Chapter One

Kitty

"Naked? You werenaked, Henry? I can scare believe this."

Merciful heavens! Henry, with no clothes on! Kitty's cheeks flamed.

"Well, half naked. And then I felt the fellow's cold pliers pulling at one of my front teeth. Kitty dearest, I cannot tell you any more, lest you faint with the shock."

"Go on! Don't stop, Henry! I am not the fainting sort. What happened next?"

"I lay on the ground exposed to the elements; despite being a summer night, it was cold and relentlessly rainy. All the soldiers around me were exposed in this way– our outer garments missing and undergarments torn and ruined. Not that it made much difference to the others."

"Because they were– dead?" Kitty interrupted.

Henry nodded. "I am afraid so."

How terrible it was to think of Henry suffering in this way. What he must have gone through during his experiences on the Continent! 'Twas almost impossible to bear thinking about.

"The others were indeed dead," Henry said. "I lost many good friends that day at Waterloo. Not to put too fine a point on it, I was surrounded by a pile of the deceased, waiting to be disposed of– which would have meant being buried alive, in my case."

Kitty shuddered. Buried alive! She had read of such a horror in one of her library books– but for it to become reality? For her Henry? No! A million times no....

However, Kitty could not be downcast for long. For Henry had returned– Captain Henry Templeton, the young man she adored– the young man she thought had been lost in battle many months ago.

When Henry had disappeared, the light had drained from Kitty's life as color drains from the face of an invalid. Nothing was enjoyable– all became unrelentingly bleak and hopeless. She had been particularly dreading the arrival of Christmas, her first without him– for how could she celebrate the birth of the Saviour when she was in such a dark and dismal place?

But now, a few weeks before the festivities, here Henry was. Alive!

"Tell me more, dearest Henry," Kitty said. "Spare no detail, for I want to know all. I must know everything!"

"Luckily, I came to at that point, when the rascal with the pincers was wrenching my front tooth. How I screamed to feel the fierce metal grip! I was but minutes away from losing my smile."

"I bet you gave him the fright of his life," Kitty said. "How dare he rob the dead?"

"Or the not-so-dead! He had not expected my life force to still be there. I reached towards him with my good arm and swiped him across his jaw– sadly I missed, but it seemed enough to scare him away."

"My brave Henry! Well done! But I am shocked to learn 'tis true they try to take the teeth of fallen soldiers. I have heard it rumored many times but did not want to believe such a vile thing were possible."

"Oh yes! They collect them by the sack load– worth a fortune, I'm told. The fellow trying to rob me had a brimming bucket of pearly whites he had collected– from the fallen of both sides, I presume."

"I can see it would make little difference what nationality the teeth are when they sell them on," Kitty said. "They are hardly likely to continue fighting when made into a set of false teeth, are they?"

"No, certainly," Henry said. "In fact, it is a way for former enemies to live in peace, is it not? To join together to help another person speak and eat."

"I feel a little bad that we are jesting about such a subject," Kitty said. "Stealing teeth from the dead and dying– well, 'tis a shocking trade, carried out by desperate people."

Kitty felt a revulsion sweeping over her. Stealing body parts! Selling them on! Admittedly, she had once contemplated selling her hair to buy books, but she had only been eight and desperate for reading material. Her mama had made sure to furnish her with new books after finding her hacking off a lock of her hair.

Kitty stood as tall as her five-foot one-inch frame allowed. Henry was alive! To be sure, he was unaccountably changed since she had last seen him, thinner in the face and rather sad and tired around the eyes, but he was still her Henry– she knew it. Nothing could ever change her Henry– her close friend, her soul mate, her... how she longed for even more!

And what had Captain Henry Templeton done next, after scaring away the would-be tooth thief? How had he managed, only half dressed?

"Did you find your clothes? Your lovely scarlet jacket?"

Henry had looked so very handsome dressed in his military uniform before he left."Oh no. They were long gone. They had probably already been sold on several times. My sword and pistol undoubtedly suffered the same fate too, worst luck– for they would have been mighty useful for protection in the months that followed. As for the loss of my clothes, I managed to find a few rags to provide a little more warmth and coverage, but I had precious little energy and was soon forced to lie down again on the battlefield amongst the bodies. I remember the rain, the cold– and the smell. Loneliness and despair. Thereafter, for a time, my memories are but hazy.

"I know much time passed as night turned to day and then to night again, maybe more than once. And I know I eventually ended up trapped in a distant ditch under a pile of branches, half out of my mind with pain, not knowing who or where I was. There is much I could tell you about being dragged to that ditch by an unknown person– and yet more I still do not remember or understand."

Poor Henry was trapped in a ditch? A distant ditch? How did he get there? This is hard to hear...

"But Kitty, our time together today is short. A fuller account of my epic adventures will have to wait. No one knows I am returned from abroad save you and my family, plus Carter, of course; I trust that man with my life."

William Carter was Henry's manservant, and despite being at least twenty-five years older and from a different class, he was also Henry's dearest friend and had gotten him out of many scrapes in the past.

But coming back from Waterloo months later after being missing, presumed dead, was a far bigger scrape than anything Henry had previously gotten himself embroiled in.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kitty saw a man on the other side of the alley way. He lifted his head, regarded her with his dark, inscrutable eyes, grinned, and nodded. Carter! Still doing his best to protect her dear Henry.

"Ah," Henry said. "I see you have spotted Carter. He has been by my side for many months now, through all of my troubles. Why, he even rescued me– but no matter. That tale will have to be enjoyed another day."

"But Henry– where have you and Carter been all this time? Why has it taken you so long to return?"

"I spent many months abroad, recovering in hiding, then more months in London, also living in hiding. I had much to sort out discreetly with a few of my superiors– trusted senior army officers. They know my story, such as it is, and were fully sympathetic to my plight; they urged great caution, saying I should severely limit the circle of people who knew I had survived– at least for a time. Consequently, none of my friends and fellow officers know I am alive and back in England; they mourn me still. 'Tis too dangerous to spread the news– yet."

How terrible! Henry had been forced to live under cover both abroad and in London. He had been living a lie! But why the need for all the secrecy? Could he not have sent word of his rescue to friends and family? There had been such great and deep abiding sorrow.

"I am mortified to have been the cause of extra suffering to my family and friends," Henry said, "but I simply was not allowed to send news of my survival, for fear it would be intercepted. Carter says there is more at stake than a threat to my life. A bigger plan, involving others, and I did not want to put anyone else in danger. Least of all my family– and you, dear Kitty."

Henry always thought of others! And how lovely he was looking... the way his eyes creased to the corners, the way his lips curved... ah! His beautiful lips...

"And so now Carter and I have been here in Bath for a little while," Henry said. "We've been staying incognito in one of my father's houses on Beechen Cliff for the last stages of my recovery. Carter has made an excellent nurse. And you know the dwelling– the terrace house looking out over the city– for we used to go for walks nearby as children, did we not? Luckily the house stands empty at the moment, as tenants have recently left."

Kitty bit her lip. She had often seen that house from the outside and had entertained fantasies in the past about living there, married to Henry. She'd adored him ever since they had first played together as youngsters. Over the years, the adoration had turned to deep love, at least on her part. She had never been completely sure what Henry thought, for he had gone to war without declaring himself.

When the terrible news had come in the summer that he was missing in action after the battle of Waterloo, she had reluctantly and sorrowfully had to face the fact that she would probably never see him again. And as the months had rolled on and there remained no news of him, despite the fact that his body had not been discovered, the possibility that he was still alive melted away. Until now!

"And your parents know you are alive and well?" Kitty said.

"Oh yes," Henry said. "I went straight home to the Royal Crescent to see the family when I arrived back in Bath a little while ago and, much as Mama and Papa wanted me to stay with them there, after talking with Carter, they thought it more prudent for me to lie low away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. They trust their own servants implicitly to be discreet, but were worried about me being seen coming and going too frequently from the Royal Crescent, for it is a busy area. The empty house on Beechen Cliff seemed the perfect solution."

"I cannot think how you are managing without Cook to pamper to your every need," Kitty said.

"Carter knows how to do all that," Henry said, "as do I, for that matter, after my recent experiences. My needs are simpler than they used to be, too. War changes a man."

Henry's dark brows pulled together for an instant, and Kitty's heart turned over. She did hope he had not suffered too greatly during his ordeal.

"Do you always visit your parents in the Crescent, or do they drive out to Beechen Cliff to see you?"

"I go to their house in the Royal Crescent, often under cover of darkness, and always very unobtrusively, wearing my largest hat– for my parents do not want questions about why they might be taking a sudden interest in their house on the Cliff. There is danger around."

"So you keep saying. But what danger? You have returned from the dead, and we should celebrate. I am not sure I understand what is going on. Why must news of your return be limited to a tiny circle of people?"

Henry opened his mouth as if to speak, then pulled his cloak round him and winced.

Alarmed, Kitty stretched out her hand and touched his chest. "What is wrong? When you mentioned recovery, I thought you meant recovery from your ordeal. Please tell me you were not injured in battle."

"Merely a slight injury," Henry said. "My shoulder– I was shot– but it is nothing."

"Shot! With a bullet?"

"Yes! A very fast bullet. From a French musket."

"That does not seem like nothing to me," Kitty said. "Such wounds are often fatal– or so I have heard. Thank the Lord 'twas only your shoulder. But how did you manage? Were there doctors on the battlefield?"

"There were some there, but unfortunately I was not treated by one," Henry said. "However, I was well tended after my eventual rescue from the battlefield. Carter made sure of that. He himself administered the best of treatment, for he knows how to clean a wound and keep infection at bay. Nevertheless, there is a slight weakness in the shoulder– which I have been assured will go in time. Sometimes when it's cold, like today, I feel an ache. 'Tis of no consequence."

Kitty let out a sigh. Why were men so determined to make light of their afflictions and injuries? She felt sure Henry's shoulder troubled him a great deal more than he was saying– but she would let it pass, for now at least.

"I still don't understand!" she said. "One minute I was standing outside the library in Milsom Street, and the next, you were pulling me into this alley. You need to tell me more– what is this danger you speak of? And how did you find me?"

"Today, I felt bold and strong enough to risk coming into the city to look for you." Henry pulled his hat down over his eyes. "I thought no one would recognize me like this– and I am changed too in appearance from the young man who left for war. I know you often like to go to the library on a Wednesday morning– you are a creature of habit, and always have been– and so I thought it would be worth standing nearby in the alley to waylay you."

Kitty scrutinised Henry– his eyes seemed a deal older than when she had last gazed into them. His hair was different too, longer and curling, and he had lost much weight. But he was more dashing than ever– Lord, he looked for all the world like a soulful poet bursting with sensibility and emotion. The sort of man Kitty ached to embrace– and to love.

Her brain felt as if it would explode. Henry was alive! This was a trifle challenging to process when she had mourned him for many long months. Why, it had been half a year since the battle last summer! And now there was but a short time until Christmas.

"But Henry," Kitty said, "my parents too will be overjoyed to know you have survived. When you were missing after the battle, we feared the worst, and when you did not return with the other survivors, in the end, reluctantly, we surmised you must be dead. Come home with me now and greet my parents; there will be such rejoicing!"

"No, sweet Kitty, not yet. You must understand that although I was lying injured on the battlefield because of a French bullet, there was someone else who wished me dead– someone from my own side, an Englishman. 'Tis no use asking me who he is, because I do not know. His identity is what Carter and I must discover. All I know for certain is that I have a sworn enemy– one who thinks I am dead– which is why I must creep around in this absurd fashion. He must not know of my survival until I manage to unmask him and foil his master plan– whatever that might be. For the moment, I have the advantage."

Henry dipped his head down as a couple walked past. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course."

"Then it is imperative you do as I ask. Tell no one I am alive, not your parents, friends, servants, nor your governess Miss Steele."

"Miss Steele is my companion now, Henry; I am too old for a governess. She still gives me some lessons, but mostly she chaperones me when I go out, as Mama is often not well."

"Ah! I am sorry to hear your mama is in poor health. We have much to talk about– but for now you should go back to the steps of the library to wait for Miss Steele."

*

Henry

Even as Henry urged Kitty to go back to her companion Miss Steele, the one thing he wanted to do more than anything else in the world was to throw his arms around her, tell her he loved her and that he wanted her to be with him always. Her beauty and perfection quite distracted him, and he was in danger of being overpowered by his senses.

"I will go for now," Kitty said. "You are right, Miss Steele will be looking for me. And I absolutely promise I won't tell anyone I have seen you and that you are alive– I will keep your secret, even though I do not fully understand the reasoning behind it, for I always trust you. But I need to see you again, H. Very soon!"

Henry felt a joyous rush of good spirits as Kitty used his childhood nickname, "H." Was it possible that they would be able to pick up where they had left off before Henry had gone to war? Would it be that straightforward?

Henry and Kitty had been friends from a very early age, for their families had socialized together for years. Kitty was the same age as Henry's sister, Selina, and the two girls had been to school together and were the best of friends. Henry, together with his brother Edmund and sister Selina, would play with Kitty several times a week either in the Templetons' house in the Royal Crescent or the Honeyfields' house in Russell Street.

If he had been asked when he first fell in love with Kitty, Henry would have found it hard to answer. The sentiment grew from the first day he saw her, grew from companionship to friendship, then to an abiding love so subtly that it took him a while to realize how he felt. But he knew now! He adored her, worshipped her– and desired her.

"Kitty!" Henry's voice was hoarse. "If only we had more time! If only I could say to you what I want to say."

Kitty smiled, and Henry had to fight the urge to plant a kiss on her beautiful lips– a fight he nearly lost. But what was he thinking? He must not delay her or put her in danger. She must go back to the library steps to wait for Miss Steele.

Henry wondered whether Kitty realized the seriousness of what was going on– that he had a mortal enemy. According to Carter, if this enemy found out Henry was still alive, he would dedicate himself to finishing off what he had tried to do at Waterloo. And that might mean Kitty would be in danger too. Unthinkable! Henry regarded Kitty tenderly. She was very young. He felt a good ten years older than she was, now he had been to war.

"What is it?" Kitty said. "What is troubling you?"

"I am a different man since I went away. Feel older. I, I've seen things... done things..."

"You are the same man you always were– and still but a few years older than me," Kitty said. "Now, when will I see you again?"

Sweet Kitty! So practical! So adorable.

"Come to tea this afternoon?" Henry suggested.

"I cannot come to tea! You said you're staying in your parents' house up on Beechen Cliff. 'Tis quite a way, and I can't just decide to set off anywhere on my own. I would have to have permission and be accompanied. How would I explain where I was going?"

"No, I do not mean to the house in Beechen Cliff," Henry said.

As if he would suggest that she should defy her parents and simply slip away from Russell Street to walk two miles across the city and up a steep hill! Henry noticed the dusting of freckles across Kitty's nose and remembered how much she loved being outside. Such a walk across Bath was well within her physical capabilities, no doubt about it, but of course she was not allowed to make the journey on her own.

Henry grinned. "Dear Kitty, I meant you should come round to my parents' house in the Royal Crescent– our family home. I intend to go there now with Carter and am confident there will be minimal risk, for I will go through the servants' quarters at the back."

"I would love to come to tea, but my parents will ask where I am going, and I cannot say I'm going to see you because you don't want me to tell anyone you have returned. And I will not lie to Mama and Papa."

"There is nothing to worry about on that score," Henry said. "Simply say you are going to see Selina, which will be true. She will be there, and you often visit her, so 'tis not an unusual occurrence, is it? You are the best of friends."

"Truly, we are," Kitty said. "She has been my best friend forever, and I am incredibly lucky that she has lived but a short walk from Russell Street all my life."

"Do you remember when we used to play dressing up?" Henry said. "You, me, Selina, and of course my brother Edmund. Both our mothers always had such a good stock of useful old clothes."

Kitty chuckled. "Yes, and once when we ran out of clothes at your house, you and Edmund pulled the curtains down and draped yourselves in them. Very dramatic!"

"Great fun!" Henry said. "Although the governess was not best pleased– nor was Mama. I seem to remember not being offered supper that night."

"Poor H! Although I know for a fact that Selina managed to convey some bread and cheese to your room without detection that evening, so you did not starve."

I never knew what it was like to feel starving when I was young– but after the last six months, I do.

"I'm not altogether sure your brother Edmund enjoyed the sessions quite as much as we did," Kitty continued.

Henry nodded. "Ah! The occasion when you insisted we were going to act a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream and that Edmund should be dressed as a fairy sticks in my mind."

Kitty answered with a giggle, her dark curls bobbing around her exquisite face and her china blue eyes dancing with mirth.

She is even more captivating than I remember! I wish I could run away with my love right now.

A small cough sounded from Carter, who was standing close by in the alley.

Henry needed to get a grip on his emotions! He turned and nodded at Carter, then whispered to Kitty, "See you this afternoon, then, at about 3 o'clock. I'll let Mama know you are coming when I get back to the Royal Crescent. Selina is out at the Pump Room this morning, but she will be thrilled to know you are coming round."

"'Til then, H," Kitty whispered as she stood on tiptoe and put her arms around him.

Was she going to kiss him? Henry would not be able to let her go if she kissed him. He resolutely kept his arms by his side, exercising every ounce of self-control he possessed– for if he embraced her, who knew what might happen? Ah! Kitty!

"H," Kitty said. "I'm so happy you're alive. I can bear anything now I know you have returned. Until this afternoon..."

With that, she hastened away, making for the library at last.

Henry leaned back against the wall of the alleyway. He could not believe that after months and months he had finally seen his love... not that Kitty knew she was his love.

If only he'd had the courage before he left for war to declare his feelings, to propose but he had thought it would not be fair when he might never return. Henry had wanted to leave Kitty free, for who knew what the future might have brought? In truth, it was a miracle he had returned– and it could easily have turned out differently.

"We should leave now," Carter said, coming alongside Henry. "Is your shoulder hurting?"

"I'm fine," Henry said, "but you're right, we should be on our way. 'Tis not entirely safe to be here– especially when we do not know who the enemy is."

"I have good intelligence that the enemy is a high-born gentleman lodging in Bath for the season."

"Yes, 'twas a stroke of good fortune finding that out– although to be honest, that doesn't narrow it down much. And how is it that you have an army of spies at your disposal?"

Carter smirked. "Do not forget all my years in London working for the government before I became your manservant; I have many reliable contacts from those times."

"You must tell me more about your mysterious past one day."

"Possibly! Let's get you back to the Crescent. You need food and rest," Carter said. "You've been hanging around in this alley for long enough gazing at Miss Kitty Honeyfield with your puppy dog eyes."

"I cannot believe I let you speak to me like this! From anyone else, it would be considered insolence, not to say insubordination. I could have you horsewhipped!"

"Just as well I'm not anyone else, isn't it?" Carter said. "And just as well I know you're joking."

"Indeed!" Henry replied. "But I'll never forget what I owe you– my life."

Carter tutted gently. "No need to talk of that. I only did my duty to your family. D'you think I would've been able to forgive myself if I had not found you? I scoured every field and hovel until I came across you in that ditch– and would have stayed abroad as long as it took."

"Even though I know what you think of abroad," Henry said. "You've told me often enough. The food, the lack of decent ale, the weather..."

"I love my country," Carter admitted. "My whole being longed to be back on English soil again."

"How I wish I could remember more details about being dragged to that ditch," Henry said. "I only know it was an English gentleman, not a soldier from either side, who dragged me there."

"That was a good start for my investigations," Carter said. "My sources are helping me narrow it down to find out who could have treated you in this way– like putting fragments of a broken vase together– but we will get there in the end and reveal the offender."

Henry and Carter sidled along the alley, keeping in the shadows. They were in reality gentleman and manservant, one in his early twenties and the other in his late forties, but they would seem more like two close friends or relatives to any casual observer. Henry considered Carter almost as family– perhaps on a par with a favorite uncle.

One thing was certain, Henry owed Carter his life– and would never forget the debt.

*

Kitty

Kitty hummed as she clutched her library book and made off in the direction of the library; no story she had read had been half as exciting as the account of Henry's experiences at Waterloo! From the moment he had appeared in Milsom Street and hurried Kitty away down a tiny alley, her heart had been leaping like a March hare. Pulling herself together, she slipped back to the steps of the library in the nick of time.

"Miss Kitty, I am sorry for keeping you waiting," Miss Steele said, bustling towards her. "My purchases in the haberdashery took longer than anticipated; I have several lovely ribbons I am sure you will be pleased to see once we get home. Have you managed to borrow the book you wanted?"

Miss Steele was not supposed to leave Kitty alone. However, she was very fond of knick-knacks, so therefore the pair had a mutually agreeable arrangement that when Kitty visited the library each week, Miss Steele indulged in riffling through the colorful wares sold in the shop opposite.

"Yes, thank you, Miss Steele," Kitty said. "I have borrowed an intriguing book recommended by my friend Selina." She looked across the road to the haberdashery. "I can see they have some beautiful things displayed in the window over there, and I sincerely look forward to seeing the ribbons you have purchased when we get home."

Miss Steele adored pretty things; Kitty often found her gazing longingly at some of the trinkets on her mama's dressing table; indeed, once she had even thought she saw her wearing one of her mama's lockets, but Miss Steele had assured Kitty it was merely similar.

"Let me see the book," Miss Steele said. "Mmm. Not heard of this one. I hope it is suitable."

"I think it's quite well known," Kitty said, biting back a giggle. "Selina's mama allowed her to read it, therefore I am sure it will also be suitable for me."

It was amusing that Miss Steele, for all her long years as a governess and companion, was little enamoured of books and knew precious little about them, too. She had frequently cautioned Kitty about the effects of too much reading. Apparently, the activity could lead to frown lines, a pallid complexion, and, worst of all, unrealistic expectations and a tendency to be too clever. None of which men liked.

Whereas for Kitty, reading was her world. It brought solace and comfort when all about her seemed hard to understand. She was eternally grateful to her godmother for paying her subscription to the circulating library, for her papa had told her at the end of last summer there were no longer sufficient family funds for what he termed "this extravagance."

By the autumn, other luxuries had begun to disappear from the household. Cook complained about having to manage on less when ordering provisions, Kitty was told she could expect no new frocks this season, and one of the servants had to be let go, with their work being shared out amongst the others.

Kitty had on occasion tried to discuss the situation with her mama, but Mrs. Honeyfield's health was suffering, and Kitty knew her mama needed peace and quiet if she was to recover her spirits. This made Kitty determined not to worry her or cause her any anxiety. But how she missed being able to confide in her mama, especially with Henry gone...

But Henry was gone no longer. He was alive!

"Miss Kitty?" Miss Steele inspected her closely. "Is something amiss?"

"No, merely the wind blowing grit into my eyes."

That, and tears of joy and gratitude that my Henry has returned from the dead!

"Come along then, for Lord Steyne is due to visit soon."

Miss Steele's mouth drew into a thin line, whether of disapproval or anticipation, Kitty could not quite make up her mind.

"Kitty! Kitty! It is you!"

Kitty's dearest friend Selina was racing up Milsom Street to catch up with her, joy etched across her face. Selina's maid was running some way behind her mistress, holding a hand to her side.

"Have you been to the library?" Selina puffed.

"I have. Lovely to see you, Selina! Have you been to the Pump Room?"

"Yes!" Selina said. "How did you know?"

"Lucky guess," Kitty said, blushing.

"You must come and see us very soon."

"Of course! I would be delighted. Lord Steyne is to visit us in Russell Street this morning, and we have arranged to take a stroll in Sydney Gardens– but I am free this afternoon. May I come for tea?"

Selina clapped her hands together. "Perfect! There's so much to tell you."

The two girls stared at each other. Kitty knew she must not say anything to reveal she knew Henry had returned, and she realized he would have extracted the same promise from Selina, but it was very tempting to fling her arms around Selina's neck and cry tears of gratitude for Henry's safe return from the dead. Selina must have found this news hard to keep to herself since she had learnt of her brother's return– she had not said a word to Kitty, her best friend! And yet, she had seemed brighter and excessively cheerful when Kitty had seen her recently– this must be the reason! All was made clear now.

I cannot wait to visit the Templetons this afternoon in their home and be able to talk freely and celebrate with them.

Miss Steele began rummaging in her reticule and fiddling with her new ribbons. Selina raised an eyebrow at Kitty, and Kitty raised one back, then they both burst into fits of giggles.

"See you later," Kitty said.

"Can't wait!" Selina replied as she waved her goodbyes.

"Come along now, Miss Kitty," Miss Steele said. "We need to get back, as Lord Steyne will be arriving soon to take us to Sydney Gardens; it will not do to keep him waiting."

In his late forties, Lord Steyne was the darling of the ton and was asked to all the best gatherings. Extremely rich, rumoured to be a notorious rake, and single again after being widowed the year before, Lord Steyne was the man that Kitty's father wanted her to marry. He was certainly not Kitty's choice.

For some reason, Kitty felt giggles erupting all over again at the thought of the detestable and pompous Lord Steyne arriving at her home. Did the man not know he had no hope of winning her hand in marriage? Even if he had been her only chance ever of making a match, she would have refused him. Why was he wasting his time with these tedious visits?

As Kitty and Miss Steele hastened back to Russell Street, Kitty sobered up somewhat and reflected on Lord Steyne's qualities– or, rather, lack of qualities. The man was arrogant and dull. There was something else too, something Kitty had never come across before– something that went beyond mere self-importance. A sort of aloofness and disdain– and a penetrating stare that had often made her feel uncomfortable and wish she were elsewhere.

I will never marry Lord Steyne! Not if he were the last man left on earth.