He scanned the people around him. Ah, the thin gentleman with the unhappy expression. “Mrs. Brown, what if you and Miss Douglas accompany this gentleman, Lord Denshire’s friend, as he searches? You because it’s your house, Miss Douglas because if her son is hiding under a carpet or in a closet, she’d like to know about it, and Denshire’s friend to ensure that the search is thorough?”
Denshire frowned, looking as if he wanted to tear the house up himself, but said grudgingly, “I guess I can trust Hollowell to do the job properly.”
Mrs. Brown didn’t look pleased, but she probably had the same concerns about Denshire’s behavior that Lucas did. “Very well,” she said reluctantly.
Kendra gave Lucas a grateful glance. “That seems a fair solution.”
“Good,” Lucas said. “Mr. Brown and I will wait outside. You can do the same if you wish, Lord Denshire, but there’s a tavern around the corner that might be a more pleasant place to wait.”
Resigned to his fate, Hollowell said, “That’s reasonable, Denshire. I’ll come find you when the search is finished. I’ll bring Christopher if we find him in the house.” He sounded as if he didn’t expect that to happen.
Denshire nodded and signaled for his ruffian to follow him down the street and around the corner. When they were gone and the women had gone into the house with Hollowell, Brown said in a low voice, “They won’t find the boy in there, will they?”
The Browns might have guessed that Christopher had been there once. “No,” Lucas said. “I’m hoping Denshire trusts his friend enough to believe the truth. Without the search, he might keep threatening you.”
“He seems the sort,” Brown agreed. He settled down on the steps of the house, then pulled out a pipe and lit it.
Lucas did the same, minus the pipe and sitting upwind of the smoke. “If Denshire tried breaking in some night, you have all those weapons decorating the drawing room.”
Brown gave a baritone chuckle. “Tempting that would be, but killing a lord would cause trouble, no matter how much he deserved it.”
They sat in companionable silence for an hour or so until Mr. Hollowell came out of the house. “We searched every nook, cranny, wardrobe, and under the beds as well. No hidden children.”
“Told you.” Brown got to his feet. “My bet is the women are making tea and complaining about the nuisance.” He extinguished his pipe and went inside.
Lucas stood and quietly said to Hollowell, “You know that Denshire has advanced syphilis?”
Hollowell sighed. “Yes, but he refuses to admit it. He’s been getting more and more erratic. I try to divert his more difficult behavior.”
Curious, Lucas said, “You’re old friends?”
Hollowell nodded. “We went to school together. He appointed himself my protector and drove off the bullies. I owe him a great deal.”
“He’s lucky you haven’t said good riddance and left,” Lucas noted.
“That could happen someday,” Hollowell said wearily.
“But we’re not at that point yet. Good day, Foxton. Thank you for staving off potential violence.” He inclined his head, then headed down the street toward the tavern.
Thinking how much luckier he was in his friends than Hollowell was, Lucas turned into the house. Tea and sane conversation sounded good.
CHAPTER 25
Kendra stood and moved into Lucas’s arms when he entered the kitchen, not caring if the Browns deduced that she and Lucas were more than just friends. As his protective arms came around her, she gave a sigh of relief. “Thank you for coming up with a sensible compromise, Lucas. If you hadn’t, blood might have been shed.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers. It’s a role I’ve always liked.” He hugged her thoroughly, then released her. “I heard there might be tea on offer?”
“Tea and ginger biscuits,” Mrs. Brown said as she rose to get another mug. “My thanks also. That former husband of yours is a nasty piece of work, Miss Kendra.”
Kendra sighed and returned to her chair to collect another ginger biscuit. “He wasn’t always so dreadful, but these days, I don’t even want to be in the same room with him. And I certainly wouldn’t hand a child over to him!”
“I wonder where that poor lad is?” Mrs. Brown said and she poured more tea for everyone.
“From what Kendra has told me about Christopher,” Lucas said, “he’s a clever lad and would have a plan to find a safe place for himself.”
Kendra nodded agreement. “I’m sure he’s safe and well somewhere. I just wish I had legal custody of him!”
Her comment triggered a discussion about stupidities of the law, which lasted until Kendra rose and said, “Time to get back to Suzanne. She’s Lucas’s almost sister-in-law. She hasn’t been feeling well so I volunteered to come help out with her baby until she’s feeling stronger.” She smiled. “I adore babies and will use any excuse to hold one. Perhaps when she’s older, your new grandson can visit here?”
“I’m sure he shall, and a more adorable baby you’ve never seen!”
“A very right and proper sentiment for a grandmother,” Kendra said with a smile. “I’ll be back here in a few days.”
“I think Denshire has been convinced that Christopher isn’t here,” Lucas said as he pushed his chair back and stood. “But he’s unpredictable and could be dangerous. Which is why I’ve decided Kendra needs a bodyguard.”
Kendra rolled her eyes at the Browns dramatically as she left, but once they were outside on the street, she took hold of Lucas’s arm. “Really, a bodyguard?”
“It seemed a good description,” he replied, amusement in his eyes. “It gives me a reason to watch your very fine body, but I also think you need one, with Denshire running mad about town.”
She shivered. “I’m so glad we moved Kit to Duval House! Mr. Hollowell was polite but very thorough.”
“Do you know Hollowell? Apparently he and Denshire have been friends since their school days.”
“I believe I met him a time or two in the early years of my marriage.” Her voice turned dry. “He was one of the three men who testified that I’d lain with him.”
Lucas looked startled. “I didn’t realize that. I wonder if he was the one Kirkland said was uneasy with the whole business? We talked briefly. He seems to be loyal to Denshire because of their long years of friendship. He said he tries to keep Denshire in line.”
“Not doing a very good job of it, is he?” She sighed. “I’ll be so glad when Christopher is safely in school. I wonder how successful we’ll be when we confront Denshire at this very exclusive entertainment that the ladies are planning?”
“I can’t even begin to guess,” Lucas said. “But I hope it will be the turning point for clearing your reputation.”
“I hope so, too.” She gave him a sideways glance. “How about your reputation? Are you still being scorned?”
“Sometimes,” he admitted. “Another Rogers brother challenged me to a duel when we met by chance at Tattersalls. Those fellows are as stubborn as they are loyal to their little brother.”
“You didn’t accept the challenge, did you?” she asked with alarm.
“No. I refused on the grounds that I still didn’t know what my deadly sin was and how could there be a duel with no stated cause?” After a pensive silence, he added, “I got the impression that the injured brother, Godfrey, has never told his brothers the details of my dishonorable behavior.”
“That’s interesting,” Kendra said thoughtfully. “I wonder if his reasons for accusing you contain an element of shame at his own behavior.”
Lucas’s brows furrowed. “Very interesting indeed. But we’ll never know unless young Godfrey is willing to speak up.”
“Frustrating. A real grievance could be addressed but not dire accusations that aren’t explained. At least my alleged shameful behavior is clear, if fraudulent.”
“You’re also facing up to the situation, not wailing and accusing.” He glanced down at her, his eyes warm. “I have much
more respect for your approach.”
She felt absurdly pleased. “Thank you. I spent several months in an angry fog, but I’ve been coming out of that ever since I attended the Clantons’ ball and met you.”
“We’re good for each other,” Lucas said. “I admired how carefully you worded what you said to Denshire to avoid actually lying.”
She smiled. “It’s a modest gift, but sometimes useful. More useful yet will be getting Christopher out of London.”
“We can leave three days from now. That will give Lady Agnes time to finish her business in London and return to her school. With luck, it will also give Jackson time to find Christopher’s pony and bring him to the school.”
Kendra hoped fervently that the pony could be acquired. But in the meantime, she must tell Kit that his father had appeared at Thorsay House, and he must stay inside until they took him to the Westerfield Academy.
* * *
Lady Agnes’s school was as appealing as her description of it had been. Lucas, who was driving, said, “Kirkland told me that Lady Agnes inherited this house from her mother’s family. After she spent some years in world travel, she returned to England. Being restless, she decided to start a school for boys. It’s been a success since the beginning.”
“I imagine that traveling in faraway dangerous lands would be good preparation for dealing with young boys,” Kendra said, amused. “Kit, what do you think?”
“It looks nice,” he said. “Nicer than Denshire Park. Where are the stables?”
“Behind the house, I believe,” Lucas said. “There are also playing fields, and Kirkland said they recently built a new residential hall for the students. Classes are held in the main building. Lady Agnes’s private quarters and office are in the right wing.”
Lucas was driving because hiring a driver would mean one more person knowing of Christopher’s location. He turned the carriage neatly into the circular driveway in front of the great sprawling house.
When a footman appeared from the private wing, Lucas said, “I’m Foxton. Lady Agnes is expecting us today. Could you tend to my horses?”
“Of course, sir.”
After the footman took the reins, Lucas climbed from the carriage, then helped Christopher and Kendra down. At the door, a butler appeared to escort them to Lady Agnes’s office at the back of the ground floor. She looked up from her paper-covered desk when they were announced, then rose to her feet. “You made good time, I see. Christopher, we’ve talked about the school. Would you like to tour the place and see the classrooms and the residents’ hall?”
“And the stables?”
She smiled. “Definitely the stables. Also, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. Benjamin, please join us.”
A brown-haired youth of fifteen or sixteen had been reading in a corner of the office, but he put his book aside and stood. He wore a navy blue coat paired with buff-colored trousers for a uniform that was neat, comfortable, and practical. Kendra squinted at the embroidered circular patch on one pocket. Was that the image of a zebra? She smiled inwardly. It was a suitable symbol for a school of students who were a little different.
“Is this the new lad?” Benjamin asked with an easy smile.
“Yes,” the headmistress replied. “Benjamin Thomas, meet the Honorable Christopher Hawthorn. Christopher, I’m proposing that Benjamin be your big brother if the two of you get on.”
“Hello, Christopher.” Benjamin offered a friendly hand. “I’m Benjamin and sometimes Ben. I hope we’re going to be friends.”
Christopher took the older boy’s hand firmly. “I hope so too, Benjamin. I’m Christopher and sometimes Kit.” He gestured at Kendra and Lucas. “This is my mother, Miss Douglas and her friend, Lord Foxton.”
Kendra smiled at the older boy. “It’s my pleasure to meet you, Benjamin. We’d like to see the school, too, so may we follow around after you? I’ll try not to get in the way.”
Benjamin gave her a sunny smile. “Of course you can, ma’am. Shall we look at the classrooms first?”
“That’s the best place to start,” Lady Agnes said. “I’ll follow along, too. Pretend we aren’t there.”
“Impossible!” he said with a laugh. “Come along, Kit. There’s a lot to see.”
He led the way out of the office, with Christopher beside him. Kendra glanced at Lucas, who gave an approving nod. Since the classrooms were in the same building, there was a connecting door, though it had a lock on it so Lady Agnes wouldn’t be disturbed unnecessarily.
The classrooms were well equipped and impressively tidy given that the students were growing boys. Several classes were in session, so the visitors just glanced in. The teachers seemed capable and kept the classes in good order.
The adults trailed far enough behind that they didn’t disturb the ongoing conversation between Christopher and Benjamin. Lady Agnes made a few comments about the courses, adding, “Before Christopher would start, he’d be tested to see how much he knows so we can put him in the right classes.”
“I don’t know how much he learned in the Scranton School,” Kendra said. “Not much, I suspect. Before that, I taught him. His reading is very good and so are his numbers. We studied geography and the globes together. No Latin or Greek because I don’t know either. Kit has always enjoyed lessons and I hope that continues.”
“He sounds like he has a good foundation,” Lady Agnes said with approval. “I teach geography classes myself. I enjoy it and it keeps me in touch with the students.”
At the back of the ground floor, they looked into a large corner room with several windows, padded floor mats, and little furniture. “This is where we learn Hindu Kalarippayattu fighting,” Benjamin explained. “It’s great fun!”
Lady Agnes murmured, “The padding reduces the bruises. There’s always at least one older boy who is very skilled at Kalarippayattu here during teaching and sparring sessions, so if someone loses his temper and risks becoming dangerous, he’s stopped until he cools down. We want the boys to learn how to defend themselves, not end up with broken bones.”
“This sounds really interesting,” Lucas said. “Hand-to-hand fighting is a useful skill for those who go into the army or the navy.”
“I’ve had several old boys tell me that the skills learned here have saved their lives, for which I’m deeply grateful,” Lady Agnes said as Benjamin led them all outside. A group of younger boys in the school uniform were happily kicking a ball around a playing field.
Christopher looked as if he wanted to join in, but today was for learning, not playing. As Benjamin headed to the residential hall, Lady Agnes said, “There are outside game sessions every day so the boys can work off their energy.”
“I’m beginning to wish I’d studied here!” Lucas said.
“Where did you go?”
“Harrow.”
“A good school, if rather too conventional,” Lady Agnes said, her eyes twinkling. “Not as good as mine.”
Benjamin led them to the residential hall and up a flight of stairs. At the far end of a corridor, he opened the door into a cozy parlor with a fireplace, sofa, a couple of tables, and several upholstered chairs. “This is where I live and where you’ll live if you become a student. We call it the Hawks’ Nest. There are four rooms off this common room, two singles and two doubles. Older boys get the single rooms. We’re of different ages, some older, some younger. You’ll like the other Hawks. They’re a good lot.”
“This would be your room.” Benjamin swung open a door revealing a pleasant chamber with paired beds, wardrobes, desks, chairs, and bookcases. A framed print of a horse jumping a fence hung over the bed that was in use. “Your roommate would be Robby Bolton. He’s just a little older than you and he’s been hoping to get a roommate so the two of you can stay up talking half the night.”
Kendra smiled, thinking it was inevitable the boys would talk long after lights out. Girls certainly would!
Christopher surveyed the room. “I was locked in a small private room at
Scranton, but most of the boys slept twenty to a room. I like this better.”
“Twenty boys in one room!” Benjamin gave a mock shudder. “How does anyone get any sleep?”
“Boys who wanted to sleep pulled pillows over their heads,” Christopher said tersely.
“Very sensible,” Benjamin said. “Now for the stables!”
Everyone followed him downstairs and outside like a string of goslings following their mother. The stables were only a short walk away. The building was large and old, like the house, and filled with stalls and loose boxes holding contented-looking equines. Several boys were there grooming their mounts or cleaning stalls, and they exchanged casual greetings with Benjamin and Lady Agnes.
Benjamin stopped by a loose box containing a handsome chestnut. “This is my Rowdy,” he said proudly as the horse came whickering to him. “A gift from my stepparents. He’s a very good-natured fellow. Would you like to give him some sugar?”
“Oh, yes, please!” Christopher said.
Benjamin pulled a sugar lump from his pocket and gave it to Christopher, who then held it out on his palm to Rowdy. He glowed as the horse delicately lapped the sugar from his palm.
Benjamin said, “Ponies are at the far end of the aisle. The school owns some of the horses and ponies so everyone can ride.”
As he led them along the length of the stables, Christopher said wistfully, “I had a pony. I miss him.”
Benjamin said mischievously, “Was his name Patches?”
He stopped by a loose box where a splotchy pony stuck his curious head over the door and whinnied excitedly.
“Patches!” Christopher said. Almost beside himself with excitement, he opened the door and popped into the box before anyone could stop him. Not that stopping him was necessary. Boy and pony were equally delighted to find each other again, and Kendra felt tears stinging her eyes. She would give Jackson a bonus for finding Patches and bringing him here so quickly.
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