Chapter 4

Chapter Four

That Same Day

" S lice , stop daydreaming and pick up the pace," Nelson chided.

" What are you talking about?" Sebastian countered with a thrust.

Nelson parried with a riposte. " I think we've fulfilled any exercise requirement you needed," he said in a wry tone.

Sebastian lunged. " Well , we don't all have a luscious redhead lying abed whenever we feel in need of a little physical exertion."

Nelson chuckled as he dodged. " What happened to that curvaceous blonde you were bedding?"

" That ended a while ago. A friendly parting of the ways. She was bound for the continent and I for home." Sebastian lunged.

" Ah , then it must be the lovely Miss Latham that has you off your mark," he winked as he countered and blocked with a thrust. " You do agree that she is lovely, don't you?"

" Of course, she's lovely," he said a bit too emphatically as he parried with a riposte.

" Remarkable . Not blonde, nor buxom." Nelson laughed and parried. " A willowy brunette."

Sebastian ignored his friend's teasing tone as he lunged. Point of fact, he'd found Miss Latham enchanting. Since last night, he couldn't stop himself from thinking about her…the feel of her in his arms, how graceful she was, even on the heels of her dizzy spell. The softness of her skin, the startling beauty of her extraordinary blue eyes, the violet scent of her dark hair…

" One cannot deny her bountiful attractive traits," Nelson persisted.

" Nelson ," Sebastian warned, with a block. " I merely assisted a young woman in distress. I am not some love-sick swain at his first ball, tripping over my feet and falling for the first pretty young girl who smiles at me."

" I'd pay for front-row seats to see that happen. Which is why I'm suggesting you be careful. The heart always wins, my friend. I've seen it happen time and again. Even the strongest of men cannot resist the lure of an enchanted beauty. My brother, Colin , found that out."

" Enchanted ? Shefford ?"

" Who else?" Nelson laughed and lunged. " Colin and his countess are completely besotted with each other. I have no idea how those two fell in love, given they were constantly bickering and forever at odds."

" How did your brother and Miss Honoria Mason meet?" Sebastian asked, easily parrying with a riposte. Despite his reluctance to marry, he was curious about how Shefford and Miss Mason went from foes to falling in love. He'd seen them at various functions since his return, and it was obvious they were made for each other, so utterly devoted they were.

" She was running an orphanage in this very building. Her uncle wagered the deed to the building at a gaming table and lost it. After Colin acquired it, we had grand plans. So , we decided to move Honoria and the orphanage so that we could renovate the building and turn it into this fine establishment you see today. As you know, everything turned out well. Colin and Honoria are now married with a growing family." Nelson gave a last thrust, knocking the foil from Sebastian's hand and pinning him. " Surrender now, my friend," he said with a grin. " It's only a matter of time."

" Game . You win, but don't get used to it," Sebastian said, exhaling from the exertion. He stood and dusted off his pants. " For the record, I have no plans to marry."

" Famous last words," Nelson said with a chuckle.

" Speaking of famous, you're still the finest swordsman I've ever encountered, my friend." Sebastian held out his hand to Nelson to congratulate his win.

" Thank you, Slice ," Nelson said, shaking his hand. " You're a fine swordsman, but in truth, I would never want to be on the other side fighting you in hand-to-hand combat. I should get some pointers from you on that front."

Sebastian nodded. " If you ever want a lesson, I'd be happy to show you a few tips." Sebastian had gained a reputation for his bare-handed fighting skills that he'd initially learned from his older brother. His ability, honed over years on the battlefield and various assignments, had gotten him out of many a dangerous situation.

" In celebration of my win, I'll take you to my brother's townhouse for a hearty breakfast." He grinned, slapping Sebastian on the back.

" How generous of you," Sebastian said in a dry tone. " But please, no more goading about Miss Katie Latham , especially not in front of your family."

Nelson held up his hands in a defensive gesture. " I'm on your side, Slice . There are too many luscious ladies willing to be mistresses out there to limit ourselves to one that could see you caught in the parson's mouse trap. Be careful."

Sebastian pondered his friend's advice. Nelson seemed as happy as a clam with his circumstances. He'd been that way too. Until last night. Since the ball, he'd been engaging in mental fencing matches trying to parry and deflect his traitorous thoughts. Perhaps that was why he was not on his game today. Always keep your wits about you, man! He'd learned that as well from taking on dangerous assignments. Losing focus for one moment could lead to a deadly mistake.

Two hours later, after a hearty breakfast with the Shefford family, Sebastian was sitting in a comfortable leather upholstered chair in front of a roaring fire at Whites with his legs leisurely propped up, sipping his favorite cognac.

One of the footmen at Nelson's club had handed Sebastian a note on his way out of En Garde . The note had been from Latham and simply asked Sebastian to meet him at Whites . He wondered if it had something to do with Latham's sister or a matter concerning Eastern Star Shipping . Even though he no longer worked for the line, he still had shares in the venture.

" My lord. I have a message for you," a footman said, extending a silver salver with a note. The missive, which had the Latham crest on the seal, made him wonder if Latham had changed his mind about meeting. On the other hand, the delicate scent of violets was definitely not indicative of his friend. Curious , Sebastian broke the seal and began to read:

My dear Lord Soren ,

I pray you do not think me forward in writing this missive, but you mentioned at the Clarence ball that should I ever have need of you, I should send word.

And so, I am.

Would you be able to call on me at your earliest convenience?

Yours Sincerely ,

Miss Katie Latham

" Slice , my good man," a deep voice said from behind.

Sebastian stood and shook hands with his friend. " Latham . I took the opportunity of ordering a decanter." Sebastian poured the fine, burnished gold liquid into the other glass on the side table and handed it to Latham .

" Thank you. There's a definite nip in the air and this will surely hit the spot." Latham settled in the leather club chair angled across from Sebastian , enabling them to converse comfortably while enjoying the fire. He took a sip of cognac and sighed. Setting the glass down beside him, he stretched out his legs.

" Nice touch, Slice ."

Sebastian arched his brow in question.

" The roses, I mean. To my sister." He smiled. " Is there something I should be concerned about?"

" Merely a gentlemanly gesture," Sebastian replied, taking another sip of his drink.

" I understand," Latham said with a nod before sipping his cognac. " Frankie is nearing her term, as I'm certain you discerned last night, and last evening's ball was the last Societal event for her. We're returning to our estate in Sussex for the birth of the baby," Latham said. " And so that I can deal with some estate matters."

" Will your mother and sister go with you?" Sebastian asked. He felt relieved Latham hadn't questioned his plans with Katie .

" Mama and my aunt plan to return with us, but Katie discussed staying, although I'm not sure how I feel about that."

Sebastian felt an odd tightening in his stomach at the mention of Katie's plans. He'd begun to think of her as Katie in his thoughts. Somehow it felt right to do, although he couldn't fathom why. " Why are you not sure?"

Latham took another sip of his drink. " The Dowager Duchess of Clarence has graciously invited Katie and our cousin Paula to stay with her in London . On the one hand, I'm relieved that Katie is feeling better about going back out into Society , but on the other hand, I'm worried because we won't be here."

" You're worried about her staying with the dowager?" Sebastian asked. " She's more formidable than any general in His Majesty's army."

Latham chuckled. " I agree with you there. I know Katie will be in good hands with the dowager, who is as concerned about Katie as the family is, but I would feel better if you could keep an eye on my sister on her outings. That is if you have time."

" Of course I will," Sebastian answered without hesitation. He was doing this to help and nothing more, although he couldn't help but wonder if this had something to do with Katie's message asking to see him. " But I sense there's something more here."

" You're damn good at what you do, but I often wondered if you read minds." Latham paused and scrubbed his hand through his hair. " As you know I was unable to catch the bastards who attacked my sister and her fiancé last year. Wendel's uncle is a judge for God's sake, and even he could not find the killers. It's as though they completely disappeared."

" I understand how maddening that has been for you. I regret not having been here at the time, I would have offered my assistance."

Latham nodded. " That is why I wanted to speak with you today. Not just to ask you to watch over Katie , but to share something that has been roiling in my gut for months. You see, I don't think this was a simple case of a robbery escalating to violence."

" You think Colborne was targeted specifically?"

" Yes , and perhaps my sister as well."

" Why do you think she and Colborne were targeted?" Sebastian persisted.

" The scene was too coincidental…almost too perfect for the crime," Latham said. " It reeks of having been a planned assault. Except , I don't know why…or by whom."

" Perhaps the common denominator is you."

" Me ?"

" Any enemies or adversaries that you've made over the years?"

Latham blew out a breath. " None that I can think of—not here, at least. Yes , there have been rivalries with other shipping lines and altercations at the docks and other ports, but why target my sister and her fiancé?"

" Perhaps for that very reason. If this was a planned attack, perhaps it was aimed at bringing pain and suffering to your family."

" I hadn't even considered that," Latham said.

" Has your sister recalled anything recently?"

" Nothing but the horror of seeing Colborne killed. Her nightmares plague her, and she wakes screaming about the blood on her hands. Saying it out loud is difficult, even now. We have tried to help get her past the tragedy," Latham said. " The fact that she went to the Clarence's ball was a good sign, but then she had that fainting spell and that worries me."

Sebastian's chest constricted at what Katie must have gone through. What she continued to carry in her mind and heart. He'd seen enough on the battlefield and in his work as a security agent to know how one could be scarred for life by witnessing such violence.

" I think it would be a good idea to review all the investigative notes again—from all angles," Sebastian suggested. " Perhaps the runners uncovered something but didn't realize it at the time."

" That makes sense," Latham said, downing the rest of his drink. " I'll have time on the journey back to Sussex to peruse the investigation report. If I come across anything, I'll send word to you."

Sebastian nodded. " Please do so."

The next day

" You're awake, milady!" Millie said, entering the room. " Your mother asks that you join her and the Dowager Duchess of Clarence in the parlor. I brought your chocolate and biscuits and came to help you dress." She set down the tray on a small table next to the white upholstered chair in front of the fireplace and nodded towards the changing screen in the corner.

" The dowager is here?" she asked.

" Yes , milady. She just arrived."

Katie nodded and glanced at the dresses. They hung from two corner hooks on a screen covered in fabric featuring blue butterflies and yellow wrens. She had always loved the cheeriness of the material. The hooks were an idea of her mother's and had caught on with Katie's friends and their mothers, as well. It gave Millie a place to lie out the dresses when she was still abed. It also kept them from wrinkling. She nodded approvingly at Millie's choices.

Millie smiled. " It's such a cheery, bright day. I was thinking the pink and white stripe would look lovely. But you might enjoy the olive-green floral print one. Both compliment your coloring."

Katie nibbled her bottom lip. Would he like her in pink or green? She could decide that later. For now, she wanted comfort. " You're right, Millie . Today calls for the rose pink one. It's my favorite shade of pink."

" An excellent choice. I'll pack the green after we get you dressed for the day."

A half-hour later, Katie entered the parlor and found the dowager and her mother deep in conversation.

" If we leave, are you certain you will be up to escorting Katie to the various social functions? It seems a lot to foster on you," Katie heard her mother ask as she entered the room.

" My dear. Are you truly asking me such a question after having known me all these years? Of course, I'm up to the task and will treat Katie as the daughter I've never had. I plan to cherish every moment and will take good care of her," the duchess said in her unassailable voice. " I am, after all, her godmother."

Her mother merely grinned and gave a quick nod. " I had to ask." She reached over and patted the seat on the settee next to her, showing for Katie to sit.

" Hello , Duchess ," Katie said, taking the seat. " Does this mean everything is set for me to stay?" She turned to her mother. " I do hate to miss everything, Mama . So , promise me you will send for me when Frankie is close to the delivery."

The viscountess patted her daughter's hand. " I will. I fear your brother will need your calm influence. But until then, you will be in the duchess's capable hands." She gave Katie a pointed look. " You and Paula will both be staying with her, as my sister plans to go to Sussex with us. Don't make me regret this decision, missy."

" I promise, Mama . I have put my toe back in Society , and I fear if I flee to the country now, I might not feel the momentum to see it through. And I do so want to shake the melancholy, as I vowed."

Her mother squeezed her hand. " I trust you, Katie . But I will miss you so."

The dowager cleared her throat. " I understand Lord Soren plans to call on you this week. I am thrilled! We cannot wait to hear of your outing."

" He never told me what we might do. But I hope we can take a ride. The weather is perfect."

" It does. And in that vein, I brought you a special gift." She picked up a white lace parasol from the floor beside her and handed it to Katie . " This is not an ordinary umbrella. It is one that I had specially made after speaking with your mother. So , it's not being given without her approval."

Katie looked questioningly at the parasol and picked it up.

" When you push up on the underside, it opens into a parasol. But when it's closed and you press the little button, the handle withdraws from the silo. It is a foil."

Katie gaped. " Really ?" She stood, pressed the button, and pulled out the foil.

" We expect," drolled the duchess, "that you will continue to pursue your notion of gaining fencing lessons."

" I heard you, daughter. I want you to heal from that horrible experience. If you have interest in fencing—as long as you pursue it safely—you have my blessing." Her mother gave a slight shudder. " But please, be careful."

To Katie's astonishment, the duchess stepped up, and with her cane, pressed a button. She tugged on the end and withdrew a foil. " My father gifted me with this when I was younger. While I have never had to resort to using it, it has comforted me to know I have it."

" You know how to fence?" Katie gaped. " I shall never look at your cane the same way again!"

The dowager chuckled. " Yes . Although , it is not something I think I could do today, as I have not practiced in many years. But I could probably perform a few moves in my defense. I suppose that astonishes you."

" It does," Katie and her mother said together.

" In all the years I have known you, you have never shown me that. No wonder you understood Katie's need to learn self-defense so readily."

" Indeed , I do." She inserted the foil back into the cane. " I won't bore you with an old woman's details." She looked at her friend. " I promise to watch over Katie , and I assure you both— I can keep up with her." The older woman rubbed her hands in glee. " I've never had a daughter, so I hope you will indulge an old woman in some things I've never been able to do—like picking out a ball gown or two. If not that, perhaps fripperies here and there."

Katie smiled, though her eyes were misted with unshed tears. " This is such a thoughtful gift. And to know Mama approves makes it that much more special. Thank you, Duchess . And thank you, Mama ."

The duchess chuckled. " I am glad you like it. Now then. I have a few ideas about the lessons if you will allow me to guide you."

Her mother's brow raised. " Are you sure you want to take this on? I had hoped Thomas would find time later."

" My dear Marianna . The apple never falls far from the tree. Your beautiful daughter is much like you. And once you get a bee in your bonnet, you must take care of it. So , I expect Katie will be much the same. And I know who can help."