a fop.'
'No, of course not sir, but – '
'But nothing. What did you find out?'
'Oh, Gordon was very ready to talk to me! It seems the house is at sixes and sevens. Master Henry and the old man quarrelled most royally over breakfast, ending with Master Ellingham collapsing and being taken to his bed and Master Henry going off in high dudgeon. The doctor was called and the old man has been told to rest for a few days.' Matthew hesitated. 'I hope you will forgive the impertinence, Master John, but I did suggest that the household would not be wanting visitors at such a time. However, Gordon was adamant that the old man wanted you here. Said he had left instructions that you was to be made welcome.'
'Well, if is Master Ellingham's wish, let us hope we can be of some help to him.' John gave his ruffles a final shake, slipped on his heeled black shoes with silver buckles and made his way downstairs to await his hostess. Katherine Ellingham joined him shortly after, and greeted him with something of a distracted air.
'Master Steel. I beg your pardon, have you been left here to kick your heels? I regret that Henry has not yet returned and,'
'And your father is ill, I know,' he interrupted her, smiling. 'I have come at an inconvenient time, ma'am, and it is only the knowledge that your father wants me to be here that has stopped me decamping back to Sleaton.'
'Oh no, you must not think of leaving.' She blushed, and after a moment she said with a shaky laugh. 'Oh dear, a bad beginning. You must excuse me for receiving you here in the parlour rather than the saloon upstairs, but in winter it is our habit to use only this parlour and the dining room, because the saloon never really feels warm. Pray, sir, will you not be seated? '
'This is a very comfortable room, ma'am, but before I sit down will you let me help you to some wine? Your butler was good enough to bring in a tray earlier.'
'Well then, yes, thank you.'
Katherine waited while John filled their glasses then invited him to take one of the two chairs that flanked the fireplace, while she made herself comfortable in the other. The brief interlude had allowed her to collect herself and now she said with a smile, 'I am sorry your reception has not been all that it should, Master Steel.'
'Not at all, mistress. How is Master Ellingham now?'
She took a sip of her wine and put the glass down on the table at her elbow.
'He is resting, and has asked me to assure you that he will be up and about again tomorrow. I was attending him when you arrived, and did not know then that Henry had gone out.' She broke off, a frown clouding her eyes.
'There was a quarrel, I believe?'
'Yes. My brother - my brother is very impetuous. Sometimes he finds it difficult. He resents our lack of fortune.'
'And does he bla
me the king for that?'
Her eyes flew to his face.
'Sir?'
'Does he support the Pretender?'
'No!'
Under his steady gaze her own eyes fell. 'I confess I am afraid he could be tempted to join the rebels.'
'And Lord Warenford?'
'What of him?'
'Is he too the Pretender's man?'
Katherine gave a shaky laugh.
'G-goodness, whatever makes you think that? Everyone knows he is loyal to the king.'
'Do they?'
Katherine drew a long breath.
'He courts both sides, he says he is trying to reconcile the county, but sometimes…'
'Yes?'
She bit her lip. 'I fear he is secretly rallying support for the Stuarts.'
'That, too, is my fear. I do not want my brother's swords to be used for treachery.'
'Is that why you came back, to recover the consignment?'
She met his eyes and the glow she saw there turned her bones to water and his smile wrapped about her like a warm cloak.
'No, I came back for you, madam.' The glow faded. 'However, if those swords are destined for rebel hands, and the government gets wind of it, I shall have nothing to offer you. Less than nothing.'
'As if I care for that,' she exclaimed.
'But I should.' His eyes narrowed. 'There is also a little business with the earl to be concluded before I can take you away. Tell me, when I last saw your father, I rather thought he was no longer in favour of the rebel cause.'
'He is not. He has seen what such divisions can do to the land. If the rebels march south at the very least there will be bloodshed, and at worst, civil war. Father is afraid Henry will ally himself with the rebels, thinking to regain the lands we have lost.' She jumped up and began to pace the room. 'I should not be telling you this. You are a stranger.'
Putting down his glass John rose and moved swiftly to intercept her, catching her hands.
'Kate, I am no stranger, believe me. I am your friend.' He put his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him. 'You know I would do nothing to harm you.'
The grey eyes swam with tears and she struggled to blink them away. Unable to help himself, John lowered his head and captured her mouth. Then, when she did not resist, he pulled her more firmly into his arms. It was like coming home, he thought, remembering the first time he had kissed her. Then the sensation had been dulled by the open wound in his side, now he could concentrate, feeling the soft cushion of her lips beneath his, responsive, arousing. She returned his kiss with fervour, her body pressing against him, soft, yielding but at the same time demanding his attention. The heated blood pounded through his body while his spirit soared. It felt so right, so natural, as if they were one, forged from the same steel.
When at last he let her go she clung to him, her head nestling on his shoulder.
'Oh, I should not have done that.'
John smiled, resting his cheek against her hair.
'I do not think I gave you a choice, my love.'
With a sob she pulled herself free and turned away from him.
'Do not call me that,' she implored him, hunting for her handkerchief. 'You know it cannot be. I, I am engaged to be married.'
'Yes, I meant to ask you why you had allowed that to go on.'
She gave a watery chuckle at his conversational tone. He put a hand under her elbow and guided her back to her chair. When she was seated he picked up her wineglass and handed it to her.
'I told you I would come back.'
'How was I to believe that? A, a man I had met but once.'
'But you do not love Warenford, do you? Did you ever do so?'
She sighed. 'It had been an understanding for a long time. Lord Warenford has been very generous to us, he paid the doctor's bills for my father, and loaned Henry money. The earl is a very powerful man. To be connected with Warenford has opened doors for Henry, made him feel a little less isolated. It became difficult to refuse.'
'Did he threaten you?'
'No, not as such.'
'But he made it clear that it would be unwise to cross him.'
She hung her head.
'You must think me very weak. If I had only myself to consider, I would have had no hesitation in refusing him.'
John felt his anger mounting. She had been coerced into the betrothal, impeded by an infirm father and a selfish brother. Keeping these thoughts to himself he smiled at her.
'I have no doubt that you would, my love. But I am here now, and I shall not let you marry Lord Warenford.'
Her tremulous smile and the glow in her eyes warmed his soul.
'I will tell him,' she said. 'I will break off the engagement.'
Before she could say more there was a swift tread in the passage and the door opened to admit her brother. He was panting, as if he had been running, and his eyes were fever bright. He halted just inside the door.
'Oh, I beg your pardon. Master Steel, your servant, sir. I, um, I am late for dinner. My apologies, I am just this minute returned. Sister, pray give me ten minutes to change and I shall join you.'
Without another word he was gone. Katherine clasped her hands.
'He is clearly big with news. Mayhap he has learned something of the rebels.'
John met her anxious gaze with a reassuring smile.
'No doubt he will tell us over dinner.'
The dining room was warm and inviting. The old panelling had been polished until it shone in the light of the many candles and the blazing fire. Morwick waited upon them in a dignified silence and John was the perfect guest, praising the succulent beef, the freshness of the fish, commending the choice of wine and engaging his hosts in gently innocuous conversation.
He watched Henry as the meal progressed, the young man seemed preoccupied, but it was not until Morwick had removed the covers and left them alone that he shared his news. He had been drinking steadily throughout the meal and now as he reached for the brandy he fixed his intense gaze upon his sister.
'You have not yet asked me where I have been all day.'
Kate gave him a disdainful glance.
'Riding off your ill-humour, I suppose, while I tended to Papa. And you have not yet asked how he does.'
Henry shrugged. 'Morwick told me when I came in that he had taken to bed, but since the doctor has gone home, I assume Father is resting.'
'No thanks to you!'
Henry flushed and cast a swift glance across the table.
'I am sure our guest does not wish to listen to our petty quarrels. Besides, you have not yet heard my news. I have been to Wooler!'
Katherine blinked. 'Is there anything special in that?'
He waved an impatient hand.
'Stop funning, Kate. Of course, you will not know, but it is all over the town. The Prince has sent messengers, telling them to be ready to billet his officers. They expect him any day now.' He looked from one to the other, his eyes shining. 'The Prince is marching to Newcastle.'
'No!' Katherine paled.
'Is it confirmed?' asked John. 'Is the Prince coming south?'
'Of course! He was at Kelso and sent riders ahead to prepare the way. Another couple of days and his army will be marching past our very door. Then we shall see who will stand with us!'
'Henry!'
'Oh, be damned to this subterfuge! I am for the Prince. What have I to thank the government for? They stripped my father of his rank and left us with nothing.'
Katherine leaned forward. 'Henry, is, is Lord Warenford for the rebels, too?'
He frowned at her, and a wary look came into his eyes.
'Warenford? Good God, sis, has he ever given you any reason to think so?'
'That is no answer, Henry.' She softened her tone. 'Come, you may speak before Master Steel. He is a friend.'
Henry shifted uncomfortably and then gave an unconvincing laugh.
'Kate, why do you ask me that question? You are the future countess, surely you may ask Warenford
yourself.'
'Henry, you cannot join the Pretender. You must not fight. It would kill Father.'
'What? Oh no, no, I'll not take up arms, but that doesn't mean I don't support his cause.' Henry raised his glass and drank a hearty toast, after which he continued to speculate on how soon they could expect to see Charles Edward Stuart.
Katherine soon excused herself, saying she wished to visit her father before retiring. John escorted her to the door, giving her a reassuring smile as he said goodnight. He too was caught up in his own thoughts and as soon as he could politely do so he retired, leaving Henry to his brandy and dreams of glory.
Matthew was waiting for him in his room and John lost no time in passing on Henry's news.
'If that's the case then the rebels will be at the Keep within days,' said John, his mood grim. 'Even if Warenford is loyal to the king, there are not enough men within the castle to keep them at bay for long and I will not risk those swords falling into rebel hands. Tomorrow morning I must find Thropton and lay my suspicions before him. If Warenford is indeed a government man then the captain should already know about his arsenal and be sending troops to protect it. If not – and I very much fear he does not know of them – well, Thropton will know how to act. We can only hope that he may put in a word on our behalf.'
Matthew shook his head. 'A bad business, Master John.'
'Aye, but with the rebels coming down from the north, the government will be sure to send out troops from Newcastle, and I do not see that we could get the arms away safely even if we could wrest them from the Keep.' He lay down upon the bed, sighing. 'Perhaps I was too optimistic, to ever think I could recover them and save Wolf's business.'
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The morning brought little comfort for John, the morning sky being leaden as his spirits and sleet was already falling. Downstairs he found Katherine with her father sitting at a small table in the parlour. They greeted him warmly and once he had filled his plate from the selection of cheeses and meats on the sideboard, he took a seat at the table, enquiring after the old man's health while Katherine disappeared to fetch more coffee.
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