Kissed in the Dark

by Gloria Gay

  “What exactly do you mean, Mama? Tell me at once!” exclaimed Hedra, while Cecilia stood silent and deathly still beside her.

  “Lord Arandale's betrothed, Lady Sarah Hershaw, was killed bywhat were they, Sir Geoffrey?”

  “I know nothing of that, Lady Rolande. It is as much news to me as it is to the girls.”

  “Well, now, I believe Lady Caperville said they were footpads, running from the law. They were suspected of murdering someone and at that time were being chased down the street by the Bow Street Runners. In the resulting commotion they ran into Lady Sarah, who was stepping down from a carriage. Lady Sarah was thrown backward and her skull was cracked in the cobblestones.

  “They say she died in Lord Arandale's arms a few moments later. Lord Arandale was just arriving at her house at the same time as she.”

  Cecilia turned away from Lady Rolande and Hedra. She didn't hear Hedra's exclamations of horror or Lady Rolande's further telling of details. Instead she felt only the hammering of her heart and a loud sound like a waterfall in her ears. She stepped away, in a daze and looked up at a young man who was walking toward her. He had been introduced to her earlier in the evening, Sir Alfred Kenington.

  “Miss Sentenell, have you the next dance engaged?”

  “The next dance?” asked Cecilia. “Oh, I“

  “If that dance is not yet taken, may I?”

  In a trance still, Cecilia glanced at her card. “No, it is not taken, Sir Alfred. YesI am free to dance with you.”

  Cecilia was grateful to this young man who had appeared from nowhere and saved her from having to pretend that what she had just now heard had not exploded in her mind. She was grateful also to the next two young men who asked her to dance, Robert Lockwell and Lord Ebson.

  “It is crowded, is it not?” Asked Lord Ebson.

  “Yesand hot!” said Cecilia, as mercifully they blended with the many dancing couples.

  At the end of the dance Cecilia expressed a wish for some refreshment and Lord Ebson led her to the refreshment room. Cecilia engaged in a pleasant conversation with him and learned he and his family had come to London for his sister's first season.

  The night wore on. Mercifully for Cecilia, Hedra had left her alone, as she was having a particularly successful night. A few young admirers had filled her dance card, to Lady Rolande's great joy, as she assessed each prospect carefully.

  Cecilia's dance card was now filled to the brim, so that she could hardly tell apart the scribbled names that piled on each other. In the back of her mind, barely conscious as she was of the hot scented air, the heady music and the burning wax, was the thought that the last waltzes of the evening she would spend in Lord Arandale's arms.

  * * *

  As she headed back to where her father and Martha were, she saw Lord Arandale coming out of a card room where he had disappeared after her scene at the terrace with him.

  “Miss Sentenell, the time approaches for our dance. Ahthere is the music,” he said. Had he looked forward to needling her about the bulletin, was that her interest in her?

  Cecilia could not have given an account of the first waltz she danced with Arandale if her life had depended on it. She would not have been able to recall a word of what they spoke, even though they had talked now and then. Nor did she have a conscious awareness of the music or how she followed the steps of the waltz as Lord Arandale led her. Then the music came to an end and Cecilia was sorry it had ended but was glad that she still had one more dance left with him. Then from the corner of her eye she saw Martha walking quickly toward her, a worried look in her eyes.

  “Martha, what is it?”

  “Cecilia, my dear, we must leave at once,” said Martha in an agitated voice, “Sir Geoffrey is not feeling well at all.”

  “Allow me,” said Arandale, as he guided Cecilia out of the throng, his strong presence opening a path between the couples, while Martha followed behind in their wake. He helped them into their carriage and with a nod in Cecilia's direction, he motioned to the driver to proceed. Cecilia looked back and saw that Lord Arandale still gazed at her as their carriage rumbled down the street.

  CHAPTER 37

  “But Papa,” said Cecilia, frowning, “it doesn't even make sense. To leave now, in the middle of the season because Lady Rolande assures you Mr. Shackel can only obtain your medicine in Nottingham? Why, it sounds like a Banbury tale to me, designed by Lady Rolande to remove us from London!

  “And why exactly is that man allowed the overseeing of your health needs? I cannot comprehend how you allow this. Lady Rolande had no trouble in obtaining the medicine on her own before, and now it seems she cannot take a step but that she must consult with that unpleasant man“

  “Please, my dear,” said her father in a weak voice. “You will only make matters worse if you persist in doubting everything Lady Rolande and Cousin Alex do. You must get used to the idea that Cousin Alex is my heir, my dear, and Lady Rolande is a close friend of his. Both think only of my welfare. They have assured me that once we reach Nottingham they will have no trouble obtaining the medicine. My dear, I know that this must be a blow to you, to yank you away from London in the middle of the season and I would not in the least mind if you and Martha remain in London. I don't know when I can get back, if at all, and it would be a waste of the lease money I paid for the house to remain alone“

  “I would not dream of letting you go by yourself,” interrupted Cecilia, highly agitated. “I have no idea why you trust Alex Shackel, Papa, but I assure you, I do not, and I doubt if I ever will. Didn't grandfather predict he would be a wastrel?”

  “Papa may have been exaggerating,” said Sir Geoffrey with a weak smile, “he had a prejudice against the Shackels and it colored his assessment of Alex.”

  “He wasn't off the mark,” said Cecilia. “But Martha and I will return to Nottingham with you, Papa, of that you can have no doubt.”

  “Very well, my dear, but do try to put a nice face on the whole thing. Alex is to accompany us to Nottingham. Ohdon't worry!” he added on seeing Cecilia's look of shock, “he is to go in his own carriage, my dear. I would not impose his company on you for the whole long trip.”

  “Papa, I cannot understand why he has become so entangled in our affairs. Is there anything else where he has meddled that I know nothing about?”

  “As a matter of fact he did suggest that now that he is my heir I should consider removing Zachery Genter as your guardian and putting him instead.”

  “Dear Lord! Papa,” said Cecilia, highly alarmed, “if you do that, I assure you I will jump from the Tower. Better still, I'll push Shackel from the Tower. Promise me not to ever consider that. I’m so glad I’m only sixteen months away from attaining my majority.”

  “I can safely promise that,” said Sir Geoffrey. Zach is a friend of mine since childhood and has the best firm of solicitors in townand the best judgment of any man I know. Should he die at the same time as I, his brothers, Elkwood and Charles are written in as co-guardians, as you know. Of course, should you marry before you attain legal age“

  “I shall make sure I do not marry before I attain legal age,” laughed Cecilia. “And why is it that women must hand over the reins of their money affairs to their husbands, anyhow. It's barbaric. As if we had no birthdays beyond eight.”

  “We are much more civilized in that respect than many other countries, my dear. Be glad you were born in this country. It would be difficult for your husband to manage your fortune without your consent, for it is independent.”

  “Is it is settled then, do we leave at first light tomorrow?”

  “First light depending on my health,” said Sir Geoffrey. “You cannot imagine, my dear, how much I hate being such a bother to you.” Sir Geoffrey's voice had begun to trail.

  “You are no bother at all, dearest, I only wish you would be well again and the threat of that illness gone forever.”

  “I fear I am a botherit's this pain, my dear. It’s so
strong I can barely endure it.” said Sir Geoffrey wistfully, and with heavy heart Cecilia saw that he was drifting off to sleep. She placed a warm coverlet on him, left only one candle burning and tiptoed out of the room.

  * * *

  “Martha,” she said to that lady, “I must consult with you on matters of extreme importance. Please, let us retire to my sitting room with a cup of tea. We can see the rain from there. Rain beating on the window panes while one is warm and safe within is one of the pleasures of this life.”

  “Yes, Cecilia, I’m very fond of it too. What a surprising shower this is, and it's beating down so hard.”

  Once settled with their tea, Cecilia informed Martha of all she had learned from her father.”

  For a few moments Martha was silent, reflecting. “And we are to leave early tomorrow?” she finally asked.

  “Yes, Martha. I have asked Papa to allow Jonathon to accompany us. I do feel so safe when he is with us when out on Bond Street, do you not?”

  “How can I not, he is so huge. He stares down anyone who so much as looks our way. One feels extremely protected in his company. But the outriders are to accompany us, are they not? Ethan always travels with us.”

  “That's another thing I want to talk to you about, Martha. Shackel has convinced Papa that his outriders will do the job just as well and it would be silly to take so many riders with us, and quite an expense, too.”

  “And what say you?”

  “I protested, of course, but Papa was adamant. He had already agreed with Shackel and said he would not go back on it. He assures me I am being silly in my distrust of Shackel.”

  “Will you insist Jonathon go along?”

  “Jonathon will go with us, Martha. I can assure you of that. Shackel is meddling too much in our lives. I cannot bear it. Jonathon will accompany us if I have to have a fit to accomplish it.”

  “I’m glad,” said Martha with relief. “Well, this is a twist to your season I never imagined, my dear. A pity the wardrobe and the house will now be wasted.”

  “Yes, but never mind that. It's Papa's health that most concerns me now. I would give up fifty seasons before I would put a single one of them before Papa.”

  “Did your Papa say he would return if he regained his health?”

  “Yes. But consider, Martha, would that be accomplished in such a short time? No, I believe we are returning to Nottingham for a long time. But it is just as well, for“ shegasped at the thought that she would not see Lord Arandale againprobably ever.

  It seemed fate had taken a hand in her affairs and was now mocking her. The irony of it did not escape her. She would give anything now to be again in Lord Arandale's arms, now when he was beyond her reach. She would return to Nottingham and he would resume his season. She would never be as important in his life as Sarah had once been.

  She was now certain Sarah had been the love of his life and anyone else would be a distant second.

  “What is it, my dear, why have you grown so silent of a suddenand my dear, what has made you cry?”

  “'Tis nothing, Martha,” said Cecilia, wiping the tears that had sprung to her eyes at the thought of never seeing Arandale again. “Anyway, as I was saying, our lives are topsy-turvy but one thing is going to remain the same. Jonathon is coming with us.”

  “I’m so glad you are adamant on this, Cecilia. I don't trust Shackel, not in the least.”

  * * *

  “You look beautiful Vi,” said Sadie to her silent daughter as she helped her to dress for the ball at Vauxhall Gardens. And indeed, Violet looked stunning in a pale lavender gown and a necklace of emeralds and diamonds. Her hair was arranged upward and interlaced with lavender ribbons.

  Violet was glad that with the domino and mask she was completely anonymous. Had she slipped away and joined the throng that was constantly walking to and fro in the dark garden paths no one would have known who she was for her cape and mask were similar to hundreds of others. The ball they were attending was at one of the rented halls but they were to have supper in one of the supper boxes before going in. Violet was well aware that this ball was of the demi-monde and men brought their mistresses to these balls, since they could hardly take them to the balls at the great houses.

  She went with another two women to the powder room and was silent as the other two, who were friends, chatted incessantly and hardly gave her a glance.

  It was a dark night but there were torches lighting the way between the supper boxes.

  On the way back the other two ladies slipped away from her and she didn't notice because she was lost in thought. Then when she realized she was not with them she didn't mind too much. She knew the way back for she had been to Vauxhall Gardens several times and though she walked alone she was not alone, for many couples were walking in front and behind her.

  But when she returned, she took the way to the back of the large supper box, and when she realized it she was about to go around the terrace when she heard a voice she recognized immediately. It was Shackel's. Violet slipped quickly into some dense bushes and foliage and heard him talking to two men.

  She strained to hear what he was saying over the voices of a couple that were walking by. Once the couple went past she was able to hear him clearly.

  “We will reach The Blue Raven Inn by nightfall. It's before we reach The Blue Raven Inn that you and your men are to accost us. You will take Miss Sentenell at gunpoint and when I try to prevent it you will hit me with the barrel of your pistol exactly as we practiced it and will do everything that we rehearsed. I will try to get up and make a showing of strength with my sword but you will quickly overpower me.

  “Do not do anything we did not practice yesterday. Understood? “

  “Yes, Mr. Shackel. Everything as we practiced it.”

  “It is when plans are changed that things go wrong,” pressed Shackel, “If you do everything as I have told you without changing anything I will give you the money I promised you.”

  “Yes. Everything will be as planned.”

  “Good. All right, leave this place now. No one must see you talking to me.”

  Shackel returned to the supper box and a few minutes later, Violet joined him there. They had their supper and then they headed toward the hall where the ball was to be held.”

  “You look ravishing, my dear,” he said to Violet.

  “Thank you,” said Violet, controlling her trembling voice.

  CHAPTER 38

  “Papa, you look very pale. Will you not try to eat the broth before we leave on our journey?” It was very early in the morning, for they had to start early in order to reach their first stop by nightfall. It would not do to be travelling at night. It was too dangerous.

  “I cannot seem to swallow, my dear, my throat hurts a lot.”

  “Papa, please, can you not do it for me? I know your throat hurts, my dear but if you do not take some sustenance you will feel even weaker. Please, will you allow me to help you sip it? Martha has mixed honey and lemon that I shall give you after you finish your broth. It will soothe your aching throat, my dear.

  “All right, Ceci. I will shut my eyes and try to ignore the pain. I believe that on top of everything I am now in danger of getting la grippe. My throat is on fire.”

  “You will be comfortable in the carriage, Papa, and I will wrap you up in double the blankets so that you will not catch a chill. But the broth is important, for you must keep up your strength. Here it is, Martha has brought it for you.”

  Sir Geoffrey drank the full cup of the broth, which brought a smile to her daughter and to Martha. He felt better after they had given him a spoonful of the lemon and honey.

  Shackel arrived with his outriders and the two carriages were soon underway. Cecilia waved at Jonathon as he rode in his horse by their carriage window and he waved back.

  “Jonathon gives us such a feeling of security, does he not, Cecilia?”

  “That he does,” said Cecilia with a smile. She looked at her father and the smile
faded, for although he was sleeping, he was extremely pale and his sleep was fitful. Cecilia closed her eyes and prayed that all would go well and that her father would soon be under the care of the physician Alex Shackel had promised would see him as soon as they arrived.

  * * *

  Violet was glad Shackel was too preoccupied with his plans to think of making love to her, or rather forcing his lovemaking on her. They returned at close to two in the morning from Vauxhall and Shackel immediately left the house.

  She looked out the window, behind the slit in the curtain and saw him leaving in a curricle that had parked in front of the house. Once the carriage had left Violet got out of bed, lit a candle and thought about what she should do. She couldn't tell her mother what she had heard. Sadie was terrified of Alex. No telling how she would react, what she would do.

  Who to tell? She hadn't the slightest idea where to find that man, the Earl of Arandale who was betrothed to Miss Sentenell. Her mother might know but she couldn't ask her.

  Think! Think! She told herself.

  She lay on the bed and stared at the flame of the single candle. Would Alex return to the house before going on that journey? She tried to remember if he had taken a valise. She remembered seeing the valise in the wardrobe. She got out of bed and taking the candle she went to the wardrobe. She had seen the valise at the bottom of the wardrobe. It wasn't there. She went back to the bed.

  Well, at least that meant Shackel wasn't coming back to the house.

  She returned to the subject at hand. What to do? Miss Sentenell was lost if she didn't do somethinganything! But what could she do? And would anyone believe her?

  Her father would believe her. Lord Kelly was her father, though he didn't know it and if he did he would never acknowledge her. Violet knew the ways of the world and had no illusions about it. But she could still try to save the girl from the fate that awaited her.

  But could she save Miss Sentenell when she had not been able to save herself?

  Where did Lord Kelly live? She tried to think back through the layers of the past and to remember if her mother had once mentioned where Lord Kelly lived. She had not been his mistress for long–a few months only, so he seemed not to be too much in her thoughts once they separated.