With a nod, he headed down to the first floor to await the arrival of a special visitor. Normally he’d have chosen the office to talk, but instead settled on the family parlor. Not so much because it was smaller and more intimate, but because it would help set the mood for the evening. Accepting a brandy from Bing, he settled on one of two divans, this one covered in a blue satin, while he awaited the first of his guests. The one neither Lady Rosewood nor Lady Kersey knew of— Lord Bryce Kersey.
Through friends and contacts within and outside the ton, he’d learned the man wasn’t all he seemed to be. Over the years he had given the impression of being a rakehell with mistresses. Also that he loved the hazard tables. No one, not even his wife, knew he was an agent against the French. The ladies he associated with were contacts between him and the Crown.
Learning this information had been a great relief as he’d previously known Lord Kersey to be honourable and devoted to his sister. Now that he knew the truth, he needed to enlist the man's assistance in bring the murderer down. But unlike wishing to marry Kristina, this decision had come with fear for Kersey and his wife.
His ruminations were interrupted by Bing, announcing his first guest of the evening. “M’ lord, Lord Bryce Kersey, Earl of Frome.”
Robert stood and stepped forward to greet him with an extended hand. Glancing past Frome to his butler, he ordered a brandy for Lord Kersey. After waving him to a chair, Robert retook his seat.
“You’re a difficult gentleman to get hold of. I damn near had to pay a visit to one of your lady friends when I got the correct word about you. Seemed the Crown wasn’t pleased in my enquiries as to whom you actually are either.”
“Yes. Letting it slip could hinder my ferreting out the spies. Now, what might I be able to do for you?”
“Perfect. A man who doesn’t mince words but gets straight to the point.”
Bing entering with Lord Kersey’s brandy, halting further conversation until they were alone.
“Through your sources I wish for you to find out what you can learn of a person. Someone who’s escaped my searches.”
He waited while Kersey took a sip of his drink, suspecting from his furrowed brow the man was evaluating what he’d been told. “And this is the person who attempted to remove you permanently from the title? You know in doing so I’ll be forced to inform my wife, your sister, as to my true nature,” he answered, then took another sip.
“Unfortunately yes, and for that I truly and most humbly apologize. Though as I know your portrayal wounds Donna deeply, I feel it’s time you did, if for no other reason than to set her mind at ease. Thus the suggestion you arrive in an unmarked coach and come in through the mews.”
“I thought as much, m’ lord. When I go to see one of my contacts, I prefer a plain coach as I can make my way about easier. But enough of that. Against my best judgment, I agree it’s time Donna knows the true me. The one she married, not the one she and all of London read about in the broadsheets.”
“It must be a harsh burden to bear, having to tell her untruths all this time?” Robert took a sip from his glass.
“Yes. Now, when are the ladies arriving? As you know I took little interest in my wife’s evening entertainment. That will be changing even if, for one reason or another, I can’t accompany her.”
Robert was about to respond when a heavenly voice slipped into his ears. With a grin, he stood and turned to Kersey. “They’re here!” The man paled at the prospect of telling his wife the truth. “Cheer up, it can’t be that bad.” Robert barely finished speaking before Kristina and his sister swept into the room, coming to a halt barely inside the salon.
“Lady Rosewood, may I introduce Lord Kersey, my sister’s husband? Although I do believe you know each other.” Robert bowed to her.
“M’ lord” Kristina curtsied to the earl.
“Brother, might I enquire as to why my husband is here?” Donna demanded, aiming a biting glare at both men.
“Ladies, if you both will take seats while I ring for tea, all will become clear. Especially to you, my dearest sister." Pleased when they did as asked, he turned to the doorway only to see Bing had already disappeared to retrieve tea for the ladies and more brandy for the men.
“Fear not Lady Rosewood, Lady Kersey, for we will be going to the ball you’ve selected. But first…” He cocked his head to Bryce and nodded.
His brother-in-law took up explaining his behavior over the past few years. With coaching from Robert, he explained how and why he’d been recruited by the Crown to help in hunting down not only spies, but traitors. The man slowly relaxed as the story unfolded, obviously relieved to finally explain to Donna why he’d behaved as he had. He'd barely finished when Donna bolted from the settee where she’d been and into her husband’s lap.
Robert silently stood, offering his hand to Kristina. “My dear, might we give them a few moments of privacy?” he hinted, leading her from the salon.
On seeing the pinkness of her cheeks, he didn’t wait for an answer just escorted her from the room into the hall. After several minutes of silence from the parlor, Bryce called out, “I’m sorry Robert, Lady Rosewood. Please return.”
Stepping back in, he glanced to Kristina and was happy to see she’d been able to collect herself after what she'd witnessed moments ago. He returned her to the settee beside his still-blushing sister.
“I’d say everything is now well,” he said just as Bing entered with the tray.
“Yes, and I’m so relieved it’s all come out into the open,” Bryce announced once they were free of Bing. “As I told Donna, I’m ashamed at my behavior but it was needed.”
“Now that I understand, I agree with my husband. How will you be able to assist in finding the person who killed our father and brother?” Donna asked, giving her newly refound husband a loving smile.
Bryce started to explain, but Robert thought it best coming from him, so with a slightly raised hand, he halted the man. “We’re hoping with the aid of certain people, whom I don’t even want to know about, he can find the person or persons who not only ordered but executed the murders.”
“Correct, and to that end I’m sorry, my love, but you’ll have to put up with me at balls and other social gatherings as I’ve no idea when or from whom this information will be passed,” Bryce explained. “Unlike my other duties, which aren’t necessarily time sensitive, this is, as someone wishes Robert dead.”
“Then I would suggest we be off as we won’t learn anything here,” Kristina announced, rising.
“My darling, you are correct, and if I don’t miss my guess your parents will be worried we’re later than originally planned,” Robert said, collecting her to his side. Then, with Bryce and Donna following, they strolled to the ground floor and the waiting carriage.
With Kristina on his arm, Robert stepped up, handed his card to the Harris butler, and waited to be announced. Behind him, Kersey waited with his sister for the same.
After presenting to their host and hostess, he escorted Kristina to where her mother awaited them— impatient, he noted with a grin. He bowed to her. “My humble apologies for being later than planned, but something arose which needed to be dealt with.” Robert turned, with Kristina still on his arm, to Bryce and Donna.
“M’ lady, may I present Lord Bryce Kersey, Earl of Frome. And I believe you already are familiar with Lady Donna Kersey?”
Robert stood by as they made their bows to each other, then stepped up. He was about to speak when from across the ballroom, the orchestra started to play the opening notes to a waltz. “Lady Rosewood, I believe this is my dance?” he uttered softly before offering his arm.
“Yes, as are all the waltzes this evening,” she replied, accepting his guidance onto the floor.
As they twirled around the ballroom, Robert noticed from the corner of his eye several young ladies attempting to flirt with him. An entirely different selection than the ones who’d tried as he'd escorted Kristina to her mother. He wondered what their en
d game was? It was already well known amongst the ton he and Kristina were all but betrothed, and it was only a matter of time before they would be.
Swinging her through a corner, he brought her a little too close. Much to his amusement, she seemed to approve by the soft smile she bestowed on him. Several matrons scowled at his forwardness, not that he cared. Glancing around, he spied his sister and her husband enjoying the waltz— probably one of the first times in several years they’d partnered.
When the song ended, Robert returned Kristina to her mother, now accompanied by the earl waited. “Crossington, a pleasure,” he said, accepting the earl’s bow.
“Glad to see you’re better and will be able accompany our daughter about town.”
“Thank you.”
A giggle from behind caught Robert’s attention. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw his sister being escorted down the ballroom toward the French doors leading to the veranda. Something told him not to interfere, but the brother in him still wanted to keep an eye on her. Turning back to Kristina, he gave her a slight leer. “Lady Rosewood, would you care to take a stroll on the terrace?”
“Father, Mother, if you’ll excuse us, I do believe Lord Markson has made a wonderful suggestion. Also, something tells me he’s still playing brother and wants to make sure Lady Kersey behaves.”
“Now why would you say that, my dear?” he asked, making their way along the room, nodding to friends, toward the veranda.
“Because you’re her brother and you feel it’s your duty to always watch out for her, even though she’s married.”
The best he could do was give her a weak, knowing smile as they stepped out onto the terrace. With a gentle hand to the small of her back, Robert guided her to a quiet spot along the balustrade, partially hidden in shadow.
At the last moment his attention was distracted by the glint of moonlight on metal. Without thinking, he swept Kristina behind him for safety.
“Now you’ll die and the title will be mine,” a hidden voice uttered.
Chapter Nine
Hearing the threat, Robert turned to face the speaker and was met with a knife pointed directly at his heart. Reaching back to make sure Kristina was safe, he felt her hand in his, giving him some relief. Immediately he recognized the man, not by name but his unique hair: black with a white stripe.
“Whoever you are, you failed once to kill me, so what makes you think you’ll succeed this time?” Robert demanded, needing to keep the focus on himself as he watched as Bryce slipped up behind.
“That was a rushed mistake, one as you can well and plainly see I won’t be making again,” the assassin announced, stepping out into the light.
Now Robert was able to get a better look at the knife, a style of weapon he’d seen of only a few occasions, and none of them good. The man held a kukri, which meant he must have been in India, specifically Nepal. From the way he stood— feet slightly spread apart, knees bent, and shoulders relaxed— he obviously knew how to use it and wasn’t afraid to, either.
“Would you mind telling me your name, at least?” Robert asked while trying to figure out how to get Kristina away. Now that he could see the killer better, he noted madness in the man's eyes.
“Not at all. You should know the name of the person who’s going to kill you. I go by Maurice Junior, named after my father.”
Maurice was about to say more when several couples stepping out onto the terrace, one of whom called to Robert and Kristina, then started their way. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Kristina's mother, who stopped on seeing them.
“We’ll be right in, m’ lady,” he replied, then turned back.
“Until another time. I hope you sleep well not knowing when you’ll die.” Maurice backed away and was engulfed in the shadows.
Robert took a step toward him, but was halted by Kristina holding onto his good arm. “There’s no need, Robert. Lord Kersey should be in position to stop him.”
No sooner had she finished speaking than Robert heard a loud thump followed by a groan of pain.
“It’s all right. We’ve got the man,” Bryce called out.
Robert turned to Kristina. “Have your parents send my carriage around to the mews and go with them. We’ll meet you there with Maurice, then return to my townhouse. Right now I don’t want Bow Street to learn of this. I don’t trust them.”
“Give us ten minutes, as we’ll need to say our goodbyes and make an excuse for you not leaving with me.”
“That’ll be perfect, then.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek, then watched her spin about and join up with her mother.
He didn’t bother waiting to see what would happen between the two ladies; he knew they'd do as he’d requested. Instead he followed the sound of mumbling to find Maurice prone on the ground, a cravat gagging him and his hands tied behind his back. “Kersey, I’m having my carriage brought around to the mews. We can sneak him out through the rear garden door,” Robert whispered as he stepped up.
“Thank you, Brother. Oh, I’m sorry, were you talking to my husband?” Donna quipped as she strolled from the shadows with the man’s knife in her hand.
Even though he knew his sister was comfortable handling a large, non-kitchen type knife, and the idea of her waving it about disheartened him. “Donna, would you please put that down before you hurt someone, namely me?”
She ignored him, strolling over to Bryce and whispering something to him. Wanting to remove Maurice from the grounds, Robert followed her over. “Bryce, we should be off before someone comes along and questions us?”
“Yes. Would it be possible to take him to your townhouse? I noticed several unsavory men watching mine. Since I don’t know who they are or why, it would be best for all concerned.”
“Actually I was going to suggest that. My valet, Evan, has a talent in making the difficult talk and I was going to recommend we leave the two together for a little while,” Robert answered.
With Maurice between them and Donna leading, they made their way to the back of the garden, arriving as his carriage pulled up. Through the window Robert saw Kristina smiling back at him. He opened the door and reached in to drag her out when she slipped across the squabs.
“I’m going with you and don’t argue. Mother already knows, and she and Father will be meeting us. Also your sister is along I see, so it will be appropriate.”
Knowing he’d been defeated, he shrugged his shoulders, then glared at her. “Fine, but you’re to stay out of the way and do as told. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, m’ lord. Now why don’t you throw that piece of garbage in so we can be gone?”
He wanted to say something, but for the life of him couldn’t think an appropriate retort, so instead he turned back to Bryce. With a nod, the two hefted Maurice into the carriage, setting him on the floor. Once Donna and her husband were settled, he glanced up to the driver.
“Don’t take us to the front, but go around to the mews so we can sneak our prisoner in without being seen,” Robert instructed, then climbed into the coach.
Minutes later, Robert glanced out the window to the front porch of his townhouse and smiled as he saw Lord and Lady Rosewood ushered in. Shortly, he prayed, he’d be having a private meeting with Kristina’s father, asking for her hand. He prayed her father would agree to the union.
After the coach came to a halt in the mews, Robert was the first one out, followed by Bryce and the two ladies. The men dragged Maurice out and turned, only to be met by Evan at the rear door.
“Captain, m’ lord and ladies. Bing has escorted the earl and countess to the formal sitting room.”
“Very good. Now we need some information from this man, who goes by the name of Maurice Markson Junior,” Robert said to Evan as they dragged their prisoner through the door. "Fear not, though, he’s not necessarily a relation and I thought you’d be the best at finding out what’s needed."
“That would be who ordered the murder of your father and brother?”
“Correct. I�
��ll have one of the footmen stand guard outside the cellar room so you won’t be disturbed,” Robert said with a grin, then pushed Maurice into Evan’s waiting hands.
“Thank you, Captain.”
With one problem out of the way, he turned back to his guests. “Ladies, Bryce, shall we retire to the sitting room? I’m sure Bing has already arranged for tea and poured either brandy or whisky for us.” He didn’t wait for a reply, but settled Kristina’s delicate hand on his forearm, then set off with his sister and her husband following.
Strolling into the formal sitting room, he was happy to see his butler had indeed provided refreshments. After settling Kristina on the divan beside her mother, he turned to the earl. “Crossington, might I have a word or two with you in private?”
Ignoring a gasp from Kristina, he collected a brandy from the tray Bing held and escorted her father to his office. He waved the earl to a chair set in front of his desk, then he went around and took his own seat.
“M’ lord, I do believe you know what I’m going to ask, but form requires I say it. Now that the murderer is in custody, I wish to marry Lady Kristina Rosewood.”
He'd barely finished when her father said, “Granted.”
“Don’t I have a say in the matter?” Kristina called from the doorway.
Robert stood with his mouth wide-open as he watched her storm into the room, coming straight at him. “Of course you do, but not until I ask you. As you well know, I must first seek the earl’s permission. Now return to the other…”
He didn’t finish as his sister along with the countess calmly strolled in, Bryce slowly bringing up the rear.
“You see, Clarice, I told you he can be very difficult and demanding at times,” Donna announced, none too quietly. “Trust me when I tell you I’ll make sure your daughter learns how to handle him.”
“Oh, m’ lady, it’s going to be so much fun having you as my sister,” Kristina said, giving her a hug.
To Catch a Killer: Markson Regency Mystery Series Collection Page 6