by Beth Elliott
‘We will accompany you,’ announced Theo.
‘But you were on your way to visit William.’
He shook his head. ‘You should not be in these streets alone. And perhaps at last we have time to discuss your visits to the Rookery.’ He indicated that they should move on and added, ‘It does concern me closely, you know. If Lady Picton had the least idea.…’
Kitty checked the impulse to retort that it was nothing to do with him. She found it rather pleasant that he cared so much about her safety. She glanced up and found him watching her rather anxiously.
‘Well, I do assure you it is just to help a sick child, and now he is getting better I will probably only go once more.’ She could not help laughing at his dismayed expression. ‘Surely, sir, you should be satisfied with that.’
‘Every visit is a risk. I truly fear that someone in there will be bold enough to rob you.’
‘The poor wretches seem too weak from hunger to do much. That is something we could discuss.’
He shook his head. ‘You cannot solve all the problems of humanity. It is best to help where it can make a positive change. I admire your spirit, ma’am but sometimes you are too innocent to understand the danger to a young female of venturing out alone.’
Kitty sighed. ‘Life is so restrictive in London. Sometimes I feel suffocated.’
‘I do not imagine it is very different in any large town.’ Theo looked at her keenly. ‘And you seem to go where you want to in any case.’ He paused for a moment, then added, ‘Which brings me back to the thing I seem to keep repeating: it is dangerous for you to venture into the Rookery.’
Kitty bent her head to hide a smile. ‘Would you venture in there?’
He gave a bark of laughter. ‘Not I! Only in dire need, to help rescue someone.’ He indicated a road running southwards. ‘We should take this direction now.’
They turned into a busy street. At once, Theo had to give all his attention to his horse. Nimrod was not very willing to walk through such a press of people and noise. Theo coaxed him along and by degrees they reached the other end of the street. Kitty was impressed by the unfailingly firm yet patient handling of the nervous animal.
As they reached the corner at last, she pointed to a couple of ragged children sitting in the gutter. ‘They look like suitable candidates for the orphanage.’ She smiled up at him and again was fascinated by his sparkling blue eyes. They were unaware that they had stopped. Theo caught her hand in his free one.
‘That is not the only topic on my mind,’ he murmured. He slanted her a look full of meaning. Kitty’s lips parted. Her heartbeat quickened. She wanted nothing more than for him to kiss her, so she could drift away, surrendering to her senses in his strong arms. But with a great effort of will, she reminded herself of her decision earlier. She must stick to that.
She still did not feel certain that he meant anything other than flirtation. He never showed any deep emotion towards anyone. She remembered how cold he was towards Miss Harling, who kept trying to attract him. And then there was this Miss Payne, whose mother wanted her to marry him, but he was avoiding her. It seemed he was determined to stay free.
The pressure of Theo’s hand on hers was getting stronger, he was pulling her towards him. His eyes were intent on hers; his face was pale. Then Nimrod tossed his head and sidled, still uneasy. Theo gave a start and dropped her hand. He looked a little dazed.
‘We should carry on,’ he said, indicating the road ahead. ‘It is not much further now.’
Kitty felt her knees trembling. She gave a little sigh of disappointment. They walked along the next street in silence. She reminded herself once more that he had never said one word to show he felt any real attachment to her. She must act normally.
‘Will you not tell me a bit more about your hospice?’ she asked. He was so deep in his own thoughts that she had to repeat the question.
He shrugged. ‘There is not a lot to tell. At present the hospice is a small house with enough outbuildings and land for ten poor souls to look after themselves, while they recover from their wounds.’
‘It does seem to be an excellent idea,’ said Kitty enthusiastically. ‘I am sure my father would wish to do something like that.’ She sighed. ‘If he could find the necessary money.’
Theo nodded. ‘It was difficult to set up at first but now all seems to be running smoothly.’ After a short pause, he looked at her a little hesitantly. ‘If you would like to see it, I will drive you there.’
‘That would be splendid, but I doubt my aunt will give me permission.’
He looked down his nose, suddenly haughty. ‘Lady Picton dislikes my reputation, does she? But she allowed you to drive to Richmond Park with Saint-Aubin.’
‘Oh!’ Kitty stopped dead and wheeled round to face him, her eyes flashing. ‘And just how do you know about that?’ She watched his look of surprise change to dismay and nodded grimly. ‘Have you been gossiping with Miss Harling?’
Theo’s eyebrows snapped down. His face became thunderous. ‘Never!’
‘Well then,’ bit out Kitty, ‘you were spying on me – in spite of what you said last night.’ Her bosom heaved. Her eyes stung with sudden tears. He still did not trust her, so how could she trust him? Stupid her, she thought, to care so much for a man who considered her to be a spy.
Theo was looking bewildered. ‘Miss Towers,’ he protested, ‘I swear to you that I have not—’
‘Pray do not attempt to justify yourself, sir.’ Kitty’s voice trembled. ‘We have both made mistakes in our judgements about each other in the past. It is of no importance what you think of me. I shall soon be returning to my home.’ She swallowed hard and managed to keep the tears back by blinking hard.
Strange how she no longer wanted to go home. This man staring at her from under his dark brows was making her feel more miserable than ever before in her life. With a supreme effort she said, ‘Thank you for your escort. I know where I am and can safely walk the rest of the way by myself. Good day, sir.’ She turned away and set off.
Theo was left standing there, his expression a mixture of fury and dismay. Nimrod tossed his head impatiently as his master seemed rooted to the spot.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Caroline’s ball was one of the big events of the season. The enormous room was already full of guests when Kitty, Amelia and her mother arrived. Mrs Warrington found a place for herself close to a tall urn.
‘With such a crush of people, both of you need to remember where to find me when your partners bring you back after each dance.’ She beamed around the crowded room. ‘What a splendid gathering.’ She nodded politely to another matron, approaching with several daughters in tow.
Mrs Warrington, herself very elegantly dressed in pale-green crêpe with bead trimming, could not hide her pride as she gazed at her charges. They looked a striking pair as they stood, exchanging smiling remarks while they took in the scene. Amelia was in the whisper soft gown of ivory silk. The tiny beads sparkled as she moved. With her golden ringlets and flawless complexion, she was already attracting admiring glances.
Kitty also looked charming. Her chestnut curls were dressed high on her head with several shining ringlets allowed to fall from a gilded clasp at the back of the knot. She held herself very erect, her slender figure enhanced by a deceptively simple rose-pink silk gown, which showed off her graceful neck and white shoulders, as well as rather more bosom than usual.
‘What a difference with your first visit here, girls. You did not know a soul. But this evening I shall be surprised if you do not both dance every dance.’
Kitty was more concerned to try and make her peace with Theo. Why did she always seem to quarrel with him? Now she regretted her outburst on the day he escorted her home. She could not enjoy the ball without seeing him and apologizing. However, it seemed that Mrs Warrington was right and both she and Millie would dance throughout the evening. The young gentlemen were all anxious to partner her, but as she went through each dance she could
not help looking round often, hoping for a glimpse of that tall, dark-haired figure with his broad shoulders.
A conversation with Theo would give her more pleasure than a dance with anyone else – if she could coax him out of his moodiness. Her eyes sparkled at the challenge. But where was he? The next time she searched the throng for him she saw Miss Harling right behind her. Before she could look away, Miss Harling gave her a slight nod.
‘No Etienne de Saint-Aubin?’ she enquired loudly. ‘I thought you two were inseparable.’
Kitty turned back to her partner. Her eyes were sparkling with rage, especially when she heard the wretched woman telling her own partner how she had seen Kitty and Etienne in Richmond Park. ‘Just a little fast, do you not agree?’ she heard the spiteful voice commenting. Then the steps of the dance took her down the room and out of earshot. Well, at least she knew Theo was not with Miss Harling.
As dance followed dance, Kitty smiled and made polite conversation with the never-ending succession of partners. She hoped every minute to see a dark, handsome face smiling at her but there was no sign of him. It was becoming more of an effort to maintain her bright appearance.
The evening drew on and the crowd continued to grow. It seemed as if the whole of fashionable society had come to Caroline’s ball. At the supper interval, Kitty’s spirits revived. Surely Theo would have arrived by now. But there was no sign of him in the dining-hall. She began to worry that he would not appear at all. Her heart sank. Then she realized that she had not seen Greg either. There was still time, so she forced herself to smile and chat politely with her friends around the table.
After supper, Etienne led Kitty out for the cotillion. She sensed the jealous eyes on her and knew she had the best partner in the room. Etienne made it clear he was delighted to be dancing with her. Fortunately Kitty had learnt the steps well and gradually she forgot the onlookers as she gave herself up to the pleasure of the rhythm and the company of the handsome man smiling at her as they floated dizzily around the floor.
Etienne bowed low over her hand at the close of the dance. ‘Exquisite,’ he murmured, giving her a lingering look from speaking dark eyes. ‘You are made for such dances, Mademoiselle Kitty. And I must compliment you on your charming appearance.’
She was still breathless when Freddy claimed her hand for the boulanger.
‘Have you remained in town especially for this ball, Freddy?’ asked Kitty, when she could speak again. ‘How are they managing without you at home?’
He was gazing at something over her shoulder and did not answer.
‘Freddy!’ said Kitty crossly, ‘I am talking to you.’
‘Eh? What? Just look at that, Kitty. How dare he upset her.’ Freddy was bristling with anger. He nodded towards a couple standing by the edge of the dance floor. Kitty saw Amelia in earnest conversation with Greg. Her heart beat a little faster. If Greg was here, surely Theo was with him. But when she glanced again at Amelia she could see the telltale signs of distress. Whatever was Greg saying? Finally he raised her hand to his lips for a long moment and then turned away abruptly. Both looked very white.
‘Deuce take it, he has made her cry!’ growled Freddy through his teeth. He seemed inclined to go after Greg there and then.
Kitty held on to his hand firmly. ‘Do not draw attention to them,’ she whispered. ‘It is not surprising she feels upset. You know how tender-hearted she is.’
By the time Freddy led her back to Mrs Warrington’s urn, he had changed the focus of his anger. He looked at Amelia’s wan face and frowned. He bowed stiffly and turned on his heel without a word. The girls watched him stride over to his sister and start talking to her. He was not coming back. Kitty saw Amelia go even paler and blink rapidly. Up to this moment, she had always been able to rely on Freddy’s support. Perhaps it would help her to examine her own feelings properly at last.
She stood still, waiting to see what Millie would do. But then, the voice she had been waiting to hear all evening spoke from behind her. She lifted her head, her heart seemed about to leap out of her chest. Millie was forgotten as she turned to face Theo.
He was looking particularly fine this evening, his tall figure moulded into a severely cut evening suit in midnight blue. His cravat was tied in an intricate style. His thick curly hair was smoothed back. Kitty eagerly took in every detail of that lean, vivid face.
He was smiling down at her. She noticed the dimple in his cheek and smiled happily back at him. She felt a rush of delight. He had forgiven her accusations. She determined to start afresh. For a few moments they stood there, oblivious of the swirling crowd around them. Theo’s gaze slowly drifted down to her slender neck and white shoulders. He swallowed then gazed appreciatively at the smooth white swell of her bosom revealed by the fashionable gown.
‘May I compliment you on your charming appearance, Miss Towers.’ His voice was a little husky. His blue eyes sparkled at her. ‘I am very glad to have found you at last. You see, I want to ask something bold.…’ He raised one black brow and smiled in a way that made her understand why he was considered to be a dangerous flirt. Whatever he asked, she knew she would agree.
Theo’s smile grew broader. He took her hand and pressed it slightly. ‘I know you have a kind heart so I will dare to continue.’
Kitty nodded, biting her bottom lip in anticipation. He stilled, his eyes on her mouth. At last he blinked and added, ‘It seems to me that I can now manage to perform a simple dance again – oh, just a country dance, but I fear I may be somewhat clumsy.…’
‘And you are hoping I will dance with you? But of course I will.’ Kitty beamed at him, her whole body thrilling at the idea of being so close to him. Theo offered his arm. Kitty placed her fingers just above his wrist, very correctly. They smiled at each other and moved forward to join the line of dancers.
At first she was a little hesitant in case his weak leg should give way. To her relief and delight, however, he did not limp at all. They were well matched for height and in a couple of minutes it was clear that they moved in harmony.
Kitty gave him an elated smile. ‘You dance very well. It is so easy to follow your lead.’
He grinned triumphantly down at her. ‘You cannot imagine how pleased I feel – and flattered at your judgement. It has been a very long time.…’
They said no more but followed the rhythm of the music, instinctively moving as if they had danced together many times before. Kitty slipped into a state of dreamlike pleasure. Her enjoyment was all the more intense because they had put their quarrels behind them. She roused reluctantly, realizing that the music had stopped.
With a broad grin, Theo took a firm grip of her arm and led her back towards Mrs Warrington. ‘Do you really think I passed muster?’ he murmured, eyes mischievous.
Kitty nodded, still regretting that the dance was over. He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on it, his eyes never leaving her face. He smiled as he saw her eyes widen and heard her give a little gasp of pleasure. ‘My deepest thanks for your trust,’ he said. His face became serious. ‘In fact, I—’ He broke off, cast her a rather embarrassed look and was about to add something when they became aware of someone very close by.
They looked round unwillingly to see Etienne, looking very grave.
‘Pray excuse me,’ he said, addressing himself to Kitty, ‘your friend is not well and wishes to speak to you. It is urgent,’ he added, when Kitty showed no inclination to move.
‘Oh, very well.…’ said Kitty reluctantly. The spell was broken now. She looked up at Theo. The interruption had sparked a change of mood. His face was stormy. He released her hand.
Kitty curtsied to him. ‘Thank you, sir,’ she murmured and gave him a glowing smile. Beside her, she heard Etienne draw in a sharp breath.
‘It is this way,’ he announced brusquely, indicating a curtained alcove near the top end of the vast hall.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Etienne held aside the curtain and Kitty passed through into a ve
ry small alcove. She looked around but there was no sign of Millie.
‘My friend must have gone back to her mother,’ she said in relief, ‘and I must not linger, sir.’
‘Oh but please, just give me a moment to explain.’ Etienne’s voice was husky, his large eyes burned fiercely in his pale face. ‘It is so difficult to speak with you alone,’ he continued, coming close to her. His eyes devoured her face. A little smile lifted the corners of his mouth. ‘You are so beautiful, so charming,’ he exclaimed, ‘I cannot bear to wait any more. I must speak now.’
With a sinking heart, Kitty realized what was going to come next. Before she could move, her hands were seized and Etienne was covering them with kisses. She tried to pull away. His grip tightened.
‘Please, Kitty, you must listen to me. I feel so much love for you, I beg of you, please marry me. I will do anything to be worthy of you.’
Kitty shook her head. ‘Please, sir, let go of my hands.’ She twisted again. This time he did release them but it was only to pull her into his arms.
‘When I see you smiling at that man, my heart burns,’ he announced in a throbbing tone. ‘I want so much to protect you from him. You are so adorable, so innocent.’ His eyes flashed and he gave a groan. ‘It is too much—’
‘No more!’ Kitty spoke sharply. Her dismay had given way to anger now. She resented the way he had tricked her into coming into the alcove. Even more, she was furious at being crushed in such an iron grip and in such an uncomfortable position. She could feel his chest heaving against hers. The smell of vetyver filled her nostrils and added to her disgust.
It was obvious he had worked himself into a state of passion so she tried to speak calmly. ‘I cannot return your sentiments, but even if I could, I deplore the method you have used – and the time of this declaration. I insist that you let me go, now.’
He groaned. ‘Never! Not until you say yes, my beautiful Kitty.’