by Kristi Jun
“I will escort you,” he said.
Blast, why did he have to be so persistent?
CHAPTER 15
Kate awoke with a throbbing headache.
Yesterday was a disaster, as she was forced to feign a headache and secretly send a maid to do her bidding at the Foundling Hospital when Roberts refused to let her go there without him. She knew the nurse might ask questions regarding the dress, and she had hoped to speak with the nurse herself, but she had no other choice. Kate had hidden the dress under the provisions in her large basket and left instructions for Mrs. Ann as to what to do with it when Mr. O arrived.
When she tried to leave this morning to go to the hospital again, it became impossible with Roberts tailing her as if he were her shadow. Instead of quelling the situation with another lie, which she hated to do, she sent one of the maids to the hospital again to get the note, if there was one. She gave the instructions to her and went to the morning room to break her fast.
It was a lovely room filled with peonies, with a fresh scent of spring and tall windows overlooking the back lawn. The children were already enjoying their breakfast with their governess, Miss Quinn, so she greeted them and walked over to the sideboard table. She chose coddled egg and toast, gently placed them on the plate, and sat down at the table next to Beatrice. Roberts wasn’t there yet, and she preferred it that way. The less time she spent with him, the better.
Beatrice smiled at her and she returned the greeting, but she made no conversation, which Kate was thankful for. She needed to go over in her mind the things she must do today.
Before she could take a bite, she heard the familiar sound of the walking cane hitting the wood floor. This morning, he was donned in a light gray waistcoat, burgundy tailcoat with a crisp white cravat, and tan buckskin breeches.
Their eyes instantly locked, and he gave her a smile. Could he be any more tempting? She surmised the man didn’t quite realize how handsome he really was, not that it mattered to her now.
“Good morning,” he said, then walked over to the sideboard table, grabbed his breakfast, and sat down next to her.
She gave him a faint smile but said nothing. Francis picked up the mutt, placed the pup on her lap, and fed her small crumbs of dry toast and leftover egg. The puppy happily took the morsel with her tail wagging.
“Will you please put that mutt down on the floor,” Beatrice said, frowning.
“How will I feed her? I can’t reach that low, Bee,” Francis said.
“The little mutt had her breakfast this morning. The cook gave her some mutton, remember, Francis?” Olivia noted.
With a heavy sigh, Francis frowned.
“Francis,” Miss Quinn said firmly, “put the puppy down and finish your breakfast.”
Francis placed the pup on the rug and she remained here, looking up at the little girl. More than anything, Kate knew she would really miss these girls, and the mutt who seemed to have carved out a little space in what was left of her heart.
“You’re rather quiet this morning,” Roberts said, and bit into a buttered toast.
“Am I?” Kate said, trying to avoid eye contact. “I thought about going to the Foundling Hospital again to see the children later today. I’ve been going through the list of items I’d like to donate.” This wasn’t entirely a lie. She would stop by the hospital and drop off fabric and food for the children, then she would be off to see the body—if Charlie O was able to accomplish his task. Hopefully her young maid would return with the instructions from the man.
He smiled at her. “I am certain they appreciate your generosity.”
“It’s the least I can do for them.” She stood up.
“You’re finished?” he commented. “You barely touched your food.”
“I find I am not that hungry this morning.” He gave her the most curious look.
She gave him a bright smile, one that she had to force, and excused herself. As soon as she reached the stairwell to head upstairs, the maid came rushing down the hall from the servant’s stairs and handed her the note.
“Did the nurse ask questions?”
“No, missus. She handed me the note and asked me to give it to you, is all.”
Kate nodded. “Thank you.” The maid curtsied and went about her business. Quickly rushing up to her room, she entered and locked it to read the note.
5C Hopton St. 4pm. Ask for Mr. M.
She sat on the bed with a deep sigh.
There was no turning back now.
CHAPTER 16
When she arrived at an old building across the Thames River where the Shakespearean theater was originally located, her heart thumped faster and harder. It reeked of sewer and something rotten. There was rubbish everywhere, and she had already seen two large black rats scurry down the street looking for something to eat.
The only defense she had was the pistol that Roberts had given her. Looking around the dismal place, reluctance pulled at her heart, and she had the sudden urge to get back into her carriage and return to the estate.
It’s not too late to turn back, the voices in her head kept saying to her. Did she have another choice? Johnathan would make her life a hell and make those around her pay if she remained in London. If he realized she moved on, he would surely follow her to the ends of the earth. She knew this man was persistent when he set his mind to a goal.
Besides, with time, the people who had become important to her would slowly forget. They all forget, don’t they, with time? Who was she? A former jewel thief. A nobody. Besides, she did not want to wait around and see who this witness was.
Yes, run. That’s what you are good at.
She had no choice.
None.
Quickly walking to an old brick building with two small grimy windows, she saw the small 5C above the wooden door. Taking a deep breath, she knocked three times and waited. From the other side of the door she heard a thump and a loud grunt.
The door swung open and an older man, wearing a dirty apron that looked to be blood-stained, stepped out of the building. The man’s eyes were as black as the night. She wanted this done as quickly as possible.
“Are you Mr. M?”
“Ye must be the lady Charlie told me ’bout.”
Hell, that sounded quite iniquitous any way he put it. “Yes,” she said. “I assume you have what I asked for?”
“Woman ’bout yer height, brown ’air.” He gave her a suspicious look. “Ye ain’t a doctor, so wot ye want the body fer?”
“I have my reasons.”
He made a frown. “Well, come on.” He waved her in.
“There is no need. I need you to keep the body here until tomorrow night, then toss it out into the Thames in the early morning before dawn. I assume you have the dress?”
“Bit fancy for a dead woman.” He rubbed his dirty nose with his forefinger. “It’ll cost ye if ye want me to do all this for ye.”
Of course, she knew he would say that. Everything had a price. “This is for your trouble.” She handed him an envelope with bank notes that totaled fifty pounds. He opened it and ran his dirty fingers though the notes. “Once you’ve accomplished your task, I will send you another fifty. Please follow my instruction, as it is vital.”
Then man smiled, revealing a stained tooth, then walked back into the building. Once he shut the door, her knees nearly gave out on her.
Steady, Kate. You must be strong.
~ ~ ~
Did she really think he’d let her roam the streets of London without him knowing?
The runner watched the exchange between Kate and the mystery man. Once they concluded their business, she stepped back into her carriage and it drove off.
After everything they’d been through, she was still lying to him. He should be irate, but he wasn’t. He was quite frankly disappointed. Once she left, he had in mind to get information from the old man. He didn’t want to confront her yet. After all, he wasn’t done spying on her. He stepped out of the carriage and started to cro
ss the road when another carriage pulled out right in front of the entrance 5C, obstructing his view.
He heard several men step out of the carriage. They banged on the door. The door opened, then there was a loud thud.
Roberts went back to his parked carriage and watched the spectacle outside. Bloody hell, he couldn’t see a damn thing at this angle. A few more minutes later, the carriage drove away.
What the hell was she involved in? She’d been a jewel thief, so this shouldn’t surprise him, but it did, and his heart squeezed with discontent.
There were plenty of thugs, whores, actresses, and crime in this part of town. If he had it his way, he’d have snatched her up and taken her home. What was she up to? Who was that man?
The American had warned him never to trust her.
He’d hoped to God the American was wrong. He stepped out of the carriage, walked to the building, and banged on the door.
Nothing. No sound.
He did it again, this time louder. Several seconds passed, and he waited, but to his disappointment, there was no response. He twisted the knob and it was locked. He thought about breaking in, but he didn’t.
Perhaps he feared what he might find inside. What she had been doing here? Either way, he was not ready for that. He wanted to hear what she had to say first.
This was starting out to be a very bad day. He instructed his driver back to Blackthorn Hall. Questioning her would not be an easy task. Nothing with her was ever easy.
But he could no longer deny there was something between them, and he had seen a side of her that had made him hope. Her patronage at the hospital, her love for the children. He also knew that, deep in her heart, she was a decent person. Or were his hunches all wrong?
He’d give her an opportunity to share with him regarding the outing today.
Yes, he’d wait and hope to God she was honest with him.
CHAPTER 17
Kate was surrounded by warmth, beauty, and glamour, and yet this place felt cold as ice.
She had chosen a soft peach-colored dress, and she had given a similar colored dress to Mr. Charlie O. The only difference was the dress she gave away didn’t have the cream lace trim and the tiny decorative gold rosettes on the silk fabric.
The beeswax candles, the roses of all colors, and the footmen walking about with silver trays of delectable food only make the scene so much more romantic. In the periphery of the ballroom, she saw Roberts. This day, he’d been subdued. She knew he was watching her in the crowd.
He had been awfully quiet since yesterday after she met with Mr. M. Several times today, she felt him watching her. She nearly wanted to sit him down and ask if everything was all right, but she knew she didn’t have a reason to do so; after all, she would not be here tomorrow. So she decided against it.
Then there were the children. She would surely miss them very much. Just the thought made her heart ache. Several times today, she had pulled out a parchment and dipped her quill in the inkwell to write a letter to Amelia.
It’s not too late to stay, her inner voice whispered to her.
There was too much at risk for everyone.
This was the best course of action for everyone in the long run. She knew with time their hearts would mend. She just hoped her heart would heal one day. She surmised she may never recover from this.
This reality jolted her.
Looking at the gold decorative clock on the tall mantle of the fireplace, she saw she had about ten minutes to meet with Charlie O in the library. She had seen him arrive about thirty minutes ago in simple yet stylish attire. Initially, she hadn’t recognized him. He’d fit in well, but one could easily surmise that he was of new money and new to the ton. The ladies had taken an interest in Mr. Charlie O the instant he walked in. To them, he was a new prize to be won, and all the debutants clearly had their eyes on him.
“Good news,” a man whispered in her ear. She nearly jumped. It was Roberts, holding a punch and sipping it.
“And, pray tell, what is this good news?”
“The American isn’t here. At least not when I scoured the house.”
“He has a name,” she said.
He made no attempt to respond to her. How was she going to slip out of the ballroom with this man watching her?
A punch, yes. “Would you mind getting me something to drink? I am parched,” she said. “I’ll be right here.”
“Don’t move,” he said.
“Don’t forget some tiny sandwiches. I saw one of the footmen holding a tray full of them,” she said. He looked at her questioningly before walking off to retrieve the items she asked for.
She watched him disappear into the crowed toward the decorative table with drink and food against the far wall. She backed away slowly when he wasn’t looking and scurried out of the ballroom through the opposite exit. Thank goodness there were several entrances and exits, otherwise, she would risk having to go right past him.
When she had arrived earlier, she made sure she knew the layout of the ground floor. She walked past the footman and several guests near the main stairwell and started toward the library. It was located near the center of the large estate, so the distance from the ballroom and the library was not too far from the ballroom, which she was thankful for.
When she was satisfied no one saw her, she opened the tall wooden door and entered the dark library.
“Finally,” a male voice said. Soon a spark appeared, and he lit the candles on the candelabra.
“Good, you are here, Mr. Charles O.”
“Charles is sufficient.”
“Shall we get on with it?”
He cocked his brows at her remark, his teasing smile curved at the corner of his mouth. She ignored it. “I don’t know what I am supposed to do next. I’ve never done this before.”
“What is your goal?”
“I need it to look as though I was attacked.”
He cocked his brow. “Why does that not surprise me?” Then, just as fast, he yanked on her sleeve hard several times and ripped it.
“What are you doing?” she gasped.
“Attacking you,” he said, pulling at his cravat. “Hate this damn thing.” He walked around the room and scattered things about as if there was a struggle. “You know you could have concocted this all on your own and saved yourself the trouble of hiring me.”
“I could, but it wouldn’t be authentic.”
“Pull some of those pins out of your hair.”
She pulled out small pins and several locks escaped the confines of the large ornate pin that held it all together.
“I won’t hit a woman. If you want that, you’ll have to do it yourself.”
“You won’t need to resort to that.”
“Anything else?”
“Pick me up and toss me onto that settee.”
“What?”
“Toss me on that settee,” she said, pointing to the one in the middle of the room. “Then, I want you to rush out of the room and leave the ball. Make sure someone sees you. I will have the rest of the money delivered to you tomorrow.”
Charlie walked over to her, picked her up by the waist, and looked at her. “Don’t get any ideas,” she remarked. Walking over to the settee, he smiled. Then dropped her on the soft cushion. She nearly yelped.
“There you go, Princess.” He yanked the door open so that it slapped against the wall, and she waited several seconds before screaming. She slapped her cheeks and shook her head to tousle her hair. A few more seconds later, she heard footfalls down the hallway coming closer.
CHAPTER 18
When Roberts had discovered Kate was not where she ought to be, he instantly stilled and focused on his surroundings.
Where the hell are you?
When he couldn’t locate her in the ballroom, he extended the search and scoured the hallway, parlor, morning room, and a salon with no success. When he was about to check the library on the ground floor, he heard a scream.
Instantly, he went inside th
e dimly lit room. There, in the middle of the library, he saw Kate sitting on a settee. Her sleeve had been torn, her hair was in disarray, but she didn’t look as though she’d been physically hurt. Why the hell was she in the library? He’d ask her that later. What mattered now was identifying the person who had done this.
Once all the prospectors and footmen left the library, he questioned her. “What did he look like?” Roberts said, sitting on a wooden chair in front of her.
She took in a deep breath. “Umm… I believe he had dark hair…about your height.”
That didn’t help much. “Is he someone you may have known in the past?”
She shook her head. “I can’t recall. It was dark, and he surprised me as I was walking past the library.”
“You were supposed to be in the ballroom, waiting for me.”
“I realize that,” she said. “But I needed fresh air, some room to breathe. It’s quite stuffy in there, if you hadn’t noticed.”
“You knew I was coming back for you.” Something didn’t feel right. Did this have anything to do with yesterday when he’d followed her to that old building? When they returned home, he’d have to insist on questioning her further about when he had spied on her. She wouldn’t like it, but it was the risk he had to take.
Her eyes snapped up and met his. “You are not being helpful,” she said. “I was just attacked.”
“I know,” he said, touching her cheek. “Did he demand anything from you?” When she struggled to speak, he said, “Take your time, love.”
“I do recall he smelled of spirits. As a matter of fact, he may have had more than one glass.”
“Inebriated,” he said.
“He pulled my skirt up and told me to keep quiet.”
Bastard.
“I fought him. I suppose when he realized when he wasn’t going to get what he wanted easily, he ran.”
“Then what?”
“I screamed.”
“I’m going to ask for the guest list from the host before we depart tonight. You and I are going to go over the names.”