Ice and Embers (Regency Redezvous Book 10)

by Melanie Karsak

  “What do you mean?”

  “Ah, well, a man may fall into the water and die of cold, that is certain, but if the water is frozen enough, cold enough, his body goes into a kind of slumber.”

  “How very odd.”

  “Isn’t it? Now, my daughter is in her workshop. This way,” Master Hawking said, leading me toward the back of the house.

  Opening a set of double doors, Master Hawking led me into a room that appeared to be half library, half workshop. Tables were heaped with cogs and contraptions, tools and wire, and books were strewn everywhere. There was a sharp clatter followed by a stream of obscenities in a distinctly feminine voice.

  “Isabelle?” Master Hawking called, peering around the room. “Doctor Murray’s friend, Miss Elyse Hawking, is here to see you.”

  “Doctor Murray is here?” I heard the girl exclaim with the tone of excitement. Metal clattered once more.

  “Yes, and his friend, Miss McKenna.”

  A moment later, the girl appeared before me. Wearing a wool skirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a leather apron, the girl was dressed to work. She pushed a pair of goggles onto her head then wiped a gloved hand across her chin, leaving a smear of grease in its wake. With her long, dark-brown braid and wide brown eyes, she was decidedly attractive.

  “Miss McKenna,” she chirped, curtsying to me. “So nice to see you again. I have to apologize,” she said, motioning to her dress. “I was working. Would you like to see?”

  “Oh yes,” I replied.

  “Very good,” Master Hawking said. “I’ll leave you to it then. Miss McKenna,” he said, nodding politely, then he excused himself.

  Miss Hawking waved to me to follow her. “You’re just in time, in fact. I was filing down the last bit. Nearly broke the piece, but cut me instead,” she said, looking at her finger which was wrapped in cloth stained with blood.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Fine, fine. Just made me mad. Come see. You’ll be the very first!”

  She led me to her workbench. There, I saw the amazing sculpture she’d been working on. She’d sculpted a tree branch from metal and on it sat six little songbirds.

  “Oh, it’s so lovely,” I told her.

  “Wait,” she said. She reached forward and pressed down on one of the leaves. A moment later, the birds began to warble. One at a time, they chirped gaily.

  I clasped my hands together. “That’s—“ I began, but she lifted a finger for me to wait once more and pressed another leaf.

  A moment later, the birds began in earnest, warbling out Vivaldi’s Allegro-Largo-Allegro. I stood staring at the little birds as they chirped in chorus, turning their heads and ruffling the wings and tail feathers as they vocalized the first minute of the piece. A moment later, they went silent. They shook their metal bodies as if roosting and settled into place once more.

  “I’m still working on a way to integrate the full movement, but this is a start. What do you think?” Isabelle asked, turning to me.

  I stared wide-eyed at her.

  She laughed. “You like it, then?”

  “Miss Hawking, you’re quite brilliant.”

  “Papa is the brilliant one. He’s working on quite serious projects. A clockwork eye, for example,” she said, motioning to the workbench behind her where several metal and glass eyes lay scattered. “I’m more for frivolity.”

  “You do remember that you’re talking to an actress.”

  She laughed. “And ballerina. Or so I was told.”

  “Yes. My grandmother was a dancer in her youth. She taught me. All my gifts come from her effort and patience.”

  Isabelle smiled, but I noticed a sadness to her smile, and I recognized it. It is the smile of a girl who was raised without a mother. “And mine from Papa’s.”

  “Well, this work is stunning,” I said, turning back to the birds. “You’ll need to show this to Kai—Doctor Murray.”

  “Do you think he’ll like it?” she asked, her expression brightening. “It’s so hard to know what pleases him. He’s always so dour.”

  I smiled at her, looking at her once more in a new light. She was, perhaps, seventeen or so. Was she looking for a husband? Kai would be a fine catch for a quirky tinker’s daughter. And he could certainly appreciate a clever and talented girl whereas others might find her lacking in manners. Perhaps it would be a good match. Perhaps, except the idea of it made something in my stomach harden.

  “I’m sure he will.”

  Miss Hawking set her gloves on the table then turned her attention back to the birds, but I could see that even as she spoke, she was distracted. “I’m not quite done with them yet. I’ll add colored glass for the eyes and just a bit of color on the leaves.”

  “Is it a commission?”

  She nodded. “A wedding gift. Some Scottish lord ordered it. I still have time. The wedding is not until May.”

  “What a lovely gift.”

  “Elyse?” I heard Kai call from the front of the workshop.

  “I’m here, Doctor Murray,” I called, reminding Kai that we were not alone.

  I heard him cough. “Yes. Right. Miss McKenna. Is Miss Hawking here?”

  Miss Hawking leaped away from her table. On second thought, however, she pulled off her goggles, removed her apron, and smoothed her long wool skirt.

  Her primping was not lost on me. Pulling a handkerchief from my bag, I handed it to her. “Your chin,” I said. I really did need to carry a hand mirror.

  Smiling at me in a very sisterly way, she tidied up, handing me the soiled handkerchief, then headed back toward the door. I hid my frown as I tucked the cloth back inside my bag. It was going to take a hard soaking to get that grease out.

  “Doctor Murray,” she called with a wave.

  To my surprise, Kai brightened when he saw her.

  Once more, that strange knot formed in my stomach.

  “Miss Hawking. How are you this morning?”

  “Very well.”

  “I was just checking on my patient.”

  “He’s a very amiable man. You know, I think he might be a gentleman of some station.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Well,” she said, looking a bit embarrassed. “It seems best for a lady to show refined conduct around him so as not to upset his sensibilities,” she said with a cough. “But aside from that, it was his manner. He’s clearly well-educated, sophisticated, and he ate very properly. And he commented on our sugar. He was confused as to why the sugar wasn’t white.”

  I shook my head and looked at Kai.

  “The wealthy use refined white sugar,” Kai explained.

  “Oh,” I said, suddenly feeling foolish for not knowing. Lady Waldegrave I certainly was not.

  “Mister Blackwell said he filed a report with the Bow Street Runners on the gentleman’s behalf. Have they been by?”

  Miss Hawking shook her head.

  “Perhaps later. If he is a man of consequence, someone will be looking for him.”

  “What a funny thing to say,” Miss Hawking said then.

  “Why?”

  “Well, he need not be a man of consequence for someone to miss him.”

  Kai nodded. “Quite right. I guess I was just thinking—”

  Miss Hawking laughed. “I only jest. I understood your meaning. Now, if you have a moment more, may I show you my latest creation?”

  Kai nodded.

  I followed behind them as Miss Hawking led Kai to her workstation. As she had with me, she delighted him with her design. Staying a bit back, I watched the exchange with curiosity. Miss Hawking’s eyes almost never left Kai’s face as she hunted for a sign of approval. Kai rewarded her with a full smile which pleased her to no end…until Kai turned that smile on me.

  Forgetting himself once more, he said, “Elyse? Did you see? Isn’t it marvelous?”

  At once, Miss Hawking’s expression deflated.

  “I think Miss Hawking is the cleverest tinker I’ve ever met,” I said, linking my arm
in hers, drawing Kai’s attention to her once more.

  Kai frowned a little, looking confused. He turned to her and nodded. “Indeed. It’s very remarkable, Miss Hawking.”

  “You’re very kind.”

  Kai pulled out his pocket watch. “I’m afraid the time is slipping away from us. I don’t want you to be late,” he said, turning to me.

  “I have a performance this morning,” I explained to Miss Hawking.

  She smiled. “Then let me see you both out.”

  We stopped a moment in the parlor to bid Master Hawking farewell, Kai promising to return again in the evening to check on the patient.

  “Father, why doesn’t Doctor Murray come for dinner,” Miss Hawking suggested. “And Miss McKenna too, if you are free.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry I must decline. I have an engagement at that time today,” Kai said.

  “Miss McKenna?”

  “I too must decline. I will be getting ready for a performance.”

  “They must have heard how terrible our cook is. Can’t blame them,” Master Hawking said with a smile. “Another time, another time. Come later, if you can. We’ll have a spot of brandy.”

  Kai nodded.

  I waved nicely to them, and then Kai and I headed back toward the Frost Fair.

  Kai held out his arm which I took.

  “You’re terrible,” I told him as we walked.

  “Terrible?” Kai asked, sounding truly alarmed. “How so?”

  “At being a bachelor.”

  Kai was quiet for a moment then said. “I’m afraid I miss your meaning.”

  “And that is the problem. I believe Miss Hawking is quite fond of you. Haven’t you noticed?”

  “Is she?” Kai asked, considering.

  “Well?

  “Well, what?”

  “And you? Do you have any…attachment to her?”

  Kai laughed. “Elyse. Seriously?”

  “Yes, seriously.”

  “She is very pretty. And very clever.”

  “So then?”

  “So then nothing.”

  “So, she is attractive and intelligent. And, I believe, you like and respect her father. You don’t find her a good match?”

  Kai was quiet. His reply was so long in coming that I was confounded.

  “Kai?” I asked.

  “I’m not interested in her. Now, stop playing faerie godmother. You’re not on the stage yet,” he said, his voice light with jest.

  “Bear,” I murmured.

  “Faerie,” he retorted, making me laugh. Suddenly, the knot that had lodged itself in my stomach untied.

  Chapter Seven

  We’d hardly reached the first of the Frost Fair tents when a boy came running up to us.

  “Doctor Murray?” he asked, his cheeks red, his breath forming a cloud of steam. I couldn’t help but notice his heavy accent. He wore a bearskin coat and cap. Dark, curling hair escaped from under his hat. His eyes were so deep brown that they seemed almost black.

  “Yes?”

  “The captain,” he said, pointing to one of the ships frozen in the ice. “Will you come?”

  I smiled at Kai. “Well, you were right about one thing. In this weather, you’ll certainly be needed here.”

  “I’ll come see you when I can,” Kai said, patting my arm.

  “Titania will be ready,” I replied with a grin. I waved to Kai, watching him follow the boy to the ship, then turned toward the theatre.

  I walked down Freezeland Lane. The vendors were just opening their tents for the day. The smells of oil cakes and fried pork perfumed the air.

  A sharp wind blew across the Thames carrying with it a light dusting of snow. It shimmered as it blew around me like crystal dust. The strange wind so encompassed me that I stopped. The wind, shimmering in the morning sunlight, spiraled around me. The light struck the sand-fine ice so that blobs of light shimmered incandescently. I removed my glove and held out my hand, feeling the icy wind. The strange torrent of wind slid through my fingers like silk. It pulled my hair free from its binds. Long strands of my pale blonde locks swirled around me.

  A moment later, I heard a sound like the tinkling of tiny silver bells, then the wind dissipated. Once the torrent had cleared, I found myself standing across from the fine gentleman I had seen the night before. He wore a blue coat trimmed with ermine and silver buttons. His hair was pulled back at the nape, and he sported a top hat. His fair locks were very long and not of the London fashion.

  He stood staring at me longer than was appropriate, but his manner was not menacing. More, he seemed transfixed. It happened from time to time, fans of the theatre forgetting that we were mere performers, after all.

  “Good morning, sir. Such an odd wind, wasn’t it? Did you see it?”

  At this, he smiled, his blue eyes shimmering brightly. “It was a whirlwind.”

  “Quite magical,” I said, “but I fear my hair faired the worse for it.” I tried to smooth my wild locks. “I really need to carry a hand mirror.”

  The man smiled. “The wind only teased awake your beauty. Such a natural grace. You should let it hang long, not hide it with pins.”

  His flattery and frankness confirmed he was definitely not an Englishman. But aside from that, his voice held an accent that was not quite Welsh, not quite Irish, but something altogether different. I couldn’t help but feel the effect of his compliment. He was certainly a gentleman and a handsome one at that. But I was also well aware of the fact that actresses had a reputation for being easily won. And if I had any hopes of making a case for myself with the Waldegraves, I needed to keep my reputation above ill-repute.

  “Thank you,” I said, feeling my cheeks redden.

  “You are very welcome. You are, by far, the fairest maiden on the Thames, Miss McKenna.”

  “Sir…” I protested politely.

  When he did not respond, I looked up only to see he was gone. I looked around but saw nothing but the frozen Thames. Odd manners, indeed! Shaking off the encounter, I headed toward the theatre once more.

  When I arrived, I heard the voices of my troupe members in the tent backstage. Clearest of all was Marion complaining bitterly about something. Harold, one of the stagehands, was busy lighting the braziers around the benches. He looked up when I approached.

  “What’s Marion on about?” I asked.

  He screwed up his face to show his annoyance. “Oh, she’s mad that Lizzie is playing the cinder girl. Best let her get it out before you go back. Besides, an admirer has been waiting for you this half hour,” he said, pointing to a figure sitting on the front bench near the brazier. John.

  I nodded in thanks then hurried to him.

  “Good morning,” I called gaily, burying all feelings of worry.

  John rose to his feet. When he turned, a look of apology crossed his handsome features. He moved to meet me.

  “Miss McKenna,” he said, fully aware that we were in plain sight.

  “My Lord.”

  “Please accept my apologies. I am so sorry I was unable to stay last night,” he said then held out a bundle he carried: Frost Fair roses.

  “They are calling them Frost Fair roses. In Spain, they were pale purple. London’s ice has turned them blue. Please, accept them with my apologies.”

  I took the roses from his hand. The small bundle was a petite version of Kai’s gift but every bit as lovely. “Thank you,” I said with a curtsey, though my heart bid me to take him into my arms.

  “Just as I left you last night I was met with an urgent message. Word came that my father had taken a turn for the worse. I had to go at once. I returned later but you were no longer here.”

  “Oh dear! How is your father?”

  “Elys—Miss McKenna, would you care to sit near the fire. It is quite cold,” he said, motioning toward the brazier.

  And if we sat, we may speak more freely. Our backs to the crowd, the tent drapes sheltering us from the common eye, we’d also go unrecognized.

  I nod
ded then we took our seats.

  Once our backs were turned, he took my hand in his then reached out to touch my hair. So surprised to see him, I’d forgotten that the icy whirlwind had teased it into a wild mess.

  “Oh dear,” I said, lifting a hand to brush my locks back. “I got caught in the wind.”

  “You look very beautiful,” he said. He took a lock of my pale hair between his fingers and stroked it gently. “I…I am so sorry I missed your show. You must have worried.”

  I nodded.

  John smiled, his cheeks dimpling. He reached out and touched my chin. “Pretty lady,” he said then smiled. “My father is a very proper man. We are not close, but I am his only son. My father doesn’t have modern sensibilities in many matters.” His meaning was plain. If there was an obstacle to our match, it was his father. “But my father is unwell. I do not expect him to last out the spring. I will inherit his title after him, then my path is my own. Elyse, I am sorry to ask this of you, but would you be willing to keep our mutual attachment quiet for a time longer until I can sort out the best course for us?”

  “Of course,” I said, feeling my heart beating hard in my chest.

  “It’s just my father…to him, our mutual fondness would be considered a scandal, and I fear my inheritance would be at stake if he knew how sincere my affections are toward you. He may do something rash. I’m sorry. This is such a serious talk so early in the morning. I just wanted to reassure you of my intent.”

  “John,” I whispered softly. “It’s all right. I understand.”

  He smiled, albeit sadly. “I hate the thought that you feel mistreated.”

  I shook my head. “Not at all. I know my heart has leaped above its station. I must follow your lead here.”

  John sighed heavily. “I hate that you think like that. Your heart has leaped into my hand, and for that, I am eternally grateful. You know how much I adore you,” he said with a soft whisper. Looking over his shoulder, and seeing no one save Harold nearby, he leaned in and set a sweet kiss on my lips. His mouth carried the taste of anise, which seemed unusual for this hour of the day, but I fell into his kiss all the same. My heart beat hard in my chest as I felt his hand undo the button on my coat near my waist. He slipped his hand inside my coat and gently stroked my waist, his fingers grazing the bottom of my breast.