An Artful Deception

by Karen Cogan

  “Then I shall hope that my reading will do justice to their merit.”

  He began with a poem about the churchyard of Harrow. It took her back to her childhood with her happy hopes and her memories of hours whiled hours away in carefree play. It reminded her of the pain of losing her parents, Mamá several years ago and Papá only last month. Philip finished the poem with a passion of feeling that stirred her senses. She bent over the seam that she was mending and blinked back tears.

  He asked her softly. “Did you not like the poem? I did not mean to make you sad.”

  She answered without raising her eyes. “I like it very much. You did it great credit by your reading.”

  “I do not think my mother was much impressed. She has fallen asleep.”

  Katharine gave a glance at Lady Charlesworth to find that she was indeed slumbering lightly.

  Philip continued to observe Katharine. “Do you like to read?”

  “I do. I had a great many volumes to choose from at Lady Kirby’s estate. I even own a few of my own. Jane Austen is a current favorite. I am reading PRIDE AND PREJUDICE for the second time and enjoying it every bit as much as the first reading.”

  “Ah, I have not read that one, but have heard a little about it. I shall have to read it since you have recommended it so highly.”

  Katharine bent back to her work.

  “You may read any book you like in this library or in London,” Philip offered.

  Katharine smiled. “That is a kind offer and one that I shall remember.”

  A huge log crashed on the grate. Lady Charlesworth stirred and opened her eyes. “I must have gone to sleep. Forgive me, Philip. It is so very stuffy in these rooms. I would not be so lethargic if I were in London.”

  From his corner of the room, Lord Charlesworth sighed and said, “One week, we will leave for London in one week.”

  Lady Charlesworth sat bolt upright. “One week? That hardly gives me time to get ready. Why, I will have to rush madly to get everything in order.”

  “I am sure that you will manage somehow, my dear.”

  Philip smiled at Katharine, an intimate smile that she was not likely to forget.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  True to her word, Lady Charlesworth threw herself into a dither of activity in order to meet the goal of leaving for Londonin one week’s time. She rushed about ordering the packing of gowns and jewelry and overseeing the collection of small household items that she wished to take along. Katharine became out of breath merely trying to keep up with her often overlapping demands.

  “Put my pearls in the case, and, oh yes, go and ask Mrs. Parker to collect the best gold candle holders. I shall want those for my dinner parties.”

  Katharine flew about, trying her best to remember all that she had been told. The packing she had done to come here and begin a new life seemed simple by contrast. Yet she had learned by now that Lady Charlesworth rarely did anything in a way that was simple. She seemed to thrive on the excitement of upheaval.

  When the week was at last nearly past and all was done well enough for the lady’s approval, Katharine was disappointed to learn that Lord Philip had already ridden ahead to London. “He shall see to the opening up of our house on Park Lane. Have you ever been to the Mayfair section?”

  “No, I have not,” Katharine murmured around the pins that were stuck in the gown that she was mending for Lady Charlesworth

  “Indeed, I suppose not. It is truly lovely. Our residence overlooks the great greensward of Hyde Park. We shall walk there when we have a mind to do so and take our carriage to Grosvenor Square. I can hardly wait.”

  Katharine put the last pin in the dress and said, “I have been meaning to ask if you would consent to bringing the parlor maid, Lizzy, with us. She is a wonder with hair and quite good with fashion.”

  Lady Charlesworth glanced at the stitches Katharine was putting into the hem and sighed. “And perhaps she is adept with sewing, also. Bring her along if you would like.”

  Her train of thought shifted and she asked. “Where did we put my calling cards?”

  Katharine pointed to a small valise. “They are packed safely inside, my lady.”

  “Very good. Then all is settled. I cannot wait to see my Philip again.”

  Katharine had finished her own packing and went downstairs to find Lizzy, who was busy polishing the sideboard to a shiny gleam. The girl looked up with a smile and then glanced nervously behind her. Katharine knew that she dreaded another dressing down by the austere housekeeper.

  Katharine whispered in her ear. “How would you like to escape from the reproving glare of Mrs. Parker?”

  Lizzy raised a quizzical brow.

  Katharine could not contain her smile as she announced. “I have gained permission for you to come with us to London.”

  Lizzy gasped. Her brown eyes grew wide. “Did you really? You would not tease me?”

  “No, indeed. It is no joke. You are to come with us and help me with my duties.”

  Lizzy dropped her cleaning rag and clasped her hands in excitement. Her eyes filled with tears. “I can hardly believe it is true. London. I have always wanted to go there. You are truly a good friend.”

  “And you have been very kind to me since I came here. And since I know no one in London, I will welcome your company. You must pack your bags as soon as you finish your duties.”

  She left Lizzy, still ecstatic, to complete her task.

  Katharine bundled herself in a thick woolen paisley and set out for the greenhouse. She wanted one more look at the roses before heading to London where she was sure there would be no flowers until spring.

  The sky was gray overhead and the air was thick with mist. She looked forward to the enclosure of the greenhouse. It was warm and quiet and scented with the perfume of roses. When she walked among the flowers, she felt as though she were in a fairy-tale garden that stayed green even in the midst of winter. She could forget her troubles for awhile and lose herself in the pure unselfish beauty of the flowers.

  As she bent to smell a rose, she thought of Philip. She wondered what he was doing in London. No doubt he frequented the mens’ clubs she had heard about. She hoped that he was not a gambling man like her uncle.

  When she should not have been listening, she had overheard conversations between Mamá and Papá about how her uncle had gambled away the entire pension left him by Grandfather. Papá worried that, should he inherit the estate, her uncle would not have the funds to manage it. And Papá had hinted that Lord Graynor had stooped to dishonest measures to attain the money upon which he lived.

  Katharine shook away the disturbing thought. If she must give up her home to escape Lord Graynor, then that is what she would do. She would make a new life for herself in London and feel well rid of both her uncle and his son.

  The small party, bound for London, got a late start due to Lady Charlesworth’s sudden need to double check everything they had packed. When she was at last satisfied, they bundled into their wraps. Footmen held umbrellas over their heads as they braved the drizzle to reach the waiting coach.

  Katharine and Lizzy settled in the seat facing Lord and Lady Charlesworth. From the doorway, Mrs. Parker watched their departure with a stony face. She had made it clear among the servants that she strongly disapproved of the parlor maid being singled out for the journey, though she dared make no comment within hearing of the mistress. Katharine only hoped that she would not make it hard on the girl upon her return.

  As they pulled away from the house, the horses settled into a gentle canter. Katharine felt the muscles in her neck tense from the memory of her last ride in a coach. She squeezed her eyes and tried to shut out the picture of the coach tumbling down the hill.

  Lizzy put a hand on her arm. “Are you all right? You look a bit pale.”

  Katharine smiled wanly. Lady Charlesworth was watching her also. “The last time I rode in a coach proved unsettling.”

  Lady Charlesworth frowned. “You need not worry at all.
Our coachman is in sound health as is our coach. I am confident that we shall arrive in London without incident.”

  Lady Charlesworth spoke with such authority that Katharine dared not doubt the pronouncement. And the party was in such high spirits, save Lord Charlesworth, who sat dozing, that she soon forgot her fear. As the miles passed, Lady Charlesworth regaled them with all she would do and everyone she would see during the upcoming season.

  It was past dusk when they arrived in London. The street lights were lit, casting their yellow glow upon streets and storefronts. They plodded on, coming, at last, to a residential area of fine houses. The coachman stopped in front of a Georgian townhouse with a flat stone front and triangular pediments on the first floor windows.

  The rain had stopped, leaving a damp chill to the air. They hurried to the portico where the slim-faced butler greeted them. He took their wraps and escorted Lord and Lady Charlesworth to the parlor where a well-stoked fire had been prepared for their comfort.

  He returned to escort Katharine and Lizzy down to a small bedchamber near the kitchen in the rear of the house. “Cook does not stay at night so you may share this room. You may take your dinner in the kitchen with Cook when I serve Lord and Lady Charlesworth at seven o’clock.”

  Katharine was pleased to see a basin of wash water set upon a small dressing table. She wondered who had taken this trouble for their comfort. Lady Charlesworth had informed her they were to be a small staff, only the butler, cook, herself and Lizzy. Tom Coachman and the two handsome footmen were to stay on to see to their travel about the city.

  After a short period of rest, it was time to attend to Lady Charlesworth’s dinner attire. Katharine took Lizzy with her to the second floor chamber. Lady Charlesworth was pleased to have them work as a team. Katharine attended to her clothing needs while Lizzy arranged her hair.

  When they were finished, the lady peered in her mirror and proclaimed herself well satisfied. “I see what you mean. Lizzy has a natural talent with hair. From now on, I shall let Ginny take care of my clothing and Lizzy my hair.”

  Lizzy beamed with the approval. “Thank you m’am. I shall be pleased to see to your hair.”

  Before dismissing them for the evening, Lady Charlesworth said, “I shall go calling tomorrow. Ginny, you will come with me and Lizzy may stay to clean the house. Our butler, Mr. Henry will tell you what to do.”

  She dismissed them, leaving them free to take their dinner. As they descended the stairs, Katharine heard the butler greet Philip as he entered the portico Unbidden, she felt herself drawn to him. The townhouse was smaller than the country estate. She wondered how often they would chance into one another.

  He glanced up at her as she lingered on the stairs. A small smile crept to his lips as he acknowledged her by asking, “How are my parents? I trust they have arrived safely.”

  “They have. It was an uneventful journey, and, for that, I am thankful.”

  “You must be very tired. And as I am sure that Mother will keep you busy, I suggest you make an early night and get your rest.”

  “I shall, my lord.”

  As he strode off, Katharine lingered a moment, staring after him. She was unaware of Lizzy’s keen gaze until the girl took her arm and whispered, “Oh, you must not, Ginny. You will only get hurt.”

  Katharine stared at her. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “I saw the way you looked at him and I am not saying he is not handsome and all. But you must not forget your position. If you take up with him, I am sure you will be sorry. He is not like he could every marry you.”

  At first she was taken aback, horrified at having been so transparent. If Lizzy had so easily read her feelings, might Philip do so as well? But then, Philip, being a man, was not so likely to ascertain a woman’s feelings.

  She collected her composure and then stared into Lizzy’s solemn dark eyes. “Why, Lizzie, I have no intention of taking up with him. He is not my sort at all. I shall set my cap for a man who has already inherited. I should not settle for less than a duke and Lord Philip is only a marquess.”

  Lizzy’s eyes widened before she noticed the merriment in Katharine’s eyes. “You are wicked to tease me so. Did you not notice that you spoke to him as though he were your peer? You must be careful not to offend him.”

  Katharine nodded. “You are quite correct. In the future, I shall be more discreet.”

  Katharine and Lizzy retired to their chamber soon after dinner. Katharine set her candle on the dressing table and opened her trunk. She would not be able to hang all of her gowns in the small wardrobe and still leave room for Lizzy. So, tomorrow, she would undertake the task of sorting out what she was most likely to need.

  She chose a flannel night raile and donned it while Lizzy washed up with water from the basin. She slipped into bed, leaving Lizzyto blow out the candle when she had settled in her own narrow bed.

  The room had no fireplace but was so near the kitchen that it was uncomfortably warm the fist quarter of the night and then quite cold as it grew towards dawn. Katharine pulled the blankets up to her chin and wished for the luxury of a fire in her room.

  She arose feeling stiff and cold. Lizzy helped her fasten the buttons on her navy blue cotton day dress. “I feel like a roast of mutton, broiled and then left to grow cold,” Katharine complained.

  “Oh, but Ginny, this is London. It is worth some discomfort to be in such a grand city. Do you not agree?”

  Katharine smiled. As usual, Lizzy’s enthusiasm served to dispel her ill humor. “You are right, of course. It is a grand city, or I am sure we will think it to be, once we have a chance to see it.”

  After breakfast, Mr. Henry set Lizzy to her cleaning duties and Katharine was on her own until Lady Charlesworth might chose to arise. She decided upon a visit to the library. Lord Philip had given his permission, should anyone ask, and she was eager to explore the contents of the room.

  She slipped upstairs and pushed open the door. Mahogany shelves lined two walls, while a desk set before a window and a massive fireplace filled the rest of the room. Katharine ran her fingers across the titles, pleased to find several that she found of interest. She pulled a Jane Austen off the shelf and settled into a wingback chair near the window. She was so absorbed in the first chapter that she did not notice as someone entered the room, making no sound, as the door was already ajar.

  “I wondered what little mouse had crept so early into the library.”

  She glanced up, so startled that she let the book slip from her lap. “Lord Philip, I did not hear you come in.”

  He smiled a slightly crooked smile that looked both boyish and endearing. “Then, I apologize for startling you. Did you fine something that captured your fancy?”

  He glanced down at the book as she hastily bent to retrieve it. “I did . I enjoy the writing of Jane Austen.”

  “Yes, I believe you told me. And on your recommendation, I have read the title you suggested. I found it an amusing diversion.”

  Katharine raised a brow. “Only amusing? I found it an enlightening study of human nature.”

  “In what way?”

  “The character, Mr. Darcy, in particular.He reminded me that we do not always see ourselves in the way we appear to others. It gave me something to reflect upon, especially regarding people of a lower class.”

  Philip frowned. “I wonder if you have noticed this flaw in my character. Do I remind you of Mr. Darcy?”

  Katharine realized that she had slipped again and was speaking out of turn for her assumed position. She studied his face and replied earnestly, “Oh, no. I did not mean you. You do not at all remind me of Mr. Darcy. I have seen you display an admirable degree of kindness and consideration in regards to peer and servant alike.”

  She felt her face grow warm with embarrassment as she stumbled through this assurance. If only she would think before she spoke. Yet, something about Philip put her so at ease that she too easily forgot herself.

  The grin that spread across his fa
ce made her heart contract with yearning that there could be truth between them. When she had meant not to like him, she thought her change in identity a clever plan, one that would gain her a husband of her choice. Now her mind searched for a means of escape

  She longed to sit with him as an equal and discuss literature and sporting and his favorite retreat for hunting. She wanted to know his thoughts, what he liked and did not like. That her position stood between such candors was no fault save her own. She knew it full well and accepted the blame. There must surely be a way to tell him the truth, to make him believe her.

  She was on the verge of confessing when he said, “I am complimented by such kind words regarding my character, Ginny. Yet, I do not want you to spare me, if ever you find me in error. It was your honesty that first gained my attention. That is something that I admire.”