Chapter Ten

Henry

"'Twas an owl," Carter said. "A real one!"

"Yes, a relief to know there's nothing to worry about," Henry said, "but better safe than sorry."

Henry and Carter had just completed a thorough search of the clifftop area after hearing the sound of an owl hooting. Now they were on their way down the path back to the safety of the house on Beechen Cliff. They had found nothing to concern them– and had enjoyed making the acquaintance of a large feathered creature perched on a high branch of an oak tree.

"You were about to tell me something important," Henry reminded Carter, "before we left for our ramble."

"Ah, yes!" Carter said. "Well, you should know that I am– hang on!"

There was a tiny figure standing next to the back gate.

"We have company," Carter said.

"Kitty! My Kitty!" Within seconds, Henry sprinted ahead and swept Kitty into his arms. "My darling! I'm thrilled you're here! We must get you inside and out of the rain and cold. Come– into the house at once."

"But Henry! There is much to tell you!"

"Evening, Miss Honeyfield." Carter grinned at Kitty and doffed an imaginary cap before winking at Henry. "You two lovebirds need time to yourselves– once we get inside, I'll go upstairs, and you can sit in the kitchen and dry off. It seems safe enough up here on the Cliff, but we must continue to be cautious, so don't put too many logs on the fire. Draw the curtains– and speak softly!"

Henry melted as he thought of all the things he could do alone in the kitchen with the curtains closed. Speaking was not top of the list– and although Kitty was wet through and needed warmth, maybe there were other ways to generate heat that didn't involve sitting by a fire?

"Come on you two," Carter said. "Hurry up and get inside the house. You cannot be..."

". . . too careful! We know!" Henry said.

Once the three of them were safely inside, Henry bolted the back door. Carter was as good as his word, instantly disappearing upstairs with another irreverent wink at Henry.

And he has still not revealed his secret to me...

Henry put his arms around a shivering Kitty.

"You're soaked through! Let me warm you."

Henry was trembling himself, but that had less to do with the cold and more to do with the fact that he had his love in his arms at last.

Now was the time! He would brook no more delay.

"Kitty! My sweet Kitty! I love you... I've loved you for years."

Kitty smiled broadly and snuggled closer. Henry pulled the sodden cap from her head and ran his fingers through her damp curls, encouraging them to spread out over her shoulders and down her back. Her jacket was open, and her bosom was partially visible through the wet shirt. Ye gods! Henry struggled not to reach out and explore her goddess-like form.

Never had Kitty been more beautiful to him. Forget all the expensive jewels and all the fancy silk and satin ballgowns in the world– how much more wondrous was his Kitty, standing there before him clad in ancient garments garnered from the Honeyfields' house– a reminder of the childhood fun and friendship that had led so naturally to deep love.

'Tis time to seize the moment– and embrace this perfect opportunity...

"Kitty! My darling!" Henry dropped onto one knee. "Be mine? Will you marry me? Do me the honour of becoming my wife?"

Kitty gave the most delightful smile. "I thought you would never ask! Darling H, I love you so much. Of course I will be yours– 'tis all I have ever wanted."

"But will you be able to take me as I am?" Henry said. "There is much that has happened. I don't even know if I wish to be in the army any longer. How would you feel if I resigned my commission?"

Kitty put a finger to Henry's lips. "Hush, hush. I love you for yourself– as you are now. I do not care if you are in the army, a servant, or a musician in the Upper Rooms. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"As I do with you," Henry murmured as his lips sought hers.

The kiss was different this time. 'Twas no more a kiss between two people who wondered if the other cared as deeply as they did– but a full sensual kiss after a loving pledge has been made.

After a while, the two of them gently broke apart, and Henry gazed into Kitty's cerulean eyes.

"What next?" she whispered.

I wish we could unite here and now– be joined to one another... and I know my Kitty feels the same.

Henry would be forever grateful that Kitty had run across the city to find him and they had both finally managed to break through their natural reserve and declare their love for one another. But now he had to act responsibly– for there was danger in the air.

"First, we need to talk," Henry said. "You haven't told me what led to you running up here yet. Are things bad in Russell Street– or did you perhaps fancy some exercise after the ball?"

Kitty bit her lip. "Things have taken a turn for the worse. This is what I discovered when I returned home after the ball... and Miss Steele has grown increasingly insolent and hostile. I had no choice but to leave immediately."

This was worrisome news– and how shocking that Mrs. Honeyfield had been removed from her house in this way, without Kitty being able to say goodbye. There was a distinct smell of danger– and too many unanswered questions.

"There is much to consider," Henry said, "and Carter's advice must be sought. Also, you need to get out of those wet clothes."

Kitty raised an eyebrow and giggled.

"Seriously!" Henry said. "You do not want to catch a chill. I have some spare things upstairs– they are much too big for you, but needs must."

"The breeches you are wearing are too short for you," Kitty said. "Shall I try them?"

"Ah, my John Greenwood breeches. Yes, they are far too short and thus might fit you. But you need another shirt and jacket– and I will need more breeches if you are going to wear these. Stay here, my darling, while I go upstairs and collect some clothes– and tell Carter what has been happening in your parents' house."

I will not be telling him everything that has been happening between Kitty and myself, that is for sure!

"Do not be long," Kitty said. "I cannot bear to be away from you!"

"Same for me," Henry said, making for the stairs.

"I have much to tell you about my journey across the city," Kitty called after him. "Extraordinary– I heard such a great quantity of owls that I thought I was in an aviary!"

Henry froze as an icicle of fear pierced him. Coming to his senses, he ran back to Kitty.

"What did you say? Owls?"

"Yes, so much hooting! I have never heard the like. Why, whatever is the matter?"

"Carter," Henry shouted. "Carter, get down here now!"

"What is it?" Carter rasped, appearing downstairs, instantly alert, a pistol in one hand. "What's going on?"

"I was just telling Henry about the owls I saw on the way here," Kitty said. "What is going on? Heavens! What are you doing with that gun?"

"Did you see owls, or hear them?" Carter said.

"Does it matter?" Kitty said. "In point of fact, I did not see any– but I heard so many owls, I actually thought they were following me. Listen– there they are again."

Carter put his finger to his lips, and the sound of hooting– mixed with the distant shouts of men's voices– could be distinctly heard.

"They were following you!" Carter said. "Not a moment to lose. Henry, gather a few things. We must be away from here. 'Tis best to go out the back where 'tis darker and then up the cliff path. Quick as you can– see you back here in one minute. No more!"

"I don't understand," Kitty said.

Henry put his arms round her. "Trust me! We have to do this– I will explain all later, but for now we must get ready to go."

Kitty picked up her cap– it might be useful if she needed to disguise herself again.

Suddenly, there was a sound from the back garden.

"There are already people out there," Carter said. "Change of plan: no time to collect anything. Exit via the front door– now."

The three of them rushed out of the house and stood on the deserted road.

"Which way now?" Henry said. "Back into Bath or further on up the road towards Coombe Down?'

"Away from the city, if you agree?" Carter said.

"Agreed," Henry said. "Round this corner, then straight along, that's it. Keep away from the streetlight."

"Where do you think you're going?" a voice drawled.

Lord Steyne! Hell and damnation! They were done for. Henry pushed Kitty behind him and Carter reached for his pistol, but they were hopelessly outnumbered. A crowd of ruffians appeared from the shadows, spreading their arms out so that the three were caught in a trap, like lobsters in a pot. One of them knocked Carter's pistol from his hand, and two others sent him crashing to the ground, then kicked him savagely. Henry was held fast while an ugly brute made free with his fists, pounding into him without mercy. And, worst of all, they dragged Kitty away screaming– and bundled her into Lord Steyne's waiting carriage. The hands of a woman could be seen helping to pull her into the coach– must have been that traitress, Miss Steele!

The abduction was over in seconds, leaving Carter unconscious on the ground and Henry limping after Lord Steyne's speeding carriage, howling in anguish.

Kitty, my Kitty! What danger have I put you in? I will never forgive myself if anything happens to you...

*

Kitty

Henry, my Henry– those men have hurt you. I cannot bear it.

"Stop your snivelling," Miss Steele said as she shoved Kitty back in her seat, "and what in God's name are you wearing?"

Kitty pushed back against Miss Steele, trying to reach her face with her nails. She wouldn't stay in this coach a minute longer than she had to. She would...

"I would not attempt anything foolish if I were you, missy," Lord Steyne said.

He was sitting opposite Miss Steele and Kitty, a haughty expression on his face. "I do not fancy your chances if you fell from the carriage travelling at this speed."

"How dare you treat me like this!" Kitty shouted. "I will report you! I will tell my father–"

Lord Steyne gave a discordant laugh. "As if he would be interested! For he is far too busy sitting at home missing his wife and feeling sorry for himself on account of how much money he has lost over the last months."

"You serpent!" Kitty said. "You deserve to go to hell."

"Perchance I do– but wherever I am going, you are coming with me."

"What do you mean?" Kitty said.

"What do you think he means, silly girl?" Miss Steele said. "Why, you are to marry Lord Steyne. You are to be his wife– you will be together forever."

"I will never marry you," Kitty hissed. "Never in a million years! I will slit my own throat before I give myself to you."

Lord Steyne licked his lips and gave a long, low laugh.

Merciful God! What a bumblebroth Kitty found herself in! She slumped back in her seat. 'Twas not possible she could be forced to marry a man she did not love– was it?

How could things have gone wrong so quickly? And why did Lord Steyne want to marry someone who loathed him? The man seemed obsessed with making her his wife, to the point of trying to kill Henry and forcing her mama into a hospital. But there must be some serious reasons behind this beyond a mere physical attraction, surely?

Kitty would not risk angering Lord Steyne but would sit quietly while her brain went into a flurry trying to work out how she would escape– how she would get back to her beloved Henry.

And Carter? What about Carter? The last time Kitty had seen him, he had been lying seemingly lifeless on the ground.

Dear God, let Carter and Henry not be too badly injured– and let them come to my aid as soon as possible!

"'Tis not long now," Lord Steyne said as the horses galloped up a steep hill.

Kitty tried to work out where they were. They had not travelled that far from Beechen Cliff yet– perhaps they were going to Coombe Down? But no, for they had taken a right fork some while back if she was not mistaken.

Kitty tried looking out of the window for clues, but everything was mostly dark, with a few glimpses of vegetation. The road was a good one– they must still be on a main route. That was something. She would not lose hope! She would trust in God– and her H.

"I expect you're hoping that useless article Captain Henry Templeton will be chasing after you," Lord Steyne said. "Well, you can forget that! There's no way on earth he can know where we're going. And unless he can run as fast as my horses, he's not going to be able to follow us, is he? His manservant Carter would normally have been able to make a better job of tracking me, I suppose, for he is an unusual character, with considerable skills and ingenuity." Lord Steyne adjusted his gloves. "But my men have made sure Carter has gone into a deep sleep and will not wake for some time– if at all."

"Henry and Carter are better men than you will ever be!" Kitty said.

"Very possibly," Lord Steyne replied, "but you're not going to marry either of them, are you? You're going to marry me. That is for definite."

"I am not!" Kitty screamed.

I wish I had one of my hat pins handy to attack this ogre.

Lord Steyne lunged forward. "Any more lip from you, young lady, and I'll ask Miss Steele to give you a dose of laudanum, eh?"

"We're nearly there." Miss Steele took some rags from her bag. "I don't think laudanum will be necessary, but I think I should..."

"Yes, yes," Lord Steyne said. "If you think the girl will not be quiet, you must do what you have to."

To her great shock, Kitty found her hands tied behind her back and a gag placed over her mouth.

"Blindfold her as well," Lord Steyne said, "then she won't know where we are."

Miss Steele looked shocked at this request. "I think that will be going too far– what does it matter if she knows where we are? She cannot do anything about it, can she?"

"A fair point," Lord Steyne said. "But make sure you keep an eye on her once we get inside."

They had reached their destination. The driver got down and led the horses through an archway, round to the last house of a crescent and round the side entrance and across a courtyard. Then Lord Steyne jumped out of the carriage, leaving the door open.

"Get out," he said to Kitty. "Look sharp!"

She shook her head, unable to speak because of the gag. Her cap felt a little loose when she moved her head– which gave her an idea.

"Do not refuse to get out– for he will only make you," Miss Steele said. "And that will hurt. Better for your sake if you dismount without any fuss. Now!"

Miss Steele's voice was not as acidic as it had been. Was it possible that she did not entirely approve of the way that Kitty was being treated? It might even be possible that Miss Steele herself was being used by Lord Steyne. Did he have some sort of hold over her? Or maybe she had started to help him for money and had got drawn in deeper than she had intended.

Maybe she is in love with Lord Steyne and will do anything for him– this would help to explain why her feelings towards me have turned to hatred, for she was never like this when I was younger.

Kitty stumbled out of the carriage– 'twas hard to be graceful with her hands tied behind her back– and her cap fell to the floor without being noticed by the others. With any luck, the discarded cap could be the beginning of a trail for H to find– would that not be marvellous? There was but a slim hope this would work, but Kitty was determined not to lose faith.

"In through the back door– hurry!" Lord Steyne said. "Do not turn round or try to attract attention."

Kitty knew where she was! She was going into the end house in the Cottage Crescent, high above the city. She recognized this side of the Crescent, with the gardens all overlooking the valley. One of her school friends used to live here for a short time– a house further along, in the middle– and Kitty had visited her once.

Sadly, Kitty knew there was no point in trying to seek help from that family, as they had not stayed in the house long at all– in fact they had moved out extremely quickly, saying it was an unsuitable, odd sort of place– and they had been happily residing in Sydney Buildings now for many years.

But why was Lord Steyne bringing her here? It made no sense. Unless... ah, Kitty could understand more now what someone might mean by an "unsuitable, odd sort of place"– a house where a mistress might live? Or a house of ill-repute that might be used for gambling and riotous parties? Presumably Lord Steyne owned this house, and, and...

Lord! I know not what wickedness I have been pitched into.

Kitty half-tripped over the step into the house. "Let me untie your hands," Miss Steele said. "We can't have you falling over. And I will remove the gag..."

"Thank you," Kitty said when it was done.

Miss Steele was being considerate! Was there hope?

"It wasn't for your sake I untied your hands, you little fool," Miss Steele said. "We cannot have you with a bruise on your face when you get married later today."

"Later today? I am to marry later today? You cannot make me–"

"I should not have removed the gag!" Miss Steele moaned.

"Get the laudanum," Lord Steyne said. "I cannot listen to this nonsense. I need my sleep. There are pitifully few hours of the night left, but I will have my sleep!"

"No, no," Kitty said, sobbing, "not the laudanum! I will be quiet. I apologize– and will be no further trouble."

She had to get a grip on her emotions. She must not show fear, she must not show anger, but what she did have to do was find an escape– as quickly as possible.

"One last chance," Miss Steele said. "Get upstairs."

A few minutes later, Kitty was standing in a top attic room at the back of the house with Miss Steele.

"I've had your room prepared– hope you like it."

There was a bed with a rough blanket and a wardrobe with a dress hanging on the front.

"My best dress!" Kitty said. "What . . . how . . . I knew it was missing, but . . ."

"I've been busy," Miss Steele said. "I picked out your favourite dress, the one I knew you would like to be married in– your shoes too, and a few bits and pieces from Russell Street so that I can do your hair and help you with your toilette. You will make a very beautiful bride. I arranged for all this to be brought up here in readiness while you were dancing with those young gentlemen at the ball."

"So that is why you were missing during the dancing!" Kitty exclaimed. "We thought you were playing cards in the Octagon."

"I was there for a while, but then slipped away to Russell Street. I went back to the ball later and told that bonehead Edmund Templeton I was going home with a megrim."

"Whereas in fact you were returning to help Doctor Voss take Mama!"

"You're catching on quickly," Miss Steele said. "I managed to get back for the end of the ball, then later that night the plan was that Lord Steyne would arrive in his carriage and bring you here, to the Cottage Crescent, in readiness for your marriage."

Miss Steele came closer to Kitty and hissed, "You nearly ruined everything by running away! 'Tis just as well Lord Steyne has men all over Bath and you were spotted and followed. In the end, it was no trouble to pick you up at Beechen Cliff. And here we are."

Kitty had never stood a chance. Lord Steyne and Miss Steele were prepared to use any underhand methods to get what they wanted– she was always going to end up in this attic room, on her way to a forced marriage. But she would not give up without a fight! However, she must tread carefully– perhaps appeal to Miss Steele's softer side, if she still had one.

"But I don't want to marry Lord Steyne," Kitty protested. "It is wrong that you are trying to make me. Do you not realize it is not what I wish for– marriage to someone I do not love, however wealthy or well connected they are?"

Miss Steele stamped her foot.

"Ungrateful girl! You are unbelievably lucky to be marrying someone with Lord Steyne's title and fortune. Have you any idea what an honor it will be, to be mistress of his beautiful house in Somerset? And you will have a house in London too, and a house in Bath. The house in The Paragon where Lord Steyne lodges when he is here for the season will no longer be suitable for a married man with a family. No, he will doubtless buy a splendid new town house– maybe in Lansdown Crescent. He is very fond of the views from that part of the city. And you will move from country to city as the seasons dictate, following the ton and dancing at the epicentre of fashionable society."

Miss Steele is motivated solely by wealth and position. No wonder she always looks unhappy! And she knows a surprising amount about Lord Steyne and what his properties and preferences are.

"I'm going to lock you in your room now, and 'tis no good calling out for help because there is no one to hear. Unusually, and luckily, the house is empty save us three tonight– apart from two servants, and they won't come to your aid, at least not if they know what is good for them. And the window does not open, so you won't be able to stick your head out and call for help. Now, settle down. Get some rest. You need to look your best for your wedding day, and we have an early start in the morning."

Once on her own, Kitty had a good cry, then walked over to the window. It was as Miss Steele had said– the window was impossible to open– but Kitty could look out across the valley and see the distant blur of the streetlights of Bath. If she'd had her quizzing glass with her, she would've been able to see more of her beloved home city– but wait! Kitty put her hand in her pocket. How fortuitous! The quizzing glass was still there and had not been damaged despite the rough treatment she had suffered when she was hurled into the coach.

Kitty held the glass to one eye and could just make out the Royal Crescent– ah, so near and yet so far, Henry's family home.

And H, where are you, my darling? I pray our love still has a chance.

*

Henry

"Carter! Carter, wake up!" Henry knelt in the road and gently tapped the side of Carter's face. He had already checked his pulse and found it strong and regular, thank God. His worst fear had not happened– that Carter had been killed. What would he have done without him? It must have been the lack of sleep, but unaccountably, Henry's eyes filled with tears at the thought that the world might be without Carter's powerful presence.

And he still hadn't told Henry his secret!

At least there seemed to be no more ruffians around– once Lord Steyne had made off in his carriage, they had all melted back into the shadows, presumably waiting for the next occasion their lord and master would require their fighting skills.

"A basic error," Carter mumbled.

"What's that?" Henry said.

"We made a stupid mistake," Carter said. "Lord Steyne sent a couple of his men round to the back of the house to make a noise so that we would flee from the front. We were sitting ducks for that wretched man. Maybe we should have gone upstairs– I could have shot him from the window."

"We were never going to win that fight," Henry said. "There were too many of them."

"I suppose so," Carter said. "Oh, my head! We need to get after Kitty."

"That could prove tricky, without knowing which way they have gone. There is no point in us running aimlessly along the road like headless chickens. Besides, that head of yours needs attention. You are in no fit state to do anything. We should go back to the house, patch you up, and plan our next move."

"I am not going to argue with that," Carter said. "Feel a bit woozy, to be honest."

"Can you stand up?" Henry said. "That's it– put your arm over my shoulder."

Henry half-supported, half-dragged Carter back to the house and took him upstairs to his chamber.

"You look terrible!" Henry said. "I am going downstairs to get some water, then I'll clean that head of yours and we can sort out what we do next."

Carter didn't answer, but collapsed onto the bed with a groan. By the time Henry returned with a bowl of water and a cloth, Carter was dozing on the bed. Henry dabbed at the wound on his temple.

"There, that's better. Your color is improving too. Think I'll leave you– you're better off sleeping."

"Want to . . . want to . . ." Carter said.

"You'll be all right."

"Want to come with you," Carter mumbled.

"You need to stay here, to recover. I'm going to look for Kitty."

"But you've had no sleep tonight."

"None of us have. How can I sleep knowing my Kitty must be terrified? Let me go now– I'll be back with Kitty before you know it."

"At least tell me where you're going to look for her," Carter said.

"My instinct is that Lord Steyne wouldn't dare take her back into the city," Henry said.

"Agreed. He'll want to take her somewhere quiet. Maybe up and away from Beechen Cliff– further up to Coombe Down? Question is, what's he planning to do next?"

"That's what I'm going to find out," Henry said. "I think he would have headed east, but not too far from the town, because he would want to be within reach of his men. But in reality, I don't know. Wish me luck! If you could find me hidden as I was in a ditch all those months ago, I'm sure I can find Kitty."

Carter seemed almost to be lapping into semiconsciousness again, but he propped himself up on his elbows to say, "Soon as I can, I will go into Bath and drum up reinforcements. Don't worry, Henry. We'll get her back."

Carter fell back onto his pillow and turned his head from side to side.

"I'm your uncle," he said, "in case you haven't guessed. I have always loved you, Henry, and wanted to protect you– for the sake of your mother, my half-sister."

My uncle! Good Lord! A conversation for another time– I simply can't take it in right now…

Carter's eyes closed and he fell into a deep sleep.

"Best thing for you, my old friend," Henry said as he ran down to the kitchen. "Or should I say, my uncle?"

Before he left the house, Henry collected supplies, including his cloak, the heel of a loaf, Carter's pistol, and a knife from the kitchen drawer.

"'Tis a little rusty, but will have to do. Shame I haven't got my sword or my dagger– I wonder which scavenger now possesses them?"

As he crept away from the house, Henry felt as if he were going into battle. He was certainly trying to bring down a dangerous enemy, and one that seemed to have a remarkable amount of foot soldiers at his beck and call. The moon shone ghostly fingers, pointing along the deserted road. Henry wanted to run, to race towards Kitty, but he felt weary to his bones and had to content himself with a brisk walk. His face felt sore from the beating he had received earlier. Putting his fingers to his cheek, he was surprised to find warm blood there. His shoulder wound was playing up too, as it often did when he was exhausted.

When he got down to the main road, he wondered which way to go. The left fork or the right? After a moment's hesitation he decided to take the left fork and make his way to Devonshire Buildings. One of his friends lived there, and although it was a most unseasonable hour for visits, Henry decided to pay a call on George and beg for help.

Walking up Devonshire Buildings, he became a little confused. Which of these terraced houses on the right was it? They all looked very similar, especially at night. Ah! There it was– the white front door. Henry opened the gate and walked through the long front garden and raised his hand to use the brass knocker. But no! This was madness! He should be going to the back door.

Henry walked right to the end of the road, along the top and then down the lane at the back until he found the house. Knocking gently on the back door, he hoped there might be a servant to greet him– but nothing. He knocked a little louder. The whole household must be fast asleep. Henry wished them sweet dreams, but confound it! What was he going to do now?

Henry crossed the alley to the stable behind. Yes, of course. That was what he would do– and George wouldn't mind in the least, because he was such a good friend. Henry gently pushed the bar open.

"Hello, Trigger," he said softly. "Who's a handsome brute?"

George would not mind if Henry borrowed his black bay– would he?

Henry put his hand on Trigger's nose and then ruffled his mane.

"What are you doing?" A man in night clothes stood before Henry with a lantern– and an angry expression. "You're trying to steal my horse!"

"George!" Henry said. "How very pleasant to see you."

George took a step back. "Henry! But, but, you're..."

"No," Henry said. "I'm not dead. Know it's a shock, but I'm in trouble and need your help. Please don't ask me any questions because I haven't got time– but I need to borrow Trigger. May I?"

George slapped his own face and pinched himself on the arm. "'Tis no good. You're still there, looking as if you have been in a fight. Obviously no dream. I do not understand any of this but can see you're serious, Henry. Tell me what to do!"

"I'd like you to go to my father's house on Beechen Cliff– you know the one?"

"Yes, indeed."

"My manservant Carter is there. Could you check on him? He's had a bash on the head. Then, perhaps you can help him get some reinforcements? Carter will know what to do. I need to go and look for Kitty."

"Kitty Honeyfield?" George said. "Well, if she's in trouble, why are we standing here talking? Delightful girl! On your way, Henry! Of course you can take my horse. Be off with you. Do you know where you are going?"

"Not really– in fact, not at all," Henry said. "I'm guessing that Lord Steyne will have taken Kitty away from the city."

"Lord Steyne has taken Kitty? ‘Pon my soul, that's bad news. Be careful of Steyne. For he is not to be trusted, either with women or with cards. I lost a lot of money to him last year in a game– but only because he cheated."

"Can you prove it?" Henry said.

"Certainly," George said. "If I played against him again, I believe I could unmask him, for all he is a fearsome and merciless opponent. I know how he operates– and I know his weaknesses."

"There may come a time when I ask for your help in proving his deceit," Henry said. "'Tis to do with Kitty's father, Mr. Honeyfield."

"You will have my help whenever you need it," George said. "I promise. And now let me help you with that saddle. I have eyes in my head and can see you have not full use of your shoulder. And, oh Henry, how fine it is to see you alive! I realize I must not delay you, but know this– when all your friends learn of your return from the dead, there will be much rejoicing. You will not have to buy a drink for the next year at least!"

Henry thanked George profusely and set off on Trigger down the lane and thence to the main road where he turned left and started riding up the long hill, climbing higher and higher until he reached the village of Coombe Down. He felt not the cold nor any further discomfort, so focused was he on finding his love.

Kitty! Kitty, my darling! I will go to the ends of the earth to find you!