Dangerous Knight by Elizabeth Johns

Chapter Five

The next morning, Jack was summoned to a meeting at the War Office. He dressed in his comfortable uniform and called for his mount to be brought around.

“Good morning, Wethersby. I will be out for a while. Duty calls. I do not suppose there has been any word from my ward?”

“No, sir.”

“If you happen to hear from her, please send word to Everleigh House or the Guards’ Club. I expect to return later in the afternoon.”

“Very good, sir,” Wethersby answered.

Jack took his hat and gloves from the butler before mounting his horse and riding off to his meeting. When he arrived, he was shown into a room with no windows. Lit by several branches of fine wax candles, it contained a dozen leather chairs surrounding a long mahogany table. Lloyd, Knight and Everleigh had already arrived.

“Good morning. Does anyone know what this is about?”

“No,” Knight said with a shake of his head. “We were told to wait here.”

“I had not expected to be working while in England,” Jack mused.

Lloyd stood quietly in the corner with his arms crossed while the others sat down. They chatted about nonsense for perhaps ten minutes. When General Newsom walked in the room, they all shot to their feet and stood at attention.

“At ease, gentlemen. Please resume your seats.” He took the chair at the end of the table and flung packets on the wood before him. Propping his elbows on the table, he then steepled his fingers. “Well, I will come straight to the point. I am aware Lord Wellington sent you here to be awarded and do the pretty, but we have a situation and we will need your expertise.”

“What kind of a situation, sir?” Knight asked.

“We have heard rumors of a plot against Prinny, which is to happen at the victory celebrations.”

“That is not normally our purview,” Everleigh pointed out.

“No, but it is a military event. Furthermore, there were also some papers stolen from our office last evening; specifically, some of the plans you brought back from Lord Wellington.”

“At least that removes us from suspicion, since all four of us were at the theater last night,” Jack said dryly.

“Not to mention the fact you had the papers in your possession during the trip from France,” the General retorted. “So, I will need you to perform your duties longer and determine if the two situations are connected and ferret out who the culprit is before our dear Prince Regent’s celebration.”

“Have we anything to go on at all?” Jack asked.

The general sighed. “Very little, I am afraid. We are not completely certain of when it happened. There was no sign of any breaking in. The last time anyone saw the documents was in the afternoon when I went to put them in the vault at half past five.”

“Who was aware of the documents?” Everleigh asked.

The general splayed his hands. “Any number of people and their aides—at least two dozen?”

“We will need to narrow that down, sir.”

“I need not tell you this is highly secretive. If word got out that someone within was stealing documents…”

“Do you think this has been perpetrated by an incumbent of the War Office?” Knight frowned.

“I cannot suspect anything else. Someone had to have known of the existence of those documents and where to find them, then have the capability to enter without arousing the suspicion of the guards. It is too coincidental.”

“But something a good spy could accomplish, nonetheless,” Everleigh pointed out.

“It is a disaster!” the general exclaimed, slamming his hand down on the table. “Do you understand what this means?”

“Yes, sir,” they all parroted.

“Good. Now, find the traitor before the victory celebrations, because canceling them is not an option. I want reports every morning by eight of the clock.”

“Yes, sir.” They stood to attention as he rose and stamped from the room.

The four of them stayed and looked at each other.

“This is no small task. Any ideas?” Jack asked.

“We will have to split up. We do not have much time.”

“Someone needs to question the guards here. Are any of you familiar with the building?”

“I am,” Lloyd confessed. “My father has had an office here since I was a boy. I will start here.”

“I will speak with the general’s aide and try to get a list of who knew about the documents,” Knight offered.

“It seems to me we should look into the preparations for the celebrations,” Everleigh suggested. “Try to see what the threats are and the possibilities.”

“That sounds as good a plan as any,” Jack agreed.

They went to fetch their mounts. “Do you care to ride through the park?” Jack asked. “I know I should be looking for my ward, but that will be difficult now, with our new task.”

“I had hoped to call at Mottram house. Lloyd hurried away before I could ask who Lady Maria’s friend was,” Everleigh answered.

“I doubt there will be much time for paying calls or searching for the elusive Miss Rafferty,” Jack bemoaned. “Where shall we begin?”

“Perhaps we may kill two birds with one stone.”

“How do you mean?” Jack asked as they turned their horses toward the park.

“I am not quite certain, but the celebrations are to be held in Hyde Park, and by being there during the fashionable hour, we can do both, no?”

“I suppose so.”

“But first, I thought to go and speak with my father. He is bound to have some idea of who would be planning the celebrations.” Lord Marsden was a trusted advisor to the Prince.

“Information from one privy to such details is always welcome,” Jack agreed as they trotted across the park toward the Everleigh mansion.

Thankfully, Lord Marsden was at home when they arrived. “What can I do for you?” he asked, as if he knew they would not be there on a simple social call.

“We have been tasked to inspect, if you will, the victory celebrations. Could you give me some idea of with whom we should speak?”

Lord Marsden looked at him keenly. “You have been apprised of the threat, then? I suppose it is not surprising it should have reached the War Office.”

“Our information was vague at best,” Philip said to his father.

“I have heard little more, I am afraid. Mostly mutterings overheard in taverns in the dark of night. I suspect you do not wish to work in conjunction with the Palace?”

“I would prefer to look into things separately for now, just in case.”

Marsden nodded. “I will make some discreet inquiries, acquire maps—that sort of thing.”

“We would appreciate that,” Jack remarked.

“Have you heard there is to be a reenactment of Trafalgar, on the Serpentine?” the marquess asked.

Philip looked up to the ceiling. “Heaven help us,” he muttered.

“Is this common knowledge, sir?” Jack asked.

“I am not certain,” Marsden answered, frowning.

“Because that seems an excellent time for foul play. Shots, and explosions, you know. Fireworks would be an excellent time to disguise any type of noise.”

“Then we must uncover the plot first,” Philip said, pushing away from the desk he had been leaning against. “Let us go and survey the park.”

“I shall see what information I can gather,” Marsden said with a short salute to them both.

Once they were back outside and mounted, they headed to the parade ground in the center of the park, where the reenactment would be staged.

They dismounted at the bridge and looked about. There were stalls being built, probably where vendors and such were to set up.

“That is an obvious place to put explosives, especially with it being there well in advance,” Jack pointed out.

“We should request it be guarded if that is not already in place, though it seems common sense to me.”

Jack snorted. “Therefore we may presume it will not have been thought of.”

“I imagine all we will get from Father will be the usual dissenters.”

“The Irish and the like?”

“Mm.” Philip murmured agreement while looking around.

“It seems to me a prime place for an assassination. There are any number of trees to hide behind.” The park was in full bloom and the trees were thick with leaves.

“There will have to be a sweep of the park beforehand.”

“And if it is one of our own?”

“Then Prinny had better hope the traitor is a bad shot.”

“I think we would be well served to look over the rosters of who might be home and those recently discharged.”

“Not a bad idea. Also, anyone with a grievance.”

“Hopefully that list will not be too long,” Jack added.

“Agreed,” Philip said, gazing once more about them. “The crowds appear to be gathering. Shall we take a moment to see if your Venus is available for an introduction? Fodder for dreams, perchance?”

“Very amusing,” Jack murmured. “Why not? A little diversion never hurt anyone.”

“Hookey would approve.”

They rode to the other side of the Serpentine where crowds of ladies and gentlemen, dressed in their finest for the hour of the promenade, were gathered. People immediately took notice of Jack and Everleigh in their uniforms as soldiers were du jour at the moment. One benefit of being on a horse meant they could see over the crowd.

It took not a moment for Jack to spot her. Their eyes met and she smiled.

Jack doffed his hat.

That was all the encouragement he needed.

*

Kate had seennothing quite like Hyde Park at the fashionable hour. If she were being honest, both she and Maria were disappointed that Lord Philip and his friend had not called earlier in the day. While Maria had felt sure the gentlemen would be at the park, she had assured Kate it would be good entertainment either way.

She had not jested about the latter. Kate had expected people to be walking through the park – and there were many of those – but there was far more than that to feast their eyes upon. They had both dressed in fine walking costumes, with their finest bonnets, and drove in the open barouche. It was such a short distance that Kate was appalled they had not walked. When they arrived, there must have been thousands of people in the park and it was quite clear they were there to be seen and to socialize.

A group of what Maria referred to as dandies minced by on their high heels, wearing brightly colored clothing so tightly fitted that Kate feared for their ability to breathe. Collar points were starched up to the gentlemen’s ears and their hair, she suspected, very likely took more grooming than her own elaborate curls.

“Do not stare, my dear,” the countess gently scolded.

Kate started and found Maria laughing at her. “I am very gauche, am I not?” Kate asked as she joined in.

“I suppose it would be quite a shocking sight for someone not from Town,” Maria conceded.

“I will do better to mask my astonishment next time, I assure you.”

“I did think Lord Philip would call today, after he sent you that lovely arrangement,” the countess remarked. “But I did see Gabriel and he said that they were called into a meeting at the War Office. It seems they must still work whilst they are here.”

“I hope it will not be all work.” Maria pouted.

“As do I, my dear.”

Kate was somewhat pacified that the two soldiers had not deliberately avoided them. The open carriage was soon surrounded by gentlemen, and Kate was quickly overwhelmed with introductions she had no hope of remembering. Truly, there was only one name she wanted to hear and while there were a few uniforms to be seen, there were not enough to give her a great deal of hope that Captain Owens would be among them.

“I was right. Here they come!” Maria squealed. “They look splendid, do they not?”

“Is there a word better than splendid?” Kate leaned over to reply.

Even though Adonis and Cicero came close, there was still a crowd around the ladies’ carriage. Kate wished all of them to the devil.

“I wish they would all leave!” Maria quietly echoed her thoughts.

“Would it be rude to climb down and walk away?” Kate teased.

“They would only follow,” Maria said through a smile as Sir Julian approached and began reciting poetry. There was a collective groan from the other gentleman.

Lady Mottram decided to intervene. She had also had enough, apparently. “Lord Philip!” She called and waved. “Come at once and give your godmother a kiss!”

Maria struggled to hold back a laugh.

“Am I right in the assumption she is not his godmother?”

Maria shook her head, but the tactic had worked.

The other gentlemen stepped out of the way. Philip and his companion moved their mounts forward and Philip bowed over Lady Mottram’s hand with a wink. “I do not think my real godmother would mind.”

“Well, something had to be done. Such insufferable manners these young men have these days!”

“And Lady Maria,” he said, taking her hand. “May I say you only improve with age?”

“You may, but I would think a soldier to have better things to do with his time then come up with such flummery!”

Lord Philip’s companion smothered a laugh. Her eyes met his and the twinkle in his eyes indicated he shared her sense of amusement.

“Are you going to introduce us to your friend?” Lady Mottram asked pointedly.

Kate leaned forward to hear, just as Sir Julian made another effort to garner her attention on the other side of the vehicle. Kate wanted to scream.

“Sir, I must beg you to excuse me,” she said tightly. She sensed that the soldier was watching her, but there was little she could do without being unreasonably rude.

“How can I be expected to compete with a man in uniform?” he bemoaned.

Kate was quite sure the uniform would make little difference, but refrained from saying so.

“May I at least beg a dance at the next ball?”

“Of course, Sir Julian.” She would not mention the fact it was likely that she would not be attending balls or be in London for long.

“You do me a great honor!” Begrudgingly, he turned and walked away.

Kate turned back to the soldiers, but they were deep in conversation and she could hardly interrupt. They were discussing something funny that she had missed entirely.

They were all so engrossed in the story that none of them realized she was now free of admirers. When there was a break in the conversation, she gently nudged Maria.

“Oh, I do beg your pardon. May I now introduce you to my dearest friend, Catherine Rafferty? Kate, this is Captain Lord Philip Everleigh and his friend, Captain Jack Owens. They are here with Gabriel to attend the victory celebrations.”

Kate was certain her heart had stopped for a moment, but it was now beating so hard it was difficult to catch her breath. This was her guardian?

The realization appeared to hit them both at the same time. They stared at each other in disbelief.

“What is wrong, Kate?” Maria asked, realizing her friend was shocked by something.

“I think, Lady Maria, that Captain Owens is the very guardian I have been looking for.”

“What a happy coincidence, then!” the countess exclaimed.

For some reason, Kate did not feel very happy at all. This person who she had dreamed about last evening was the very person she had thought ill of for the past two years at least, if not longer.

“Well, Jack,” Lord Philip said, looking amused, “it seems your search is over.”

“Quite,” Captain Owens said curtly. Apparently, he was not too happy with the news either.

“I suppose the two of you have much to discuss. Shall we adjourn to Mottram Place or would you rather meet somewhere else?”

Kate did not care where, she just wanted the matter dealt with.

“Whatever the lady wishes.” Captain Owens finally spoke more than a word.

“It is a beautiful day, why do we not walk in the park for a while?” Kate responded.

“I will take your horse,” Lord Philip offered. Captain Owens inclined his head and dismounted before tossing the reins to Lord Philip. He stood beside the barouche and held out his hand to help Kate down. She was shocked by the contact, and took her hand back as quickly as she could.

If he offered his arm, she did not notice for she immediately began walking, putting her hands behind her back.

It was some time before either of them spoke, by which time they were a fair distance from the fashionable crowds.

“Well, Miss Rafferty, I assume from your reaction you were as surprised to have a guardian as I was to have a ward.”

“Yes, indeed, sir.”

“The solicitor mentioned that he told you nothing else of the Will’s contents.”

“He told me he had to inform you first.”

“Ah.” They walked a few steps further and reached the edge of the Serpentine.

She stopped and looked out over the lake, but did not truly see anything. Captain Owens was difficult to read. She was afraid if she pushed too hard, and too soon, he would not agree to release her.

“I had thought to be free,” she said softly. “Will you at least tell me what is the amount of my inheritance?”

She sensed him turn quickly to face her. Bravely, she met his gaze.

“There was no mention of your funds,” he said carefully. “I had assumed you to be dependent upon me.”

“I hope not,” she snapped.

His face broke into a smile and he was so handsome she almost forgot she was irritated with him.

“I believe we should pay a call upon Mr. Wilson. I will send over a message for an appointment tomorrow morning. You are staying at Mottram Place?”

“I am,” she confirmed. “I did inform Wethersby.” She could feel her guardian’s confusion.

“He must have forgotten that detail.”

“Oh, dear, I had not realized he was forgetful.”

“Or perhaps hard of hearing,” Jack added.

They turned and began to walk back to the carriage.

She stopped abruptly and considered him. “May I assume you do not wish to continue this farce? I can be hopeful?”

He hesitated, which filled her with anxiety. She did not understand.

“I think, Miss Rafferty, we should find out all of the circumstances with which Mr. Wilson failed to apprise me. We should see him tomorrow and decide from there.”

It sounded reasonable, but she did not feel relieved. She gave a nod as they reached the carriage.

“Is everything arranged to your mutual satisfaction?” the countess asked.

“For the moment,” Captain Owens answered. He turned to Kate. “I will call for you in the morning.”

“Nonsense! You will dine with us tonight.”

Kate bit back a groan. Tomorrow was too soon and now she would have to face him again tonight!