Dangerous Knight by Elizabeth Johns
Chapter Six
Jack watched the ladies drive away in the barouche and waited for the teasing to commence. He himself would be ruthless, at any rate, were their situations reversed.
“That was certainly unexpected,” Philip began.
“And that is a gross understatement,” Jack drawled. “England has been naught but a catalogue of delightful surprises since my return,” he added dryly.
“What will you do?”
“In the first instance, wring the solicitor’s neck since my grandmother’s is no longer available.”
Philip inclined his head; he was used to such mutterings from Jack. “Understandable, since an honorable man cannot dream of his ward.”
Jack shot Philip a look full of mock venom. “Since my solicitor ain’t to hand, you will do.”
Philip barked a laugh and urged his horse forward. Together, they rode on to Jack’s newly acquired house. He would have preferred to be alone to muse upon this conundrum, but Philip stayed with him. They stabled their horses and then went into the house, taking up residence in a small wood paneled study where they both sprawled in opposite armchairs.
“We should talk about this,” Philip said.
“We should mind our own business,” Jack retorted.
“Your business is my business. We have a plot to uncover, and if your mind is dwelling on Miss Rafferty, you will miss something.”
He was correct, curse him, but that did not mean Jack was going to admit it out loud.
Rising, Jack went to the door. “Wethersby! Have we anything worth drinking in this house?”
The butler looked at him, clearly startled. “Yes, sir.”
Within minutes, he returned with a tray of cut-glass decanters and a selection of tumblers. With drinks in hand, Jack and Philip settled back to consider the options. They had done this hundreds of times over the years, but never in Jack’s own study.
“I need more information,” he finally spoke. “If I can break the guardianship, it solves everything. She indicated it was her wish.”
The telltale parallel lines which formed between Philip’s brow meant he did not agree. “You would leave that young and beautiful woman prey to the wolves? She needs some kind of protection,” he insisted.
“Until two hours ago, I was one of the wolves,” Jack pointed out. “At least, I wanted to be.”
Philip raised his glass in acknowledgment. “Touché. However, now you do know, and you are a gentleman… one hopes…” his voice trailed off.
“You are relishing this, are you not?”
“Every single moment,” Philip agreed with a crooked smile.
“You will have your day,” Jack predicted.
There was a knock on the front door; Jack and Philip looked at each other. “Visitors already?”
After a short pause, Wethersby opened the door and a man was shown in.
“Sheldon?” Philip asked as he stood up. “My father’s man of all talents,” he explained, turning to Jack.
Sheldon made a quick bow. “Your father sent me to find you, my lord.” He held out a leather folio. “I was only to deliver this into your hands.”
“As you have done. Thank you, Sheldon.” The servant bowed again and made his exit.
“That was quick,” Jack muttered.
“Father is nothing if not efficient.” He walked over to the desk, opened the folio and began to peruse the contents. Jack got to his feet and followed, looking over his friend’s shoulder.
“A map,” Philip observed as he spread it out on the wide mahogany surface. “Hyde Park with the plan for the celebration.”
“Much as we suspected,” Jack observed as he noted the spots for vendors and the bridge, and the perimeter which was marked with soldiers guarding it. “Boats on the Serpentine.” Jack snorted.
“Trafalgar,” Philip said, by way of explanation. He then looked into the leather pouch and pulled out some more papers and scanned them. “This is a list of those on the committee, from the Palace.” He handed it to Jack.
Jack looked through the names but knew none of them. He shrugged and set it down.
“The next three pages are a list of people who have openly threatened the King or the Prince Regent.”
“Is that all?” Jack remarked.
“Indeed. It makes spying on the enemy in wartime seem like child’s play.”
“What of the people whose business it is to track these folks?”
Philip held up another piece of paper. “We have that list of names as well.”
“Delightful.”
“Is it not?” Philip agreed. “Although there are marks next to two of the names.”
“With less than a fortnight to go, it seems our best course of action would be to watch the park.”
“Agreed, but that only works if they are dealing in explosives. If we have a sharpshooter or an assassin with a grenade, then any fellow could succeed.”
“That is always the case,” Jack argued.
Absently, Philip eased down into the chair behind the desk. For once making no humorous comment, Jack stepped back to sit down again in the armchair he had vacated. He knew his friend well.
There was something going on in that mind of his.
Philip shook his head. “I cannot make a connection.”
“Between the missing papers and this?”
“Precisely.”
“Nor can I. They may not be related. There are always plots against Prinny. Perhaps it will become more specific as we grow closer to the truth.”
“Or perhaps one is a distraction from the other.”
“I suppose we must begin by looking into those two names,” Jack muttered.
“We must.”
“Let me jot a note to the solicitor and then I shall be ready.”
That done, Jack attempted to concentrate his thoughts on the matter at hand, though it was devilishly hard. He hoped he had hidden his true thoughts about his ward when her name had been revealed. The solicitor had better have good news on the morrow, he reflected, for there was no telling what his reaction was likely to be otherwise. And what would Miss Rafferty’s response be when she heard of his grandmother’s codicil that he marry her?
Hopefully, she would never learn of that piece of mischief. He would find a way to manage without her and, Lord willing, she would have enough funds to marry soon and thus no longer be his responsibility.
“A penny for your thoughts,” Philip said as they made their way back down Pall Mall to the gentleman’s clubs—the best sources of gossip amongst gentlemen. It was more than likely they would end up in taverns and public houses before the night was through, but they needed to gather more information about their targets to narrow down the search.
They went first to White’s, where most of the elder scions of the aristocracy tended to spend their free time when not at Parliament. Philip was far more at home in such an establishment, but Jack had enough experience that he could adapt to most any situation, otherwise he would have been dead long ago.
Once inside, Philip was immediately hailed by a portly gentleman with thick white whiskers covering his jowls.
“Oh ho, young Everleigh, how-d’ye-do? Well, now, who is your friend?”
“Lord Jarvis, may I present Captain Jack Owens?”
Jack clicked his heels together and made a bow.
“Come, have a drink with me,” he said, waving them to adjoining armchairs near a roaring fire. It was an extremely warm day and Jack took the chair furthest from the heat of the flames, which earned him a brotherly scowl from Philip. Jack smiled back sweetly.
“What brings you here?” Jarvis asked as the waiter brought glasses of brandy for Jack and Philip. “You young fellows in uniform tend to favor the Guard’s Club.”
“’Tis true,” Philip conceded. “However, when seeking wise counsel, one must look where it may be found.”
The old man nodded with approval. Jack had to admit that Philip was smooth.
Philip leaned forward as though to impart a great secret. “We have been informed that there is a threat to our Prince’s celebrations and as it also concerns us, we are trying to gather information,” Philip said softly.
The older man had leaned forward, obviously straining to hear, but he gave a nod. “I have heard the same.”
“Have you any knowledge of where we might look?”
“I would personally look to the Irish. They are always causing trouble.”
Jack bit his tongue. It always perturbed him when someone generalized an entire country of people. There were a few known dissenters from that country, but Philip and he had also served alongside others—good, loyal men—in the King’s army.
“That is a great many people to investigate, my lord,” he said. “Do you have any names in particular to offer?”
The baron looked at him in a considering manner before answering. “The obvious answer would be the Catholics, but there is a new upstart by the name of O’Connell, who has been protesting, rather vociferously, in the slums. No one pays him much mind because he merely speaks out about poverty and the rights of the indigent.”
Philip and Jack looked at each other. It was certainly worth investigating.
“The slums, you say?” Philip prompted.
“According to my man, who says the fellow is creating quite a stir in Hammersmith and Camden. He preaches from the street corners and the masses hang on his every word. Smooth-tongued devil. I heard him myself, once. I also heard he was trying to become an MP.”
“Have you any idea where this O’Connell can be found?”
“No, not personally, but I will have my man furnish you with the information he has.”
“Has O’Connell made direct threats?” Jack asked.
“Not as I can say. However, he does not hide his feelings about our Prinny’s spending habits if you catch my meaning.”
“Perfectly.” Philip stood and shook Lord Jarvis’s hand. “If you think of anything else, sir, you know where to find me.”
Jack also inclined his head to the baron. They made their way on through the other parts of the club, but Philip did nothing more than greet people as they passed. When they were outside again, Jack waited for Philip to speak.
“There was no one else worth asking,” Philip explained, already knowing what was on Jack’s mind.
“Where to next? Do you think this O’Connell to be a worthy possibility?”
“Jarvis is one of the most astute men I know despite appearances to the contrary. Often it is those least likely targets that warrant the most attention.”
“But would he have the means to carry off such a threat?”
“That is what we must discover. I do not think one such as he to be the likely filcher of the missing documents, however.”
“That would be too easy,” Jack agreed as they made their way west.
Philip glanced at his pocket watch. “If we do not wish to incur my mother’s wrath, we had better return to dress for dinner.”
“Then there is no polite way in which I might excuse myself?”
Philip laughed maliciously. “Not a chance. I am going to enjoy every moment of this.”
“As ever, I live for your amusement,” Jack retorted as they strolled along. Philip merely chuckled and within a few minutes they had reached the steps of the Everleigh mansion.
*
Normally, Kate wouldhave been pleased with how she looked in the newly refurbished gown. Lavender had always been one of her favorite colors that did not clash with her red hair. However, tonight she was too anxious to take any notice.
“I wish you would not fret so,” Maria murmured as Simpson put the finishing touches to Kate’s coiffure.
“I do not feel at ease about this,” Kate answered.
“You do not know what the solicitor will say.”
“It cannot be good news. He told me I still have a guardian and did not indicate that the arrangement was to end in the foreseeable future,” Kate argued.
“Be that as it may, you yourself said Captain Owens was none too delighted to have a ward. I am certain something may be decided upon to your mutual satisfaction.”
Kate shook her head. “He is the one I am worried about. Something he said, or perhaps the way he said it, made me think he will not be easy to deal with.”
“I think he was shocked at the realization you were his ward. I saw the way he looked at you before he knew.”
Kate dropped her head in her hands and made a sound at the back of her throat.
“Miss!” Simpson scolded.
“Forgive me!” Kate sat up straight again so the maid could finish her toilette.
“It might not be so very dreadful,” Maria reassured her.
Kate kept quiet. The feeling of foreboding she felt deep inside never lied, and at this moment, it was almost enough to make her retch.
Simpson completed dressing Kate’s hair and clasped a pearl necklace around her neck before she and Maria went downstairs. As they neared the drawing room, the bad feeling only grew. How was she to endure an entire evening of small talk when her fate loomed over her head like Zeus waiting in a dark cloud, ready to strike?
They entered the drawing room to see the three soldiers standing there together – a striking trio, to be sure. They all looked up and smiled and Kate chastised herself for being melodramatic.
They might be soldiers, but how dangerous could they be to her?
She smiled politely while she was introduced to Lord and Lady Marsden, Captain Everleigh’s parents; his elder brother, Lord Venable, and his friend, Mr. Neville Feathers.
“This is your ward?” Lady Marsden asked Captain Owens with open astonishment.
“Indeed, my lady,” Captain Owens answered.
“’Tis outrageous!” she exclaimed. “Surely something may be done?” She looked at Kate. “I mean no offense to you, Miss Rafferty, but I am sure you can appreciate the impropriety of such a thing.”
“No offense taken, my lady.” What else could Kate say?
“If you knew my grandmother, you would understand. She took great pleasure in such perverse tricks,” Captain Owen said.
The butler announced dinner and Captain Owens offered Kate his arm. They were lowest in precedence of the illustrious company. Of course, it would be him. She did not wish to touch him, for her feelings were very much conflicted.
But she nevertheless took his arm, telling herself not to be ridiculous.
Once inside the dining room, she was also seated to his left with Lord Philip to her left. For once, she could have wished for a less threatening, elderly gentleman on either side.
Her guardian held her chair for her and waited while she arranged her skirts before helping her to be seated. Glasses were filled and bowls of turtle soup were served by excellent, unobtrusive footmen. Kate had learned how to eat properly, of course, but it had been years since she had attempted polite, almost scripted, conversation.
Thankfully, she was able to speak with Lord Philip first.
“Is this your first time in London, Miss Rafferty?” he asked.
“It is, sir. I lived in India as a child, then attended school in Gloucestershire, and have since been no further than Yorkshire.”
“And does London meet your expectations?”
“Oh, yes.” She smiled. “I could wish females had the freedoms of gentlemen to go about, but I have still had a delightful time.”
He leaned forward and whispered, “Careful, people will think you are one of Mrs. Wollstonecraft’s followers.” He gave her a wink and then leaned back.
She laughed. Lord Philip was a flirt. She turned and caught the eye of Maria, who was watching the exchange with a look of astonishment and, perhaps, pain. Oh, dear. Kate would have to be very careful. The last thing she would ever do was hurt Maria. She turned to Captain Owens, afraid to further any more misconceptions with Lord Philip, which was a shame because she liked him very much.
“Good evening, Guardian,” she said dryly.
“Good evening, Ward,” he returned, amusement twinkling in his eyes. “You will be happy to know I have secured an appointment with Mr. Wilson at ten in the morning.”
As a footman exchanged their soup bowls for plates and brought round the next course of roasted partridge or potted herring, Kate caught the eye of Mr. Feathers, who seemed also to be watching her but with malice instead of favor. She turned back to her plate.
“Be careful with that one,” Captain Owens warned.
“I am careful with everyone,” she replied.
“That will make my task easier.”
She paused her knife and fork above her partridge. “Let me be clear,” she said in a low voice, hoping no one else would overhear. “I have no need of a guardian. I might be required to suffer such protection for a few more months, but you may rest assured you can return to the army and worry no more.”
“I am relieved to hear it,” he said.
She could not tell from his tone if he was mocking her or not. Most likely he was, she thought ruefully.
She thrust a forkful of partridge into her mouth to refrain from speaking further.
“Mr. Wilson mentioned you had hired a steward. Do you trust him?”
She finished chewing, swallowed, then dabbed at her lips with her napkin before answering. “I trust him as much as I trust anyone. When I left Winterbourne, the estate was running seamlessly. As long as no one changes the systems instituted, all will be well. I knew you were inheriting, and I was aware you were a soldier, so I hired someone who would follow my instructions.”
He was watching her carefully. She had that sense about him that there was much more to him beneath his jovial façade than he wanted others to delve. “I thank you for what you have done. I will visit Yorkshire before I return to the Continent.”
“You intend to return after inheriting?” she asked, even though they were not familiar enough for her to be so inquisitive. She had a feeling they would become better acquainted than either of them wished.
The expression on his face told her he was probably thinking her very impertinent indeed. He set down his fork and turned fully toward her. “Do you think I should return to Winterbourne and toil in the fields and mend my own fences?”
She frowned. “That was not what I meant, and that would not be necessary, unless you wish to do so.”
“Then you, of all people, should understand why I must continue with my career in the army.” His quick frown and blink indicated he quickly regretted mentioning that fact and she wondered why.
“What changed your mind?” she asked before she could guard her tongue.
He made a noise that was half scoff, half snort before she saw him clench his jaw. There was a pause, in which he took a long drink of his wine as though contemplating his answer. “The old witch haunts me from the grave, madam,” he answered in a menacing tone which reaffirmed Kate’s suspicion that he could be dangerous if he wished. Kate looked up to meet his gaze and gave a nod of understanding. She knew very well how mean the old dragon had been. “Even now she prevents me from unencumbering myself from Winterbourne.”
“Perhaps the solicitor may help us both. It does not seem right that she could prevent you from selling a property that is not entailed.”
“So it would seem, and that would be what the majority of people would have allowed. Dear old Granny took great pleasure in finding ways to create misery and manipulate others. I was quite shocked to hear you managed to restore Winterbourne under her nose.”
Kate took no small amount of satisfaction in that. “She was invalided and confined to her bed soon after I arrived. Otherwise, I do not know if it would have been possible.”
“Perhaps, then, you at least understand why I stayed away—other than the obvious fact that we have been at war. I had no notion of your existence or…”
“Or nothing, for there was nothing you could have done,” she finished for him. “My parents would not have left me in the care of someone such as she, but they could not have known my guardianship would fall to her.”
“Or to me, for that matter.”
She inclined her head. “Perhaps we are on the same side. I think we are allies in this situation.”
“Mayhap you are right. Instead of being angry at our situation, perhaps we might help each other.”
“Very well. We may be friends, then?”
His face relaxed and he smiled in a way that sent strange feelings throughout her being.
Oh, dear, that would never do.
She would have to make certain she never gave him cause to smile at her like that again.