by Lady Vixen
With his thoughts in turmoil, he entered his rooms and absently undressed. If he were to steal the memorandum immediately, he would be in the unenviable position of having in his possession a document that could hang him. To hold it for almost thirty days was madness!
But to wait could be disastrous. He knew where the memorandum was at this moment, but would he be able to say the same thing in a week or two?
Lying sleeplessly on his bed, he mulled over the night's revelations and searched for a way to put what he had learned to his advantage. There was no question that he would have to allow a day or two to elapse before wandering casually over to the War Office and casually inspecting Major Black's office and the iron safe. The safe gave him little concern—his agile and sensitive fingers could open any lock.
Stealing the memorandum posed few problems; it was the timing that was his greatest obstacle. With a groan he cursed the fate that dropped this plum in his hand two days after the August rendezvous! He dared not wait before stealing the memorandum for obvious reasons, but what in the hell good did it do him if he had to wait nearly thirty days before he could set sail for New Orleans?
CHAPTER 28
A sleepless night presented no solution, and the next morning Christopher sat staring blankly at nothing in particular, still seeking a way out of his dilemma. Only one thing was a certainty—the knowledge that before the week ended he was going to have the memorandum in his possession. The only way he would be able to conceal the memorandum's theft was to replace the original memorandum with a fake and hope no one would detect the difference. To effect such a forgery, however, he would have to bring in another person, and this he had no desire to do.
The obvious course was to bring in Higgins. Not only was he absolutely convinced of Higgins's loyalty to the United States, he knew Higgins to be a master forger— indeed it was this talent that had led to his being in the British Navy in the first place, prison having been his other choice.
Though Christopher had not confided in Higgins, he often suspected that the older man had a very good idea why they had actually come to England. But not wishing to involve anyone else in what could be a very dangerous scheme, Christopher had kept his valet and friend deliberately in the dark.
But it did not take Christopher long to realize that he had no choice but to include Higgins; he was the only person who could be trusted.
Once the British found the memorandum gone, or once it was decided that it had been stolen, there was no doubt that their plans would be changed—which would make the memorandum he held useless. So there simply had to be a forgery lying in that damned safe.
For a long minute he considered telling Higgins immediately, but hoping another solution would present itself, he put it off. If nothing else came to him by the time he was ready to steal the memorandum, then and only then would he tell Higgins.
Shaking off his abstracted mood, he dressed quickly, exchanging only the most commonplace remarks with Higgins. As usual Higgins read his master's mood. Idly he inquired, "Something in the wind, Guvnor?"
Christopher sent him an affectionately exasperated look. "Nothing that won't wait. I'll talk to you about it later. Right now I'm going to call on my grandfather. He'll know by now that I am back in town, and unless I want a thundering scold, I had better go and set his mind at ease." Shrugging into his jacket, he finished, "Tell the landlady that I'll not want dinner here this evening and do as you wish for the rest of the day. Don't look for me before midnight."
Christopher arrived at Cavendish Square well before the hour that social calls began. Consequently he caught Nicole and Simon still at the breakfast table; Regina and Mrs. Eggleston had not yet descended from their rooms.
Simon was delighted to see him, and much relieved by his vigorous appearance. He started to order another place set for him at the table, but Christopher forestalled him by saying lightly, "Don't bother. I have already eaten this morning. A cup of black coffee would not be amiss, though."
Nicole ignored him, concentrating fiercely on her rasher of bacon and poached egg. The sudden breathlessness that assailed her at the unexpected sight of him infuriated her and made her even more determined to have nothing to do with him.
Last night she had vowed she would dance beneath his gibbet and, by heaven, she would keep that vow, she thought grimly. She was not going to continue with this silly infatuation for a man who obviously cared for no one.
Unfortunately she couldn't leap to her feet and sweep regally from the breakfast room, it would be too distressing to Simon. And despite Simon's apparent willingness to condone Regina's attempts to keep her and Robert apart, Nicole was very fond of the old gentleman and had no wish to upset him. Determinedly she kept her eyes studiously averted from the dark-haired devil across from her.
Though he seemed to pay her no attention, Christopher had certainly noticed the uncompromising set to her fine jaw. He had seen Nick assume that expression too often aboard La Belle Garce not to recognize it. But if the stubborn expression reminded him of Nick, certainly nothing else about her did.
Almost leisurely, only one ear attuned to his grandfather's comments, Christopher appraised her as she sat there so pointedly pretending he wasn't at the table. Wearing a gown of apricot jaconet with ivory lace ruching down the front, and with the burnished curls framing the stormy features, she looked particularly fetching. And Christopher knew a sudden urge to catch her in his arms and to make her as aware of him as he was of her. As he sat staring at her his gaze was drawn involuntarily to the sultry curve of her lips and his mind strayed from what Simon was saying.
Aware that he no longer had Christopher's attention, Simon hesitated then rambled on, watching the two of them with growing interest. As he continued to talk, just as if his grandson were listening avidly instead of barely conscious that he was in the room, Simon discovered with satisfaction that it was as obvious as the nose on his face that those youngsters were definitely drawn to each other. It was also exceedingly apparent, he decided disgustedly, that they were either too obdurate to admit it or too stupid to realize it. Pigheaded fools, the both of them! I wonder if I...
Hastily Simon drew back from that thought. No, he'd be damned if he was going to turn into a meddling old busybody. Let the pair of them work out their own solution, he wasn't about to stick his head in that hornet's nest! But it did relieve him to see that there was a foundation to Regina's contention that Nicole and Christopher were not indifferent to each other. It made it easier for him to continue to nourish the anger he had felt against Robert when he learned of the accident that had led to Christopher's wounding. And as long as he remained angry with Robert, Robert couldn't very well ask him about the truth of the engagement between Nicole and Christopher, he reminded himself. Besides, he admitted ruefully, he wanted Nicole and Christopher to marry! Deep in his heart he acknowledged that he did not want Robert to win Nicole's affections under any circumstances.
Christopher, realizing abruptly that he had been only half listening to Simon, jerked his gaze away from Nicole and said, "I beg your pardon? What did you say? I'm afraid I was thinking of something else."
A wicked twinkle in his eye, Simon barked, "Well, pay attention then! I asked if you were going to join us at Brighton for the remainder of the season. We're leaving on Monday and I don't expect we'll be back in London till the spring." Seeing Christopher's look of surprise, Simon added by way of explanation, "After a few months on the coast at Brighton, I always end up at Beddington's Corner for the winter, swearing I'll not step foot from it again. But come spring, the urge to come to London grows too strong for me, and I find myself once again in Cavendish Square. Then the whole damned cycle starts all over again. You'll probably discover it is the same with you."
Christopher merely smiled noncommittally, thoughtfully absorbing this new information.
Brighton was the favorite sea resort of the prince regent, and since the prince had begun to patronize it several years ago, the small village h
ad become the preferred haunt of the members of the ton during the fall months. And Brighton, Christopher remembered with mixed emotions, was not more than a few miles from Rottingdean and his rendezvous with the American privateer. Almost thinking out loud, he said slowly, "I have a cottage near Rottingdean, you know—it's where I have been these past weeks. Rather than join you at Brighton, I think perhaps I will stay there and ride in each day for whatever delights the town has to offer."
"That's ridiculous! Now I understood your desire for privacy in London, but really, Christopher, it is silly for you to ride in each day from some tatty cottage when you can live in comfort and style. I had been looking forward to having you under my roof again at least for a few months."
Christopher was tempted, if only to please his grandfather, but he declined with a great deal of politeness. "I appreciate your offer, Grandfather, but I do already have a residence nearby, and I would prefer to keep my own household as I have done in the past." A mocking glint danced in his eyes as he added, "If you will have me, though, I shall be delighted to stay overnight occasionally. Will that satisfy you?"
It wasn't what Simon had in mind, but he was wise enough to accept it without further argument. Burying his nose in the London Times, he was heard to mutter something nasty about hell-born cubs and their lack of duty to their elders. Christopher grinned and murmured, "I have said I will make it a point to stay overnight now and then."
Simon glared at him a moment before snapping, "See that you do!" and then stuck his nose back into the paper.
Nicole, after having forced herself to finish the food on her plate, very carefully laid her napkin on the table and, standing up, said in a quiet voice, "Excuse me, please. I have some things to discuss with Mauer."
Christopher looked directly at her, a curious gleam in the gold eyes, and surprising both of them, he drawled, "Must you leave now? I was hoping to persuade you into coming with me for a ride. It's a lovely morning and I have a new gig that I would like to try out. Come with me?"
Nicole's face betrayed no hint of the riot of emotions his request aroused. An eager yes trembled on her lips, but with a flash of inward violence she ruthlessly squashed the word. No! She was not going to let herself be mesmerized by the coaxing note in his voice, she thought angrily, remembering the anguish she had experienced over fear for his safety and how callously he had flaunted himself before Lieutenant Jennings-Smythe. No! She would not be a fool a second time—if one didn't want to get scorched, one stayed away from the fire. But she was aware that Simon, for all his apparent preoccupation with the newspaper, was keenly interested in their exchange, so she infused a note of regret in her voice as she said prettily, "Oh, I'm so sorry, but this task must be taken care of this morning and I already have plans for this afternoon."
Christopher detected the falseness of her regret and returned sardonically, "Some other time then. Perhaps at Brighton?"
Smiling in his direction and feeling that she had taken the first step away from his dark fascination, she replied vaguely, "Perhaps."
Before he could press her further or think of a suitable retort, Mrs. Eggleston entered the room; she looked especially engaging this morning in a smart French cambric gown in a pleasing shade of blue and a little lace cap on her silver curls. When she saw Christopher there was instantly a warm welcoming smile on her lips, which was reflected in the kindly blue eyes. Christopher was reminded irresistibly of a small good fairy from some child's tale, as, her cheeks pinkening with pleasure, she said in a soft, lilting tone, "How nice to see you, Christopher! It seems that what with all the balls and parties we seldom have the enjoyment of your company. I'm so happy that you called this morning. You must do it more often."
Simon, who had lowered his newspaper at Mrs. Eggleston's entrance, growled, "That's a stupid thing to say, Letty! The boy just got back to town last night as you well know! And he can't come to call on us much longer because you know we are leaving for Brighton on Monday." Throwing his grandson a dark look, he finished sarcastically, "Fortunately he has deigned to visit us there for a night or two."
Not a bit disturbed by Simon's gruffness, Mrs. Eggleston only smiled approvingly at Christopher. "How pleasant! At least there we will see you more than we have here in London."
Nicole, whose retreat had been stalled by Mrs. Eggleston's entrance, now took advantage of the lull and said hurriedly, "If you'll excuse me?" And after sending a blank little smile in the random direction of the other three, she departed from the room. Christopher stared meditatively after her, slightly perplexed at his impulsive invitation and the feeling of dissatisfaction that swept through him at her answer. Impatiently he shook off the old sensation of disappointment and decided that it was just as well she had refused him. After all, she meant nothing to him, didn't she?
Mrs. Eggleston paid no heed to the glance Christopher shot after Nicole, but she asked anxiously after his wound and his stay in Sussex. Then she said, "I was so disappointed when Nicole mentioned that you had been at Almack's and I didn't see you. Were you there long?"
Christopher returned a light answer; he did not particularly want to discuss it. But Mrs. Eggleston seemed determined to talk of nothing else. He ignored her prattle, but she caught his attention when she said, "Of course, Lord Lindley wasn't there last night, but he has been quite obvious in his attentions lately, and I wouldn't be surprised if he makes an offer for our lovely Nicole."
Hiding his inner conflict at this piece of news behind a bland smile, he asked idly, "The son of the Duke of Strathmore?" At Mrs. Eggleston's affirmative nod, he finished lightly, "Well, she should do very nicely for herself. Imagine, Nicole a duchess."
"I'm sure she'll be a lovely one," said Mrs. Eggleston with uncharacteristic tartness.
Christopher smiled, knowing full well why she was so annoyed with him. Rising to his feet, he said teasingly, "But don't set your hopes on it. Who knows, someone else—even myself—might oust the worthy Lord Lindley."
Both Simon and Mrs. Eggleston looked up immediately in response to his remark, and he wished he had simply bitten his tongue. Irritated with himself, he made his excuses to leave very shortly thereafter. A bewildered Mrs. Eggleston peered anxiously at Simon, unsure of what to think.
If Regina had been there, she'd have known how to interpret it, but at the moment her thoughts were on Simon and Letty. Over the months the situation between Mrs. Eggleston and Lord Saxon had not progressed to any great extent, much to Regina's exasperation. And it provoked poor Regina no end that Simon, having Letty at last under his roof, appeared content to let things remain as they were. If only Letitia would make more of a push to get Simon to declare himself, she reflected vexedly, as she was seated at the breakfast table.
Mrs. Eggleston, however, was neither vain nor ambitious, nor was she given to easy flirtation. It had not occurred to her that she might marry again, nor that Simon might think of marriage to her. When she looked at herself in the mirror each morning, all she saw was a faded little woman, hair silvered with age. She missed the sweet serenity in her blue eyes, and the soft appealing curve of her mouth. Even at almost seventy years her delicate face gave a hint of the charming young woman she had been, and of the genuine warmth and kindness that radiated from her. But Regina's mind was made up—this unsatisfactory state of affairs between Simon and Mrs. Eggleston was not going to drag on any further. She would see to it!
Once Regina was seated and her breakfast deftly served by the silent Twickham, Mrs. Eggleston breathed with pleasure, "Oh, my dear, I think Christopher is finally going to make an effort to fix his interest with our darling Nicole. He was just here, and from what he said, I do believe he is seriously considering marriage with Nicole." She added dreamily, "A December wedding would be ideal, don't you agree?"
Simon remained ominously silent behind his newspaper, but Regina looked at Mrs. Eggleston with a calculating gleam in her eyes. Mrs. Eggleston, Regina decided judiciously, looked most delightful this morning; the excited pleasu
re over Nicole and Christopher added a pink glow to her cheeks and an increased sparkle to the clear blue eyes. She is truly the sweetest person, Regina thought fondly. Her gaze shifted to the end of the table, and there, she fumed waspishly, was Simon hiding behind his wretched Times instead of paying court!
A devious and mendacious scheme leaped to her mind, and she said after a moment, "How delightful! And how wonderful for you! I expect you shall be overjoyed to be on your own once more and not have to be at Nicole's beck and call."
Regina knew this was the biggest untruth. Mrs. Eggleston was not at Nicole's beck and call; she was treated just like a beloved member of the family. And Regina, by determinedly whittling away at Mrs. Eggleston's reserve, had gotten some idea of her circumstances.
She knew that parts of Mrs. Eggleston's history were hazy. Why drag a child like Nicole with her, when she had absolutely no money? And she must have been extremely fortunate that her employers allowed the child to stay with her. She was certain Mrs. Eggleston was in dreadfully straitened circumstances, and that if Nicole's and Christopher's patronage were withdrawn, she would be thrown into the world to make her way.
Regina knew there was no danger of this. Neither Nicole nor Christopher would allow it, nor would she herself for that matter, and Simon, well Simon would absolutely move heaven and earth to prevent it... if he knew. Regina was also well aware that Mrs. Eggleston would never so much as breathe a hint of her financial state to Simon.
Regina's statement had a startling effect on Simon. "What nonsense is this?" he said, slamming down his paper. "Letty has no need to think of leaving!"
"Oh fiddle!" Regina retorted carelessly. "A newly married couple certainly wouldn't want an old woman around, no matter how much they thought of her. Don't you agree, my dear?" Regina asked, looking directly at Mrs. Eggleston.