A Persistant Attraction

by Silvia Violet

  She forced herself to draw her eyes away from him when a footman cleared his throat behind her.

  “A note for you, miss.” The man handed her a folded piece of paper.

  “Thank you.” She opened it and began to read.

  Your sister is feeling unwell. We have stepped onto the terrace for some fresh air.

  Please come at once.

  The note was unsigned, but it was written in a man’s hand, so she assumed it had come from Elise’s dance partner. Not wanting to alarm her aunt, Amanda simply said she needed to step out for some air.

  As she made her way through the crowd, Amanda considered how unusual such a summons was. Elise was the picture of health. Never once had Amanda known her to take ill in the middle of a party. She prayed nothing was seriously wrong.

  Amanda stepped onto the terrace, but she didn’t see her sister or anyone else standing close to the door. Light rain had begun to fall, and a sharp wind cut straight through Amanda’s thin dress. Surely if her sister was unwell, she shouldn’t be standing in the rain. One could get plenty of fresh air by the doors, under the cover of the roof. She intended to give Elise’s escort a good set down when she found them.

  Amanda walked the length of the terrace. No one was out there, not even a couple using the cover of the potted plants to sneak a kiss.

  Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind and hauled her up against a wall.

  She tried to bite the gloved hand that covered her mouth, and her fingernails cut into the man’s arm, pulling with all her might.

  “You were warned,” he whispered.

  Amanda’s heart raced. If this was a prank, it wasn’t the least bit funny, and the knife pressed against her ribs was frighteningly real.

  She forced herself to ignore her fear as she brought the heel of her slipper down on her assailant’s foot. He stumbled back, surprised. She took the opportunity to jerk away, out of the range of the knife.

  “Hel—” she tried to scream, but before she could get the word out, he had her locked in his grip again.

  She kicked his shin. This time he didn’t lose his hold on her. She realized his threat to harm her was in earnest when his weapon bit into her flesh.

  Her hopes and dreams for the future raced through her mind. So many things she would never be able to do. She thought of her family and how they would miss her.

  Mustering all the strength she had, she kicked him once more.

  The man’s grip held. The knife cut deeper. “Consider this your final warning. You will receive further instructions. Ignore them and die.” She kicked him again, and he released her, falling backwards with a muffled grunt.

  When she turned, she saw that her kick had not been what dislodged him. Mr.

  Whittaker, the young man her sister had fallen for, had pulled the assailant from her. The two men were locked in combat.

  Someone grabbed Amanda’s hand. She jumped and jerked away before realizing it was only Elise.

  Her sister’s face was pale. “You’re bleeding.”

  “I’ll be fine,” Amanda assured her. The sisters clung to each other as they watched Mr. Whittaker grapple with Amanda’s attacker.

  Mr. Whittaker pushed the man back until he was pinned against the low concrete wall surrounding the terrace. The man jumped over the wall and bolted into the night. Mr.

  Whittaker leapt after him and disappeared.

  By this time, other guests had gathered on the terrace, drawn by the commotion.

  Their hostesses, Lady Leighton, and her husband dashed forward as the men disappeared into the gardens. “Miss Halverston, what on earth has happened?” Before Amanda could answer, Lady Leighton gasped and leaned against her husband for support. She pointed to the blood on Amanda’s side.

  “Call a doctor,” Lord Leighton said to his son who’d appeared with the crowd.

  “It’s just a scratch,” Amanda protested. “I’ll be fine once it’s washed and dressed.” But the young man had already left.

  “Let’s get you inside, dear.” Lady Leighton had recovered from her initial shock.

  Amanda nodded. Despite her best efforts to remain calm, she’d begun to shake. She couldn’t remain on her feet for much longer.

  As they started inside, Mr. Whittaker climbed back over the wall. He was out of breath, but he appeared unharmed. “I lost him. I’m sorry.” Amanda shook her head. “Don’t apologize. You saved my life. I’ll be eternally grateful.”

  He bowed his head. “Thank you.”

  She wanted to ask how he and Elise had known where to find her, but Lady Leighton insisted she go lie down. Supported by Lady Leighton and her sister, Amanda walked to a small sitting room which opened onto the terrace.

  When Amanda was settled on a sofa, Lady Leighton left her with Elise while she went to locate their aunt.

  Elise brushed Amanda’s hair back from her face. “What happened?”

  “How did you know—?”

  The sisters’ words tumbled over each other, and they laughed.

  Elise answered first. “The first dance ended and Ben—Mr. Whittaker came to claim me for the next. But Aunt Claire mentioned that you had gone onto the terrace looking agitated. We came to look for you and—” Elise’s eyes filled with tears.

  Amanda squeezed her hand. “I’m all right. Really.”

  “What if we hadn’t gotten there in time?”

  “You did. That’s all that matters.”

  “Who was that man?”

  “I don’t know. I received a note from a footman saying you were unwell and had gone out for some air. When I stepped outside, that man grabbed me from behind.”

  Amanda paused. Should she mention the threatening letter? She decided against it.

  She didn’t want to alarm her sister. Once she was home, she would figure out how to manage the situation.

  “Did he say anything to you?”

  Amanda shook her head. Answering that question would only complicate her deception.

  The door opened and Lady Leighton entered followed by Aunt Claire and the doctor.

  Aunt Claire hugged her briefly then stepped aside.

  After the man finished his examination, he stood and addressed Aunt Claire. “Your niece is a lucky young woman. She’s has a wretched cut, but with a few days of rest, she will make a full recovery. Wash the area twice daily and apply some of this salve.” He set a jar on the sofa table.

  “Thank you,” Amanda said, even though the man had spoken as if she weren’t there.

  He nodded. “You’re welcome. I’m glad I could be of assistance. Call immediately if she develops a fever.” Once again he directed his words to Aunt Claire. Amanda supposed most society women would be insensible in her condition.

  Once he’d gone, Amanda insisted on seeing Mr. Whittaker again so she could thank him. She also wanted to question the footman who’d brought her the note.

  Lady Leighton begged her to rest and make inquiries in the morning, but she refused to wait, and both men were summoned. Mr. Whittaker arrived first, since he’d been hovering near the door.

  “Miss Halverston. Are you truly all right?”

  “Yes, thanks to you. I can’t express enough gratitude for what you did. You were remarkably brave.”

  The young man’s pale cheeks turned bright red. Amanda couldn’t help but notice the look of pride on her sister’s face.

  “You’re welcome, Miss Halverston. I’m glad we were able to find you in time.”

  “As am I, Mr. Whittaker. As am I.”

  The footman who’d brought her the note was admitted to the room a few moments later. He was pale, and his hands shook as he closed the door behind himself. “Miss, I ’ad no idea. I would never have given the note to you if’n I’d thought somethin’ bad would happen.”

  “Don’t fret so.” Amanda wished she didn’t have to bear his case of nerves on top of her own stress. “I simply want to ask you a few questions.”

  “Yes, miss.” Her words seemed to help. He
straightened up, and the working class accent he’d fallen into all but disappeared.

  “Who brought the note to you?”

  “A Mrs. Lillington, miss. She’s an officer’s wife. She said the note had been passed to her by a man she did not know.”

  Amanda looked at Lady Leighton. “How well do you know this woman?”

  “We’re well acquainted. She’s in my reading circle. But I believe she left just before the commotion began.”

  “If you would be so kind as to give me her direction, I will call on her as soon as I am able.”

  Amanda turned back to the footman. “Did you see anyone lurking around the terrace or near the doors?”

  “No, miss, but I’d be happy to ask those who were stationed closer to that area.”

  “Please do and report anything you learn to Lady Leighton.”

  “Yes, miss.”

  Once Amanda dismissed the footman, Aunt Claire insisted on taking her home.

  “Is there anything else I can do to be of assistance?” Lady Leighton asked.

  Amanda thought of facing the crowd of guests in the ballroom and nearly groaned.

  “Could we have our carriage pulled around to the servant’s entrance? I’d like to leave without causing a stir.”

  “Of course, dear.”

  Aunt Claire smiled. “I should have thought of that myself. The whole ballroom was abuzz with excitement and horror. At least five ladies fainted before I got back here.”

  Lady Leighton sighed. “I suppose we’ll be the talk of the town tomorrow.”

  “Don’t worry,” Aunt Claire said. “You’ll have every member of society begging to attend your next party after all this excitement.”

  “I suppose you’re right, but I would rather have had a quiet evening, as I’m sure you would have.” Lady Leighton looked at Amanda. “Are you certain you are well enough to withstand the drive?”

  “Yes, thank you. I’ll be fine.”

  Before Amanda left with her aunt and sister, they concocted a story for Lady Leighton to spread. The attacker, as far as they knew, was a particularly zealous footpad who had lain in wait hoping to steal a lady’s jewels. He hadn’t been expecting such resistance and had panicked, pulling out his weapon and giving Amanda a minor injury.

  No mention would be made of the note from the footman. They did not want anyone knowing that Amanda had been targeted specifically.

  When their carriage began to roll down the street, Aunt Claire leaned close to Amanda and fixed her with a hard stare. “You know more about this than you are letting on.”

  Amanda did her best to remain calm. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “There’s something peculiar going on here. This man came after you for a reason.” Amanda considered confessing, but decided against it. She needed time to think. The last thing she wanted to do was put her aunt in danger either from the man who had sent the note or from her own health. Claire was much improved, but she’d suffered a severe respiratory illness after the excitement of Cassandra’s nuptials. She was still weaker than normal, and Amanda did not want to burden her.

  “I’ve done nothing to provoke such an attack.”

  “Of course not, dear, but trouble and adventure find you whether you do anything to warrant it or not.”

  Amanda laughed. “That’s true enough.”

  Her aunt said nothing further, but Amanda could tell by the set of her jaw that the conversation would be continued at a later date.

  *

  Hours later, Rhys sat at the desk in his study, fisting his hands in frustration. When he’d heard the buzz across the ballroom at Lady Leighton’s, he’d used all his willpower not to open every door in the place until he found Amanda and saw for himself that she was well.

  All he could think about was how pale and lifeless she’d looked after she’d been shot several months before. The thought of her in danger again made his blood boil.

  What had happened? An attempted robbery as Lady Leighton had said or something more sinister? Knowing Amanda, there was more to the story.

  He considered calling on her the next day and demanding a full account. He doubted she’d agree to see him, but at least he had an excuse to try.

  He slammed his fist down on his desk. Hell and damnation, what was wrong with him? He was not some young pup just out of Oxford. His infatuation with Amanda was ridiculous.

  He would not permit himself to be humiliated by being turned away at Lady Morgan’s door. He’d simply have to believe Lady Leighton was telling the truth, and Amanda was only superficially wounded.

  At least Amanda was staying with her aunt. Lady Morgan was tough as nails. He had no doubt she would see to her niece’s well being, even if the niece in question put up a fight.

  But if he heard of any other incidents or got even a hint that the attack had been personal, Amanda’s safety would take precedence over her desire to keep him at a distance. He would not allow anyone to harm her.

  *

  Amanda woke to bright sunlight streaming through her window. She’d slept far later than usual. She wondered why, then she made the mistake of pushing herself up on her elbows. Pain radiated down her side, and she collapsed on the bed.

  Her frightening evening came back in a flash. She shuddered at the memory of the knife slashing her skin.

  Now that she knew the note she’d received was no joke, she had to figure out why she’d been targeted. Then she had to make a plan to protect herself and her family.

  A light knock sounded at her door, and she bid whomever it was to enter. The door opened slowly and Elise appeared. “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine. Just a little sore.” She wished her words were true. She felt like she’d been run down by a horse. “I’m also terribly hungry.”

  “Would you mind if I ordered a tray and joined you?”

  “You haven’t eaten yet?”

  “No, I…wanted to make sure you were all right first.”

  “You haven’t been worrying yourself sick over me, have you?”

  “Not really. I just—”

  “Of course you have. It’s ingrained in your nature. Ring for Caitlin, and ask her to send trays for both of us.”

  Elise did as she was bade then sat on the edge of Amanda’s bed. Amanda reached for her sister’s hand. “I’m sorry you were frightened.” Elise exhaled loudly. “That’s so like you. To be worried about others instead of quaking with fear after what happened to you.” Amanda reached up and pushed a stand of hair out of her sister’s face. “Believe me. I was plenty scared.”

  “No one would have known.”

  “Good.”

  Elise rolled her eyes. “Of course, you would think so, but it’s damned disconcerting not to ever know what one’s sister is thinking or feeling. No one can read you, Amanda.” Amanda frowned. “Elise, when did you start using such language?”

  Her sister had the grace to blush. “I suppose I picked it up from Rosemary, one of the girls I made friends with my last year at school. She’s a bit wild.” Amanda couldn’t help but smile. She could easily imagine Elise being her usual jovial self to a girl who’d been branded as “wild”, one who probably didn’t fit in with the other simpering misses at Miss Hampton’s Wretched School for Submissive Girls.

  Amanda knew all too well how difficult life there could be. She’d nearly been tossed out of the establishment herself.

  Their breakfast arrived, and they both took time to add milk and sugar to their tea and taste Cook’s delightful raisin scones before speaking again.

  “So tell me more about Mr. Whittaker,” Amanda said in an attempt to move the conversation away from her attack.

  Elise pressed her lips together as if stifling a girlish giggle. “Isn’t he amazing?” Amanda smiled. “He certainly did me a great service.”

  “I admire him exceedingly and I think…I think he feels something for me as well.

  “He showed all the signs of being completely infatuated with you. Have you talked to
Aunt Claire about the match?”

  “Oh, no. I…I can’t. You see—”

  Elise’s words were interrupted by a knock at the door and Caitlin’s cheerful voice telling them the mail had arrived.

  Amanda bade her enter and each of the sisters received a packet of letters. Elise flipped through hers anxiously, smiled, and began to tear into one. Amanda could only assume it was from Mr. Whittaker.

  Amanda had a letter from Cassandra and one from her cousin. Her heart sank when she recognized the handwriting on the third letter in the stack. The same person had penned the anonymous note she’d received the day before. She broke the sealing wax and opened the missive.

  Perhaps I underestimated the time you would need to gather your funds. I will expect you to meet me in three days at the pre-disclosed location and time. If you fail me again, you and your beautiful sister will suffer until you beg to be killed.

  Amanda felt the color drain from her face.

  Elise leapt up. “Amanda, what’s wrong? Do I need to summon Aunt Claire?” Amanda forced her lips into a smile. “I…I simply twisted too far to the left. The movement pulled at my wound.”

  Her face pale, Elise examined Amanda’s side. “You don’t appear to be bleeding.”

  “I’m fine, but perhaps it would be best if I got some more sleep.” She hated to dismiss her sister, but she needed time alone to process her thoughts.

  “Of course. I’m sorry to have tired you.”

  “I was glad for the company. I’m just…exceedingly tired. I’m sure I’ll be good as new by tomorrow.”

  Elise smiled and insisted on tucking Amanda in. Then she grabbed a last scone from their tray and departed.

  Amanda pushed the covers down and sat up with her back against the headboard.