“How are you safeguarding the document?”
“The original is with Lord Hughes. I only carry a copy, it never leaves me. I guard it with my life.”
She nodded. “So, you are willing now to let me help you?”
He smiled sheepishly. “I am, if you are still willing to throw your lot in with the likes of me. You’ve already proven yourself to be an intrepid partner. I could do with worse.”
Katrina’s eyebrows rose and her eyes widened as her chin went up. “Really? I’m not sure if I should be flattered, insulted, or both. Probably both. But fine, let’s see what we can accomplish. We won’t have much time before Lady Westcombe peeks in on me.”
“She peeks in?”
“She sees light and is aware I am often up at night. When she goes to take care of the baby, she comes to check in on me too.”
“How much time do we have?”
“Less than an hour.”
Michael pulled out the document and went to the table by the fire and Katrina followed with her father’s journal. It was a low table on a soft lush carpet so both fell to their knees just like the last time.
Michael got up again and went to a nearby desk to bring the quill and ink. They worked feverishly, both focused only on the task at hand.
After three-quarters of an hour, Katrina reached up to rub her neck and yawned. “I think we need to stop.”
Michael nodded and began to fold up the sanded pages and shove them in his coat. “We’ve accomplished a lot. I will get these notes to Lord Hughes in the morning. May I return tomorrow night?”
Katrina shook her head as she closed the journal. “Tomorrow will find me returning to Lady Orion’s. She thinks I fell and hurt my shoulder. She came to visit today and that’s the word she’s spreading around town. Phillip and Elizabeth are not happy about the lie, but won’t contradict it. Hopefully, by the time Marcus gets here that is all he will be told. I took a tumble and hurt myself. Just like trying to climb down a tree.” She winked at him as he helped her rise to her feet. A surge of heat followed that touch.
“You realize you might be as sought after as I am. Katrina, are you prepared for that?”
“I doubt I’m in danger. It’s you I worry about. You don’t seem quite yourself tonight.” She withdrew her hand from his grasp.
“Truth be told, I’m not. What I am, I don’t know.” He sighed. “Let’s accomplish this quickly so that we can both be free. Where can I find you tomorrow night at Lady Orion’s? Where is your room?”
“Fourth floor, last room on the left as you come up the servants’ stairs.”
“Any other entrance?”
“No vines or tree on that side of the house. No.” She moved away and set the journal down on the desk before turning to face him again.
Michael reached up to touch her cheek, sending tingles all the way to her toes. He bent his head to hers and gave her a kiss.
“Mmmm. Michael.” She pulled back before leaning her forehead against his chest. Her pulse was rapid. His hand came down to the small of her back and rested there.
He kissed the top of her head and took a tiny step back. “I should apologize, Mouse. I have no right to take such liberties.”
Her head rose. “Then why?”
“I wish I knew. Something about you…it’s my fault. Please, forgive me.” He stepped back and before she could respond, he was gone.
Katrina put her fingers up to touch her lips. She fell asleep hugging the memory of that kiss and others close to her heart. Perhaps Michael held her in affection after all.
~*~
Michael managed to get back to his rooms without Tristan being any the wiser that he’d even left. He sat in front of the fireplace and drained a bottle of wine. Why did he keep kissing the girl? Idiot! He took another drink and berated himself further. If you are going to lose your mind and your head, don’t take her with you. She deserves better. As he slipped into a restless sleep, all he could think of was a young woman with hazel eyes, brown hair, and a heart shaped face. What would he do with her?
~*~
The next morning, Michael awoke to the rhythm of a horse galloping across his skull. He groaned and rolled over. Tristan had obviously been in the room. His clothing was set out and a vile drink was on a tray by his bed.
Tristan walked in with Michael’s freshly polished Hennisons. “Good morning, sir. I took the liberty of making you a special concoction, deducing from the bottle on the floor that you might be in need.” Tristan was loud and way too chipper for Michael’s sensitivities.
“You can leave me to dress myself. I am in no mood for your chatter this morning, and I need to be off soon.”
Tristan put one hand to his chest and bowed. “I apologize if I have offended you, sir. Please, allow me to assist you. I earn little enough of the wages you pay me.”
“You are here more for my consequence and appearances than out of any genuine urgency I have for a valet, and you fully well know it. Go enjoy your day. I will apprise you later if I have need of you.”
“May I inquire as to where you will be?”
“You may, but I right now refuse to answer that question because I don’t know fully myself. I will go where the wind takes me. Right now, it is calling me to the withdrawing room.”
Michael made it in time to relieve himself of the effects of his night’s drinking binge.
8
The noise in Michael’s head was reduced to a dull roar by the time he presented himself at the Ministry of Defense at Whitehall, outside of Lord Hughes’s office.
His wait was short and he was ushered in before the older man.
“Michael. You bring me good news I hope?” Lord Hughes put his quill back in the ink pot. Quickly standing and folding the paper before him, he finally gave Michael his full attention.
Michael handed him the document that had been deciphered. “This is not the complete work, but it’s a start.” He sat down and waited while Lord Hughes perused the contents.
“This is excellent. Important news indeed. How soon can you complete the rest?”
“My hope is that by tomorrow morning we will have it for you. Miss Shepherd is moving back to Lady Orion’s today. I will seek her out this evening.”
“Where will you meet? She hasn’t fully recovered yet, has she?”
“No. The story of the injured shoulder was brilliant, though. It will buy us time.”
“Injured shoulder?”
“That’s the word that Lady Orion is spreading about Miss Shepherd. I thought it began with you.”
Lord Hughes shook his head. “That woman is a force to be reckoned with. But don’t let that worry you. It serves our purposes very well. Even Lord Remington will not fault either of us in this instance.”
“Lord and Lady Westcombe are aware of the truth, however, but will not be inclined to counter the ton’s rumor mill.”
“Where will you meet tonight?”
“At Lady Orion’s. With her shoulder, I cannot expect her to risk any more injury by meeting elsewhere.”
“If you get caught there you realize you will be forced to marry her.”
“I won’t get caught.”
Lord Hughes’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s make this clear. If you are caught, you will do the honorable thing.”
Michael glared back. “Like I said. I won’t get caught.”
Lord Hughes was silent for a moment and frowned. “You don’t look good, Michael.”
“I don’t feel well.”
“Anything you care to share?”
“No. If that is all, may I be excused? I need to pay my respects at Lady Orion’s.” Michael stood but wavered on his feet a bit before gripping the edge of the desk to steady himself.
Lord Hughes’s eyes narrowed further. “You are sick. You should go home and rest. I can send a doctor to you.”
“How kind of you, I’m sure. I’ll be fine.” Michael made his way to the door but gripped the knob hard before opening it as a wave of dizz
iness flowed over him. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and headed out into the busy streets of London.
Somehow, he managed to make it to Lady Orion’s home. He didn’t remember the journey and fear began to take root deeper in this soul than ever before. Tonight. I only need to make it through tonight to break the code and be done with this case. Then they can lock me up in Bedlam and throw away the key. He smiled and bent to place a kiss an inch above Lady Orion’s gloved hand.
The older lady took him in with a considering eye. “Sir Tidley. To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure? You haven’t been at any to the balls of late to flirt shamelessly with all the young debutantes and make sure all the wallflowers get at least one dance. I must say, are you well? Have a seat.” Lady Orion took back her hand and leaned forward to pour a cup of tea for her visitor.
Michael was seated next to her, relieved when the room stopped spinning. He accepted the tea. It removed the metallic taste in his mouth.
“Sir Tidley, I believe you have met but not been introduced to my companion, Miss Katrina Shepherd.” Lady Orion motioned to the young lady sitting across from them in a chair. He eyed Katrina closely. The woman before him was so entirely not the same young woman he kissed last night. Her hair was now pulled back into a tight bun and under a cap. Her gown was gray and she was wearing…spectacles! No wonder he hadn’t recognized her before. Katrina always wore spectacles. She couldn’t see very well. He was observing another side of this woman and she baffled him even more.
He lifted his teacup toward her and bowed his head, maintaining eye contact with her. “Miss Shepherd, what a pleasure to finally meet you.”
She nodded to him and her eyes flashed briefly. She wore a sling around her arm and shoulder.
“It appears you have been injured?”
“Miss Shepherd fell and hurt her shoulder. She may be unable to accompany me in society for some time. I’ve been considering sending her to her cousin in the country to recuperate. She won’t be doing me any good here in town except to be eating my food. Lady Remington would not mind having her for company.”
Sir Michael glanced over at Katrina with a raised eyebrow.
“As you say, my lady.” She bent her head down glancing at her fingers and avoiding Michael’s gaze.
“I thought Lord and Lady Remington were due in town soon? Surely a trip to Rose Hill would be more taxing on Miss Shepherd than resting in your care.”
“Do you think so, Sir Tidley? Every time I see her I shiver in horror at the pain she must endure, and I admit I am selfish and do not like that. But I cannot keep her confined to her room either.” Lady Orion said this in a most confidential air as she leaned towards him.
“I fully understand your sensibilities, ma’am, but even your kindheartedness would not sacrifice her healing for your comfort. All of the beau monde is aware of your generous nature.” Michael gave her his most winning smile.
Lady Orion sat up a little taller under this flattery. “Well, of course you must be correct. Yet a vacation to the country could easily be arranged and she would return refreshed when Lord Remington arrives in a few weeks.” She glanced at Katrina who kept her eyes downcast. “What do you have to say for yourself, Miss Shepherd?”
Michael caught the flash of anger before it dimmed and her eyes appeared glassy as she answered Lady Orion. “I will do whatever you desire, my lady. I would not like to discomfit you after all your kindness to me.”
“There, you see, Sir Tidley? She is willing to accede to my wishes in this matter. Well, that settles it. You will be on your way within the hour. You do not have much to pack and I expect one of the maids shall assist you. The carriage will be at the door. You may arrive relatively late, but you should not need to make an overnight stop if you hurry off.” Turning to Sir Michael she spoke in a lower voice, “See, I am most considerate of her needs with this.”
Sir Michael nodded and stood as Miss Shepherd rose to her feet.
“Sir Tidley. Lady Orion.” She gave small courtesies to them both before departing the room without a sound.
Sir Michael bent to set his cup and saucer down on the table in front of him. “I must be off too, Lady Orion. It has been a pleasure to have been able to visit you again.”
“Sir Tidley, heed my words. You do not appear well. It might behoove you to make a country cure as well. ’Tis too early in the season for you to be as careworn as you are.”
“I will consider your advice, my lady.” Sir Michael bowed and turned to leave.
Back at his home, he threw some items into an overnight bag to place on Pepper. If ridden well, the stallion could make the journey. Otherwise, he would be required to switch horses at least once. He made sure his purse was sufficient. As he finished packing up, Tristan entered with a tray of food.
“Sir. You are leaving?” Tristan quickly placed the food on the table with a clang. He wrung his hands together. “Without me?”
“I need to make a journey to Rose Hill for a day or so.” Michael walked over and picked up some cold ham and cheese and placed them on a piece of bread. He managed to eat the food in a few quick bites and swallow a glass of lemonade. He shivered as he set the glass down. “Those were some bitter tasting lemons, my good man. Tell the housekeeper that I like a little more sugar in my lemonade.”
“Yes, sir. You are not taking me with you on your journey?” The man’s foot was now tapping.
“I need you here in case someone else tries to break in. You can let Lord Hughes know if something happens. I’ll be back in a few days.” Michael threw his bag over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Tristan. This will soon be over and we can be comfortable again. I’m thinking of retiring when this case is done.”
Tristan paled. “Retiring? Sir?”
“I’m done with this kind of work. If my life will be too bland for you, I will gladly write you a good reference to find another position. I won’t be offended. You have served me faithfully and well over the years.” Michael turned to survey the room. “Fidget? Where are you?” Without warning the long, furry ferret was swathed around his neck. “Ready to go?”
Michael was greeted with kisses and smiled. “Ah, at least someone loves me.” Tipping his hat to Tristan he headed for the door. “In a few days, Tristan, that’s all. Stay out of trouble.”
“Sir.” Tristan stood upright with his shoulders back and eyes wide. He stammered to say more.
“Relax, my good man. I am joking. Take care, the enemy might be getting desperate and I would hate for anything to happen to you.”
“Yes, sir.”
~*~
Katrina rested against the squabs of the shabby coach she was given for the ride to Rose Hill. It was better than riding on the stage. She hadn’t warranted a maid to travel with. Keeping her injured shoulder from being banged against the carriage was her main challenge. As she stared out at the passing scenery, she wondered if Sir Tidley would head to Rose Hill as well. At least she hadn’t needed to worry about him arriving in her room tonight and finding her gone. They would get this document done and redeem her father’s reputation.
She thought back to her father’s last few weeks and how weak and dizzy he’d become. His manservant at the time insisted on making sure that all the food and drink was prepared especially for him. She had hated having to let the young Irishman go after his faithful service. His accent had been fun and his eye twinkled with mischief as he teased her.
She frowned. Even now with her reputation, career choice, lack of fortune and age, a valet would be considered a respectable match. Her heart sank.
When she finally restored her father’s good name, then what? Did she continue as a companion to a dragon of the ton like Lady Orion and hope that someday a man might notice her? Tears sprang to her eyes. They were so close to realizing her dream. After that, the future stretched out as a black void of unknown. Her heart filled with grief for all she’d lost and how now, with her choices, she stood to lose even more. Sir Michael’s love she’d
never possessed and grieved that she never would.
Her father was gone and restoring his reputation would not bring him back. Her youth had been stolen by caring for him in his illness. Her position as a young, marriageable lady of the upper-ten-thousand was set aside the minute she chose to serve Lady Orion.
Maybe she could still work through the war office as a spy at ton events? Even that had lost its allure. She would be a servant at someone else’s beck and call, with her life and spirit diminishing with each passing year, curtsey, and ‘Yes, ma’am.’ Her hair would turn gray and she would enjoy no more kisses with a certain coffee-eyed man whose humor and strength had been the lifeblood of her younger years, and the figment of dreams that sustained her thus far as an adult.
Foolish heart!
She let the tears flow freely now. Tonight, she was certain that Michael would come to her for the last time. They’d finish the work that would free them both from any further entanglements. She leaned back on her right shoulder and tried to rest her head. Loneliness overwhelmed her. The sound of dirt and stone under the wheels and the steady clomp-clomp-clomp of the carriage horses all mocked her.
Even the weather seemed to be in accordance with her gloomy mood. A cold rain began to fall in earnest as the day progressed. Mentally, she tallied the amount of money she possessed and whether it would be enough to get a room at an inn on the way. When the early spring rain turned to snow, the carriage started to slip on the road and the way became harder to see. Her fate was sealed and the expense would be unavoidable. They pulled into a small town and she prepared herself mentally for the humiliation of trying to find a room. A single, unattached female was in a less than enviable position when coming to a country inn—alone.
When she reached The Crown in the little town, she found the door opened by none other than Sir Michael Tidley. “My dearest love, how I worried about you on these roads. Come, I have already arranged for a private dining room and a suite for us for the evening.” Sir Tidley helped her down from the carriage and linked her right arm through his left. With his back straight and his head high he led her into the inn. She was surprised to find the innkeeper bowing and scraping before her as if she were royalty.
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