“Thank you, for not revealing my secret.” Of course, not for a minute did she expect him to give her away. “Must confess I panicked when Mama asked me to provide the music for our impromptu celebration. I suppose I am in your debt.”
“But you triumphed.” Slowing his pace, he leaned near. “And I would consider the debt repaid for another kiss.”
“Percy.” Although she should have voiced a strong rebuke, she could not resist her fiancé, because she did so enjoy his mischievous behavior. “What will my parents say, if we are discovered?”
“Well, the trick is to avoid such entanglements.” When the other two couples descended the stairs, Percy pulled her aside and led her to the gallery. “What say you, my dear Margaret? May I have this dance?”
“Shall I hum a tune?” She could not help but giggle, as he bowed. “My, what an elegant partner.”
“Serenade me, beautiful lady.” When he stepped forward, slid his arm about her waist, and took her hand, she feared her heart might burst beneath his praise. “What is my fiancée’s choice?”
“How about Bach?” As Percy commenced the rotation, she recalled the singular piece, a romantic composition that always brought tears to her eyes, when she played it. “The ‘Largo’ from Concerto Five in F minor. It was originally written for the harpsichord, but it takes on new life on the piano.”
“Something tells me our home will forever be filled with music, and I am grateful for that.” He chuckled. “And you will teach our children the same appreciation for such pursuits.”
At his pronouncement, she crooned, as seemingly never-ending joy enveloped her, and he gazed into her eyes, as they twirled about the gallery, with his ancestors in attendance as an audience, of a sort, via their distinguished portraits. With each successive turn, she soared in her man’s steady embrace, and in his presence found staunch support.
Indeed, he wanted her as she was, sans the grace and cordiality of Miranda. To Margaret’s surprise and infinite thanks, he understood her, and in her he saw value, when she had been so certain it would never happen. Thus, she found acceptance when she least expected it.
As they neared a rather large statue, he shifted course, ducked behind the huge sculpture, came to a sudden halt, and kissed her. What began as soothing warmth soon erupted into something much more, as she parted her lips, and he mingled his tongue with hers.
Fire danced in her veins, searing every muscle, and charging every nerve. Indeed, it was a fantasy. A dream. As her heart hammered in her chest, her ears rang, and then he ceased his tender attentions, with an abrupt flinch, much to her dismay.
“Did I do something wrong?” Gasping for breath, she rested her head to his chest.
“No, darling.” Given his term of endearment, she could not stifle a brief shriek of euphoria, and he laughed. “You did everything right. Perhaps, a little too right, as I desire you more than you realize.”
“Is that bad?” Shifting, she hugged him about the waist and sighed. “Should I refrain from encouraging you? Should I feign indifference?”
“If you do, I shall be quite perturbed, as your fervent response is one of your best assets, because a man desires a wife who desires him.” He massaged the nape of her neck and kissed her crown. “But there is something we should discuss, if you would grant me an audience, tomorrow, after church. I would—”
From beyond the confines of the artwork, someone cleared their throat, and she started.
With a mighty scowl, Percy lifted his head. “Who goes there?”
“It is Earnest, and you would do well to join us in the drawing room, before Mr. Hogart finds you dallying with his daughter.” Mr. Howe’s clipped tone brought the burn of a blush to her cheeks, and she glanced at Percy. “Cousin, do not shame our family while you are a guest in my home. While no one understands your devotion better than I, and I am the last person to preach on the strictures that govern our set, I forbid you to embarrass my wife on our first holiday celebration at Whitstone. Now, come out from the shadows and partake of the festivities.”
“Give us a minute, cousin.” Percy caressed her cheek and pressed his lips to hers. “It will be all right, Margaret. I promise.”
Something in his cryptic comment, coupled with his expression of concern, sent a chill down her spine, but she shrugged off the disconcerting sensation. When he retreated and extended his arm, she settled her palm in the crook of his elbow, and with heads held high they rounded the sculpture.
“Listen, if you wish to…linger, in private, use the back parlor, as it is remote, and you may make a quick escape through the terrace doors, should you need to sneak away, unobserved,” Ernest explained, as they descended the stairs. “And then there is the alcove in the west wing, on the second floor. If you are interested, it offers a stunning view of the gardens, but its best feature is the creaky floor in the hall, which all but announces approaching interlopers.”
“Thank you.” Percy gave her a gentle nudge and winked. “We will remember that bit of information, and put it to good use.”
Margaret liked the sound of that.
“Ah, there they are, and not a moment too soon.” Papa clapped his hands. “Where were you?”
In a fit of panic, she gulped and shuffled her feet. “Um—”
“Miss Hogart dropped her sheet music, and I helped her collect it.” Percy came to her rescue. “And since we are gathered, I would beg your forbearance, as would take care of a very important formality, which I neglected until now.”
To Margaret’s surprise, papa clutched mama’s arm, and she sniffed. Ernest drew Henrietta to his side, and she smiled. It was then Percy led Margaret to stand by the hearth. Beneath the nutcracker’s watchful guard, as her gift loomed proudly atop the mantel, Percy dropped to a knee and produced a small box, from which he retrieved a betrothal ring, and tears welled as she could scarcely contain herself.
Taking her hand in his, he met her stare. “My dear Miss Hogart, would you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you be the mother of my children, my partner in all enterprises, and my anchor in tumultuous times?”
It was a dream. A fantasy. Every young girl aspired to such a moment, when her Prince Charming knelt before her, and she could not believe she was his chosen princess.
“Yes.” She nodded with unrestrained enthusiasm. “Yes, of course.”
To applause and cheers, Percy slipped the ring on her finger, stood, stretched tall, framed her face, and claimed a tender kiss. And then they were swamped.
“Oh, my precious child, I am so proud.” Mama blubbered. “I cannot believe both my babies are grown, and my house will be quiet without you, but I hope to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet, soon.”
“Mama.” Margaret giggled and then whispered, “Worry not, as I shall be about it, because I want a large family.”
“And I know you will not disappoint me.” Mama compressed her lips and wept. “But I cannot tell you how excited I am at the prospect of little ones running about my home, as it has been too long.”
“Step aside, Beryl, as I would congratulate my daughter.” Beaming, papa pulled Margaret into his arms. “My dear girl, I could not be happier for you, and you bring prestige upon our family, as we shall be connected to the Marquess of Ravenwood. In short, you do great credit to the Hogart name.”
“Thank you, Papa.” It was the first time in her life that her father extended genuine praise. Indeed, she suspected it was the first time he ever really looked at her.
After felicitous exchanges with Mr. and Mrs. Howe, Margaret gave her focus to her groom and his present, which she selected, in haste, and she wished she had given more effort to his gift. From the side table, she retrieved the parcel.
“For me?” Percy grinned. “Whatever it is, I adore it, already, because it is from you.”
It took a few minutes before she realized she held her breath, as hers was a modest offering, yet it was nonetheless personal than his nutcracker. When he removed the brown paper, and pulled the f
rame free, she waited for his reaction.
“I do not believe it.” He cast a boyish expression, as he held up the hand-drawn charcoal portrait. “It is me. Did you do this? Is it your work?”
“Yes.” Together, they sat on the sofa. “I drew it from memory, given we had met at various social events. But, since we are much better acquainted, I should revisit it, to improve the likeness.”
“You will do no such thing, as I treasure it.” Again, he claimed her hand in his, pressed his lips to her bare knuckles, and whispered, “I had no idea my future wife was so multi-talented, and I sincerely anticipate discovering what other skills you possess.”
“Percy.” She could only imagine to what he referred, but her mind ran amok. Yet, in that moment, she ached to indulge in another tryst. “I want to kiss you.”
“Now, that is music to my ears.” He glanced left and then right, as her parents and the Howes enacted their own discussions. “What say we rendezvous in the alcove my cousin recommended, after everyone retires, and admire the night sky?”
“My saucy fiancé, I am at your service.” As a treat, she decided she would take down her hair for their assignation. “What time should—”
“What is this?” None too delicately, Papa wrenched the nutcracker from the mantel, yanked on the lever, and the wood splintered. “Oh, dear. It appears to have come loose.”
“Careful, Papa.” Margaret shot to her feet. “You broke it. You broke my gift from Percy.”
“I apologize, Margaret, but I meant no harm.” Papa passed the damaged nutcracker to her. “I was only curious, as I have never seen anything like it.”
“Do not worry, sweetheart.” Percy took the precious nutcracker from her grasp. “I can buy you another one.”
“No.” She shook her head, as the ruined trinket struck her as a bad omen, when everything was going so perfectly. “I want this one, because you gave it to me, in the music room.” In a low voice, she said, “It commemorates our first kiss, and I will not part with it.”
“Are you so sentimental?” When she nodded her head, he tapped the tip of her nose. “Then I shall have it repaired, and it will be as good as new.”
Margaret could only hope the same could be said of her luck.
Chapter Four
Christmastide dawned on a crisp and clear morning, and the Howes gathered with the Hogarts to attend church services. To everyone’s delight, Barrington and Florence made an appearance, sans their children, given the bitter cold. Afterward, the family returned to Whitstone, for brunch, which Percy barely tasted, as he was anxious to discuss the contents of the letter he received, with Mr. Hogart. But that conversation yielded to Barrington’s desire to convene the men in the study, while the women repaired to the back parlor.
“You have done good work, cousin, as Miss Hogart is charming.” Barrington raised his glass of brandy. “I toast you and your lovely bride-to-be.”
“Hear, hear.” Ernest smirked. “I am pleased to admit my wife predicted Miss Hogart would make an excellent match, and he has done better than you know, brother.”
Percy cast a stare of caution, but Ernest simply waggled his brows.
“Indeed.” Mr. Hogart thrust his chin. “Let us drink to the marriage of two great families.”
“I second that.” Percy nodded, yet his frustration grew, as he needed to speak with Margaret about the events that preceded their engagement, because he would not have her learn the truth, on her own. “St. Valentine’s Day cannot come soon enough for me.”
“When did you know that she was the one for you?” Reclining on the daybed, Barrington stretched his booted feet. “Because I do not recall you ever mentioning her.”
“In all honesty, I chose her while you were on the run.” Percy hated to bring up the unpleasant affair, given his cousin fled arrest for a crime he did not commit, but he would not let anyone labor under the mistaken assumption that Margaret was anything less than his lady, and he had remained quiet for far too long. “We met, formally, at the Netherton’s masque, in eighteen-thirteen, and I have been determined to wed her, since then.”
“You never told me that.” Mr. Hogart inclined his head and smiled. “So you really wish to wed her? This is not merely a union in payment of your services?”
“Uh—sir, I was not going to discuss that in the company of my cousins.” Percy shifted his weight in the high back chair near the hearth. “Per our original agreement, I have shared naught of your situation.”
“What situation?” Barrington inquired.
“Indeed, I am curious.” Ernest leaned forward and rested elbows to knees. “What are you hiding?”
“He hides nothing, Lord Ernest.” Mr. Hogart wiped his brow and frowned. “Mr. Howe merely came to my rescue, after a nefarious blackguard swindled my fortune. As we are for all intents and purposes family, I would share the state of my finances, if only to prevent you from suffering the same fate. And who knows, had I been more forthcoming, I might have spared others from the same downfall.”
“Sir, you could not have known what would happen when you entrusted your estate into the care of Ratking, a cunning man with a silver tongue, who boasted of his prowess and his returns, which I found too outrageous to believe.” With care, Percy explained the details of Mr. Hogarts impending insolvency, which brought them together and set in motion Percy’s engagement to Margaret. “The missive I received, yesterday, contained the results of my solicitor’s preliminary investigation, and the news is dreadful, I am afraid.”
“How could it be anything but, given Mr. Hogart’s considerable losses?” Barrington rubbed the back of his neck and scowled. “Must confess Ratking approached me with a similar scheme, and I declined for two reasons. One, because his returns seemed too good to be true, and two, because Percy manages the bulk of my investments, to my benefit. When Hogart approached me for advice, I did not hesitate to recommend you, as your skills are renowned.”
“This is most disconcerting, as I, too, was propositioned, and I politely refused Ratking, owing to my cousin’s abilities, which he taught me, to the extent that I handle the whole of my finances.” Ernest shook his head. “But how did he get away with his machinations?”
“It seems no one in the ton wishes to admit they were duped, thus Ratking’s devious doings remained a well-kept secret.” From his coat pocket, Percy drew the letter. “We can trace the transactions that liquidated various assets, as even Ratking cannot conceal that, but there is no evidence he purchased interest in any venture, on behalf of his clients. Quite the opposite, I am afraid. But there is more, as we can discern no source of income to subsidize his lifestyle, which leads us to a single undeniable and ominous conclusion. As far as my man can surmise, Ratking, a reticent individual of humble beginnings, used the monies with which he was charged, to support his family.”
“You must be joking.” Mr. Hogart blinked. “How could he possibly believe he could get away with it?”
“Because we suspect he operated in a nefarious fashion for the last ten years or so, shuffling funds, as necessary, to stave off any queries.” Percy scrutinized the information detailed in the missive. “The problem we face is Ratking’s victims are reluctant to come forward with complaints, as they do not want others to know of their ruin, and I believe there are many on the verge of bankruptcy. If we are to make a case, we need the sworn testimony of his targets.”
“I would be happy to provide any relevant details, regarding my conversation with him.” Barrington furrowed his brow. “The scoundrel must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“And as much as I detest the taint of a scandal, I can no longer remain silent.” Mr. Hogart peered at Percy and grimaced. “I am honor-bound to submit my account to the authorities, regardless of the consequences to my family.”
“That is noble, sir.” Ernest narrowed his stare. “But we are no strangers to controversy, and I wager we can weather the storm.”
“Indeed, we are with you, come what may.”
Barrington waved a clenched fist. “And I have friends in high places, as my brother learned, when he found himself embroiled in a muddle. I can help.”
“What do you propose?” Percy inquired.
“What do you require?” Barrington replied.
“If we are to bring Ratking to justice, we must devise a plan to uncover his subterfuge and establish what became of the fortunes that were not his to own.” Ernest scratched his temple and then snapped his fingers. “What if we enlist the aid of Sir Ross Logan?”
“But he works for the Counterintelligence Corps.” Mr. Hogart leaned against the armrest. “What can he do?”
“As the commander of our spy network, he can aid us in enacting a ruse to bring down Ratking.” Myriad thoughts filled Percy’s brain, and a plan took shape. As he pondered the various avenues for redress, he compiled a list. “Given Logan’s resources, he can deploy one of his agents to lure our villain into a trap. And, if we are successful, we might gather sufficient facts and evidence to spare you and your family any embarrassing involvement.”
“Do you really think it possible?” Hogart sat upright. “Although I am fully prepared to do my duty, I would not involve Beryl or my daughters, as they did nothing wrong, but you know society. They will not separate my poor decisions from my relations. Indeed, the ton will disparage my girls, and Beryl will not survive debtor’s prison. I fear I have sentenced my innocent wife to death.”
“No, you have not.” Ernest pointed for emphasis. “We can isolate them, but you bring up another quandary. What about your creditors?”
“I can satisfy them,” Percy responded, without hesitation. “I can loan Hogart a sum of money to keep his collectors at bay, long enough for me to launch a full-scale recovery of his finances.”
“I cannot allow you to do that.” Hogart shoved from his chair and paced before the windows. “It simply is not done.”
“Sir, would you stand on principle, when your very life hangs in the balance?” Determined to save his future bride, Percy seized upon the necessary holdings and plotted an aggressive course of investments, to turn a quick profit. Indeed, there was nothing he would not do for Margaret. “Forget polite decorum, and to the devil with etiquette. My position is such that I can afford to help you, and I could not live with myself if I did otherwise, so you will take what I offer and be glad of it.”
The Nutcracker Reimagined: A Collection of Christmas Tales Page 21