“Very good, m’ lady, but I most strongly encourage you to make sure the door remains open a little bit.”
“Agreed,” Robert said before another word could be spoken.
The tavern owner came from the rear of the building. “M’ lord, m’ lady, what a pleasure to have you grace my humble establishment. As requested, I’ve set the small private parlor for you as it has a lovely view of the side garden,” he announced, giving them a bow.
“Thank you. I’m sure it’s perfect. Our staff will be eating in the tap, so make sure they’re properly cared for.” Robert spoke with just enough sternness to make sure Amanda and Evan were well looked after.
“Of course, m’ lord. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the room.”
With a nod, he turned to Evan. “I expect a perfect report on your behavior later.”
“Certainly, Captain,” Evan replied, then waved Amanda ahead of him into the community room.
Once settled in their comfortably padded chairs and served a meal consisting of roast grouse, grilled asparagus, and boiled potatoes, Robert turned to Kristina. “Last evening you mentioned you'd found out some interesting bits which will aid in finding the person or persons responsible for the murders of my father and brother,” he began, then paused to see if she’d carry on .
After a few heartbeats he was about to continue when she cocked her head to him and frowned, which concerned him greatly. “Yes, however what I learned seemed to partly contradict what you mentioned in regard to your uncle.” She stopped to take a bit of grouse, then continued. “It turns out he was able to sneak back and steal the boy from the orphanage, then return to India.”
Robert leaned back in his chair, his glass of wine gripped firmly in his hand, as he absorbed what she’d imparted. If Maurice had come back unbeknownst to all once, could he do it again?
“Kristina, do I want to know how you were able to gain these facts as, from my understanding, my father wasn’t able to?” he asked, taking a sip of wine.
He watched as, right before his eyes, his confident young lady changed into the timid person he’d first seen, even reverting to her stammering. After a few words, she changed back into the woman he knew she was. “It was that simple, Robert. Once I found out where the girl gave birth, it was easy to find where the boy had been taken. Borrowing a tattered dress from Amanda, I shuffled up to the orphanage and told the headmaster I was looking for my brother who’s been there years ago. Of course I had a few coins with me to help if needed. All I had to do was say why I wanted to learn his fate, then hand over the money. I got what I wanted and no one was the wiser.”
Robert nodded in agreement, understanding how easy it had been for someone presenting as she had find out the facts years later. He now knew a great deal more, which concerned him greatly. What he’d learned confirmed what his sister had told him at the ball. Kristina was as good, if not better, than the men from Bow Street.
He worried whether or not Kristina would step back and let him continue the hunt with this added information, combined with what he might learn from the letters from his uncle. Part of him said it was possible while a larger part disagreed. At the core of everything was his word as a gentleman that no harm would come to her.
He was given a reprieve when the barmaid came to clear the plates and present several platters of fresh fruit, cheese, and freshly baked bread. He selected a pear and began to peel it when an idea came to him. What if she remained in the background and evaluated what he collected? Would she agree?
“Kristina, would you be willing to review these letters I’ve obtained, then ascertain what the Viscountess might say in reply? Then I can gauge what and how my uncle was thinking and what he’d planned for the future.”
“I must say it would be an interesting intellectual challenge, so I accept,” she answered, then slipped a slice of apple between her lips. Normally watching a lady devour a piece of fruit wouldn’t have bothered him, but seeing how her lips teased the slice drove him wild with desire.
Though not surprised by her reply, he now had another problem. He preferred not to allow the letters out of his control, so how could she read them while maintaining the propriety of a young lady? He could enquire if the countess would be willing to accompany her to his townhouse, but as he didn't want to involve any more people than necessary, he tossed that idea out.
Frustrated, he turned his attention to a beautiful chunk of Stilton cheese alongside the fresh bread. After cutting slices of both, he bit down, letting the tang of the cheese free his mind if even for a moment.
This brief interlude gave him the opportunity to study Kristina as she bit down on a red grape, cutting it in half with her perfect teeth. If that action wasn’t bad enough, he noted a tiny dribble of juice slowly escape, first over her lip and then down her chin.
Not knowing if she was aware of it and not caring what anyone might say, he leaned over and with the tip of his tongue he slowly, teasingly licked away the offending juice. Not stopping there, he lifted his lips to hers and then grasped her around the waist and lifted her onto his lap.
Tilting his head ever so slightly he was able to gain more of her lips. He teased her mouth open, allowing him to slip his tongue in, tasting the grape she’d just partaken of. With his desires more in control than his mind, Robert slid a hand up her side until it touched her breast.
As his fingertips danced over them, he pondered how they would look and feel bare. He’d never touched such a perfect pair before. Their contours and lines, soft and vibrant, swelled under his ministrations. He dared a glance through hooded lids, watching how the nipples peaked into matching hills of pure heaven. Wanting and ready to be conquered by him and only him.
“Lady Rosewood, what on earth are you doing in that man’s lap?” a very angry Amanda demanded from behind them.
“Kristina, I do believe we’ve been found out,” he murmured into her mouth as he separated his lips from hers, then lifted her back onto her chair.
Now able to move his head around, Robert looked over his shoulder to see Evan and Amanda standing in the doorway, scowls on their faces and arms crossed over their chests. Under closer scrutiny he noticed Amanda's lips were slightly red and swollen.
With a slight leer at them, he turned his eyes back to Kristina. “It seems we’re not the only ones misbehaving,” he whispered, then moved his head to the side so she could see Amanda and Evan. He grinned on seeing her eyes widen— not so much in anger but in astonishment at what she saw, he suspected.
“I do believe you’re correct, Lord Markson. Are we going to have to have words with them, or do you think they’ll behave in the future?”
“No, m’ lady. I can assure you it won’t happen again.” Amanda barely was able to utter the words.
“And what about you, Evan? I know you’re a bit of a ladies' man, so can you be trusted to keep your lips and hands to yourself?” Robert demanded.
“Aye, Captain, as long as you do. And the coach is ready for the return to London.”
Robert shot him a glare that seemed for the moment to wipe the smirk off Evan’s face, but it quickly returned. “Keep that up and you’ll find yourself back in Spain,” he announced, then stood, turned, and assisted Kristina up from her chair.
“Right, Captain. Then who’ll make sure you're properly turned out?” Evan risked.
He didn’t bother answering, just led Kristina past and out to the coach.
After returning Evan to his townhouse, with Amanda continuing on as chaperone, Robert instructed John Coachman to take them to Hyde Park. Upon entering the park, he instructed the driver to stop along the border. He planned to escort Kristina about as there were more than the usual number of ton out and about.
“M’ lady, would you care for a stroll to see what kind of mischief we can create?” he asked, climbing down from the landau, then offering his hand to assist her out.
“M’ lord, if you were to glance around you’d see we’ve already caused a bit of a
stir,” she said in a low voice, accepting his assistance from the coach. "It would seem several Grande Dames are already clucking their tongues at our presence here. If I was to hazard a guess, they don’t appreciate us showing our attentions for each other."
Until he heard her make the reference about each other he’d truly not known. Even though she’d welcomed his advances, he’d not been completely sure the feelings were mutual. Now he knew and was glad of it, as it put him in a better position to protect her.
After letting her shake the wrinkles from her gown, he settled her hand on his forearm, turned to her, and grinned. “My dear, considering the way you’ve been treated by almost everyone these past years, don’t you think it’s about time you stood your ground and did what you wanted?”
“You’re correct, and I don’t think with your brazen behavior at the ball last eve you sit well with them either. So to respond to your question, I would love a peaceful stroll about the park, in particular the Serpentine and the beds of flowers as they, until now, have alluded my perusal for fear of unkind comments from others.”
“Then shall we be off and avoid listening to any untoward words?” Robert suggested with a warm grin.
“That shouldn’t be difficult, as it would seem the only voice I enjoy listening to is yours,” she announced as they set out.
As they made their way across the perfectly manicured lawn to the first set of flowerbeds, Robert saw his sister examining the roses. “Kristina, shall we stop and talk to Donna about accompanying you to my townhouse, so you can read over the letters I mentioned earlier?”
“Yes. Might suggest, if she’s available, we start tomorrow afternoon?”
Robert didn’t get a chance to answer. He heard the report of gunfire just before he felt a stabbing pain in his left arm. Immediately his military training kicked in and he grabbed Kristina, cradled her against his chest and stepped behind a broad-trunked oak tree. Once he knew she was safe, the throbbing overcame him and he collapsed to the ground.
Chapter Six
Kristina, trying to remain calm, had mere moments to hunt out the shooter. She spied a man wearing a black jacket galloping away down Kensington Road on the back of grey horse. Unfortunately, he was so far away and retreating too quickly for her to get a good look at him, except for one key element— black hair with a white streak.
A moan brought her attention to Robert, now lying on his back. Blood oozed from his arm. Having seen many injuries with the farmhands at the estate, Kristina wasn't fazed. She grabbed his cravat from his neck and wrapped it around the wound. She then took the time to look at him and saw a pained expression on his face.
Kristina wasn’t paying attention to the few people who had rushed up until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She started to shrug it off, until she heard a familiar voice speak. “Kristina, 'tis I, Donna. I’ve sent a footman to get his carriage and bring it over here.”
Relieved, she glanced over her shoulder to see her friend standing behind her. “Thank you. The wound doesn’t appear all that serious from what I can see.”
“Um, no. It’s not,” Robert said, to Kristina's amazement. "The ball didn’t hit a bone and I can’t feel it in my arm."
She gave him a smile, then as he tried to rise, she pushed him back down. “No,” she snapped. “You’re staying right where you are until the coach gets here and I won’t have any discussion on the subject.”
Just then she heard someone attempting to push through the crowd to them. “Let me pass. I’m the Viscount’s personal doctor.”
Without bothering to see who was talking, she glared at Robert.
“Private physician. That’s Evan,” he whispered, a confused look as to why the man was there.
Minutes later he'd been loaded into his carriage and Kristina with Donna accompanied to his townhouse. Climbing down first, she was met by her father with a worried expression on his face.
“Are you hurt?” he asked, before moving her to the side so footmen could unload Robert.
“No, Father. This is from Robert’s wounds. And what are you doing here?” Suddenly she worried that he’d order her home and never allow her to see or speak of Robert again, and this she wouldn’t have. Turning, she started to follow the footmen carrying him on a makeshift stretcher made from a door. Surprisingly her father didn’t stop her, but followed silently until they were on the first floor.
Knowing it would be inappropriate for her to continue up to his suite, much as she desired to, she looked around, wondering what to do and where to go. Seeing Donna had stayed behind as well, she slipped over to her friend. “He’ll be fine, won’t he?”
“Yes, he will. Now come with me. Mrs Stoneworth has informed me the doctor has been sent for, and your mother awaits you in the family parlor.”
Kristina turned to her father who was stood to the side— knowing, she suspected, it was smarter to stay out of her way. “Father, would you care to join us, or would you rather look in and see how Robert is doing?”
“I’ll join you ladies and wait for the report, but first, daughter, wouldn’t it behoove you to clean up a bit? We wouldn’t want to give the Countess a fright with all that blood on your gown.”
She felt Donna’s hand on her arm. “Come with me, darling. I’m sure there are a few of my gowns still here that will fit you.”
Knowing how strong and determined Donna could be, Kristina glanced to her father. “We’ll be joining you and Mother shortly. Please let her know I’m safe and unharmed.”
“I will, darling. Now go.”
They walked in silence until out of her father's earshot. Kristina followed her friend up the stairs to the second floor, then down the left corridor. “Robert’s suite is at the end of this hall, and mine is right here,” Donna announced, guiding her into the room where a maid was waiting.
After changing not only her gown but her chemise as well, she washed her hands and splashed some of the cool water on her cheeks. Then the two returned to the first floor and the parlor, chattering away.
For some reason Kristina didn’t mention the letters Robert wanted her to read. She knew Donna was aware of them, but felt it wasn’t her place to say anything that might harm their friendship.
“Ah, that’s much better,” her mother said as they entered the parlor. "Your father told me how you appeared and yes, I would have panicked."
“We also heard from the doctor, ladies. He’ll be fine in a few days,” the earl announced to a relieved Kristina and Donna. "Perchance, were you able to see where the shot came from?"
Now she was in a quandary— tell her parents what she’d seen, or admit nothing and hunt the man down herself? Neither was a very good option, but the first choice might allow her to spend more time with Robert.
Taking the cup of tea handed to her by her mother, she took a sip and then glanced at Donna, the only other who might know the person. “Do you know of anyone who has black hair with a strip of white in it? The reason I’m enquiring is because I witnessed someone like that riding away in haste on a grey horse.”
She watched Donna’s brow furrow in thought, then glanced to her parents.
“Daughter, I do believe I know of someone as you describe. Maybe not by name, but by sight. There was a gentleman who called on me earlier and, not having an appointment, was turned away. I happened to glance out the office window as he marched away and was taken by the strangeness of his hair.”
This wasn’t the kind of news she wanted to hear. Whoever the man was, he must have been aware of her searching out the lost son of Robert’s uncle. Her stomach tightened in fear that someone might also be after her for what she knew.
No sooner had Kristina taken a nibble of a biscuit that the butler entered. “Yes, Bing?” Donna asked.
“M’ lord. M' ladies. His Lordship wishes to speak with you all in his suite as he’s a bit weak right now.”
“Bing, is it?” Kristina started. “Shouldn’t he be resting instead? I’m sure whatever he wishes to say can
wait until later.”
“My dear, why did I not know you’d fight my request?" Robert announced, leaning on the doorframe. "Actually, it’s more the Earl and Countess I wish to converse with than you or Donna.”
Barely able to contain her excitement Kristina sprung from the settee where she’d been reposing and rushed to him, a step ahead of her father. “Hampshire, are you always this stubborn?” the earl asked, helping him to a chair.
“M’ lord, trust me he is and can be when he wants something,” his sister replied.
Waiting until he was settled, Kristina turned to the butler. “Brandy for His Lordship?” She spoke the words as an order, not a request.
“At once, m’ lady,” Bing answered with a knowing grin, then slipped away. Her face warmed on realizing she’d most definitely overstepped her bounds by ordering a staff member from another house to do her bidding.
She turned her attention to Robert, but before she could say anything, her father stepped up. “Hampshire, I know you gave your word nothing would happen to our daughter, so can you explain this incident?”
“Crossington, I wish I was able to. I’m as amazed and aghast as you at the brazen attempt on my life, in broad daylight no less. However I do suspect this could all have to do with the murder of my father and brother, which I’m investigating.”
“Well this sort of thing can’t go on any longer,” the earl said. "Fortunately, my daughter was able to get a look at the possible assassin, and he fits the description of someone who visited me earlier."
Robert took another sip of his brandy, then turned to her, a brow raised as he waited for her to speak. “Do you know someone with black hair and a white strip in it?” she asked.
Kristina could tell from his shocked expression there was something familiar about the description. With no response forthcoming after a few heartbeats, she glared at him. “You know who it is, don’t you?” she snapped.
“Yes, I’m afraid so,” he answered, looking first to her and then her parents. “There is only one it can be, but, it’s impossible.”
To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection Page 4