An Artful Deception

by Karen Cogan

  Lady Charlesworth rose and said, “I wish to take a turn about the garden. You may come with me and tell me all about the Kirby estate. I wish to know all that went on there before Lady Katharine began her journey.”

  Katharine followed her mistress to the row of hedges near the greenhouse where Philip had been tending roses that very morning. The memory made her blush. If only she had known him, she would not have uttered such careless words. Yet, how could she ever have guessed that he would change so dramatically in manners and appearance.

  She harbored little doubt that he would have any difficulty capturing the interest of any young heiress upon whom he set his sights. The thought gave her a twinge of melancholy. Her hasty action had forever stolen the possibility that she would be his choice. She brushed aside her self-accusation. Why should she care who became his bride? She barely knew him and, should she get to London, there would be plenty of eligible bachelors there.

  Lady Charlesworth gave her a disapproving frown. “You have not said a word. I hope that I shall not find you close-mouthed and un-engaging, for I do not like dull young women, indeed I cannot stand their company.”

  Katharine shook off her remonstrations, amused by the knowledge that, should she confess, Lady Charlesworth would find them of much greater interest than what she was about to tell. She strode in step beside the lady, pausing as Lady Charlesworth stopped to take a deep breath of the cool cedar scented air.

  “As you probably know, Lord Graynor arrived just after Lady Katharine’s father died. Have you met Lord Graynor, my lady?”

  Lady Charlesworth stood up. She gave Katharine a severe look. “I have. I understand that he gave your father, bless his soul, much cause for concern when he was a young man. I trust that age has improved him.”

  “I fear it has not. Lady Katharine wanted nothing to do with staying, even in her own beloved home, if he were there. He offered that she might stay, but only on the terms that she marry his son, Master Cedric, who was soon to arrive.”

  Lady Charlesworth turned all of her attention to Katharine. “She was wise to decide upon coming here. I have not met the son since he was a child, but I cannot believe he is any match for my Philip.”

  “Indeed not. He is exactly like his father.”

  Lady Charlesworth focused all of her attention upon Katharine as she continued the tale of how Lady Katharine had bravely refused him and set out to meet the young Lord Charlesworth, whom she held in fondest memory. By the time she finished the tale of the brave lady, tears shone in Lady Charlesworth’s eyes. She tucked her arm with Katharine as she dabbed a spotless white handkerchief at her nose.

  “It is too much to be borne. You must have loved your mistress deeply.”

  “We were very close, my lady.”

  “For her sake, I shall keep you on for the present, for I have discovered that, like myself, you are capable of deep feelings, and beside you have proved quite diverting. I shall go upstairs now and take a rest until luncheon. You may do as you please until I ring you.”

  Katharine escorted her mistress back to her chambers. Then, with a sigh of relief, she looked for Lizzy. She was in need of a willing victim to practice her hair skills and she felt sure she could talk the young girl into sitting for her.

  She found her in the downstairs parlor, dusting the vases and tables. As there was no one else about, she was free to explain her need. “I was never required to attend to Lady Katharine except as a companion. I do not know a thing about caring for Lady Charlesworth’spersonal needs. She insists that I learn to do her hair the way she likes it. Please, Lizzy, you must let me practice on you. ”

  Lizzy’s dark eyes grew wide. “I would be happy to help you any way that I can, though I do envy you, even if you have to learn a thing or two.”

  She looked wistful. “I have always wanted to become a lady’s maid. I do not know how I shall ever get the chance. I will be lucky to keep my position. Mrs. Parker is always onto me about one thing or another. I do not believe she likes me very well.”

  Katharine sighed. “I do not believe she likes anyone very well.”

  Lizzy nodded. “I believe that is true. That is why it would be best if Mrs. Parker did not find out what we are doing. I do not know why, but I believe she would disapprove. So, I shall sneak up to your chamber after my duties are finished this evening.”

  As though drawn by the mere mention of her name, Mrs. Parker’s stood in the doorway, wearing a dark scowl. Both women jumped as she said icily, “Is this what you are employed to do, Lizzy, to stand around talking when there is work to be done? Lady Charlesworth may allow her maid to be lazy if she chooses, but you will find yourself unemployed, with no reference, if you choose to follow her example.”

  Lizzy paled. “I am sorry. We had only spoken for a moment.”

  Katharine jumped to her defense. “It was my fault. I came down to ask her a question.”

  Mrs. Parker’s face did not soften. “In the future, I would advise you to ask me any questions you may have about the running of this household. I am sure to be able to answer them better than this girl.”

  Katharine felt incensed by the indignity of being chastised by a haughty housekeeper. She fought hard to keep her voice steady. “I had not wanted to bother you, but if that is your wish, I will do so.”

  “It is my wish.” Mrs. Parker stepped back to allow Katharine to exit the room. Katharine passed without a word, hoping Mrs. Parker did not tarry to give Lizzy more of her sharp tongue.

  She was so angered by the reproach that she decided to walk awhile until time to tend to Lady Charlesworth. She walked toward the stables, drawn by the memory of long rides she had taken at her own estate. The memory of the carefree freedom she had enjoyed brought tears to her eyes. When Papá had been alive, she had never worried about what would become of her. She had imagined she would be suitably married and happily settled for years before her uncle took possession of her estate. Yet, things had not turned out at all the way she had planned, and now, she must make the best of it.

  She strode along the stalls, admiring the dozen horses. She judged by the sheen of their coats that Lord Charlesworth insisted upon good care of his investment. In the center of the stable, a young groom was rubbing down a sturdy strawberry roan.

  Katharine lingered, rubbing her hand along the sleek damp coat. “He is beautiful. Who owns him?”

  The groom announced with obvious pride. “Why, this is Mr. Philip’s horse. ‘Aint he a beauty? None better in all of Surrey.”

  “He is beautiful.” Katharine pictured herself seated upon this magnificent creature. Her riding habit of red polished cotton would flow over his solid flank as they flew across the meadow. It had been so long since she had ridden. She missed it terribly.

  She came back to her senses as the groom asked, “Is there something I can do for you here?”

  Katharine shook her head. “No. I was just taking a turn and, as an admirer of horses, I was drawn to the stable.”

  The groom grinned. “You can come any time you have the chance.”

  She smiled in return. “Thank you. I will remember.”

  She returned to the house, feeling in a much better mood than when she had departed. Perhaps she would find a way to gain permission to borrow a horse. Even if not, she could come to the stables when she had the chance and pet and spoil the horses.

  She slipped into the parlor and glanced at the clock. It was nearing one o’clock. Lady Charlesworth would be waking and expecting her to attend to her needs. She scurried up the stairs, meaning to make straight for her mistress’ chambers.

  She was so intent upon her mission that she barely glanced up to see a man coming towards her down the stairs. However, there was no mistaking his identity when he drew alongside her.

  “Ah, the young maid who has bewitched my mother; I have just been up talking to her. It seems she was going to replace you, but has now found you such engaging company that she has had second thoughts.”

 
He stood so near Katharine that she could feel the heat of his body. His eyes, as blue as wild chicory, studied her with unrestrained curiosity while a half-smile played upon his lips.

  Her pulse leapt, beating so rapidly in her throat that she was sure he must notice.

  She calmed her senses and said, “I am complimented that Lady Charlesworth chooses to overlook my inadequacies.”

  From his view of her, Philip could see few inadequacies indeed. He refrained from any comment, merely quirked his brow and studied her, “You will find that my mother will overlook many shortfalls if she finds you amusing. That is indeed her dearest joy, to be amused.”

  “I shall try to remember that and make myself as witty and entertaining as her ladyship could possibly wish.”

  “I have no doubt you shall succeed. You are both well-spoken and forthright. I am sure Mother will find that refreshing.”

  Katharine met his eyes and saw the perplexity, as though he were searching for an answer to a long-ago memory. Obviously he did not remember the copper-haired young miss who had visited him, for he had waged no protest when his deceased bride had proved a comely blond.

  He lingered, blocking her from continuing up the stairs.

  “Yes, I can see why you intrigue my mother. You intrigue me, also. I would like to know more about you. Who were your parents and where did you grow up?”

  Katharine decided it would be best to conclude the interview. “And I shall be glad to answer. Only now, I must see to the needs of Lady Charlesworth. I am sure her patience, great as it must be, will not stretch to allow tardiness.”

  Philip nodded agreeably as he stepped aside to let her pass. “Anther time, then.”

  He watched her ascend the stairs, still bothered by something he could not identify. She intrigued him and he did not know why. It was not only because she was attractive, though she was indeed pleasant to behold. He had never taken more than a passing fancy to the other young maids.

  Katharine continued her journey to Lady Charlesworth’schambers. She paused at the doorway to steady her breathing. She did not want to answer rouse questions as to the reason for her discomposure.

  She found Lady Charlesworth just arising. “My but I have slept soundly. Come here quickly and help me ready for luncheon. I do want to see my husband and son before they rush off again. I have little to do these long afternoons except for napping and reading Lord Byron.”

  She pointed to a book of collected poems that lay next to her pillow. Without thinking, Katharine quoted the first stanza of her favorite, “Oh, Snatched Away in Beauty’s Bloom.”

  Lady Charlesworth stared at her in surprise. “You are versed in poetry?”

  Katharine felt mild irritation that the lady would be so astounded. “Indeed. I have read a great many poems and memorized more than a few.”

  “How delightful.I must confess to my surprise at finding a young maid with a serious penchant for poetry. I shall convince my son to read aloud tonight. He does quite often when I ask him, you know. He is quite good at reading aloud. You may bring some of my mending down and listen, if you would like.”

  Katharine’s cheeks flushed with warmth at the memory of how close he had stood upon the stairs. He was intriguing to her, a mysterious metamorphosis, yet to be unraveled. She longed to know him better, to know what she might have discovered had she not trapped herself in deceit.

  She decided quickly. The draw of spending an evening listening to his richly masculine voice read words of love and loss was too much to deny herself. “I should be very pleased to listen to a reading by Lord Charlesworth.”

  Lady Charlesworth looked pleased with herself. “Then you shall join us. Now hurry and fetch my mint green gown. I want to wear something cheerful, for chilly weather and gloomy clouds get tedious. I look forward to arriving in London where there will, at least, be parties and balls. We would have gone sooner, except that we were awaiting the arrival of Lady Katharine.”

  She slipped into her gown and added, “Mind you, I know the dear girl could not help upsetting our plans and I do not hold it against her. The House has not resumed its session, so we did not need to be in London. However, it would have been so jolly to be there over the Christmas season.”

  Katharine got Lady Charlesworth situated into her dress and slippers and on her way down to luncheon. When she returned, they spent quite some time collecting garments that needed mending. Katharine took them up to her attic room and began work on them.

  When Lizzy finished her duties she took an early dinner with Katharine. Then they retired to Katharine’s chamber where Lizzy sat at the small dressing table and allowed Katharine to try and force her dark locks into submission. She giggled at Katharine’s effort.

  “Here, you sit down and let me try it with your hair.”

  Katharine sat in the chair and Lizzy began, smoothly sweeping Katharine’s copper hair into a smooth coil with ringlets down the back.

  “That is it, exactly,” Katharine exclaimed. “That is what Lady Charlesworth wants.”

  “Then I shall show you again and you can practice on me.”

  Lizzy patiently showed Katharine each step. After several practices on Lizzy, Katharine finally mastered the skill. Lizzy looked at her reflection with approval.

  “There. You have done it. I knew you could.”

  Katharine grinned ruefully. “I could not have done it without your help. You are the one who should be a lady’s maid, not I.”

  “Do you think so? As I have told you, I would dearly love to rise to it someday.”

  “You shall. I feel sure of it.”

  When Katharine helped Lady Charlesworth’s attire for dinner, the lady was pleasantly surprised by the appearance of her hair. “Why, it looks just like it did when my Bertha did it. You are a quick learner.”

  “I had some help. The parlor maid, Lizzy, showed me how it was done.”

  Lady Charlesworth nodded vaguely. She paid little attention to the names of parlor maids. “However you did it is of no consequence to me. Perhaps, you could learn other fashionable styles before we go to London.”

  Katherine wanted to sigh with exasperation. Yet, she knew the patient Lizzy would help her. Better still, when the time was right, she would suggest that Lizzy come with them to London.”

  Her thoughts were interrupted when Lady Charlesworth said, “Remember, you may join us at nine o’clock when we gather in the library.”

  “I shall not forget,” Katharine assured her.

  While Lady Charlesworth was at dinner, Katharine sorted through her own wardrobe, trying unsuccessfully to decide on a gown to wear to the drawing room. It should not be too formal or they would wonder where she had got it. And yet, she wanted very much to look her best and the style of many of Ginny’s gowns did not suit her at all.

  She finally settled upon a glossygreen batiste from her own wardrobe that complimented her eyes without being too formal. The long sleeves had tiny bows at the shoulders, then pleated to narrow cuffs at her wrists. As she stood at the mirror and surveyed her reflection, she felt her confidence grow. She was still Lady Katharine Kirby. Nothing could change that fact, not even her silly lie. Soon she would find a way to rectify both her situation and her title and all would be well.

  Her confidence did not desert her as she made her way to the library with a garment to be mended. Lady Charlesworth and her husband were just going into the room. Katharine followed behind them and gazed with longing at shelf upon shelf of all sorts of books. In the light of the wall scones, Katharine recognized a few titles that she had in her possession.

  “I do hope Mrs. Parker has instructed the fire to be made warm. I shall be very vexed if it is chilly,” Lady Charlesworth commented.

  “I am sure you would be vexed indeed,” agreed her husband. “But see, it is a roaring blaze.”

  Katharine took in the massive stone fireplace that roared with a red blaze, casting its heat upon the thickly upholstered chairs that sat nearby. Lady Charlesworth took
a seat near the fire while Lord Charlesworth took a seat in a chair with a footstool in the corner of the room. He set his candle upon a small table and absorbed himself in a paper of current interest.

  Lady Charlesworth motioned to Katharine to take a seat in one of the three chairs beside the fire. “Lord Philip will join us in a moment. He is keen to amuse me.”

  As she promised, Philip appeared in the doorway, handsome beyond measure in a black dining coat that rested perfectly upon his broad shoulders. Katharine felt her eyes drawn to him as he settled into the third chair. His dark hair glistened in the firelight. His hands were strong and capable as they opened the cover of the leather bound volume of poetry.

  He glanced at Katharine. “Mother tells me that you are familiar with Lord Byron’s works.”

  “I am a little acquainted,” Katharine answered.