Kala waited for the woman to leave, but instead she heard the sound of approaching footsteps once more. Surely Gabe isn’t back for more, she thought angrily. Once more the door opened and closed and once more she rushed over to the door, taking her previous stance.
“Well?” The man’s voice seemed slightly familiar, but Kala could not make a positive identification. He stood with his back to the door and could have been mistaken for any number of gentlemen she had seen this evening.
“Everything is set, my love.”
“Perfect. Did he suspect anything?”
“No. My informant has no notion of who you are.”
“Perfect. And who is he?”
“I would be betraying you both, my love, if I told you that.” Kala watched as the woman plastered herself against the man and captured his lips with a passion that she found embarrassing. The gentleman backed up towards the door and swiftly turned pressing the woman against it. The sudden movement startled Kala out of her crouching position.
She looked at the door and began to hear sounds of passion filtering from the other side. Deciding she had seen and heard enough, Kala quickly fled the hallway. She ducked into an empty room and spent several minutes gathering her composure. She spent the time committing every part of what happened in the gallery to memory. She blushed as she thought about what she heard as she had left, and had to open a window to allow cool air into the room.
Knowing Drucilla would be ready to send the troops after her, she decided to rejoin the party. She made her way around the ballroom and noted that Gabe danced with Clarissa once more. By dancing the amount of dances with her that he had, he let the ton know his intentions towards Clarissa. Poor Clarissa. Kala would not wish her worst enemy connected to a traitor. Perhaps she should visit with Clarissa about the situation. After making her way around the entire ballroom, Kala found Richard and Drucilla in almost the same spot she had left them. Tessa and Derek were entering from the terrace and the three gentlemen that had been her shadows all evening were blessedly missing.
“Where have you been?” Drucilla asked.
“I needed some air,” Kala lied easily.
“You look flushed.”
“I am fine. Where are the others?”
“They went looking for you.”
“Oh. Dru, do you mind terribly if we go home now?”
“Of course not. Here comes Dewhurst now. I guess you should at least allow him to escort you out.”
“I suppose,” Kala replied pasting a false smile on her face.
Southerby and McKenzie both met them at the door and escorted her outside as well.
“Dewhurst, I had a lovely evening.”
“As did I, Miss Simmons. I hope it would not be too forward if I asked to come by tomorrow?”
“I think that would be fine.” He placed another sloppy kiss on her hand making her all too thankful she wore gloves.
“I think I will come by as well.”
“That’s fine, Southerby.” He took her hand and dropped a kiss as well, but she quickly pulled it from his grip.
“Count on me, too,” McKenzie added in his deeply Scottish brogue, setting himself apart just slightly from Justin. After a similar kiss delivered to her knuckles, their party finally entered their conveyance.
Kala found herself truly piqued at the three men. They were fighting over her like a beggar might a piece of meat pie. She had had enough! Her head ached not only from their behavior, but also because of Hawkescliffe’s treachery. Once their carriage began moving, she dropped her head back on the leather squab and attempted to command her muscles to relax.
“What was all that about?” Drucilla asked.
“Three men acting like imbeciles. I have no idea what was going on, but I felt like a favorite toy three children were fighting over.”
“Perhaps some things will come to light tomorrow when they visit.”
“If I receive them,” Kala muttered, rubbing her pounding head.
Chapter 6
Gabriel escorted Lady Clarissa home.
“I had a wonderful time, Your Grace.” Her words did not match her voice which seemed strained compared to the beginning of the evening.
“As did I, Lady Clarissa.”
“Please, call me Clarissa. It is so much easier.”
“Yes, Clarissa. If it’s not too forward of me to ask, is all well?”
“Of course,” she waved off his concern and smiled serenely at him.
“I see,” he replied, content with her answer. “I will call on you soon. Good night,” he bent and placed a kiss on her gloved knuckles. She gave a curtsy and then turned into her house. Gabe climbed into his coach and ordered the driver to take him home. Kala had been the woman Dewhurst talked about earlier today, he felt sure of it. He seethed in anger. If he had known that, he would have gladly aided Southerby in his earlier endeavor. How dare the man impugn Kala’s reputation? He would have to have a talk with Derek and Richard and warn them to be careful of which vipers they allowed to escort her.
He arrived home to find his grandmother reading in the parlor. She wore an old nightgown and wrap, her hair braided and draped over one shoulder.
“You’re up late,” he moved across the room and dropped a kiss on her cheek.
“Couldn’t sleep. Something is bothering me, but I just can’t quite put my finger on it,” she looked up to see the look Gabe gave her. “Don’t give me that look. One of these days you will appreciate my ability. Now, did you have a good time?”
“Fair,” he walked over to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy. Considered a smuggled good now due to the war, he still refused to give up his favorite drink. “Would you care for anything?”
“No, thank you. Come and sit with me for a while.” Gabe moved over to the chair across from the settee that she occupied and sprawled in it. “Was it a grand event?”
“I suppose so.”
“You suppose? Did you not pay attention?”
“Not really. There were other things going on. Besides, if you are so interested, why don’t you attend the events?”
She merely waved him off and redirected the conversation, “What were the other things going on?”
“I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Yes, you do. I can tell something is bothering you. You just don’t think I can handle it.”
“You’re right.” He saw the determination in his grandmother’s eyes and knew she would not give up on the topic until he confided in her. He had always been close to her and she could read him only too well. “Fine, there were two men earlier today fighting over a woman in White’s. One of the men made derogatory comments. At the time I stayed out of it because I felt it wasn’t my business. I never heard the woman’s name, so I did nothing.”
“You found out this evening that you knew the woman?”
“Mikala,” he muttered before taking a deep drink of brandy.
“Oh dear. You must warn Derek.”
“I know. However, she is staying with Richard and Drucilla for the time being.”
“Tell Richard as well. Do you truly worry for her welfare?”
“Yes,” he sighed.
“You should tell Mikala as well. She needs to be able to protect herself, and if any young woman can, it is she. She also needs to prepare herself for any talk. If you pieced it together, do not think you are the only one.”
“You’re right. She and I also had a strange conversation during a dance.”
“Really?”
“Yes. She wished me and Lady Clarissa happiness.”
“She has moved on,” his grandmother sounded almost sad.
“It appears so and I’m glad for it,” he tossed back the rest of his brandy.
“Are you trying to convince me and yourself?”
“I’m retiring for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow sometime,” he said ignoring her comment. He leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Pleasant dreams, grandson,”
he heard her call as he left the room.
Instead of pleasant dreams, nightmares plagued him. Kala kept calling to him, screaming for help in her raspy voice. He could hear a man laughing sinisterly, but could never locate them. He ran about an unfamiliar countryside until he came to a small cottage. He heard a scream from inside and threw his body against the door, knocking it in. Blood covered the room and a woman lay on the floor. Blood covered her as well. Her eyes were open, but saw nothing. He had seen the death stare too many times to mistake it for anything else. He moved closer to her and fell to his knees as recognition hit.
He woke startled, breathing hard and drenched in sweat. He looked around the room. Recognizing his bedroom Gabe fell back against the mattress still sweating and rubbed his hands over his face. He had been dreaming, but why had the focus been Kala? His grandmother claimed to have premonitions. Were they like what he had just experienced? Never before had he had such a vivid dream, except once. Years ago, when they were all still children he had dreamed Kala had broken her arm. He didn’t tell anyone and a few days later a horse threw her and she did indeed break her arm. He had also dreamed of that fateful day he rescued her and received his scar. Gabe shivered at the memory he had suppressed for years. Had he inherited the sight of seeing from his grandmother? If so, why did they only involve Kala? Clarissa seemed to be having some sort of problem, why didn’t he dream about her? More importantly, was Kala truly in danger?
He stood shakily and walked nude across the room to the water pitcher. Gabe poured tepid water into the bowl and splashed his face. He looked into the mirror over the bowl. His eyes still looked haunted. The mirror reflected the scar that covered most of his face, and he studied it intently. The scar he had received fighting over Kala’s honor so many years ago.
Other scars dotted the rest of his body, but they could be hidden. Besides, none mattered more to him than this one. He shook his head to scatter his thoughts and cursed his overactive mind. No danger followed her. Her most serious problem involved an overzealous suitor. Gabe would warn Derek and Richard and let them take care of the situation. He had far more serious things to deal with at this point in time.
***
Kala awoke late the next morning, exhausted, her eyes gritty. She found herself still annoyed with all the men from last night. They acted like little boys keeping a careful eye on their favorite toy. She went downstairs to find food to break her fast. Enjoying the peace and quiet of being the only one there, she took her time and read the newspaper avoiding the gossip column. Instead, she read the business section and the articles that discussed the war.
She had spent a restless, sleepless night tossing and turning and pondering everything she heard between that woman, Gabe, and then the other man. Gabe’s treacherous behavior disappointed and hurt her. She had always thought him to be such an upright man, having fought beside Admiral Nelson. Why was he doing this? Should she confront him and give him the opportunity to explain? She dismissed that thought as she remembered his earlier refusal of any involvement.
She rested her head in her hands in confusion. Tension infused her shoulders and neck, causing her head to throb. Attempting to ease the tightness, she rolled her shoulders.
One thing had become clear after last night, she would not be marrying. She would rather be an old spinster with no one to answer to than be treated as she had been last night. Also, if truth be known, she would settle for nothing less than love, and she lacked that emotion with all three men currently vying for her attention. She refused to tie anyone up in a loveless marriage. Mikala also refused to be a burden on anyone, and that meant finding a means of support. Perhaps she could open a finishing school for young ladies.
“No mother would entrust their daughter to you,” she chided herself. This would take some time and research. She had a good head for numbers and the business section of the paper always made much more sense to her than etiquette rules ever had. Men did not do business with women. She would have to adopt a male persona for her business transactions. This might be more difficult than she had originally thought.
Kala left the breakfast room, taking the paper with her and retired to the library. She settled down on the sofa and began reading the business section in earnest making mental notes as she went. The morning passed rather quickly as she made plans for her future. She had several ideas that she wanted to investigate further. Kala enjoyed a pleasant visit with Dru when she came down then went upstairs to change into her riding habit after asking the butler to have Venus brought round.
She stood at the bottom of the stairs pulling on her riding gloves when a knock sounded at the door. Thompson opened the door allowing Southerby to enter.
“Just the man I want to talk to. What were you doing last night?”
“Not now.” Thompson again opened the door and allowed Dewhurst entrance as well.
“Good afternoon, Lord Dewhurst.”
“Miss Simmons. My, don’t you look fetching.”
“Thank you.”
“I came for that ride you promised me, Miss Simmons,” Southerby interrupted the conversation.
“Venus should be ready. Thompson?”
“Yes, Miss Kala.”
“Oh, but I wanted to take you about in my phaeton,” Dewhurst said with a whine to his voice.
“I am sorry, but I had already promised this afternoon’s ride to Lord Southerby,” she answered a bit coolly. “Perhaps another time. Southerby, shall we?”
“Of course. Dewhurst,” he nodded his head at the man as he followed Kala outside. If it were possible, Dewhurst seemed to reek of anger. How could he be angry over a simple horse ride? Kala mentally scoffed at the man and his manner.
“Thank you,” Kala nodded at the footman that gave her a leg up. She saw that Dewhurst left the house and had climbed into his phaeton before she and Southerby turned the other direction towards Hyde Park. Today a groom followed at a discreet distance for propriety’s sake more than likely per Derek or Richard’s instruction. Her companion chuckled as they left Grosvenor Square. “What do you find so amusing, my lord?”
“That was really bad form Kala.”
“Perhaps, but if he wanted to ride with us, he should have brought his horse.”
“Remind me to never get on your bad side.”
“He’s not on my bad side. He’s just not. . .”
“Not me?”
“Don’t flatter yourself, my lord, particularly after last night. I would appreciate an explanation for your behavior.” She noticed that he stiffened a bit.
“I am sorry, but I cannot do that.”
“Oh, no you don’t. You and McKenzie both acted strangely. Then Hawkescliffe interrogated me as to why I had allowed Dewhurst to escort me. Now, kindly explain, or you can hie yourself off as well.”
“Dewhurst said some unpleasant things about you at White’s. I just wanted to watch out for you. I seem to remember Hawkescliffe being there as well. He must have overheard the conversation and realized who Dewhurst had been referring to when you showed up in his company. McKenzie I cannot speak for.”
“I see. Well, I’m flattered that you wanted to look after me, but I can take care of myself. I hunt, ride, and fire a pistol with deadly accuracy.”
“Well, it seems you are not the helpless female that some are.”
“Definitely not.” They entered the park and headed toward the Serpentine, following it around until they reached Rotten Row. Kala wore a jaunty little hat that matched her sapphire riding habit. Her hair had been braided and coiled about her head. “So, my lord, how good of a rider are you?”
“Justin, please. And I’ve been known to win a few races.”
“Really? Why don’t you prove it?” Kala called over her shoulder as she urged Venus into a gallop. The wind rushed past her and ripped the bonnet from her hair. She could not have cared less. The strength of Venus beneath her rejuvenated her spirit. She glanced behind her and found herself a length ahead of Justin, albeit she had
cheated a bit.
She turned around and the smile around her lips died a little at the dark figure at the end of the run. The man is involved in treachery, she reminded herself. She pasted a smile on her flushed face, and pulled up as she neared the end. Justin finally caught up with her.
“You’re a bruising rider, Kala.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Justin,” she laughed, unaware of how her altered voice affected the nearby men.
“It is,” he gave her a charming smile that should have caused her heart to somersault and her toes to curl. Nothing.
Too bad the same could not have happened when she turned back to the dark man with the menacing look on his face. Her heart careened madly and she suddenly felt hot all over. You’re just exerted from the race, she told herself.
“Miss Simmons, Southerby.”
“Hawkescliffe,” Southerby greeted.
Kala merely inclined her head. “Hello, Hawkescliffe,” she greeted him with aloofness. He seemed taken aback by her tone. She smiled a little at the shock he couldn’t quite hide. “Have you developed a psychic ability?”
“What?”
“You keep appearing wherever I am. I just thought perhaps you were reading my thoughts.”
“Don’t be absurd. Where is your chaperone?”
“He was with us earlier.” Kala turned in her saddle and looked around. “That’s odd.”
“If you didn’t behave like such a hoyden, you wouldn’t have lost him.”
“Now see here,” Southerby began, but Kala placed a hand on his arm halting him.
“And you, Your Grace, are being an obstinate ass. You know that is a character flaw that you dearly need to work on. Only my brother, father or husband could ever tell me what to do, and even then I will continue to do as I see fit.” Gabe stiffened even more if that were possible. “And by the by, I do not see you in any of those roles, do you?” He wheeled his horse, a fine black gelding, the complete opposite of her white filly, and left without a word.
The man beside her let out a low whistle. “Did you hear a growl right before he left? I think he would have gladly strangled you if there had been no witnesses. Perhaps you should be nicer to him.”
A Thin Line Page 5