The Dark of Knight

by Johns, Elizabeth

  “I understand. It might not have been better to have stayed with the army. It does not matter now. And you brought him to me, so all is forgiven…” She took a sip of her wine and smiled as Toro came bounding up from the stables. He was carrying a black puppy by the scruff of its neck. Leaping up the steps to the terrace, he promptly deposited the creature in Catalina’s lap.

  “What in the world?” Mendoza asked as Catalina cradled the miniature beast.

  “Toro is now a proud father. This little fellow was sickly and I believe I have nursed him back to life. It has kept me occupied this past week.” Felix took the little runt from Catalina. He had always loved animals, and this little one nestled right against his chest. “I am happy to see he is taking to you,” Catalina murmured. “I named him Midnight.”

  Felix was charmed. Mendoza was not.

  “How delightful,” her father muttered. “More Toros running about!”

  *

  Catalina’s heart melted into a puddle as she watched Felix make friends with Midnight. Not that she had had any reservations about him before, but any gentleman who could show affection towards the little runt in its current state was above reproach. Catalina knew better than many that looks were not everything.

  “I sent a letter to Dion’s family,” her father remarked. “I tried not to go into the details.”

  “Does that mean his family believes he died an honorable death?” She tried not to sound as disgusted as she felt.

  “What would be the good in telling them? In bringing them shame? They have lost their son.”

  “I daresay that is true. ’Tis not their burden to bear.” She was glad she was not the one to have to write the letters informing families of their loss. Withdrawing her gaze from Felix, who was stroking the puppy’s tiny body while Toro received caresses from his other hand, Catalina leaned back in her chair. For the first time since coming home, she felt content. There was really only one loose end that bothered her.

  “What did you do with Maria, Papa?” The servant still bothered her deeply. They had not been close, but the maid had been with Catalina at her most vulnerable moments. The bond between a lady and her maid was supposed to be sacred. If Maria felt betrayed, Catalina did too.

  “I let her go.”

  At those words, Catalina sat up again with a jerk, sharply turning her head to her father.

  “I beg your pardon? I cannot have heard correctly.”

  He proffered a shrug. “You told me yourself she had been raped, my dear. Her feelings were understandable.”

  “Are you saying an eye for an eye is now acceptable?” she asked with disbelief.

  “She has suffered greatly. Besides being violated, she has lost her sister and now Dion. I thought it might help her recover if she were sent back to her family.”

  “While I can sympathize with her plight, she attacked me and was involved in the plot to murder Colonel Hill.”

  “I understand, mi querida…” Although he spoke softly, she yet caught the note of wariness in his voice. “But I do not think Maria is capable of plotting and murdering on her own.”

  “No. She was, however, quite capable of attacking me!” She thrust back her chair, hastened to her feet and ran from the terrace.

  The men let her go, thankfully. If she had stayed, she would have said many hateful things. It was harsh to judge her father and she knew she was being unfair—at least in part—but to let Maria go entirely free? Now, Catalina fretted as she sped through the garden, she would live in fear of Maria following her or lying in wait around every corner. Would she ever feel safe again?

  Think of how Maria must feel, her conscience argued.

  Slowing her steps, she continued to walk, following the path down to the river. Feeling much calmer by the time she reached the bank, she sat upon a large rock overlooking the streaming water. A wet nose nudged her hand and she smiled at Toro.

  “You have not betrayed me completely then, have you?” She rubbed his haunches and kissed him between his eyes.

  “That depends,” a deep voice said from behind her. “He led me to you at my command, so please show him mercy.”

  “I am afraid mercy is not something I am good at,” she replied, now feeling enormous guilt for the way she had spoken to her father.

  “Your father acted as he thought best for everyone. He was not trying to hurt you.”

  “I know. My wretched tongue! I will apologize later.” She turned her head to look up at Felix, who had Midnight tucked into his waistcoat. Only his little head peeped out, nestled among the folds of Felix’s neckcloth.

  She patted the place on the rock next to her. He joined her and they sat arm to arm, leg to leg; she leaned her head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her. Exhaling slowly, she closed her eyes and listened to the water run.

  “This is my special place. I always come here to reflect, to have a picnic, to paint or to nap. I spent a great deal of time here after my mother died.”

  “It is an enchanting place.”

  “I am glad you were able to see it.”

  Midnight made a little squeak and Felix pulled him out of his cocoon inside of his waistcoat.

  “Yes, little one?” he asked, holding him up to his face. “I can see you are going to be a demanding master.” He rubbed the pup’s little nose with a finger and handed him to Catalina, who cuddled him close. There was just something about puppies which lifted one’s spirits.

  “Are you worried that Maria might come after you?” Felix asked delicately.

  She thought for a moment before answering carefully. “I do not know. I suppose I am afraid the nightmares will not end unless there is a proper conclusion to this sordid business. In my mind, I know it would be exceedingly difficult for her to hurt me here, and I do not think her hatred to me extends far enough to kill me. Yet, the way she attacked me, I…”

  “Our feelings are not always rational,” he finished for her. “I will do my best to protect you.”

  “I know you will,” she whispered.

  He stood up and held out his hand to help her to her feet. They began to walk back towards the stables. Catalina felt safe and at peace for the first time in weeks. They left Midnight enjoying a meal and Toro protectively watching over his family.

  “Are we to take the entire family with us to Madrid?” Felix asked good-naturedly.

  “I do not think so,” Catalina answered. “Midnight will have to go with us, of course. Toro would not enjoy being confined in the city.”

  He chuckled and taking her hand, pulled her along a path behind the stables. Once out of sight, he grinned devilishly at her.

  “I am quite certain stealing clandestine kisses is not proper courting, sir,” she said primly into his handsome face.

  “Whoever wrote the rules on courting can hang,” he answered. “It seems to me we should be certain we are compatible.”

  “If you insist,” she said demurely. Standing on tiptoe, she twined her arms about his neck, pulling his head down to hers. The touch of his lips sent fire through her body. She felt alive again and knew this man was her destiny.

  They walked hand in hand back to the house after a particularly toe-curling interlude. “What else did you have in mind for this time of courting?”

  “I thought we could use it for talking and taking walks, and getting to know each other better, but I keep wanting to kiss you at every opportunity.” He smiled roguishly.

  “Then I suppose we had better keep our talks and walks near the house and gardens.”

  “That would be wise, but I imagine I will still find myself stealing kisses.”

  She looked up with mock exasperation, gave him a naughty smile and then pulled him closer for a quick buss on the lips.

  “We would be wise to use our time wisely, then. Is there anything you wish to know about me that has perplexed you?”

  He narrowed his gaze in thought. “Perhaps if there was some gentleman you were considering before me. It was no secre
t you were the most sought-after beauty on the Continent.”

  She snorted ungracefully. “I think you mean heiress. It would seem to make one more beautiful.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “I am sure of it. I can think of any number of beautiful women who cannot boast such a following—not that I mean to imply such adoration gives me pleasure. The only difference between those ladies and myself is their lack of wealth and title.”

  “If you will have it so.” Felix sounded unconvinced.

  “But to answer your question: no, there was no one who had engaged my interest.”

  “And is there anything you wish to know about me? I have already told you I had not thought to marry.”

  “Then my question would be, are you certain you are not offering for me out of honor?”

  “Did you listen to my words earlier? I confessed my soul to you.”

  She sighed. “Forgive me. I suppose it is hard for me to believe.”

  “Then I shall spend the rest of my life convincing you.”

  “I do like the sound of that.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Felix was enjoying this week of rest immensely while he adjusted to the fact that he was soon to be married. Leg-shackled—a tenant for life—riveted—caught in parson’s mousetrap. The consolation was having Catalina forever. He wrote to his family to apprise them of his forthcoming nuptials and plans to bring Catalina to England for Christmas.

  He laughed as he considered each of his siblings’ reactions. Rowley’s would be the most priceless, but he did not wish to arrive with a bride, unannounced, in order to see it. Besides, Heath had already stolen that apple and Felix was quite content to do things his own way.

  He strongly suspected that Catalina and Eugenia would get on famously. He found he was actually looking forward to this Christmastide more than most. First, however, there was the ball and the announcement of their betrothal. The guests were expected to arrive that day and the ball would take place on the next.

  He sealed the packet of letters to send to England with the next set of dispatches, and then he tucked Midnight back into his waistcoat and went downstairs. He would be sad when the little fellow grew too big to wear inside his coat. He was not certain Midnight could walk, either, but if that was the case then he would find a way to carry him about. Hopefully, he would not be as large as his father.

  “How do you fancy a trip to England, Midnight?” he asked the black-faced pup, who looked up at him adoringly.

  “You do not care, as long as you are with us, do you?” he chuckled and scratched him behind the ears.

  Catalina was in the ballroom, directing the placement of the flower stands, chairs, tables and what must have been thousands of candles. She smiled when she saw him enter.

  “You have done a beautiful job,” he said gratuitously.

  She put her hands on her hips and eyed him with severity. “You need not offer false flattery,” she scolded.

  He could feel his lips twitching. “What would you have me say? It looks silly and frivolous?”

  “I would prefer you say nothing at all to that, certainly,” she snapped.

  “Have we interrupted a lover’s quarrel?” the insouciant Captain Owens asked from the terrace doors.

  “I do not care,” Captain Everleigh promptly remarked as he walked in and bowed before Catalina. “Forgive our dirt, but it is lovely to see you again, my lady.”

  “You two have only come for the food,” Catalina remarked, accepting a kiss on the hand from each of the dashing captains.

  “May I at least say how well you look?” Owens asked. “Before we decamp to the kitchens to grovel at Cook’s feet, that is.”

  “Sincere compliments are always welcome.” She cast a knowing glance at Felix. He feigned disinterest with a shrug. There was no winning that argument so he would not demean himself by trying.

  “Are the others following behind you?” Felix asked.

  “I believe there will be a deluge soon. We rode ahead, claiming prior acquaintance, but passed several carriages on the way.”

  “Then make yourselves useful and charm Cook. She can be temperamental when cooking for a large gathering.” Catalina made a shooing motion and the three of them took themselves off to the kitchens. As Felix led his friends away through the chaos in the house caused by guests arriving, along with their baggage and servants, Toro came bounding at him with Midnight in his jowls.

  “Excuse me a moment, gentlemen. Good boy, Toro,” he said, accepting his new charge. “It seems it is my turn to take watch.”

  “The fellow delivers his offspring to the nurse?” Everleigh remarked. “Remarkable.”

  “Is it not? There are four more, but they do not require as much care.”

  “And he knows this?” Everleigh could not seem to fathom such a remarkable creature.

  “He seems to. He brings Midnight to Catalina or myself after he has fed. The mother does not seem to want him, but at least she feeds him. Toro has taken it upon himself to look after him.”

  “Fascinating,” Everleigh said. “Perhaps I should take one or two of them.”

  “I am sure you will be welcome to them when they are weaned.”

  The smell from the kitchens was wondrous as they drew near, Toro following close on their heels.

  “I have died and gone to Heaven,” Owens said dramatically as they crossed the threshold into Cook’s domain. Instantly charmed, she motioned the “three diablos guapo” inside. After sitting at her worktable, where she showered them with mountains of food to sample, Everleigh switched to English.

  “Are the rumors true, then?”

  “Enlighten me on what they might be,” Felix answered as he placed a goxua cream pastry in his mouth that melted to perfection on his tongue.

  “Marriage. Diplomacy. Need I say more?” Everleigh raised an arrogant brow.

  “Yes, yes, and emphatically no.”

  “Hoist with your own petard, Everleigh! You owe me fifty quid,” Owens taunted.

  “You bet against me? Felix asked in disbelief, sneaking a piece of cheese to the mastiff begging at his feet.

  “I would say I bet for you,” Everleigh replied smugly.

  Owens shook his head. “The fool would rather lose money than admit a woman could defeat the brotherhood. I saw the way you looked at each other and I would never bet against a sure thing.”

  Everleigh sent Owens a scathing look. “How is my lady doing after all that transpired? It was her first kill, I assume?”

  Felix nodded. “Hopefully, it is also her last.”

  “It is a shame you are removing both her and yourself from the field. She was an excellent spy. You are an excellent spy.”

  “Her ladyship was in particular, mostly because it was so unexpected, if you ask my opinion,” Everleigh added.

  “We did not,” Owens jibed.

  “I think she is recovering, but she was not pleased with how her father dealt with her maid,” Felix said in an even tone.

  Owens and Everleigh both looked at him inquiringly. “Indeed? What did happen? I do not believe I have heard about this,” Owens said, scrunching up his face.

  “Do not make that face.” Everleigh scowled at Owens.

  “You two sound like old fishwives,” Felix complained.

  “Precisely. Let that be a warning to you, Knight,” Everleigh said, his voice dripping with sarcasm and amusement in the way that he had.

  Felix cleared his throat to bring the two to order. “To answer your question,” he said, a note of reprimand in his voice such as he would use with subalterns, “the general let the maid go.”

  “Scot-free?” Owens asked, wide-eyed.

  Felix inclined his head. “He felt as though she had been punished enough and did not have the wits to concoct such a scheme on her own.”

  Everleigh frowned.

  “Catalina was vexed, to put it mildly.”

  Owens whistled, drawing the eyes of every servant in the kitchens.
He smiled brilliantly, causing several of the young girls to blush. Cook shook her head and sent them back to work with a tirade in Spanish that almost made Felix himself blush.

  “What do we know of the maid?” Everleigh asked, still apparently cogitating on the matter of the general having freed Maria.

  Felix shrugged. “Very little, I am afraid. Servants are excellent at being nondescript. Catalina seems to think her intellect lacking, although apparently she has an excellent left hook. My lady assures me the maid looked worse after the altercation, but the fact that she was attacked by her own servant in the first place is disturbing.”

  “Why do I always miss the excitement?” Owens bemoaned.

  “Only you would dream of watching two females fight,” Everleigh drawled.

  Owens looked disparaging as he shook his head. “I do not think so, my friend. You need to leave the spying world on occasion.” He patted him on the back.

  With a saucy smile, the middle-aged Cook placed a platter of something black and slimy before them. Was it perhaps squid? Owens put one piece in his mouth, chewed for a moment. Standing up, he then placed his hand over his heart and knelt before her in dramatic fashion. Cook was basking in the praise.

  “This is probably some type of medieval aphrodisiac,” Owens muttered in English for Felix and Everleigh’s ears only.

  Felix would have to remember to tell Catalina to thank him later. If these samples were anything to go by, she need not worry.

  Everleigh stood up and Felix joined him. “Do you intend to remain here for the rest of your stay?” he asked Owens, who looked as though he was giving the matter serious consideration.

  “I suppose I should leave the magician to her work,” he said, casting a look at the cook.

  That did it. Felix was sure the cook had fallen in love. He pretended to pull the captain from the kitchens while Owens sang her praises on the way out. When they were above stairs again, Owens flashed a grin.

  “Too overdone?”

  “As usual,” Everleigh agreed. They went into the study and Felix noticed that, despite the caustic response, Everleigh was deep in thought.