The Viscount's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  Twenty minutes later, dressed in boots, dark riding britches, and shirt Kathleen slipped out of the mansion and made her way to the stable.

  “Pleasant night for a little excursion over the water,” the stable master said.

  Kathleen knew exactly what the elderly man meant. The sky had dark clouds floating by the moon, partially obscuring the light. This would make staying hidden from the revenue men easier. If caught, even being the daughter of the earl wouldn’t spare her from being sent to prison. At least she wouldn’t hang as might the men.

  With a nod, she accepted a thin-bladed knife from him. After securing it in her right boot, she turned, made her way to Marigold’s stall, and brought her out.

  Climbing onto the saddle, she left the barn by the side door, and shortly had her mare in a ground covering gallop. Kathleen knew if anyone spied her all they’d see was a young man racing along the road. Fortunately, at this late hour of the night she suspected all sensible people would be safely behind locked doors. Only the foolhardy, such as her and the nine other smugglers would be out.

  Riding past the drive to Radcliffe Hall, she slowed and glanced down the path.

  “Matthew, I do hope you’re comfortably ensconced in your bed,” she mumbled, then brought Marigold down to a walk.

  This was the hard part of the ride, finding the somewhat overgrown trail which led to the cliffs and then the narrow track to the beach. After a slow ride down the rocky path, Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief on gaining the beach. Now she only had a short ride to where the others would be joining her. As the only woman in the crew she wondered what her task would be this time.

  Hopefully, their leader would allow her to join one of the dory teams so she would be able to see firsthand the quality of lace. This had been one of the reasons Connor had informed her of the ship arriving tonight. Thinking back to how the Hall butler had passed the message, she smiled recalling the confused look in Matthew’s eyes.

  All Connor had said was, “be safe this eve.”

  Under normal circumstances he would have sent a note informing her of a schooner coming in, but having dined with her parents at Radcliffe Hall, Connor had told her in his cryptic good bye at the door.

  When the clouds parted, allowing a little moonlight to illuminate the beach, she saw one of the boats was already in the water with several men standing around. Riding up, she climbed down and a young lad, too small to join them in the dories, took Marigold’s reins.

  “Thank you, son.”

  Kathleen had just started up the beach for the cave to help with the other boat when she heard someone come up behind her.

  “No, this is a small load tonight. All Belgium lace and a few kegs of brandy. As in the past, you’ll be joining us as I need you to evaluate the quality so a fair price may be settled upon,” the speaker said.

  “Yes, sir,” she answered with a smile.

  As in the past, no names were ever used which suited her. Granted, the men knew she was the eldest daughter of the earl, but that fact never bothered them.

  She pivoted on her heel and returned to the dory which was now bobbing in the water. Not caring, she waded out and boosted herself in. Taking a seat in the stern, as she would steer, Kathleen settled her hands on the tiller. Since the others were all seamen, she didn’t have to say anything to them as they made their way out to the schooner.

  Finally, coming along side, Kathleen waited while lines were tossed up and a rope ladder dropped over the large ship’s side.

  The man who’d spoken on the beach waved her to follow him. This part, for her, was the scariest as waves caused both ships to bounce but not in unison. Right now, the last thing she wished was to show fear, otherwise the others would lose any and all respect for her. Grabbing for the ladder, she pushed off with her feet and settled them on a rung as a wave crashed over her, soaking her from the waist down.

  Quickly, she clambered up and was helped over the rail by the leader.

  “Got a bit wet there, did we missy?”

  “Yes, but that wasn’t the first time nor will it be the last.” She turned to the schooner’s captain. “Show me the lace,” she ordered.

  When the man didn’t move, which came as no surprise as she’d never seen him before, Kathleen looked to her leader.

  “You heard the woman. We don’t have all night and need to be ashore and the goods hidden before the revenuers find us,” he directed to the man.

  A few minutes later, she watched the captain return with a bolt of lace held gently in his hands. Kathleen wanted to giggle at him for the way he handled the material. Taking the textile, she closely examined the fabric then turned to her leader.

  “This is some of the best I’ve ever seen. I know the dressmaker and other ladies will be thrilled to possess this fabric,” she whispered.

  Taking the roll, she stepped over to the ship’s side and tossed it down to one of the others, that way the two men would be able to discuss a fair price. As more were brought up from the hold, she examined each and every one to make sure they were all of the same quality. Once she approved of them, she’d pass them down to the dory until they were all gone.

  With her job completed, she climbed down then waited for the casks of brandy to be lowered. This job she left to the men as she wasn’t strong enough to muscle them around.

  When their leader joined the others in the dory and the lines were cast off, Kathleen waited while several of the men pushed the boat away from the schooner and took up oars.

  Once on the beach, she helped unload the boat and store everything in the cave.

  “In a few days I’ll arrange to send you your share. Now, you’d best be off. Wouldn’t do to have you caught up by the authorities,” their leader whispered.

  “No.”

  Taking the reins from the lad, she climbed back into the saddle and made her way up the trail then to the road leading to the mansion. Riding into the barn she was met by Cowell who was smiling back at her. Sliding down, she led Marigold into her stall and started to take the saddle and bridle off her mare.

  “See you got a bit wet.”

  “Yes, but well worth the effort. We brought in some of the best lace I’ve seen in years, along with drink for you men.”

  Accepting a brush from the man, Kathleen gave her horse a grooming, then checked to see the mare had water and hay. Satisfied, Kathleen stepped out securing the stall door behind her.

  “Will you be riding her tomorrow?” Cowell asked.

  “Of that, I’m not sure, but if I do I’ll send you word.”

  Giving the stable master a head bob to his bow and the knife, Kathleen slipped back into the mansion by the same route she used to leave. Making her way up to her suite, she walked in and smiled.

  “Mother, this is a surprise. I hadn’t thought I’d see you until the morning.”

  “Yes, I know. If you’re looking for Patty I sent her to get hot water for your bath. I’m amazed you didn’t see her when you came through the kitchen and up the back stairs.”

  “I slipped directly from the back door to the servant stairs.”

  Just then her maid entered with two footmen. Each carrying two buckets of water. Kathleen stepped over in front of the fireplace and waited while the men emptied them into her hip tub and left.

  “I’ll leave you to get warm then into bed. I don’t expect to see you until luncheon,” Elsie said, then left.

  Later, warm from the bath and in her nightrail, Kathleen climbed between the sheets of her bed. Settled she felt her lids droop closed and quickly fell asleep.

  ****

  Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Kathleen stretched her arms over her head then tossed the covers off. Swinging her legs over the side of her bed, she stood as Patty walked in.

  “M’ lady, Her Ladyship thought you might be hungry. She had me bring you this.”

  “Place the tray on the round table by the fireplace. Let me take care of my needs then I’ll eat.”

  Stepping into
her private room, she washed up then, with a bathrobe on, returned to see what her mother had ordered up. Lifting the cover off the plate she smiled. A light luncheon.

  Taking a seat, she started eating then noticed Patty had made the bed on which was laid out her dark green walking dress. Curious as to why that particular one she was about to inquire when her mother entered.

  “Mother, again this is a pleasure. First the meal then you.”

  “Yes, I know. Your father received a note from Lord Matthew that he would be stopping by to see the river so he could start thinking about a pavilion.”

  “Did he say anything about hunting down the murderer?”

  “No. When he arrives at half one we might learn something. Now, finish eating then get dressed. If I might suggest have your hair done simply.”

  Giving her mother a nod, Kathleen returned her attention to the task at hand. Once finished she swept over to the bed and examined the gown. She’d worn the dress many times in the past and loved how the bodice fit. Revealing but not to the point of being suggestive.

  With Patty’s help, Kathleen slipped out of her sleep clothes and into fresh undergarments. As the dress had a wide neckline, she decided to have her hair done then put the gown on.

  “Let’s do a simple chignon.”

  “I agree, m’ lady. Have a seat.”

  Doing as asked, Kathleen patiently waited while her waist-length hair was fashioned into the requested style. Glancing in the mirror, she noticed several roses in a vase, which gave her an idea.

  “Patty, I know you are very skilled at weaving flowers into my hair. Do you think you can take one or two of the roses and work them into the chignon?”

  “They would look stunning. Just imagine what Lord Matthew would say on seeing them but casually placed unlike the last time.”

  Kathleen smiled while remembering the reaction he’d had on seeing her. Speechless. She wondered if he would respond the same way in a little while.

  With her hair done, Kathleen stood and let her maid slide the dress over her head then fasten the buttons down the back. Looking at herself, she felt something was missing. She walked over to her dressing table and rummaged through her jewelry box until she found what she was hunting for.

  “Help fasten this around my neck but not too tightly. Let the cameo hang down a little.”

  Once the necklace was fastened to her liking she picked up the matching shawl, gave Patty a nod then made her way to her mother’s parlor.

  “My dear, I’ve never seen you looking so radiant, save the other eve when wearing your coming out gown. The cameo is a nice touch as are the flowers in your hair.”

  “Thank you, Mother.”

  “Now, come sit beside me, and tell me what’s on your mind, for I am aware something is vexing you,” Elsie directed.

  This had always been one thing Kathleen loved about her mother. The grand lady always recognized when something was bothering her, such as now.

  “Simply put, Matthew. Not only does he haunt my dreams but many daytime thoughts as well. When I had those several horrible seasons none of the gentlemen excited me the way he does. Is there something wrong with me?”

  “Yes, my darling there is.”

  Kathleen could feel her eyes widen as her jaw dropped open at her mother’s words. Trying to collect her thoughts, which were quickly fleeing her mind, the best she could muster was a shrug of her shoulders.

  “Kathleen, you are in love with him. Even more interesting, he is with you as well. The only problem I foresee, is that he will never admit that fact to you.”

  “What do I do?”

  “Nothing. Continue being yourself. But, as I’ve said, when with him you need a chaperone. Thus the walking dress as I believe you will wish to join him when he goes to the river. Your father and I will be along as well. Don’t forget, Matthew isn’t your typical son of a peer, living off the largesse from the earl,” Elsie told her.

  “Yes, you’re correct on that. Being an architect should bring in a tidy sum. From what I gather, he even has a small, while comfortable, estate. This I learned from looking him up in Debrett’s. I wonder what his brother is like.”

  “From what I understand from the countess, very much like Matthew, except he designs gardens at the estates of peers. From what I’ve learned, he is highly skilled and has a wonderful eye to having similar flowers in the same beds. At some point I might talk to your father about inviting him down to have a look about redoing ours.”

  “Why not see if he’s available now?”

  “I would, except he’s in London for the Season hunting down a wife.”

  And with her sister Lady Valerie there seeking out a husband, Kathleen wondered if they might have met. With their aunt chaperoning her sister, the possibility would be great. Hearing footsteps coming down the hall suggested to Kathleen Matthew might have arrived. With a calming breath she glanced to the parlor door just as her father stepped in.

  “Daughter, good afternoon. I’m gathering everything went well last night?”

  “Yes, the leader had me go out to the schooner with the crew as lace was being brought in. He wanted me to examine the quality which I found to be very high.”

  “How soon before the dressmaker will have some?” Elsie asked.

  Kathleen leaned back, ignoring the glare from her mother, while she thought about the question. The leader would be sending her share of money in the next day or two then—

  “I would think by the morrow. Why?”

  “That would be perfect as we have an appointment with Mrs. Brass for fittings. Mayhap, she will be able to work some of the material into our gowns.”

  With a smile, Kathleen nodded her approval. For her, she knew the perfect gown to have and where to have the dressmaker place the fabric, around the collar after lowering the neckline.

  “I agree.” She then turned to her father. “I don’t believe you nor Matthew need to accompany us on this trip. We’ve already learned who the victims are, and I’m sure he will wish to spend the time hunting down the mine.”

  “Thank you for the reprieve as I am sure he will agree with your decision. And speaking of him, I came to inform you he should be here shortly so you might wish to collect your bonnets and parasols,” Roger directed to her and Elsie.

  Turning to her mother, Kathleen asked, “Would you mind if I only wore a bonnet?”

  “Not at all as I was going suggest just that. Now, let’s get them then return here if Matthew hasn’t arrived yet.”

  No sooner had Kathleen stepped into her suite did she leave with her sunhat tied casually under her chin. Making her way down the stairs, she heard her father and Matthew talking. Not sure where they were, she stepped onto the first floor landing and started for the parlor when her father called out to join them in his office.

  Gliding in, she noticed her mother had already settled herself on the settee. After taking a seat, Kathleen glanced over to her father and Matthew. What worried her, almost to the point of panic was the grins they wore.

  “Ladies, your plan to visit the dressmaker has changed a little. Matthew suggested we not, right now, hunt down either the mine or who killed them. I’ll let him explain,” Roger declared.

  “We will be joining you ladies. As before we can take my landau, and while you are visiting with Mrs. Brass we will speak with Reverend Kent about burying Alwyn and Cerys. This should cause a bit of a stir and bring at least the mine owner forward.”

  “Do you wish us to say anything to the people we meet?” Kathleen said.

  “As most of them will be women, I think not. From what Roger told me about the good reverend, he most assuredly will pass the word of the impending funeral,” Matthew spoke in answering her question.

  “Yes, he’s an even bigger gossip than many of the ladies of the ton. I wouldn’t be surprised he doesn’t start with those at the tavern as he takes his noon meal there,” Elsie stated.

  “Gentlemen, and especially you Matthew, no sneaking a peek
in through the dress shop. You didn’t think we, in particular I, was aware. You see Mrs. Brass spied you and informed us,” Kathleen teased.

  “I promise. Then we shall have luncheon at the Seafarer Inn. Now ladies and Roger, shall we take a stroll out to the river?”

  “That would be perfect, thank you,” Kathleen stated.

  With a smile, Kathleen accepted his hand to assist her in standing but instead of settling hers on his arm, she took him by the hand. No sooner did bare skin touch bare skin than she could feel a tingle shoot up her arm only to come to a stop over her heart. Peering up to him, she wondered if he had any reaction. The puzzled look in his eyes was all she needed to confirm he had.

  Even more interesting, her father, with a wave of his arm, indicated she and Matthew should lead. Kathleen knew the reason. With the path leading from the mansion to the river there were several places where one could steal a kiss and her parents weren’t going to allow that to happen.

  As they carefully made their way to the rear of the estate, Kathleen glanced around since doing so was a habit of hers when in the woods. Granted, she’d not been out this way in over a year she, and she suspected her parents as well, were pleased the path had been well maintained.

  “From what I’ve seen so far I can tell, even though the section of rivers is nothing but rapids, having a pavilion would be well worth the effort,” Matthew declared.

  Chapter Six

  Handing Kathleen down from the landau, Matthew then watched as she and Elsie swept into the dress shop. As much as he would have loved to follow, yesterday he’d promised not to. He turned to Roger.

  “Shall we find Reverend Kent?”

  “Yes. At this hour of the day he should still be at the church, finishing up with the children classes,” Roger said.

  “Good, and if what your wife said is correct, when he goes to the Seafarer Inn he will spread the word. As you know, I sent Toby there with the coach and a note to the owner. We will have the private room again, and he will be eating in the tap. This way we will be able learn what the reactions will be from those who overhear the reverend.”