Dangerous Knight by Elizabeth Johns
Chapter Four
Jack did not like being conspicuous, and he and Philip were very, very conspicuous. Yet that was the part they had come to England to play. He spied Felix Knight in the Knighton box, dressed in his regimentals, and Lloyd was almost directly across from them, Jack noticed, as he scanned the crowd. His gaze continued past the box… and he immediately returned it on noticing a ravishing redhead sitting in the same box with Lloyd.
“Who is that?” Jack asked Philip.
Philip followed his gaze and immediately knew to whom Jack was referring.
“I have no idea, but if she is with Lady Maria, then she is off-limits, my friend.”
“I was only asking the question; I doubt she is as fine up close.” Jack held up his hands defensively. “They never are.” As long as she did not belong to Lloyd, he reflected, and that would be the likely answer. Not that Jack was in a position to offer any respectable lady marriage, even if his estate was profitable at the moment. Marriage was a complication his life did not need.
With respect to complications, they had spent the entire day looking for Catherine Rafferty and Jack was already weary of the thought of her. The solicitor had no idea where she might have gone, but he had described a young lady near twenty years of age with blue eyes and auburn hair.
She could not have had much money, so where could she have gone?
Thinking she may have returned to Winterbourne, he had sent a messenger there to inquire, but he could not leave for Yorkshire himself until after the victory celebrations had ended.
“Shall we introduce ourselves in the intermission?” Philip asked.
“There is probably already a line of hopefuls.”
“Very likely, but we might as well try. My mother is friendly with the countess. I suspect there will be invitations if you miss your chance tonight.”
Jack tried to concentrate on the play—he truly did—but he could not have cared less about Shylock or Edmund Kean, or Shakespeare for that matter. Oh, the Bard’s verse had kept him entertained on lonely nights in his tent, but then there were no other diversions.
“Shall we go? We can enliven a dull evening by finding a drink on the way.”
“I thought you would never ask.” Jack was tired of being stared at; and trying to look dignified in the uncomfortable dress uniform was tiring.
They were stopped three times on their way to the other side of the theater. Twice by sly matrons who had obviously seen them leaving the Everleigh box and wanted to show off their maiden daughters, and another time by old General Maitland, who wanted to reminisce and hear the latest about the wars to take back to his old cronies at the club.
By the time they reached the Mottram box, it was already the intermission and there was a large crowd of gentlemen hoping for entrance.
“I think it is a lost cause tonight, old friend.”
Lloyd raised his glass in greeting and Philip and Jack were at least able to reach his side. In all likelihood he was enjoying this less than they, being of an unsociable nature.
“What is the commotion about?” Philip asked, though he knew full well what was the cause.
Apparently, Lloyd did not buy the subterfuge. “She is an old school friend of my sister’s coming to visit,” he answered.
“You know nothing else?”
“How could I? I met her only minutes before we came here. Truthfully, I do not even recall her name.”
Jack would wager it would be well known before the night was over. There would be bets regarding the lady in the club books by night’s end, both honorable and not.
They stayed several minutes and greeted old acquaintances, but it was clear they would have no luck that night.
Jack had no wish to return to the performance, so he made his excuses and went in search of fresh air for a few moments.
It was a bit much to return to England – the very place he had been fighting for – and be expected to act as though nothing had happened, as though war were some act only found in novels. Jack had been very lucky. He lived dangerously, but had never been wounded. One of his colleagues, Felix Knight, had been a prisoner of war, yet Jack doubted he told his family of the experience. However, here he was, putting on a good face for Society. Was that not part of why they did what they did, so that their families could have these freedoms? Many soldiers, though they believed in freedom, were not on the battlefield because they really had a choice.
“I am becoming a maudlin!” He scolded himself, then shook his head and went back inside.
The crowd had now cleared from the Mottram box. Jack thought devilishly for a moment, but having decided to return to his own seat, almost bumped into the very person in his thoughts. He did not know why he kept thinking about her when nothing could come of it.
“I beg your pardon,” she said, in a deeper voice than he might have expected.
“’Tis I who is at fault, miss.” He bowed deeply before her. She was far more exquisite up close then he could have created in his dreams. Her bright blue eyes were set off by long, dark lashes and a pert little nose that turned up at the end. Her cheeks were kissed by the faintest of freckles and Jack realized he was staring.
“You are with Lord and Lady Mottram,” he remarked stupidly.
“I am,” she agreed, with a twinkle in her eyes as if she were toying with him. “And you are a soldier,” she said, as if saying something equally droll would make him feel better. But she had not given him the cut direct and walked on past. It was a small glimmer of encouragement.
“Did you also need a break from Shakespeare?” he quipped.
“Certainly, it is not the most soothing entertainment, is it?” she returned.
“It is quite clever, but reading it gives me a headache from the effort of interpreting his meaning.”
“Quite,” she said, her eyes dancing with amusement.
“I am returned for the victory celebrations,” he offered, wondering why he had done so.
“Yes, perhaps I will see you there.” She took a step, with the obvious intention to leave, and then stopped. “I thank you for what you do, sir.” Then she moved on, leaving a hint of rosewater behind her.
“You are most welcome,” he whispered, watching her walk away. It was strange, but he did not think he had ever been thanked before. Usually, it was quite the opposite, especially when they were in foreign lands. A strange sensation filled his chest and he almost ran after her to prolong the feeling. Such stupid rules they were, of Polite Society, that left him still without an introduction or knowing her name.
Reluctantly, he returned to Philip’s family box and sat next to his host.
“A tryst in the corridor?” his friend asked dryly.
“I shall never tell.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
He attempted to pay attention to the last act, but his gaze was constantly drawn across to the enchanting redhead. No one seemed to know her name, which only enhanced the mystery and thus the curiosity.
When the play finally ended, Jack could not help searching for her, to no avail. The crowd was more impenetrable than the best infantry square in battle.
“You were not one to make a fool of yourself over some maiden, though I will admit she is quite a taking thing,” Everleigh drawled. “You would be bored silly in a fortnight.”
“I doubt that,” Jack retorted.
Everleigh eyed him suspiciously.
“I happened to speak with her when I came back inside earlier. She is no ninny.”
“I see,” Philip said knowingly. “So now we search for this mysterious lady in addition to the missing ward?”
Jack snorted. “With respect to the ward, I have half a mind to let be for now. Her money cannot last too long. What then?”
“Do you think she is out for a joyride in London?”
“I do not know her at all, of course, but I suspect if she could manage Winterbourne, then she has her wits about her. It is likely what I would do.”
“Yet you know it is not safe for a young female alone in London. It is entirely different from the country.”
“Wilson said he found her a maid, so hopefully she has enough wherewithal not to go about alone.”
“And if she gets into trouble, whose responsibility is it to help her?” Everleigh persisted.
He was right, curse him. “Very well, it is mine,” Jack grumbled. He was thoroughly detesting the idea of chasing anyone anywhere. He had enough to do with this upcoming nuisance of a victory celebration.
“I would give it a couple of days, but then I would call in the Runners. You will not have much time starting from next week, so let’s plan it out.
Jack gave a nod of agreement. Catherine Rafferty had better turn up quickly or when Jack found her, he was likely to strangle her.
*
Kate was inher bedroom, brushing out her hair, when Maria burst in. She fell onto the chaise longue in a dramatic fashion. “Were those soldiers not delicious?” she asked with a slight giggle.
“I assume you are referring to the ones directly across from us, not your brother?”
“Yes,” she answered wistfully.
Kate bit her lip as she stroked her tresses and then decided to confess. “You remember when I went to the retiring room?”
“Directly after the intermission,” Maria remarked, twisting the ends of her plait around her finger.
“I happened upon the one you did not know.”
Maria sat up, all attention at that news. “You did not tell me!”
“I have not had the chance until now,” Kate defended her silence.
“What was he like up close? What is his name?”
“I did not learn his name. There was no one else about and we were not introduced,” Kate scolded.
“I think I would have been bold enough to tell him anyway,” Maria said with a mischievous grin. “And do not avoid my other question. What was he like up close?”
Kate paused her brush and thought. “He was very handsome, as we suspected, and rather witty in a dry way.” She pursed her lips. “However, I think that is a façade. I sense something darker, more dangerous, beneath the surface.”
Maria squealed. “And you determined all of those without discovering his name or he yours?” she asked skeptically.
“I know it sounds like a bag of moonshine.” Kate held her hands up. “I have always been good at reading people, but perhaps on this occasion I am wrong. It is hard to imagine a soldier being completely immune to the darkness of war, but perhaps he is one of the fortunate few. He is tall and broad, as you would expect, and has a charming scar near his right eye.”
“Did they not look like Lucifer and Michael, next to each other? Light and dark, night and day? I would have much preferred to have turned my glass on them during the performance, but alas, it would never do.”
“No, indeed.” Kate grinned at her friend’s assessment.
“And this light angel was alone?”
“He was.”
“Well, it should be easy enough to get the angel’s name from Gabriel. I know Lord Philip will be at many entertainments because I know his mother. She is one of Mama’s dearest friends. I have known Philip practically from the cradle.”
Kate suspected Maria had a tendre for Lord Philip, but she would not say so.
“I know this is horribly selfish of me, but I hope your guardian takes his time in putting in an appearance. I want to keep you as long as I can!”
“Just because he deigns to return does not mean I have to leave,” Kate pointed out. “But at least I would know what my prospects are.”
“I suppose so.” Maria frowned. “I was afraid you would run off to America or Greece or somewhere else.”
Kate laughed. “It has crossed my mind.”
“Please, at least stay for the Season. You never know, you might find a husband. My father has given me an ultimatum, so stay and husband hunt with me,” Maria said, raising her eyebrows. They had been used to laughing together over London’s Marriage Mart and how silly about it some of the girls were.
“I can make no promises, but it looks as though I will be here for a while.”
Maria stood up and walked over to give Kate a hug. “I am thrilled that you are here. We will ask Gabriel about your guardian in the morning.”
“Rest well,” Kate called as Maria left.
The next morning, when Kate and Maria went downstairs, they were surprised to see several bouquets of flowers being delivered.
“These must all be for you,” Maria said. “I am fortunate if I receive one or two after a ball.”
“I very much doubt they are all for me, “Kate responded. “I met only two gentlemen last night.”
“That is because my mother guarded you well in our box. Nevertheless, I guarantee your name is known all over London by now. Come, let us solve the mystery.” Maria went forward and began pulling cards from the arrangements.
She laughed. “See, here you are; I was right.”
To the fairest Miss Rafferty, will you marry me?
Sincerely yours,
Sir Julius Winthrop
“Why, how ridiculous!”Kate exclaimed.
“Mm, as ridiculous as his costumes. Just wait, there is bound to be poetry,” Maria remarked as she plucked the next card from a beautiful arrangement of pink roses.
“Oh, well, I suppose one arrangement for me is not so very odd. It is from Lord Philip, so it means little enough.” Her flushing cheeks betrayed her.
“What does he say?”
“Dearest Lady Maria, I look forward to making your acquaintance again while I am in Town. Your very obedient servant, Philip Everleigh.”
She returned the card to the table. “That means nothing, Kate. He is only being polite and very likely only wishes for an introduction to you.”
“Do not sell yourself short, Maria. I would resent that very much, anyway.”
“On the contrary, I am quite aware that my beauty is not in my looks.”
“Nonsense! You are really quite pretty,” Kate protested.
“Thank you for saying that, my dear, and I do love you so, but I am no fool. I accepted my plainness long ago. I am not ugly, but I am not one to make gentlemen lose their heads over me.”
“And do you think I am?”
Maria gave her a look. “I am quite sure of it, my dear, but part of your beauty is that you do not realize it. It will be quite amusing to watch.”
“And this is said to entice me to stay?” Kate asked with disbelief.
Maria chuckled and moved onto the next arrangement. “Oh, here we have a poem!”
My heart stopped when
I beheld your beauty fair
My breath away you took
“I do not think it amusing at all. I did not even warrant a sonnet. Have they nothing better to do?”
“Of course not,” Maria said. “We should prepare for callers today.”
“I cannot,” Kate argued. “I have no intention of leading anyone astray.”
“Nonsense. It will be diverting, if nothing else. Come, let us break our fast.”
Maria led Kate into the breakfast room, but the Countess was alone. “Good morning, Mama. Where is Gabriel?”
“He ate early and went out. Some War Office business, I assume.”
“Drat. I had hoped to find out the name of our mysterious officer.”
“The handsome one with Lord Philip? I had thought to call on Lady Marsden today. I am certain she will know since he was sitting in their box.”
“I think we will need to be at home today, Mama. Did you see the flowers in the drawing room?”
“No, I have yet to look in there.” She clapped her hands together. “Perhaps Lord Philip will bring his friend here. I think we should host a ball to welcome the soldiers home,” the countess said.
Kate filled her plate and sat at the table while she listened to Maria and her mother talk, amused by how the lady had swiftly moved from callers to holding a ball.
“I imagine Lady Marsden has already planned one, Mama.”
“Of course, she has, but that does not mean we cannot. At the very least, we must do something because Gabriel is home.”
“He will not appreciate the attention,” Maria remarked before biting into a slice of toast.
“No gentleman ever does, my dear, but he will tolerate it for my sake. Now, is there anyone else in particular we should invite? We must think of Kate as well as yourself.”
“Pray do not think of me at all,” Kate interjected. “Please continue to concern yourself with Maria.”
Maria shot Kate a look of mock betrayal, to which Kate grinned in reply.
Lady Mottram completely ignored them. “It would be lovely to see the two of you with Lord Philip and the other one, assuming he is eligible.”
Maria signaled to Kate to hurry up and then stood quickly as soon as they had finished eating.
“I think we will pay a visit to the shops, Mama.”
The countess was scarcely paying attention to her daughter. She waved her hand. “Yes, yes. Make sure you take your maids.”
Kate followed Maria back up to their chambers and closed the door once they were inside the sitting room.
“I am terribly sorry about Mama,” her friend said. “It is best to smile and pretend to go along with her. It is what I have been doing these past three years.”
“Are we actually going shopping?”
“Or we could ride in the park—anything to be away from scheming Mother!”
Kate laughed.
“Oh, how thoughtless of me! I love my mama, I truly do,” Maria said, obviously realizing how her words sounded.
“I understand. I have grown accustomed to mine no longer being here. I miss her, of course, but she would not want me to grieve incessantly.”
“Well, mine means well, and it is a good sign that she wants to bring you out and help you find a match, even if it will involve a little discomfort.”
“Discomfort?” Kate questioned.
Maria waved her hand. “Not of the physical sort, I assure you. Come, we should make our escape while we can!”