Angel in Black

by Fela Dawson Scott

  Dinner was a long-drawn-out affair, and to Blake’s dismay, Lady Ramsey had been seated next to him. Elaborate courses were served, one after the other, making him wish fervently to be somewhere else. Unwillingly, he thought again of Rina, and wondered what she was doing while he was being tortured by the vapid Catherine. He wanted to forget Rina, but his brother was right, he did nothing but dream of her. His memory was etched with her picture, his senses filled with her delightful scent, and her silky skin. Blake could not forget her, any more than he could deny his own existence.

  Finally, dinner came to an end. The ladies provided entertainment as they sang and played the piano. Coaxed to play, Catherine left his side, giving him a moments respite from her incessant prattle. Blake found himself thinking of his golden girl as she worked on the stallion — her skills certainly more important than playing a damned piano and singing off-key. And yet, hadn’t he wished her to be more like these ladies? He understood Catherine better than he did Rina. Catherine’s hollow selfishness and lying ways were more predictable than Rina’s wild unconventional spirit. Is that what he truly wanted?

  Blake couldn’t stand the stifling atmosphere a moment longer, and didn’t know if he could take any more of Lady Ramsey’s cloying attention when she finished performing. When she started an encore, Blake slipped from the room. He found the door to the library open and wandered in to see a fire burning cheerfully and lamps lit on the tables. He looked about, and found the room finely appointed and the shelves well stocked with a variety of reading material.

  Many family portraits hung on the walls, going back hundreds of years. Blake was drawn to one painting in particular. He recognized William and Virginia Easton, and sitting between them, their daughter. He couldn’t remember her name, for she must have been only five or six the last time he saw her. She looked to be several years older in the portrait. Blake recalled hearing of their murder by highwaymen and shook his head in regret at the tragedy of it. As he stared at the woman, he was struck by a vague familiarity. Blake decided he imagined things — they had been dead for over eight years. He heard a noise behind him and whirled around to find Lawrence Langsford in the doorway.

  “She was a beautiful woman, wasn’t she?”

  Blake watched Langsford, his mood guarded, but nodded in agreement.

  “It was a tragedy they were killed, especially the little girl. It was a shame.” As Langsford spoke, Blake noticed his voice held the appropriate sadness but his eyes remained cold and hard. He knew his instincts were right; this man should never be trusted.

  “I thought of taking the portrait down, in deference to their untimely deaths. But I thought better of it, so I might be reminded of the fragility of life. Something we should never forget.”

  His statement prompted no comment but Lawrence saw the briefest flicker in the unreadable gold eyes and felt ill at ease. “Shall we return before the ladies miss us?”

  Blake merely nodded again, and the two men returned to the drawing room. Catherine immediately returned to his side.

  Chapter Nine

  NESTLED AMONG A GROVE of trees a short distance from the village stood an old stone building, once upon a time Camray’s winery. It had not been used in over a hundred years. The walls crumbled from age and were covered with ivy and moss. The doors hung loosely on broken hinges, and all the windows were long since gone.

  The moon cast eerie shadows in front of Rina as she walked along the wall surrounding the ancient building. The front gate creaked in the still night and the wind whistled through the iron grille, but she did not slip inside to the inner courtyard. Instead, she continued on around the high wall until she stood in the back, where trees and shrubs grew wild everywhere, making the path difficult to follow. Making certain no one followed, she ducked behind a large bush and into a hidden door.

  Rina carefully made her way down the steep stairs and darkened corridor, recalling her explorations as a child among the supposedly haunted grounds. When she had discovered the secret entrance and passage she now walked down, it delighted her, though she was slightly frightened by the black caverns she wound up in. Rina’s father had not known of their existence, and she doubted if anyone else did either.

  After several moments, she saw a light in the distance, and soon emerged into a well-lit room. It was used as the stables and was large enough for their horses, with another smaller area to exercise the animals. In one corner piles of fresh hay were mounded, barrels of oats and water stacked nearby.

  It was perfect, Rina thought with satisfaction, walking into an adjoining room. This was smaller, with a table and chairs, and other comforts of home scattered about. Four men looked up and greeted Rina when she entered. Jake and John smiled, excitement lighting their faces. They had thought her plans foolish at first, but now the first night was upon them, they couldn’t contain the exhilaration pumping through them.

  Two other stout men had thrown in with them and for two weeks they made preparations. They all knew the countryside within a hundred miles like the backs of their hands. All five horses they bought were solid black, with no distinguishing markings. The men had already changed to their all black clothing; black hoods on the table before them. Rina disappeared behind the blanket they had hung for her privacy while they checked their pistols, knives, and swords hanging from their waist.

  Donning her own outfit, a strange feeling stirred deep inside Rina. She covered her hair completely with a black scarf, making certain it wouldn’t pull free. The pants fit tightly, outlining her slender thighs and the shirt clung to her enticingly. Full sleeves buttoned at her wrists, the collar high. Rina noticed it cut daringly low in front, revealing the gentle swell of her breasts. She thought it all awfully daring, but decided not to change anything, hoping the men she robbed would pay more attention to her figure and less to her face. The belt fastened snugly about her waist, with places for her sword and pistols on it. The soft kid boots slid up to her knees, a pair of gloves lay by her cape. A plumed hat and mask completed the outfit. Rina couldn’t help but smile, thinking the people she robbed would not soon forget her.

  As she came out from behind the blanket, all eyes turned to her, their shock apparent as they stared at the shapely bandit she presented. To cover her immediate embarrassment, Rina joked, “Well, what do you think? Will we strike terror in the hearts of the aristocrats?”

  A grin spread across John’s face, his eyes twinkled mischievously. “You certainly will strike something, but it won’t be terror, Rina.”

  Rina felt a blush warm her cheeks and she playfully threw a glove at him. But her voice turned serious when she sat down with the men.

  “Tom, Charlie, this is the last chance you’ll have to back out. I’ll understand if you change your minds. There is always the danger of getting caught. If so, we would hang for our crimes. All of us depend on each other for our very lives now, so you must be certain of your commitment. We cannot afford any mistakes.” She paused to give her words the emphasis they merited. “Tom, you have a family; and Charlie, a new bride. Are you positive you want to ride with me? You have so much to risk.”

  Tom looked at Rina, admiration in his voice as he spoke, “I have known you since you first came t’ us, Rina, nothin’ but a child. I could name the endless times you have given, an’ never do you ask for anythin’ in return. You need not ask me again, for I would ride with you into hell itself.”

  Rina felt a tightening in her throat as she turned to Charlie. “And you? Do you wish to ride with me?”

  Charlie glanced shyly at Rina, embarrassment causing him to struggle for the right words. He swallowed hard and said what was in his heart. “When I broke me leg during that blizzard three years ago, I knew I was goin’ t’ die. Darkness fell and no one came for me. If I didna’ freeze t’ death first, the wolves closin’ in would most like kill me. I had no hope. Then you appeared out of nowhere — I wasna’ sure you were real. I had heard whispered tales you be a witch or sorceress, with your strange under
standin’ of the beasts. I wondered meself when the wolves grew gentle at your will, but I’ve decided you are an angel, and I would gladly die for you.”

  A single tear slid down his cheek and Rina could hear Jake sniff loudly. Rina looked at her band of men, touched by their words of devotion. “I don’t know what to say, except I am truly fortunate to have such friends.”

  Breaking the somber mood, John picked up Rina and tossed her into the air. Her squeal brought cascades of laughter from the men. “If you ask me, she’s a funny-looking angel. Who ever saw an angel dressed in black?”

  Tom picked up his mug, lifted it in salute. “Here’s t’ the Angel in Black.”

  The others picked up their cups in acknowledgement. Pouring herself some ale, Rina beamed proudly. “Here’s to all of us.”

  Silently they led their horses down the tunnels until they came out another hidden entrance in the woods. The men put their hoods on, concealing their faces. Rina’s mask covered hers. Without any words they headed for Camray.

  There wasn’t any social function Rina couldn’t find out about from the loyal people she knew. The dinner party at Camray was the perfect place to begin their new career. Rina’s spirits soared. For the first time in years she felt as if she could help the people she loved. The rich would consider them highwaymen — villains and thieves, worthy only of hanging. But to Rina, it would be worth any risk, even death, if the lives of the poor improved from breaking the law.

  As they neared the estate, they saw lights glowing from the elegant rooms. Rina’s heart beat faster as they moved toward the house — it had been so long since she had been to her beloved home. Carefully, they made their way to the side entrance, and Rina, Tom, and Charlie quietly entered the house. John and Jake continued on to position themselves outside the patio entrance to the drawing room where the people were gathered. Rina knew the servants would be in the kitchen, waiting for the bell to ring when needed, one or two inside the drawing room. Silently, Rina cut the cord to the bell and checked the other rooms, finding them empty.

  Laughter and music drifted to them as they stood outside the doors. Rina took a deep breath, winked confidently at Tom and Charlie before swinging the double doors open. With their guns ready, the trio stepped into the room, drawing the attention of the host and his guests. Rina stood in the center with Tom and Charlie flanking her. The music stopped and the crowd grew silent. Rina took another step forward.

  “Bonsoir Mesdames et messieurs. I am so sorry to disturb you at this time, but I would like a moment, if you please.” Her French accent was thick and her smile charming. Someone in the crowd asked Langsford if this was a joke, and Rina answered him. “No, monsieur, this is not a joke. We are most definitely robbing you. Now, if you would be so kind as to raise your hands where my men and I can see them? As you can see, I have two more capable gentlemen over by the patio doors, so I would suggest you cooperate.”

  A woman fainted, her scream fading into a moan as she slumped into a nearby chair.

  “There is no need to be frightened, ladies,” Rina said. “I assure you, if no one reacts in a foolish manner, no one will be harmed.”

  With a quick motion of her gun, Rina lined them up and in a pleasant voice asked for their money. “To be certain, the money is appreciated. S’il vous plait, if the ladies would be so kind and donate one item of jewelry each. No, no, Madame, I would not think of taking all your fabulous jewels; one is sufficient. Anything you will not miss overly much is fine.”

  Tom collected the money and jewelry and Rina walked over to Langsford. Her expression hardened as her anger and hatred bubbled forth. “Since you are the host of this little soirée, perhaps you would care to donate everything.”

  The woman bandit’s voice was no longer pleasant as she pointed the pistol directly at Lawrence; he had no doubt she represented real danger. Their eyes locked and a chill swept through him, as if a ghost touched him. His hand trembled from her audacity when she removed all the jewelry he wore personally. His fury was immense, but caution prevailed, keeping him sullen and silent.

  Randolph watched Lawrence’s humiliation and slowly eased over a step. He reached out for the cord to alert the servants, but before his hand grasp the cord a dagger sliced through the air and the blade sank into the wall, the cord firmly skewered by its point.

  “Tsk, tsk,” Rina scolded, and crossed to stand in front of the startled young man. “You shouldn’t have done so foolish a thing, monsieur. Besides, it would have done no good — I took the time to silence the bell so we would not be disturbed.”

  With deliberate boldness, Rina stretched out her arm and pulled the knife from the wall, Randolph’s face only an inch from its deadly edge. Smiling sweetly, she put it back into its sheath on her belt.

  “Well — aren’t any of you man enough to stop them? After all, you outnumber them.”

  Rina whirled about to see who had spoken so foolishly. Instead, she found herself looking into Blake’s golden eyes. He actually looked amused, and standing next to him was the lady who demanded the men take action against her. Rina’s eyes narrowed when she moved to stand before the ostentatious redhead.

  The woman clung to Blake’s arm as if he would protect her, but he didn’t seem interested in her plight at all. Boldly, he stared at Rina, unconcerned they were being held at gunpoint.

  Rina turned her attention back to the redhead. “Perhaps you would also like to donate all of your beautiful jewelry. And there is so much to give. Oui?”

  Appalled, the redhead complied with the demand, shaking from indignant anger. Unaffected by the smoldering looks she received, Rina glanced at Blake and actually found him smiling. “And you, monsieur, do you find this all amusing?”

  “Not at all. I find your company utterly enchanting, and you certainly brightened up a dull evening.”

  Blake said it low enough so only the three of them heard his words. Catherine’s incensed look made the charming thief burst out laughing. The light hit her masked face, revealing nothing, but Blake did notice fading marks on her bruised neck. He stiffened.

  “I hope we meet again, monsieur, you are certainly a most intriguing man.”

  Before Rina turned and left, Blake leaned over and whispered into her ear. “I’m sure we will — little one.” His words were in French, his voice strained. Rina dared a glance to see the look in his eyes and knew he was furious. She fought back the panic and casually strolled away. Signaling to John and Jake, they locked the inside doors and they all prepared to leave through the patio doors.

  She addressed the crowd one last time. “I must say, you have all been terribly generous, and I thank you sincerely for your cooperation tonight. Perhaps we shall meet again. Adieu, Mesdames, messieurs.”

  They blocked the doors behind them and quickly disappeared into the darkness to where their horses waited. Within minutes, Camray was left far behind. The dark figures melted into the black forest by the time the doors were broken down.

  The horses flew along the road, their hooves echoing in the still, dark night. The air cooled Rina’s heated face, the refreshing dampness clearing her head. Rina dropped behind and stopped, allowing the others to continue. As the noise of the fleeing riders faded into the distance, she sat still and listened for anyone who might follow. The night remained silent, only the hoot of an owl disturbed the quiet. Satisfied they were safe, Rina continued on to their hideout. She could hear laughter when she approached the room. When she entered, the men had already dismounted and removed their hoods. John ran to Rina and swung her into the air, his deep laughter echoing off the walls.

  “There’s more money than I’ve ever seen in my life, Rina. It was so easy, and you — you were magnificent. Your French accent was absolutely perfect.” He hugged Rina and carried her to the table, setting her down effortlessly. The others gathered around, everyone speaking in their excitement. They had been lucky indeed, for everyone carried a lot of money, and the jewels were worth a small fortune.

  �
�Rina, when will we go out again?” asked Tom anxiously.

  “I don’t know yet, but I’ll let you know soon. It’s getting late, so we had best be tending to our horses and getting home. I want you to know how proud I am of all of you. This money will feed and clothe a lot of people.”

  They all agreed and went about preparing to leave. When the men finished, they said their good-nights and made their way home. Jake figured John and Rina would like to talk alone and left without waiting for her. John waited for Rina to change her clothes.

  “What did Lord Roberts say to you, Kat?”

  During the robbery, he had noticed the slight change in Rina’s expression and thought he’d seen anger in Blake’s eyes. She walked out from behind the blanket, surprised by his remark.

  “You don’t miss much, do you?” John nodded and waited for her to continue. “I’m afraid my French accent didn’t fool him. He knew it was me.”

  John’s expression did not change, for he had suspected as much. “I thought so. Is he a danger to us?”

  Rina shrugged. “I don’t know and I’m not sure what gave me away, Johnny. I suppose I will find out tomorrow. He’s furious, I’m sure.”

  John grinned and replied, “Well, I’m not sure I blame him for being mad. Speaking for myself, there are times when I think you are too headstrong for your own good. What you need is a man to keep you under control. Maybe a good beating would help.”

  Seeing the teasing glint in his eyes, Rina sprang at John. They fell together, laughing, in a pile on the floor. John gathered her into his arms and Rina sighed. She looked seriously into the warm, brown eyes, her love for him filling her heart. “Are you still angry with me for going to London alone?”