by Tamara Gill
Alex glared at both his siblings. “If Mother could see you now, she’d whack the two of you with her chair rung.”
“Kit’s slap is enough for me,” Edward said, his fingers still massaging the side of his head.
Kit let go of Edward’s arm. “I don’t have all the answers yet, but one thing I do know…Arianna Montgrieve is not Father’s daughter.”
Edward fumed. “You really should have told us.”
“Why? Does it change anything?”
Edward shook his head. “No. Well…maybe….”
“How so?” Kit rounded on him. “Thinking of giving up your tart for Ari?”
“Of course not.” A look of true hurt coveted Eddie’s face. “I can’t believe you would even accuse me of such a thing. Ari has been yours from day one. Even when we did think her to be our sister. Though back then we just figured that amongst all of us, she’d be the one sibling to take your side no matter what. Which she always did growing up.”
“Then what has changed?”
Alex stepped up. “I think what Eddie means is that if Ari isn’t our sister, then Father, as well as Mother, have been protecting her all these years. And that means some sort of danger surrounds Arianna.”
Kit’s shoulders slumped. “That’s one of the reasons I didn’t mention anything until now. I don’t know what we’re facing. And I don’t want anyone involved until I know for sure.” He paused. “Can I trust the two of you to keep this from Father? For now?”
Alex nodded.
As did Edward.
“Good,” Kit said. “Now go find your spy, Alex, while I keep this one out of trouble.” He nudged his head toward Edward.
“This is most unfair.” Edward protested as Kit led him out of the conservatory. “And don’t think you’re off the hook, little brother. I can, and will, pull rank on you with Mother.”
“Go ahead and try,” Alex shouted. “Mum loves me more.”
He gathered the roses and tied a string bow around the paper he’d rolled them in.
He prayed to God he was doing the right thing tonight, as the last his men had reported, Thomas Culpepper’s killer was not a pickpocket as had been previously thought, but rather a well-to-do gentleman who had also been distantly stalking Arianna Montgrieve. Thomas’s killer was an anti-monarchist.
His brother Kit may be the Crown Prince, but Alex was their Father’s most trusted man in the field.
And tonight, for the sake of the love of his life, as well as for the preservation of his father’s throne, he was setting off on the most dangerous mission of his life.
Chapter Two
Culpepper Townhouse
King’s Street
Landon
Kitty slid pieces of torn paper around on the tabletop, her gaze focusing on similarly shaped edges. “I’ve made another match!”
“No need to shout,” her best friend, Amelia, said from the chaise lounge in front of the window. “I’m sure God does not need your voice to reach the high heavens every time your puzzle comes closer to being solved.”
Kitty huffed. “Really, Mel, you need to start doing something constructive with your life. You’re turning into a bitter old hag.” She glanced across the room.
“A woman on the shelf, who has a personal fortune most men cannot even dream of, does not need to do anything. Plus, I am not bitter.”
“Are you sure about that? You haven’t made a single joyous comment since arriving this afternoon. And that’s not the you I’ve known since we were children. It used to be that I could always count on you to cheer me up, even this past year when all we had were letters between us.”
Mel hesitated. “I’d like to forget this past year.”
“Maybe if you found a new interest, you could get on with your life.”
“I don’t think that’s possible anymore, as you’re right, I am bitter. And angry. And hurt. And everything else that goes along with having had endured Flavio’s brutality for the last eleven months. I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I am not sorry my husband is dead.”
Kitty didn’t blame Mel for not grieving over Prince Flavio. Everyone who knew the man despised the him. “I still think getting involved in something new will help.”
“I disagree. Besides, I’m quite content with things as they are.”
She didn’t believe that. “What about companionship? Don’t you want someone in your life, even just to sit across from you at dinner each night to discuss the day’s events?”
Mel tore away the strip of pink silk she’d been using to cover her eyes. “Flavio sat at the opposite end of the dining table from me and his conversation only served to compare me to his mistresses. And not in a good light, either. So, no I don’t care to have companionship again.”
“Not all men are a vile as was your now dead husband.”
“Vile doesn’t even begin to describe Flavio.” Mel sat up. “He may have been a prince, but the man was a beast in every way imaginable. I have no desire to lose my freedom to a husband again. Now tell me, what is all this fuss about your damn puzzle, there?”
Kitty loved having a friend whom she could talk secrets with. “An illegal notice—one whose writer had the bad taste to go to another press to print rather than to use my father’s paper—has been making its way around the more secretive side of The Wharf and I just happened to be fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy.”
Mel stood and sauntered over to the table. The essence of her lilac perfume filled the room as her yellow gown swayed in tune to her graceful steps. “Fortunate? How?”
“It’s an advertisement for someone looking to hire an assassin.”
“And you call that fortunate? I’d say dangerous is a more apt description.”
Kitty smacked her hands together. “The assassin is being hired to hunt down Thomas’s killer. This is my chance to avenge my brother’s death.”
A stray blond curl came loose from Mel’s bun and fell over her ear as she leaned on the table. “I know how much it means to you to settle the matter concerning Thomas’s murder, and I am all for it. But how do you know you can trust the writer of this advertisement?”
“I don’t,” Kitty said. “But that is not the point. If I wanted to go the proper route of getting justice for my brother, then I would have turned to Alex and the Constable. Which I did in the beginning. But it’s been slightly over a year now and no progress has been made on the case. I cannot wait any longer.”
Now she was sounding as bitter as Mel. “According to this advertisement, one assassin is needed to be added to a team of assassins. And the vacant spot is to be filled tonight, by way of wager, at Vulcan’s Forge.”
Mel gave her a peculiar stare. “And how, pray tell, do you plan on getting into a gritty gaming hell on The Wharf? You’re a woman. Pirates and miscreants have never allowed women into their private domain, save for those whom they paid.”
“I’ll dress as a man. I have some of Thomas’s old clothes in a trunk.”
“And once you get there? Then what?”
She hadn’t thought about what would happen once she was inside the gambling hall. “I’ll find which room or table the wager is being placed at and join in. I am good at most games, even those women are not supposed to play.”
“This smell of disaster, all around. I can’t let you do this.”
“But I must.”
Mel let out a long, deep breath. “Then in the least, allow me to accompany you.”
“It’s too dangerous. Even you said so.” She was not going to have her dearest friend’s life be put in peril.
“Nonsense.” Mel waved her hand as if dismissing the seriousness of the situation. “Besides, this will give me the perfect opportunity to do something constructive with my life.”
She was suddenly regretting making that comment to Mel. “I don’t know about this.”
“It doesn’t matter what you think, dear Kitty. I’m doing it.”
“Thomas’s clothes won’t fit yo
u. They’ll be too long.” She had to do something to discourage her friend.
Mel smirked. “Don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easily, Catherine.”
Crikey. She hated when Mel called her by her full name. In fact, she hated when anyone called her Catherine, except for when Alex said it.
“I’ll find something to wear from Flavio’s clothes,” Mel said.
This was not going as planned. “I would have thought you’d have burned every last bit of the man’s belongings by now.”
Mel grinned. “Believe me, I have shredded most of his clothes, especially his trousers as those once held his forever straying cock. But Flavio did own this one suit that he absolutely refused to wear. Why, I have no idea. So, I kept it, vowing to put it to good use one day just to irk the loathsome bastard. I hope he turns in his grave tonight the second those garments touch my skin.”
Kitty tried her hardest not to laugh but ultimately failed. “You are a dear friend, Mel. A very dear friend.”
“As are you. But tell me, have you given any thought to Alex in this matter?”
“He does not need to know what I’m up to. If I mentioned so much as a single word about this to him, he’d be all over me, balking about the dangers of hunting a killer. I don’t want him to worry about me. He does enough of that already. Besides, the ad clearly states it is not associate with The Crown. Alex has nothing to do with it.”
“And what is this nothing that you speak of?” Alex’s deep voice called from somewhere behind her.
Blarmy. She so did not need her prince visiting now.
Kitty stood and turned around. “Your Royal Highness.” She curtsied. “Did Emerson not greet you?” Her aging butler was slipping lately, but to completely miss announcing a prince was not like the man.
“Oh, he greeted me. I just wanted to surprise you.”
Flubbers. She rose out of her curtsy. “Well, you have indeed surprised me.” She turned to Mel. “This is my dearest friend, just in from Italy. Prin…” She paused. She knew Mel was going to hate being referred to as Princess Amelia. But it was the woman’s proper title.
“It’s all right, Miss Culpepper,” Mel said.
Kitty let out a deep breath. “This is Princess Amelia.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” Alex said, tipping his top hat to Mel. “Now that the formalities are out of the way, I trust we can dispense with them and relax, Kitty?”
She was never going to relax with Alex here when she only had two hours to get ready for her trip to Vulcan’s Forge. But she certainly didn’t mind dropping the whole title nonsense between them. “Of course. Please, sit.” She gestured toward the two facing sofas in the middle of the drawing room.
Mel took a seat on the sofa closest to Kitty.
“I brought you roses.” Alex handed Kitty the arrangement he’d been holding, then steadied his silver-topped walking stick against the nearby table.
“Lovely.” Another dozen to go with the other ten already populating the room. Soon, she’d have no more vases left to use for her own garden’s flowers. “I especially like the bow on this one.” She toyed with the floppy string dangling from the bouquet. “Usually you don’t get this fancy.”
Alex’s cheeks turned a slight red. “I must admit, I am hoping the roses will be my saving grace tonight as I must cancel our original plans.”
Plans? Oh, that was right, she was supposed to go for a stroll with Alex to watch the meteor showers. Thank goodness the man had to cancel as she’d been so wrapped up in the damn assassins’ matter, she’d completely forgotten their pre-arranged evening. “The roses have saved you, my prince.” She held the flowers to her nose and pretended to be enjoying their lovely scent. Which, to a degree, she was, but she really would prefer being upstairs getting dressed for tonight’s adventure. She placed the bouquet on the table and then sat on the sofa cushion next to Mel.
Alex sat across from her. “Are you visiting long, Princess Amelia?”
Mel ran her fingers over her gown’s sheer skirt. “I’m here to stay. I was born in Countavia and have decided to return home now that my husband is deceased.”
“My condolences.”
“Thank you. But they truly are not necessary.”
Alex quirked one brown eyebrow but refrained from commenting.
“I’m very glad my dear friend has returned from Italy.” Kitty tapped Mel gently on the thigh. “And doubly so since Gabrielle is now married.”
“Ah, yes,” Mel said, gazing across the room to Alex. “Gabrielle married your brother, Prince Harrison. Is that not right, Your Royal Highness?”
“Indeed, it is. And she’s a lovely sister-in-law.” Alex tapped his boot toe against the carpet.
Kitty’s interest piqued. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Why would think so?”
“You’re tapping your foot again. You always do that when you are nervous or in a rush.”
“Yes. Well, I do have official business to tend to tonight. But I truly hate to just up and leave you.”
Kitty bolted from the sofa. “Really, it’s fine. I have Mel here to keep my company. You should go.”
He gave her an odd stare with those rich, deep chocolate eyes of his. “Well…I do have a few minutes to spend with you.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks flamed. “Of course.” She sat back down and toyed with the chain of Thomas’s pocket watch that she never failed to keep looped around the ribbon at her waist.
Mel picked at a loose thread on the sofa cushion.
“I was at the conservatory today,” Alex said.
“I’m aware.” Kitty nodded toward the flowers laying on the table. Under normal circumstances, she’d revel spending time with Alexander. But tonight, was not one of those moments.
“Right.” Alex adjusted his black gloves.
He looked mighty fine in his blue great coat, matching colored trousers and black boots. Of all the Baine brothers, Kitty considered Alex the most handsome. But good looks were not going to get her closer to capturing her brother’s killer. “Aren’t we a quiet bunch, tonight.”
“We are indeed,” Mel chimed in.
“Maybe I should go,” Alex said.
Kitty stood. “Perhaps it’s best.”
He gave her another concerned stare as he rose from the sofa. “Is everything all right, Kitty?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“You seem a bit…I don’t know exactly.”
“If I must confess, sir,” Mel said, smiling, “I’m afraid you interrupted a bit of woman talk, when you arrived. Catherine and I were quite deep in conversation.”
“I see.”
Kitty cringed on the inside. The questioning look on Alex’s face did not agree with his words. But at least the man hadn’t retaken his seat on the sofa, which was going to make getting rid of him a tad bit easier.
She stepped forward and reached for Alexander’s arm. “Yes, that’s it. Just girl talk, Your Royal Highness. And I must admit, I’m eager to get back to it. I hope you do not take offense at that.”
“Of course, not.” He paused. “As long as everything is okay.”
Kitty leaned in. “Everything is as fine as always.” She paid extra attention at fluttering her eyelashes, as she knew Alex always liked when she played up to him.
He smiled at her. “We will have our midnight stroll. Tomorrow.”
“Good to know. For if you hadn’t said so, then I would have brought it up before you reached the door.” She winked at him.
Alex gazed at the floor. “You kill me, Kitty,” he whispered. “Always.”
“As you do, me.”
Alex looked up. “It was nice meeting you, Princess Amelia. I trust we shall see each other again?”
Mel nodded. “Absolutely, sir.”
“I’ll be just a minute,” Kitty said to Mel.
“Please, take all the time you wish. I’ll be fine here.” Mel swished Kitty away with a wave of her hands.
“I truly am sorry
about tonight, Kitty,” Alex said as he walked into the hall and toward the front door.
“It’s fine. I’m a bit tired anyway. It’s been a long day with Mel—Princess Amelia—arriving unannounced. I hadn’t expected her for another month yet.”
Alex pulled her close. “Well, I’m glad she’s here. You can use the company.”
A hint of citrus lifted from Alexander’s coat and teased Kitty’s nose. “I’m glad Mel’s here, too. But I’m even gladder that you stopped in tonight.”
His lips edged upward. “You do realize I cannot hold out forever, Catherine.” He brushed his mouth against hers.
Heat seared her lips, despite the soft touch. “I know. And I promise, once Thomas’s killer is found, I will speak to father about him giving us his blessing to be married.”
“I thought you already spoke to him?”
“In general, yes.”
Alex’s shoulders slumped. “I love you, Kitty. I want us to be married sooner than later. And for that to happen, your father must agree to let me visit him.”
“He’s not well at the moment. I don’t want him thinking he’s losing me too, after having lost Thomas.”
“But you are not going anywhere. I already told you I would be happy to live here, with your father’s blessing, of course. Or he can join us at my apartments at Baine Palace or at any of my own estates.”
She really hated stalling on their whole marriage situation. But she wanted to enjoy life with Alex. And that could not be with Thomas’s killer still on the loose. “Your offer is most gracious, Alex. Truly it is. And I promise, I will speak to father in detail. I just need a little more time.”
“I understand. But please, Kitty…don’t make me wait forever. I want us to have children.”
She knew she blushed at hearing Alex’s endearing comment as her cheeks grew warm. “You have my word.” She stretched on her tip toes and kissed him.
She also crossed her fingers behind her back and prayed that her wonderful Alex would never learn of how she was about to deceive him tonight. For surely, he would never care to marry a woman who had taken on the trade of assassin.