Chapter Six

George

I s Signor Allegretto the most perceptive person I have ever met? Or the most imaginatively mistaken, at least about Selina's feelings?

"Why have you waited until now to tell us about Lord Steyne, Signor Allegretto?" George said. "Did you not realize that Miss Templeton could have been in danger?"

"That was my dilemma," Signor Allegretto said, "for Lord Steyne told me that if I confided in anyone, if I breathed a single word, he would first of all slit my throat, and then he would carry out his plan to spoil the beautiful romance between you two. He would make sure you were never happy together—the ultimate revenge on the man who had destroyed his reputation. Do you see my problem? If I told someone, I could have made things worse."

And you could have had your throat cut. A sobering thought.

"And yet you have told us today," George said. "A brave decision."

"Thank you for understanding," Signor Allegretto said. "I do not consider myself a brave man. In fact, when I leave Hunter's, I will do so by the back door, for fear of encountering my enemy."

He glanced towards the window.

"Ah! I see the rain has stopped. This has been a very pleasant interlude, however now, alas, I must bid you farewell. And Miss Templeton, do not forget I will expect you to be note perfect in the Mozart aria by the time of your lesson next week."

George shook Signor Allegretto's hand warmly, and Selina bade him farewell. They watched as he disappeared into the kitchen area, obviously still intent on making an unobtrusive exit through the back door.

"And now I believe we should set off for Number 1," George said. "We will leave by the front door."

"Your word is my command," Selina said.

George took her arm and they walked past the Abbey and Pump Room, towards Milsom Street. A watery sun came out, struggling to cast its beams through the lowering skies.

"Which way should we go now?" George said. "Carry on up Milsom Street, then past the Upper Rooms? Or would you prefer to go through Queen Square and into the Crescent Fields? 'Tis wet underfoot."

"Oh, I would much prefer to go via the Crescent Fields, regardless of how wet 'tis underfoot. Mama will probably scold me for ruining my shoes, but I care not."

"If you are sure," George said. "I do not wish to be the cause of friction between you and Lady Templeton."

"I am used to being scolded by Mama. She does not really mean all the things she says. Besides, I have plenty more shoes, most of them in very good condition."

"Because you so rarely wear them?"

"'Tis true I am happiest without."

The pair walked in companionable silence until deep into the Crescent Fields. There was hardly anyone about, most people being far too sensible as the sky was threatening rain again. There were plenty of sheep, though.

Eventually Selina tackled the subject George had been dreading. "I suppose we'll have to tell my parents what Signor Allegretto said."

"Tell them everything?"

"Well, not everything," Selina said. "Everything we know to be true. Not all the idiocy about the pair of us being in love with each other—which is nonsense."

"I agree, 'tis absolute balderdash," George said in a subdued voice, feeling the agonizing twist of a knife deep in his heart to hear Selina's words. She sounded so certain!

"Perchance Signor Allegretto really did have a contagious fever," he continued, "and he has somehow imagined the whole scenario, due to a high temperature."

"'Tis possible" Selina said. "He is very excitable—a true musician."

"But he could not have made up the part about Lord Steyne, the ruffians, and his black eye. That chimes with what we already know about Lord Steyne. No, on the whole I believe him—apart from..."

"I know exactly what you mean, and think the truth of the matter must be that Lord Steyne simply wanted someone to keep an eye on Number 1—and probably Number 2—in case you visited my parents, Edmund, or Henry. Have you considered that Lord Steyne might have had people watching you at other times, or even been shadowing you himself? Maybe that was why he was hiding behind the water trough on Holloway—for that is on the way to your home in Devonshire Buildings. You need to be careful, George. I would not like any harm to come to you."

She would not like any harm to come to me. Is this significant? Or merely the concern of a friend? Or acquaintance.

"Moreover, Signor Allegretto is a fanciful man," Selina said.

"I believe you are right, for he imagines love where none exists."

Although Signor Allegretto is not mistaken about the love that exists on my side, for I worship Selina. I truly believe I am in love with her—ah, how I long for her to be my wife.

"We two know the truth," Selina said. "We are friends—good friends—but will never be anything more, for our characters are too different. Why can people not see that?"

A sudden thought struck George—and caused him to feel frightened for Selina's sake. "You say people cannot see the truth—that means... oh, 'tis no matter."

"George, you cannot start saying something to pique my curiosity and then not finish your sentence. Please, go on!"

"I have no wish to alarm you, however, what if Signor Allegretto is right? What if everyone in Bath, save ourselves, really does think we are in love? That means Lord Steyne also mistakenly thinks we are in love. He wishes to harm me—and therefore 'tis probable he wants to harm you as well."

"If I were in danger, there would be evidence of it—and there is none."

"There is! What was all that on Grove Street outside the gaol? Is it possible those ruffians could have followed you? The one that stole your hat and his two companions? You rarely go out alone—but that day was an exception. Perhaps Lord Steyne set a watch upon your home—then had you followed to the prison, since you were leaving alone."

"I suppose you could be right, for I was surprised to meet such strange creatures, even though I was near a gaol. Certainly I did not expect to be set upon by three men."

"Yes, 'twas unusual for the area," George said. "Grove Street is not a highly fashionable street by any stretch of the imagination. However, I cannot say I have ever heard of trouble like this—in broad daylight, too. I thought at the time you were unlucky; now I'm not so convinced. Maybe the whole attack was organized by Lord Steyne."

What in God's name would have happened if I had not arrived in time? Would Selina have been abducted? Lord Steyne is guilty of treating young ladies shamefully in the past.

"This casts a different light on the situation," Selina said. "Perhaps we should tell my parents, and Henry too, everything that Signor Allegretto has revealed—making it clear he is totally mistaken, as is everyone else, about any possible mutual feeling between us."

"Possibly we should tell them," George said. "But are you sure? Absolutely sure? I mean, about the mutual affection part not being real?"

George stared at Selina, willing her to say the words that would make his dreams come true—and trying desperately to pluck up the courage to declare his undying love.

"Of course I am sure," Selina said.

She looks anything but sure! My love is twisting her fingers together and has such a wistful look in her eyes...

Selina waited a few moments before continuing, "For if we two were madly in love with each other and we found ourselves alone on the Crescent Fields, it would be natural for us to embrace, would it not?"

"Natural, yes," George said, "although probably not the proper thing to do, for people might see. Besides, even though we might be madly in love, unless we were actually promised to one another, it would not be right. I could not compromise a lady."

A pitter patter of gentle raindrops started.

"Quick!" Selina said. "We can make for that clump of trees over there. There is an ancient yew in the middle that will shelter us; it has a large space inside once you push through the branches."

George raced after her, and very soon they were nestled behind a thick curtain of dense branches with needle-like leaves; not a drop of rain was able to penetrate.

Selina drew her cloak around her.

"Are you cold?" George said. "Let us go closer to the trunk."

Maybe huddle together? Purely to keep warm . . .

Selina leaned against the tree trunk and looked up at George. She was heartbreakingly beautiful in the half-light. She and George were in their own private world, one where normal rules did not apply, a beautiful, innocent world like the Garden of Eden. George took a step closer to Selina and she lifted her face to his.

"George," she murmured, her lips softly parting.

Did she feel it too? The magnetic pull? Would it be wrong to kiss her?

Is this the beginning of phase three of my plan to woo Selina?

George tilted his head sideways and lowered his lips onto hers, brushing them softly with a delicate kiss.

"We would do this," he said, "if we were in love—which of course we have agreed we are not."

"Yes," Selina said, "and then I would put my arms on your shoulders and..."

Gently, Selina's fingers crept round to the back of George's head, and her fingers entwined themselves in the hair at the base of his neck. Then she pulled him towards her.

This time the kiss was deeper. More intense. Heavenly!

"Selina, Selina . . ." George moaned softly.

If only she knew how much I want her, how much I love her. But she is convinced there's nothing between us. Oh, what are we doing?

"Perhaps we should not kiss," Selina said, "as we are not lovers, only friends."

"Friends may hug," George said, putting his arms around her and feeling the softness of her tiny waist. Selina put her head on his shoulder, and they stood like that for a long, long while.

"And now I believe the rain has stopped," George said. "We must go to your parents, and you must receive a scolding for ruining your shoes."

Selina looked down at her feet. "I think I deserve it this time. So much mud!"

They walked in silence until they reached the door of Number 1 and a servant let them in.

"Goodness!" Lady Templeton said, bustling into the entrance hall. "You two certainly got caught in the rain coming back from Hunter's, didn't you? And Selina. Your shoes! If you both take your outer layers off, I will have them dried by the fire in the kitchen. Henry and Kitty came back some while ago—and Henry came round to tell us that Kitty is lying down in her chamber. She, er..."

"We know, Mama," Selina said.

"I thought you would have guessed," Lady Templeton said. "'Tis wonderful news, but very early days, of course, and I know you will keep this to yourselves. Discretion is so important in these matters."

George took off his greatcoat and Selina her cloak, handing them to a waiting servant.

"Mama," Selina said, "we must speak with you and Papa, for something has happened."

Lady Templeton looked absolutely delighted to hear this.

No! Does she think, along with the rest of Bath, that Selina and I are in love with each other? Perhaps think that I have declared myself? However, this would not be possible, for I would have had to talk to Lord Templeton first. Wouldn't I?

"It is about Signor Allegretto," Selina said. "Come, let us go into the parlor, and we will tell you all about it."

Did Lady Templeton perhaps look a little disappointed?

George followed Selina and her mother into the parlor, apologizing profusely for the state of his boots. Lord Templeton was already seated beside the fire.

Selina very rapidly outlined to her parents an edited version of how Signor Allegretto had been suffering at the hands of Lord Steyne. Naturally, Lord and Lady Templeton were both shocked and worried at the turn of events.

"I thought we'd seen the last of that odious creature," Lord Templeton said. "We have to be very careful from now on. I do not believe the man would dare come into this house, but you must be accompanied at all times when away from home, Selina. And no more running off down to the gaol or silly nonsense like that. Do I have your word?"

"Yes, Papa. Although I am sure I am in no danger whatsoever."

"Nevertheless, please take care, Selina," Lord Templeton said. "And you'll stay to dinner, Mr. Fitzgerald? I will see if Henry is able to come over later, as long as Kitty can spare him. 'Twould be good for us men to work out what to do next over a bottle of port—and I happen to have rather a fine vintage in the cellar. Now, Selina, tell us all about the talk at the Quaker Meeting House. We are keen to hear how it went."

Selina started giving a very full account of all that had been said by the visiting speaker—the former slave. George found his attention wandering as memories flooded back of his time spent with Selina under the yew tree on the Crescent Fields.

A tiny slice of heaven fell from the sky today and bound us tightly together. What bliss! I will treasure Selina's kisses for the rest of my life. Now I need to work out what to do next to win her heart.

*

Selina

George stayed to dinner at Number 1. Selina sat opposite him and listened carefully as he answered all Lord Templeton's questions, first about his medical work and then about his ideas for the eradication of slavery.

'Tis almost as if Papa is interviewing him for a position in his household.

Possibly Lord Templeton was one of the many people in Bath who thought that George would be a suitable husband for Selina? He was wrong, of course, for Selina had very little in common with George. He was far too different from her. Sometimes very eloquent, but mostly reserved—almost pathologically shy. He did not feel things as passionately as his appearance would suggest—for he looked like a wild poet, yet behaved in a considered, restrained, and rational manner. Mostly. To be fair, some said that those who possess a quiet personality often have hidden depths and fire running through their veins. Didn't they?

George did not hesitate to fight the ruffians outside the gaol—and there was certainly much passion evident under the tree on the Crescent Fields...

"You are not eating much, Selina," Lady Templeton said. "Do you feel unwell?"

"No, Mama—I find my appetite has deserted me."

I cannot eat when my mind is full of George...

Lady Templeton pursued her lips. She often became anxious when any of her children displayed a lessening of appetite.

"You must eat," Lady Templeton urged her daughter. "A good appetite is a sign of health."

I want no food. But I do feel hungry when I look across the table to see George looking so dazzling—hungry for his kisses. Oh, how confusing this all is.

George seemed to have no problem with his appetite and was tucking in to all the dishes on the table.

"Please, Mr. Fitzgerald," Lady Templeton said. "Have some more beef."

"Yes," Lord Templeton said. "A fine young man like you needs sustenance. Do not stand on ceremony. Eat as much as you like."

This was further proof, if needed, that George had a very steady character. Kissing Selina under a tree on the Crescent Fields seemed to have made little impression on him, whereas Selina felt all at sixes and sevens whenever she thought of his lips upon hers.

My first romantic kiss! And how glorious—outside, under a tree, with nature all around us. Perfection!

Then Selina frowned. Perchance for George, kissing a young lady was an everyday occurrence. The evidence was plain to see—for there was precious little change to his demeanor. Could George be one of those men described as rakes? Henry had told Selina about such people—in fact, he had warned her against them. And Lady Templeton had advised Selina many a time to avoid being alone with a young man at a ball, especially one she did not know well.

"For some unscrupulous men will ask you to go outside with them," Lady Templeton had oft said. "They will always have an excuse; perhaps it is too hot in the ballroom, too noisy, or too crowded. Maybe you look as if you are going to faint and they wish to revive you. But once you're outside, they may try to take advantage of you by kissing you, possibly to compromise you so that they must marry you. Remember Selina, your father is a rich man, and many so-called gentlemen are mere fortune hunters. You are their prey."

Could this have been George's motivation for kissing Selina? Of course not—for there had been no one around to see them. So did that mean George was a rake and made a habit of kissing young women whenever he could—whenever no one was looking?

There is a third explanation—that he loves me and felt a magnetic pull towards me as I did to him—but does this not seem unlikely? For he made no effort to see me after my visit to the gaol until we went to the Quaker Meeting House today. And he did not declare himself...

Once the meal was over, Henry arrived to share a glass of port with George and Lord Templeton.

"Is Edmund not here this evening?" Henry said as he came into the dining room.

"I believe Edmund is at his club," Lady Templeton said. "I do hope he's having a good evening."

"If I know Edmund, he will be," Henry said.

Selina frowned.

'Tis all right for my brother to be out at all hours unchaperoned, whereas I cannot even open the front door without being told I must have someone with me. And why are clubs only for men?

"How is Kitty faring?" Selina asked Henry.

"Fine," Henry said. "Thank you for asking. She's spending the evening quietly at home but will be happy to see you tomorrow, I know."

"Excellent news," Lord Templeton said. "Now, 'tis time for you ladies to withdraw, for we men have much to discuss."

"I brought Carter with me too," Henry said. "He's pleased to be back at Number 2—his new home."

"Where is he?" Lord Templeton asked.

"In the servants' hall," Henry said. "He insisted on going down to see everyone there. I asked him to come and sit with us as soon as he can. He will be very useful when we formulate our plan to defeat Lord Steyne."

"Quite so," Lord Templeton said. "I am glad he has come back from London—and hope his business went well? I know he won't be allowed to tell us about it. 'Tis top secret, as always. Ah, yes. Carter is always welcome at my table. We owe him such a great debt of gratitude for how he looked after you, Henry, bringing you home safely after Waterloo, against all the odds. I will never forget his loyalty to this family."

"About that," Henry said. "'Tis time I told George a little more about Carter and his connection with our family—if that is acceptable to you, Mama? Papa?"

"Yes, do explain to Mr. Fitzgerald the special place Carter holds in our hearts," Lady Templeton said as she stood at the door ready to go upstairs with Selina.

Lord Templeton nodded. "I agree. I know you will be discreet, Mr. Fitzgerald. We need Carter's help to defeat Lord Steyne—again—and 'tis best you know the truth, otherwise you will be forever wondering why Carter is invited to sit with us at table."

"Why must we be banished?" Selina said to Lady Templeton once they were settled in the withdrawing room with a pot of tea. "Why are women not allowed to stay in the dining room?"

"Do not pout, dear," Lady Templeton said. "'Tis most unattractive and will lead to lines on the face. As for being ‘banished,' that is not at all how I think of it. It might surprise you to know that sometimes the men would far rather be relaxing on the sofas upstairs in the drawing room, but instead they are obliged to talk about manly things and keep drinking when they have already had enough."

"I know you are trying to make me feel better," Selina said, "but the fact remains that the men are downstairs making plans and trying to sort out how they can defeat Lord Steyne. Do they think we have nothing to say about this? No opinions of our own?"

Lady Templeton smiled. "Sometimes the men do not get as much settled as they think when they have their sessions after dinner, particularly if the bottle of port goes around many times. Do you not think the ladies of Bath have many interesting discussions in their drawing rooms—and make many wise decisions?"

"This has not been my experience," Selina said. "I have been privy to many discussions about embroidery stitches and how to trim a bonnet, but not so many about slavery or prison reform—or how to deal with unsavory members of the aristocracy."

"Well, there is a serious conversation I would like to have with you now," Lady Templeton said.

"Really? Is it about votes for women? That is a cause dear to my heart. Hardly anyone else seems to have even considered it, but wouldn't it be grand if we could vote? And what if we could become Members of Parliament too? I think I would enjoy that."

"I do not want to talk about anything political," Lady Templeton said. "My topic of conversation is Mr. Fitzgerald."

"What about Mr. Fitzgerald?"

Oh no! Mama means to probe and find out what my feelings are for George. I shall tell her the truth—that I have none.

"Do you think he would make a good husband?" Lady Templeton said. "Do you think he would suit you? Because it is very, very important to choose someone to marry that you can be friends with—for the rest of your life. Romance is all very well—and important up to a point—but life can be hard in a way you cannot yet imagine, and you need a reliable, loyal person at your side. Do you think Mr. Fitzgerald could be that person?"

"We are friends," Selina said, "certainly, we are friends. But you mention reliability and loyalty. I wonder if Mr. Fitzgerald would be a loyal husband. Do you think he takes liberties with young women? How do you know what a person is truly like? Could he be a rake, do you think? You have warned me about rakes many times, Mama."

Lady Templeton coughed. "Yes, I have. However, sometimes men make mistakes. And we should forgive people who err. As you know, my own father made a mistake in his youth and a child resulted... although in the end, something beautiful resulted."

Selina put her hand on Lady Templeton's to comfort her. Everyone in the family knew the story of how Lady Templeton's father, as a young unmarried man, had seduced a maid in his parents' house, who then gave birth to a son. And that son grew up to be William Carter.

As an adult, Lady Templeton spent much time seeking out her half-brother and finally succeeded in drawing him into their family in an unusual and discreet way. Carter was already a government agent when Lady Templeton found him, and then he also became Henry's manservant. This was an unusual combination of occupations, but one that worked well, for being a manservant served as a useful cloak to his work as a spy. Carter was, of course, part of the Templeton family too, being Lady Templeton's half-brother and Henry, Edmund, and Selina's uncle. This knowledge was confined to family, a few close friends, and trusted servants.

As well as being related to the Templetons, William Carter was their most loyal defender and friend—and had saved Henry's life after Waterloo. Carter occupied a unique position, first in Lord and Lady Templeton's household, and now in Henry's. He was the only person who was truly free to move between upstairs and downstairs in both Number 1 and Number 2 Royal Crescent.

"What if a man goes on making mistakes?" Selina said. "I am not talking of a person like your father who saw the error of his ways and later made a good marriage. What if a rake is unreformed?"

Lady Templeton regarded her daughter closely. "You will have to be more specific. What exactly are you saying? Have you heard something about Mr. Fitzgerald?"

"'Tis not because of something I have heard, Mama."

Lady Templeton sat bolt upright. "Has Mr. Fitzgerald made advances? Improper advances? Was it a mistake for Henry to allow him to escort you back from Bath this afternoon?"

What is an improper advance, for heaven's sake? What happened between us was the most natural thing in the world. There was nothing improper about it. My only concern is that George might be in the habit of kissing many ladies. And I want to be the only one.

"George has not been improper," Selina said. "At least, not with me. It was just something I was wondering about. Please forget I said anything—I have no wish to besmirch George's name."

How urgently I need to speak to Kitty! I will seek her company as soon as possible for I am in dire need of advice from a young woman of my own age.

"I will make sure you are chaperoned on every occasion from now on," Lady Templeton said. "You cannot be too careful. Even a whiff of scandal can spoil your chances of marriage. Selina? Are you listening to me? You look rather pale. Perhaps you should retire?"

"I have the beginnings of a megrim, Mama," Selina said.

Truly, my head is throbbing—and I so desperately want to be alone.

"I will go to my chamber now and will be fine by the morning. Goodnight, Mama."

What bliss it will be to lie on my bed while I think about George's kisses... and I intend to finish reading his speech too, before kissing it and placing it under my pillow. Perhaps later, if the coast is clear, I will go to the roof and watch him as he leaves.

*

George

William Carter seemed an interesting man—with an exceptionally unusual background and occupation. George was sitting next to him at the dining table. The bottle of port had made several journeys round the table by this point, and Carter had refused it every time.

"Not drinking, Carter?" Lord Templeton said.

"No—I had some ale in the servants' hall," Carter said, "and I want to keep a clear head, for we must formulate a plan."

"Yes, indeed," Henry said. "I must say, I never thought Lord Steyne would be bold enough to show his face in Bath again. We should have been more severe with him at the time—arrested him and reported him to the Constable."

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing," Lord Templeton said, "but I agree with you. We must locate the man."

"Then destroy him," Carter said.

"I'll drink to that," Henry said.

"Me too," George said.

For I will not have any danger near Selina...

"Tell me more about when you saw Lord Steyne near Hunter's," Carter said to George. "Was there anyone with him? One of his followers, maybe?"

"As far as I could see, the man was entirely alone," George said. "He looked scruffier than he had before Christmas, not like a member of the ton. "

"It sounds as if he's down on his luck," Carter said. "I suspect his servants have deserted him, along with much of his gang— although doubtless there are still a few roughnecks in Bath who will do his bidding for the right price."

"'Tis a crying shame the episode in the Octagon did not finish him off as we had hoped," George said to Carter.

"I am sure the damage you did to Lord Steyne's reputation has wounded him grievously," Carter said. "We were all very grateful for what you did that day."

"'Twas a victory in battle," George said. "Now, we need to win the war."

"Precisely," Carter said. "I see we understand each other. And can you tell me more about the attack on Miss Templeton outside the gaol? I have heard some talk of it—perhaps you might fill me in with further details?"

"Gladly," George said. "Do you also suspect the whole event was orchestrated by Lord Steyne?"

"I think it is possible, yes."

Carter listened intently while George outlined the main events as he saw them, culminating in how Selina had managed to escape from the ruffians.

"Well done, sir, for fighting the attackers off," Carter said. "I note you have been very modest about your own part in the proceedings—luckily Selina has already told the Templetons what a hero you were, and Henry has given me a full account."

I would fight those creatures every day if I had to, to keep my dear Selina safe.

"I must say," Carter began, "perhaps this is tactless of me, but I was, ahem, a little surprised."

"You did not think I had it in me?" George said. "You doubted my ability to brawl in the street like a common man?"

"Something like that," Carter said. "No disrespect intended, but you look like a fine young gentleman, and in my experience fine young gentlemen are not often good at fighting—more's the pity."

"I had plenty of practice when I was at school," George said. "I could not abide the way bullies prayed on the younger boys, and so I stood up for them whenever I could."

"I will butt into your conversation here," Henry said, "because I can confirm that when we were at university together, I once saw George in a fight. He used all sorts of incredible techniques. High kicks, hair pulling, arm twisting, grabbing the fellow by the throat... the rest of us were in awe of the sheer inventiveness of his aggression."

"Henry! You make me sound like some sort of lowlife," George said.

"I do not mean to," Henry said. "I admire you for your fighting skills—especially because you only use them on the side of right."

"If you're ever in need of an occupation," Carter said to George, "you're welcome to work for me."

Henry grinned. "You think Carter does not mean it, George. He does! I wish I had been taught to fight properly before I went to Waterloo—the tricks of the trade, as it were. They gave us a pistol and a sword, put us on a horse—and that was that. It always amazes me that we won that day last summer."

"Possibly the French were trained no better," Carter said. "And the atrocious weather did not favor the French, as it hampered their communications more than ours."

"Let us not talk of Waterloo," Lord Templeton said. "Our dear Henry returned in the end—all thanks to you, Carter."

"Hear, hear," George said, raising his glass. "But what are we going to do about Lord Steyne? We should have a plan."

"I will put a few things into motion," Carter said. "There are men I know who can be our eyes and ears around the city and surrounding area. 'Tis imperative to find out where Lord Steyne is before we can make a move. Leave it with me for now, and I will report back."

"Perchance he's staying incognito at his house in the Cottage Crescent?" Henry said. "'Tis far enough away from the city that he would not be seen much."

"Possibly," Carter said. "'Tis definitely worth a look."

"If he were staying there," Lord Templeton said, "surely there would be some tittle tattle? Servants can be bribed to give information."

"Judging from what Mr. Fitzgerald said about Lord Steyne looking bedraggled," Carter said, "Lord Steyne is probably having to manage on his own."

"Yes," George said. "The man looked as if he'd been sleeping in a cave."

"Would the other residents in Cottage Crescent not notice him?" Henry said. "It is, after all, a terraced property."

"What if he has been living in the cellar?" Carter said. "Granted, he would have the possibility of being seen as he left the building, but it is the end house and less overlooked."

"There is also quite a large stable at the back," George said. "He could have been sheltering there. A stable is warmer than a cellar."

"How would he be getting his food?" Lord Templeton said.

Carter grinned. "With difficulty!"

"He is probably reduced to foraging in the hedgerows," Henry said.

"There's not much there at this time of year," Carter said.

"If he has had to live like this," Lord Templeton said, "it is not surprising he bears a massive grudge against you, Mr. Fitzgerald."

"What worries me," George said, "is the thought that Miss Templeton is in danger from Lord Steyne—because of me. You already know what Signor Allegretto said to us in Hunter's. Apparently there are silly rumors flying around."

"Rumors that you are in love with my sister, as she is with you," Henry said, "and one day you will be married to each other."

George turned puce. "Mere gossip, I assure you."

"These rumors must be publicly denied for the sake of Selina's safety," Lord Templeton said. "What do you think, Carter?"

"I agree," Carter said. "It must be as if there is a wall of ice between Mr. Fitzgerald and Miss Templeton."

"'Tis harsh—but necessary," Henry said.

"Indeed," Carter said. "None of us can afford to make the mistake of underestimating Lord Steyne—he is a wicked, unprincipled man."

"What say you, George?" Henry asked. "You must have an opinion on this matter—after all, 'tis personal. Will you be able to conceal your true feelings until Lord Steyne is under lock and key?"

What could George say? If a wall of ice were to be placed between him and Selina, 'twould be better for George to deny his feelings clearly to her family—now. The Templeton servants were presumably loyal to Lord and Lady Templeton—yet one could not be too sure. There were no staff in the room at the moment, but they might be waiting outside, within earshot. Anything was possible.

No, George would not take a risk. Selina would never be harmed because of him.

"I do not need to conceal my true feelings—for I have none," George said in a loud, bold voice. "I utterly deny there is anything between Miss Templeton and myself; we are friends, that is all. I accompanied Selina, ahem, Miss Templeton, to the Quaker Meeting House today, but as for the rumors of any romantic attachment between us, I assure you they are entirely—and completely—false."

Three pairs of eyes regarded George. Henry smiled. Lord Templeton put his head on one side. And Carter leant forward to say, "We none of us believe you, Mr. Fitzgerald—although we admire you for the stand you are taking, for you are putting Miss Templeton's safety above your own feelings."

Shortly after that, George bid his farewells, for 'twas high time he went home. As he opened the door of the dining room, he was surprised to see the servant girl, Martha, scurrying away. How extraordinary that such a young girl should still be awake at this hour.

Henry followed George out of the dining room. "I must be getting back to see how Kitty is. My papa and Carter will sit a while longer, no doubt. They love to put the world to rights!"

"At least we have made a plan of sorts," George said.

"Ah, yes. We will find Lord Steyne and squash the rumors. But you do not have to pretend with me, George."

"What do you mean?"

"You do not have to pretend you're not in love with Selina," Henry said. "Though heaven knows why you would be, for she's such an aggravating person. I would have thought she'd be the last person on Earth anyone would want to marry."

"She's not aggravating," George snapped. "Well, not very often. She's a fine person—clever, beautiful, and lively. Why, any man in England would be proud to call her his wife."

Henry laughed. "'Tis true, then. You do still have feelings for her. Let us hope it is not too long before Lord Steyne is defeated, and then you will finally be able to declare yourself—and I will be proud to call you brother. I think you two are a perfect match."

"But we are so different," George said.

"Have you not heard the saying, ‘opposites attract'? And if you had the same thoughts on everything, what would you have to talk about in your lives together?"

"True," George murmured.

"And do not worry about Lord Templeton," Henry said, "for I know that my papa would be honored to welcome you into the family, for he has told me so himself."

Ye gods! All falls into place—but for that fiend, Lord Steyne. Although I am still confused about Selina, for despite our kiss on the Crescent Fields, I know not what her true feelings are. She feels a physical attraction, certainly, but that does not always mean love.

Henry and George left Number 1 together, then Henry bade George goodnight and set off to walk the short distance to Number 2 to be with his beloved wife.

How I envy Henry his wonderful partnership with Kitty. I wonder if I will ever be lucky enough to enjoy that with dear Selina.

George crossed the road and stood for a few moments surveying the Crescent. As his eyes adjusted to the dark night sky, he glimpsed what he'd been hoping to see—a small figure clad in white behind the parapet of Number 1. George could see that Selina's hair was loose around her shoulders. How he longed for another kiss, to feel her soft body yielding to him as he put his arms around her.

Was it his imagination? She was some distance away. No, it was certain—she was raising her hand in greeting. George looked around him fearfully. There were a couple of shadowy figures at the far side of the Crescent—and he had no idea who they were. Could they be henchmen reporting back to Lord Steyne? Would they be able to give evidence of a bond between George and Selina if he waved back?

George groaned. However hard it was, he must do the right thing—for had he not given his word that there would be a wall of ice between him and Selina—at least until the danger of Lord Steyne's obnoxious presence had passed?

George did not return Selina's greeting, but instead affected a sullen look and deliberately turned his back on her before marching stiffly away. As he had been discussing with Carter so recently, there was a hard battle to be fought if they were to win the war.