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

by Lindsay Downs

  “Ladies, from what Roger and I learned Jonas Ringer never boarded a ship here. He might have used a different name, but I seriously don’t believe he did.”

  “So, unless as Matthew and I discussed earlier, there is the slight possibility he could have departed from many of the other ports, but I seriously doubt that,” Roger added.

  “I’m in agreement as from what I remember about the countess, once Jonas was forced to return home they never traveled very far,” Serena said.

  “So, if I understand what you’re saying, Jonas could be hiding out somewhere on the Redditch estate. Maybe even in plain sight,” Kathleen declared.

  “Yes. But could he have changed his appearance. By that I mean grown a beard. Serena, did you ever see him?” Elsie asked.

  “I did about five years ago. I was taking a stroll in Hyde Park with the earl when I heard a disturbance. Several young boys were teasing a girl. I looked around to see if I might see any governess’ or staff who were responsible for the boys. Not seeing anyone except the Countess of Redditch who seemed to be smiling I had Jeffrey, my husband step in, causing the boys to scatter. I approached the girl and calmed her, then her mother, who’d been distracted came rushing up. When my husband returned to my side he said one of the boys, whom he learned to be Jonas, had black eyes.”

  “What do you mean by ‘black eyes’, Serena? Like he’d been hit?” Kathleen asked.

  “No, evil. Like Lucifer might have.”

  “Then ladies, I would recommend we return to either Ashburn or Radcliffe. There we can start working out a plan to find the person and bring him to justice,” Matthew declared, receiving nods from them.

  Four hours later, having returned to Ashburn in silence, Matthew handed Kathleen down.

  “Please come in for tea so we may figure out how to find Jonas.”

  Chapter Ten

  From the top stoop of her father’s mansion, Kathleen watched the carriage taking, her love, and his mother back to Radcliffe Hall. As much as she’d tried to smile during the discussion on how to find Jonas Ringer, she, hadn’t been able to. Once the coach disappeared down the drive, she turned back to be met by Brown with a sheet of paper on his salver.

  “I suppose that is for me?”

  “Yes, m’ lady. The note was delivered a few minutes ago.”

  Picking the missive up, she looked at the handwriting and immediately recognized the scribble. Opening the sheet of paper, she read it then turned to her parents.

  “I’m out tonight.”

  “What time do you need Marigold?” her father asked.

  “Ten of the clock. And have Cowell attach my cutlass to the saddle.”

  “Then my dear daughter, I insist you rest for the next few hours. I’ll arrange for a dinner tray to be brought to you later,” Elsie directed.

  “Yes, I promise to, and thank you for the meal as I need to keep my mind clear. It seems we’re bringing in silk tonight.”

  “And of course brandy and wine,” Roger said.

  “I would expect so as we normally do.”

  With that said, Kathleen quit the front porch and made her way up to her suite where she was met by Patty. After being helped out of the carriage dress and into a bathrobe, Kathleen told her maid of the night’s adventure.

  “What footwear?”

  “For tonight the riding boots will be the best. Seems I’ll be scrambling up the side of a ship, and I’ve no idea what kind. They are bringing in bolts of silk and wish me to judge the quality.”

  With a book and settled under the sheets of her bed, Kathleen was only able to read a few pages before her lids started to close. Setting the book aside she snuggled further under the bed linen and within minutes fell asleep.

  “Darling, wake up.” Kathleen heard.

  Stretching her arms, Kathleen opened her eyes to be greeted by her mother smiling down at her.

  “Evening. As you see, I took your advice. What’s the time?” she asked, tossing the covers off.

  “Half eight. Your tray should be here shortly. Are you ready for tonight?”

  “Oh, yes. I will be looking over bolts of silk so I would believe a new gown or two might be in order. That is, if I approve of the quality,” Kathleen announced.

  She didn’t ask her mother what would happen if a certain gentleman ever learned of these infrequent, late-night excursions. Knowing him as she did, he’d put a stop to her running with the crew of smugglers. Not that she would mind, but the work did bring in a little extra pin money which she passed along to Valerie.

  “Wonderful, and as your meal is here, I’ll leave you to dine. Before you leave, stop by,” Elsie requested.

  “Of course.”

  Once her mother left, Kathleen swept into her private room and took care of her needs. With washed hands and face, she returned to her room and over to the tray set on a table by the fire. Taking a seat, she started eating while watching Patty set out the britches, shirt, and boots. Then, much to her wonderment, her maid reached into the closet and brought out a cloth cap.

  “Why the hat?”

  “I’m sorry, m’ lady, but I should have mentioned the change in weather. From what I can see, the wind is starting to come up. As in the past when you’ve worn the cap I’ll tie your hair up in a tight bun.”

  Kathleen understood and nodded her agreement. At least with her hair out of the way she wouldn’t have to worry about loose strands flying around, getting in her face at an inappropriate time. Such as when climbing the rope ladder from the pitching dory.

  A short while later, dinner finished and dressed, Kathleen took a seat at her dressing table while Patty restyled her hair. After putting the cap on Kathleen stood, nodded to Patty, then swept from her room and down to her mother’s parlor.

  “Mother, you wish to see me?”

  “Yes, my dear. I was wondering, if you approve of the bolts and there is a color you like, do you believe the leader will allow you to buy one?”

  “I shouldn’t see why not. I can arrange for the payment to come out of my share.”

  “Thank you, but that will mean you won’t be able to send much to your sister. And before you try to deny you do, she wrote me, telling of what you were doing. Your father and I approve even though Valerie does receive a nice allowance each month,” Elsie declared.

  Hearing she’d been caught and tattled on by her own sister, Kathleen could feel her face warm. All she could do was nod.

  “Mother, the reason I send her the coins is so she may buy something she wishes without taking away from her pin money.”

  “That’s very wise my dear,” Roger announced stepping into the parlor.

  “Thank you, father. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to be off. Wouldn’t do to keep the leader waiting.”

  Giving her mother a kiss on the cheek and getting a hug from her father, Kathleen made her way to the stable. As with other late night rides she was met by Cowell.

  “M’ lady, good evening. Marigold is all set, and I’ve the requested cutlass fastened to the saddle. I pray you won’t need to use the weapon.”

  “Thank you, and so do I. The ship we’re meeting tonight has given us a bit of trouble in the past. Even though I wasn’t told to bring the cutlass, I am for my safety. The leader will make sure I remain protected, but I’d rather not take anything for granted.”

  “That’s very smart. Let me get your darling mare for you. We’ll meet you at the side door.”

  Mounted and with a promise to return safely, Kathleen quickly made her way to the cave. Handing the reins over to the same young boy as before, she started to untie the cutlass from the saddle when the leader stepped up.

  “Evening. See you brought a weapon tonight. Smart move. As with the last time you’ll be going out to the ship so you can look over the goods.”

  “Yes, I thought as much since you’d asked for me. If I should find a bolt I like, might I buy it? Of course the cost will come out of my share.”

  “I can’t see why not.�
�

  Giving him a nod, she started to fasten the cutlass around her waist when she heard an all too familiar voice talking with one of the crew coming from up the beach. She could feel herself start to panic which, considering what would be happening soon, wasn’t good. She wondered what he was doing here, and from what she was able to understand, he would be going with them.

  With a determined look on her lips, Kathleen turned to face Matthew and whatever rage he would lay on her head.

  “What are you doing here?” she demanded, hoping to get the upper hand.

  “I should be asking you the same question. Do the earl and countess know you’re out running with smugglers?”

  “Of course they do, and I’ve their blessings. Now, again, what are you doing here?”

  “The same as you. In my youth I would visit here and would go out with the crew. That was when Wats was the leader.”

  Now Kathleen understood how and where the two had met. At least with Matthew along she knew she’d be safe.

  “Let me ask you this, Kathleen, do you know how to use that weapon?”

  “Of course I do.”

  The sound of feet crunching on the beach caused Kathleen to glance over her shoulder.

  “We’re ready, and I see you and Matthew have already met,” the leader declared.

  “Yes, we’ve been friends for several weeks. To be honest and to tell you before he does, Matthew offered for me several days ago, and I accepted.”

  Turning back to him, she smiled to herself on seeing the panicked look in Matthew’s eyes. At least now he’d work even harder to protect her.

  “Good. Then the sooner we go, the quicker you can return to the estate. In the future I’d best not see you here,” Matthew ordered.

  As they weren’t married yet, Kathleen knew she would still continue to make the runs unless her parents wished she wouldn’t. Currently, they were the only people she took direction from. Her worry, Matthew might speak with the earl and countess requesting they forbid her from any further participation.

  Kathleen spun on her heel and marched over to where the dory bobbed in the water. From behind she heard Matthew quickly following. Not waiting, she continued on and started to climb in when she felt a strong hand on her arm.

  “I am perfectly capable of getting in without your help,” she ordered.

  “As you wish.”

  Once Matthew released his hold, she got in and took her customary spot at the stern of the boat and waited for the others to take their seats.

  Kathleen was pleased the ride out to the schooner went easily as the wind hadn’t increased as Patty had predicted but rather had decreased. This, she was aware would make climbing up the ladder easier than the last time.

  She guided the dory along the side of the larger ship. When the smaller boat was secured, she made her way to the ladder and waited for their leader to climb up, then she followed. Putting her feet on the deck, she glanced over the side to see Matthew coming up as well.

  Can’t that man leave me to do my job?

  Looking back to the schooner captain, she smiled on seeing the first of many bolts of silk. Examining the material, she turned to her leader and nodded.

  “Excellent quality.”

  Over the next forty-five minutes Kathleen looked over each one, approving them all. She even found a bolt in a deep blue which she loved.

  “I’ll buy this one.”

  “Very good choice,” the leader said.

  Passing the material over to Matthew, she smiled to him. “Be very careful as I’m going to have a gown made from it,” she declared.

  “I can’t wait to see you wearing the dress.”

  Kathleen wasn’t sure if she should answer him or not. Politeness dictated she should, but his attempt to bully her into not going on runs told her not to say anything. Then she decided. “There’s always a possibility you might. I’m just not sure when.”

  With that said, she walked over to the ship rail and climbed down. Looking up, Kathleen waved for Matthew to toss the bolt to her. Catching the material, she carefully made her way to the stern, sat, then kept the bolt in her lap. When she saw their leader make his way down, Kathleen was a bit surprised that the silk was the only thing they were taking.

  “No brandy or select food this trip. The captain had only been able to arrange for the silk. For that he gave us a good price which I’ll pass along to you Kathleen. Let’s get ashore then hide everything in the cave,” the leader declared.

  Once the bolts were secreted away and covered in a heavy tarp against any chance of being ruined by water, Kathleen unfastened the cutlass and attached it to her saddle. Climbing up, she took back the material from Matthew, gave him a nod, then raced back to the estate.

  Riding into the stable, she, as usual, was met by Cowell.

  “Ah, so you had a successful trip I see.”

  “Yes, the leader let me buy this bolt of silk. I’m going to have a gown made with it,” she said.

  With the material under her arm, Kathleen slipped back into the mansion through the kitchen then up to her suite. Walking in, she wasn’t surprised to see her mother and Patty waiting.

  “My dear, I’m glad you’re back safely and that deep-blue silk is beautiful. I can’t wait to see the gown Mrs. Brass will make for you.”

  “Yes, and I gather my bath water is here?”

  “I just brought it up. Now, let’s get you out of those and into the hip tub,” Patty declared.

  “In a minute. First I need to speak privately with Mother,” she directed to her maid.

  “Certainly, m’ lady. I’ll wait in the hall and promise not to listen in to the conversation.”

  With a head bob Kathleen dismissed Patty then waited while she left before taking a seat across from her mother.

  “We may have an unexpected and unwanted visitor tomorrow morning. Seems Matthew decided to join in on the run, and told me not to continue after tonight’s. If I’m not mistaken, he’ll try to convince father to go along with his demand.”

  “Which I can assure you won’t happen. I’ve never told you this, but helping the smugglers is part of the Ashburn tradition. Before you were born, your father and I would go together, and his father before him. However, once you marry, these excursions will have to cease.”

  No wonder her parents were so agreeable with her associating with the men and why she was always safe, even in the most dangerous of situations

  “Thank you. I am aware I won’t be able to continue, as I know Matthew’s estate isn’t anywhere near the channel. Trust me, I won’t mind a bit.”

  “Good, now get bathed and into bed, and as I said we’ll take care of Matthew, if and when he comes over. But don’t forget with the duke and duchess arriving soon I’m sure he’ll be too busy,” Elsie stated.

  Standing, Kathleen gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and walked her to the door then had Patty return.

  A short while later, bathed and in a warm nightrail, Kathleen slipped between the sheets and drifted off to sleep.

  ****

  In a simple, light-brown day dress with sleeves ending at her elbows and a gently scooped neckline, Kathleen used the servant stairs to go to her mother’s parlor. She’d chosen this particular route on learning Matthew was still in the mansion and now talking, in private, with her father. About what, she wasn’t sure but hoped her mother would be able to enlighten her.

  In the doorway, Kathleen glanced in, smiled, and then entered.

  “You wish to speak with me?”

  “Yes, my dear. You were correct in that Matthew would be over to speak to your father regarding your smuggling participation. Once everything was explained, he admitted he understood but had one request.”

  “And what might that be?”

  “He has asked to accompany you, as an extra precaution, when you help the smugglers. What is so interesting, at least to me, is that he didn’t demand to go with you or for you to stop. That shows me he’s willing to let you be you
, at least until you wed.”

  “Thank you for telling me. I am a little astounded at his response and willingness to allow me to continue. And I welcome him to come along. I will admit this to you but never him, I did feel safer with him at my side, so to speak.”

  “Wonderful. I’m also sure you wish to learn what he and the earl are discussing. I believe the marriage contract.”

  “We haven’t even talked about a date or anything. I do hope he’s not going to marry me using a special license or worse still, whisk me off to Gretna Green?”

  “No, Kathleen. I can assure you neither of those will happen. I know your mother is dying to plan and organize everything from your gown to the wedding breakfast. I would never deny her that,” Matthew declared from the doorway.

  “Please come in, and have a seat,” her mother directed.

  “Thank you, Elsie.”

  With a head dip to him followed by a smile, Kathleen waited until he became comfortable in one of the chairs opposite her.

  “My mother has explained your request, and I’m in agreement. I should point out there’s no way of knowing when my services will be needed. I’m usually only called upon when fabrics are being brought in such as last night,” she explained.

  “Would you mind if I contacted the leader, as I know him, and make him aware I will be accompanying you on those occasions.”

  “Not at all. As I told mother, with you with me last night I did feel a lot safer. Which means, as much as I love the cutlass, I won’t need to have the weapon with me any longer.”

  “Of that I’m happy to hear. As the luncheon gong is about to sound, might I have the privilege of escorting you ladies?”

  After a glance to her mother, who shook her head, Kathleen turned back to Matthew. “I would be honored.” She started to let him rise her when she stopped. “You just said you know the leader of the crew, granted I do also but prefer to not use his name. Let me ask you this to mull over, we know a little of what Jonas Ringer looks like. What if you have this friend keep an eye out for the man? I’d wager the leader has friends with other groups up and down the coast.”

  “I do like that idea. And as secrecy is paramount within the groups, I’m sure word wouldn’t slip out and send the man into deeper hiding. Yes, when I speak with him, I’ll pass along this request.”