'The fourth from the bottom.' She gave a trembling laugh. 'Worry not, the servants sleep too far away to be disturbed by it, my father has taken a sleeping draught and Henry was so pleased to think that I am to be married at last that he has no doubt drunk himself into a stupor.'
One final kiss and they parted. When they met again at breakfast, only the coolest of nods passed between them, but Katherine's desire to help John had not dwindled in the night and when Henry announced his intention of riding to the Keep she asked to accompany him. His surprise at the request made the laughter bubble up but she suppressed it rigorously. It would not do to set his back up now.
'If I am to be married next week then there are certain matters I must discuss with the earl,' she reasoned. 'If Father can spare me, I will be with you as soon as I have changed my dress.'
'I have no engagements this morning,' put in John, turning to his host. 'And would welcome the chance to play another game of chess with you, sir, if you wish.'
Katherine saw the way her father's eyes lit up and knew John could not have said anything better.
'With pleasure, sir!' Her father waved her away. 'You may go off to the Keep with Henry and you need not worry over me now, my dear. I shall be perfectly happy in Mr Steel's company.'
Henry did not look best pleased, but he could hardly refuse to take her with him, and Katherine hurried away to change into her riding habit. She would have preferred to wear breeches and ride astride, but she knew her brother and her fiancé would be shocked if they saw her in such attire. She recalled that John had shown no such abhorrence, and the memory of that first meeting sent her into a pleasant daydream, until Annie reminded her that Master Henry would be waiting.
It was bitingly cold and the ground was too hard to gallop, but they made good time to the Keep. Lord Warenford's steward was on hand to greet them as they rode through the big double gates.
'Morning, Davis. We are come to see the earl.'
'Master Ellingham, Mistress.' He broke off as a liveried servant came up to him.
'The key to the North Tower, sir,' said the man, holding it out.
Katherine looked at Davis. 'If you are busy, we will find our own way.'
He quickly dismissed the servant and turned back to her.
'Not at all, Mistress Kate. If you will wait just a moment I will walk with you to the house.'
He strode across to the door in the nearest round tower. Katherine knew it led directly to the steward's room, but Henry was blocking her view so she moved her horse forward a few paces. She busied herself removing a burr from her mare's thick mane, but through her veil she watched Davis unlock a small door in the wall just inside the entrance to the room and throw in the large iron key. A movement in the room caught her eye and she saw a glimpse of a kirtle disappearing out of sight.
'And how is your wife, Master Davis?' Katherine called.
The steward hesitated for only a second as he closed the door to the room firmly behind him.
'Very well, Mistress, I thank you. The earl has sent to Albrough for her. She is to join me here and help Mistress Skelton oversee the arrangements for Tuesday's celebration. If you would like to follow me, sir, Mistress Ellingham.'
Davis led the way across the bailey to the house. At the gate leading to the gardens he turned to help Katherine dismount but she was too quick for him and slid to the ground before he could reach her. Davis called to a boy to take the horses and he led brother and sister along the freshly gravelled path to the house, excusing himself only when Widow Skelton appeared in the screen passage to welcome them.
'Mistress Katherine, such a pleasure,' she twittered, hopping bird-like before them. 'My cousin will be so delighted to know that you are here. He is in his study.'
'Pray then, madam, do not disturb him on my account,' said Katherine, putting back her veil. 'My brother shall go and find him while we have a comfortable coze. I am very excited to hear about the arrangements for next week.'
Mistress Skelton looked very nervous at this, but Katherine obliged her to sit down with her and with an eagerness she was far from feeling she began to talk about the forthcoming wedding.
'Yes, Lord Warenford has told me of his plans,' said the widow, her hands clasped nervously in her lap. 'I was a little surprised at first, but I quite see that with all the uncertainty he would not wish to wait longer.'
'Indeed. But it is all so sudden, and the earl has not had an opportunity to tell me about the ball. Is he engaging musicians?'
'Oh yes,' Mistress Skelton began to relax. 'I do not I know when there was last such an event here.'
'And who is invited?'
'Oh all our particular friends. Master Radleigh, of course, and Sir George Bedleston, oh, and the Aspens and the Ingrams, of course. And Lord and Lady Carlington. He invited Somerset, but he is in London, which is a pity, because it would have been such a triumph to have the Proud Duke at your wedding. However, I have heard that Lord Hertford is coming. Such a night as it will be! We have had to open up every bedroom, and all the attics, too, because there are so few inns of any note around here and Warenford is insisting they should all stay.'
'Mistress Katherine can hardly be interested in such detail, Judith.'
Warenford's drawling snub caused the widow to break off, biting her lip. Katherine gave her a reassuring smile.
'Now there you are mistaken, my lord,' she said, rising to meet him. 'I came here for just such information.' She held out her hand to him, laughing. 'Did you not know that ladies are insatiable about such details of their wedding?'
Lord Warenford carried her fingers to his lips, but afterwards retained her hand.
'Yesterday you did not seem so interested.'
'Yesterday I was too shocked to think clearly. Indeed, my lord, you have not even given me time to buy bride-clothes.'
'You have the gold lustring I bought for you last year. It is still in its wrapping and I will have it sent to the Manor. Then you thought it unseemly to accept such a gift from me. As my bride, however, I hope you will think differently.'
'Indeed, sir, I do. But there are still a dozen trifling things I wish to know.'
He drew her towards the fire.
'Then you should ask me, my dear. I am always happy to oblige you. What do you want me to tell you?'
'Oh everything!' she declared, freeing her hands in order to wave them in a vague, airy fashion. 'How many guests have you invited, which room has been prepared for my father – and most importantly, how will you accommodate everyone?'
'I have been planning the ball for many months now. I have provided additional accommodation for the servants on the edge of the inner ward. It is a large wooden barn that will do very well for grain storage afterwards.'
'And who have you invited to your ball?'
'That seems to be a burning question with you, Katherine.'
She pouted. 'Only because you have not consulted me.'
He laughed softly and pinched her cheek. 'Come to my study, then. You shall look at the guest list and if I have missed off your particular friends, you shall tell me.'
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
In the study, Katherine sat at the big desk and read through the list. She was very aware of the earl's hand resting lightly on her shoulder and she forced herself not to shrug him off. It was difficult to concentrate with him standing over her, but she knew she must try to memorize as many names as she could.
'An extensive list, my lord. And has Lord Hertford accepted? I am impressed, the more so since Charles Radleigh and Sir George are attending.' She cast a quizzical glance up at him. 'Are they not for the rebels, at heart?'
The earl shrugged.
'Many men profess such dangerous allegiances in their cups, my dear, but few would follow it through.' He flicked her cheek. 'Do not attempt to play politics, my love. Tell me instead anyone you wish included in this list.'
'No-one I can think of, my lord.' She flashed a smile at him. 'You have thought of everyone.'
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br /> 'Including your house-guest, Master Steel.'
'Have you done so?' she kept her voice light. 'Oh yes, his name is here. That was very thoughtful of you, my lord.'
She knew he was watching her, so she kept her attention on the list.
'You are uncommon sweet today, my Kate. It is not like you.'
She rose, laughing.
'Wedding nerves, mayhap. Where is Henry? I had thought he wanted to see you.'
'He is at present with Davis. But what makes you ask for him, are you anxious in my company?'
'Well, yes, my lord. I am not accustomed to being alone with any man, save Henry or my father.'
Thoughts of her midnight meeting with John Steel threatened to intrude, but she firmly squashed them, nervous of the earl's perspicacity. Lord Warenford took her hands.
'This maidenly modestly does you credit, Kate. But you have no need to fear me.'
He kissed her cheek, then cupped her chin and turned her face up to kiss her lips.
'There, that was not so bad was it?' Katherine stood before him with her eyes lowered lest he read her thoughts. 'Still nervous? I know you have spirit, my little love. It will be interesting, waking the passion in you.' He smiled. 'But why wait a week? You look so adorable we could start now.'
Before she could speak he had swept her up in his arms and was carrying her towards the door. Panic swept through her, but only for a moment.
'My lord, my lord, put me down!' She forced a laughing note into her voice. 'What will your cousin think of us?'
'Does that matter?'
'Very much!' she retorted. 'Would you have it spread abroad that your future countess is a wanton?' She stroked his cheek. 'I pray you be patient, sir. Just one more week, then we shall have God's blessing on our union.'
She held her breath, thinking that if he did not release her she would be forced to use her hatpin to defend herself. However, after a brief hesitation he set her on her feet.
'Very well, Mistress Prudence! But you will stay and take refreshment with my cousin? Henry and I have business to attend to, but it should be finished by the time you have eaten.'
Katherine agreed eagerly, relieved to be left in the company of Widow Skelton. While she might find her incessant chatter tedious, it was much safer than remaining with the earl.
The short winter day was growing dim by the time Lord Warenford and Henry came into the red saloon, where Mistress Skelton and her guest had taken a light meal of wine and cake in front of the fire. Henry was eager to be off before the light finally failed, and the earl escorted them to the stables. Having spent the last hour or so with the garrulous widow, Katherine now copied her shamelessly. She hung on the earl's arm and chattered about the forthcoming wedding. Once they reached the inner ward she skipped ahead.
'Do you know, I am quite excited at the thought of becoming lady of the Keep,' she trilled, inwardly wincing. 'Shall we live here always, my lord?'
The earl shrugged. 'Part of the year, mayhap, if you wish it.'
'Oh I do. And in here.' She ran towards the North Tower. 'May I have a room at the very top, like the maidens of old, waiting for a prince to come?'
She ran to one of the arrow-slits and peered in. Henry ran after her and grabbed her arm.
'You are acting like a hoyden!' he hissed.
Katherine pouted and glanced coquettishly at the earl, who smiled indulgently.
'If my lady wishes to live in a tower, so be it.'
She clasped her hands before her. 'Could we go up now, just for a moment?'
Lord Warenford shook his head. 'I am afraid that is impossible. It is locked.'
'Like Bluebeard's chamber,' she murmured, and the earl laughed.
'Nothing so gruesome.' He led her across to her horse, kissing her hand and then her cheek before throwing her up into the saddle. 'There is something different about you today, Katherine.'
She drew her veil over her face and gathered up the reins.
'Perhaps I have finally realised my good fortune, sir.'
The earl stared at her, as if trying to read her mind. Then he stepped back.
'Take her home, Henry, and look after my bride until Tuesday!'
With Katherine in the lead they cantered away from the Keep, following the winding path across the marshes. She did not slow down until they had reached the higher ground leading back to the Manor.
'Well, I am pleased you are showing some good sense at last,' declared Henry, when he caught up with her. 'We are dashed fortunate to have the earl's protection.'
'Are we?' She gave him a withering look. 'Then why do I feel I am being used? And you, Henry. I thought you were for the Stuart cause.'
'And what if I am?'
'Warenford is a government man, is he not?' She watched him carefully, observing the wary look in his eye as he considered his answer. 'Well?'
'The king trusts him.'
'That is not at all the same thing. What is the plan, Henry? I feel like a pawn in a dangerous game of chess. Tell me why Warenford is so eager for this marriage.'
'He loves you.'
Her scornful laugh cut him short.
'Now you insult my intelligence! Would any man who truly loved me coerce me into marriage by threatening my father? And you aided him!'
'Only because you were being so obstinate,' he retorted, flushing. 'Our father was imprisoned for supporting the Stuarts. With Charles Edward on the march, do you think the government troops will look favourably on a family such as ours? Warenford is powerful, the soldiers will tread warily where he is concerned, and this alliance of our two families means we, too, will fall within his protection.'
'But why does he want such an alliance?' she persisted. 'What has he to gain from it?'
He scowled at her, pulling savagely at his horse's mouth. Finally he burst out,
'Our name is respected in the county. When the time comes to rise up there are many who will follow Warenford when they know that he has the blessing of the Earl of Ellingham.'
Katherine stared at her brother, observing with dismay the fanatical light in his eyes.
'He's a rebel, like you,' she whispered.
'Yes, damn you.'
The silence between them stretched on, until at last Katherine broke it.
She said quietly, 'Thank you Henry. You have told me what I wanted to know.'
When they reached the house, Katherine went directly to the small parlour, where she found her father and John Steel enjoying a game of chess.
'No, no do not interrupt your game,' she said, pulling off her gloves. 'I merely came to tell you I am home safe.'
'And Henry?'
'Yes, sir, he is here too, and has gone to change, which is what I should do, instead of coming in here in all my dirt. Master Steel will think me no better than a savage.'
For the life of her she could not help smiling at John, and she suspected her father saw the warm look that passed between them, but he said nothing.
There was no time to speak privately before dinner, and during the meal Katherine puzzled over the best way to relay to John details of her visit to the Keep. In the depths of winter she practised a necessary economy and, apart from the bedrooms, the only fires kindled were in the dining room and the small parlour, where they breakfasted and where she and Henry would join her father every evening. With heavy cloud obliterating the moon and the threat of more snow, there was not even the slim chance of Henry going out, and she would not rouse his suspicions by suggesting that John should accompany her to the chilly library to look at some rare tome.
The covers were removed and she rose to leave the men to their brandy, no nearer a solution, and she spent a restless half-hour in the parlour plumping up the cushions and wondering what excuse she could give to be alone with Master Steel. She was just coming to the conclusion that she would have to arrange another midnight assignation when the gentlemen came in, Amos being supported by John and Henry, who settled him in his chair beside the fire.
'Yes
, yes, that will do. I am quite comfortable, thank you. Now where is Morlock with the wine?' The old man looked up at his son. 'You may have thought we finished the best claret last year, Henry, but I had Morlock put a few bottles away for a special occasion, and I think my daughter's forthcoming marriage qualifies for that, don't you?'
Katherine forced a smile, but Henry did not attempt to hide his displeasure.
'If I had known I should have offered it to Lord Warenford when he called.'
Amos said gently, 'I know, Henry, but I want it for my own guests.'
An angry flush suffused Henry's countenance, but as if remembering John's presence he bit his tongue, merely moving to a chair at the side of the room as the butler entered with a decanter and glasses. Amos glanced at his son and John thought wryly that the old man was debating whether to ask Henry to pour the wine. That would chafe his son's already wounded sensibilities, he thought, and was relieved when Amos waved to Morwick to perform this task.
Kate sipped her claret: it really was very good, much better than the rather harsh wine they had been served at dinner. Her ready sense of humour came to the fore as she glanced at her brother, who was hunched in his chair and scowling into his wine. Her father, by contrast, seemed in a particularly jovial mood.
'Well, well, this is very pleasant. Kate, my love: perhaps you would entertain us with a little music?'
'Of course, father.'
'The instrument belonged to my late wife,' he explained to John as she moved towards the harpsichord. 'I am not musical myself, neither is Henry, but Kate has inherited her mother's talent and I like to hear her play occasionally.' He chuckled. 'What is that piece your mama was wont to play, Kate? It was by Master Handel – The Harmonious Blacksmith! That should suit our guest, eh, Master Steel?'
Kate's eyes flew to John, but he was grinning, not at all affronted
'Ideal, sir.' He replied. 'However, I shall be pleased to hear anything Mistress Kate wishes to play.'
She turned her attention back to the music as he moved across the room with a branched candlestick which he placed on the top of the instrument.
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