Chapter Thirteen

Kitty

The next day, Kitty woke in her own bed after an exceptionally long sleep. For a moment, she had almost thought she was still in that attic room in the Cottage Crescent. Then she stretched her hands over her head and gave a huge sigh of satisfaction.

Mrs. Honeyfield put her head round the door of Kitty's chamber.

"Mama!" Kitty propped herself up on her elbows. "You should not be out of bed. I should be looking after you."

"I am fine," Mrs. Honeyfield said. "I feel better than I have for a long, long time and have come to tell you that there is a certain young man waiting for you downstairs in the parlour; he has brought a large bouquet of flowers."

Mrs. Honeyfield smiled her sweet smile, and Kitty knew her mama was on the road to recovery.

"I will go to rest in my room now," Mrs. Honeyfield said, "for I do feel a little fatigued with all the excitement. Henry has already spoken to your father in his study about a certain matter– and he has given his blessing."

Kitty chuckled. "I believe Henry should not have said we were getting married before he had spoken to Papa."

"The circumstances were exceptional," Mrs. Honeyfield said. "I think that once in a while, it does us good to break away from convention. Besides, 'tis very romantic, is it not? Such wonderful news, Kitty– I am thrilled for you! Henry is a fine young man, and you both deserve every happiness."

Kitty hurried into her clothes and flew down the stairs to see Henry in the parlour.

"Kitty! How are you this fine morning?" Henry pressed his lips to hers before she could reply and they kissed passionately, clinging to each other like sailors after a shipwreck.

"Henry! I cannot believe all that has happened... love truly has conquered all."

"My Kitty!" Henry said, then covered her face with light butterfly kisses.

"I cannot wait to be your wife," Kitty said. "'Tis all I have ever wanted!"

"Yes, about that," Henry said. "I have talked to your father and..."

"He has given his consent," Kitty said laughing. "Mama has told me. Papa bitterly regrets allowing that man into our house to woo me and now considers him a blot upon the English landscape."

"As do we all," Henry said. "But we will not talk of Lord Steyne– instead, let us look to the future. I have also talked at length to my own papa, and he has made it possible for me to travel to London and obtain a special licence from the ecclesiastical court. Luckily, the Archbishop of Canterbury happens to be an old schoolfriend of Papa's."

"How convenient!"

"Indeed! For it means we will be able to marry on Christmas Eve, if that date suits?"

"The ideal day!" Kitty said. "And wonderful news! But how long will you be gone for? How long must I face life without you while you are off on your jaunt to London?"

"A week," Henry said, "for I must talk to the army again too. I have finally decided I would like to resign my commission and seek employment elsewhere. But what say you, Kitty? For I will only do this with your blessing."

"I fully support you. You have done your duty to the army– some would say more than your duty."

"Thank you. I have not yet decided what I should do next to earn my living, although, although..."

"Go on," Kitty said, "for it sounds as if you have thought of something."

"I have wondered about the law."

"Law?" Kitty said. "Lord! You will have to wear a wig when you are at work. This will suit you well, for I know how much you love dressing up– especially as John Greenwood."

"Yes, a wig! 'Tis very old-fashioned... but no need to tease me about dressing up, for that is definitively one of your hobbies too. Darling Kitty, you looked so adorable in your breeches and shirt when you came to me at Beechen Cliff."

Ah! That wonderful time when Kitty had run across Bath to be with her H. And then, in the kitchen, Henry had taken her in his arms, even though she was wet through from the rain. He did not seem to mind she was wearing old clothes from the bottom of her closet at home.

And her hair! What a sight that must have been. H had gently lifted the cap from her head– her dishevelled curls must surely have resembled a badly constructed bird's nest. Shocking! And yet Henry accepted her as she was– more than that, he trembled– with love, Kitty felt sure. For did he not straightaway go down on bended knee and propose marriage?

"Kitty!" Henry said. "I have such fond memories of our time in that kitchen."

Kitty put her arms tightly round Henry. She would never forget H's proposal. It was the most romantic moment of her whole life.

"Darling H," she murmured. "Never in a thousand years would I have imagined a proposal like that– and yet it was totally and utterly perfect."

"I am glad I did not disappoint," Henry said.

Henry will never disappoint me– of that I am certain.

The pair clung to each other wordlessly for some time, before Kitty broke away and said, "Tell me more about wanting to be a lawyer. I promise not to make flippant remarks about wigs or get side-tracked with memories of your proposal. Explain to me, if you can, what is drawing you to this profession."

"My reasoning might sound over-worthy," Henry said. "Pompous, even."

"I am sure it will not. Be honest– tell me what is in your mind and heart."

"Well," Henry said, "our recent experiences have highlighted for me the opposing forces of good and evil– right and wrong."

"We have encountered both in great quantities, that is true."

"And I have been reminded how much we need the law to be strong and fair– we need to encourage men and women to behave. And there needs to be a just system in place– and people to help when things go wrong and crimes are committed."

"Laudable aims," Kitty said. "I agree with you on all points– and would consider it a privilege to support you in your work in whatever way might suit."

"We will make a fine team. For the moment, the law is just an idea, no more, and of course I need to talk to Papa about it– but I believe I could make an impact in that field of work. And that is important to me– to make a difference." Henry wrinkled his nose. "Told you it would sound pompous! Lord! You will think me very dull if I go on like this all the time! Maybe I will not go for law at all but will play my violin round the streets of Bath and beg for farthings to buy my crust."

"Nonsense," Kitty said. "You could never be dull. And I will always be proud of you, Henry, whatever you do."

"Thank you. As I of you. But now I have a question."

Kitty raised an eyebrow.

"Will you be able to live without me for one week while I travel to London to obtain the special licence? What say you, Kitty?"

"Ah, that will be difficult. I must ask myself whether I am fully up to the task." Kitty tilted her head to one side, then smiled. "As long as you promise to hurry back, I do believe there is a strong possibility I will survive. Now, please sit down. You look as handsome as ever, my darling H– but you also look tired. Did you sleep well last night?"

"I confess that Edmund and I sat up longer than we should have– there was much to talk about. And I was a little anxious about asking your father for your hand, and thus spent a restless night."

"Never mind. Coffee will revive you! The maid will be bringing a tray very soon."

"Then we had better make the most of the time we have before she comes in. Come, sit next to me on the sofa, Kitty."

Kitty felt suddenly shy as she sat down next to Henry, their thighs touching. Was this man really to be her husband and partner in life? What would marriage be like?

Henry's fingers crept towards Kitty's, then they clasped palms and gazed into each other's eyes.

"I think about you all the time," Henry said softly.

"Me too!" Kitty said.

Everything would be perfect! Henry's rugged hand felt right in hers, his pulse strong and reliable. He would protect her in life, as she would him. They would make their pairing work– for the rest of their lives.

Kitty stood up, then sat down again on Henry's lap, as she had in the Templetons' withdrawing room so recently. He put his arms around her waist, and she laced her fingers through the curls at the back of his head and pulled him gently towards her.

Kissing felt different when one was engaged. 'Twas more like the overture to something special– and deeper. Every nerve in Kitty's lips tingled as she felt Henry's warmth and excitement. She moaned softly, enjoying the intimacy– and the thought of what was yet to come when they were married.

Presently, she pulled away from Henry and sat beside him.

"The maid will be bringing the coffee in soon," she said, "and it would not do..."

"Of course," Henry said. "I understand."

And sure enough, three seconds later there was a faint cough followed by a discreet knock at the door, and a maid brought in a silver tray of refreshments together with a cheery expression of approval.

When they were alone again, Henry said, "I have to ask– do you know what will happen to Miss Steele?

"Well, Papa said last night that he felt a little sorry for her. I think we all do."

"You are too good, Kitty," Henry said. "The woman is a menace. If it had not been for her..."

"I know how much she helped Lord Steyne– oh, sorry! We said we would not mention his name! But he did deceive her terribly, and she has worked for our family for many years."

"Please tell me she is not still here," Henry said.

"Ah, no," Kitty said. "We all agreed she had to go."

"She will not join Lord Steyne, though?" Henry said.

"No," Kitty said. "She has most definitely seen through him, and last time they were together he was far from friendly."

"Indeed!"

Kitty sighed. "Although there will never be a return to Russell Street for Miss Steele, I am pleased Papa made sure she had somewhere to go and gave her money for the journey– for what would happen to her otherwise, if she was alone and without any means whatsoever?"

"Indeed. 'Tis hard for a woman. You are right to be concerned for her welfare, despite what she has done to your family. So where will she go?"

"To her married sister in Bristol. Miss Steele will join her household to help with the children. She said her sister had been writing to her for some time offering her a home. Perhaps she sensed Miss Steele had got caught up in a difficult situation and was not very happy? We will never know."

"'Tis a good result– and more than she deserves," Henry said. "But Lord Steyne needs to be dealt with. I wanted to chase after him when he ran from the church, but he was away in his carriage with his driver before anyone quite realized what was happening."

"But he did not actually manage to force me to marry him," Kitty said. "Thank goodness you all arrived in time to stop him! He did not, in the end, commit the crime of forced marriage."

"True," Henry said, "although is not abduction a crime?"

Kitty tensed. Her abduction was proving hard to forget. And Henry was right– abduction was a crime, and a heinous one, at that. But it happened relatively often, and it seemed the present-day world did not care enough to punish this sort of transgression with a custodial sentence. Especially if it resulted in marriage, which abduction often did. A desperately sad, unwilling marriage, where women suffered greatly. Thank the Lord Kitty had been spared that!

"Attempted murder is definitely a crime," Kitty said. "Lord Steyne did his best to do away with you. If it had not been for Carter, Lord Steyne would have been the direct cause of your death."

"True, but exceptionally hard to prove," Henry said, "especially for one such as Lord Steyne who probably has half the judges up and down the land in his pocket. No, we have to get justice in a different way."

"How?"

"Well, we know Lord Steyne is a cheat at cards and has defrauded many people, including..." Henry coughed.

"You can say it," Kitty said. "I know my father has been weak."

"He was taken in, and tricked in the vilest way possible, as were many, many others. However, George and Carter are hatching a plan to expose Lord Steyne as a scoundrel."

"That sounds excellent," Kitty said, "for I would not like anyone else to fall victim to his tricks."

"If he can be discredited," Henry said, "he will have everyone in the ton shunning him; this will be the worst punishment of all for a man to whom his status and position in society is everything."

"Agreed, for he is a man of vanity and worldliness. God willing, his disgrace will mean no lady in England will ever again be encouraged by her family to consider him a worthy matrimonial prospect. Although I fear for the less well-born young women he may exploit in the future."

"Dear Kitty, we cannot solve all the world's ills, although I am determined to do my best to help those less fortunate members of society."

"I understand more now your desire to enter the law," Kitty said. "I myself wish to help the less fortunate, particularly women who have fallen upon hard times through no fault of their own. Dear Henry– together we might be able to start some reforms. We could try to right some injustices."

"A noble aim!"

"Now," Kitty said, "let us turn to lighter subjects."

"Yes, for our conversation is getting ponderous again, and today is a day for much rejoicing. What about this? A play on words for you. Lord Steyne has a high regard for himself, but he is nothing but a stain on society. Kitty! Stain! Lord Steyne? Why are you not amused?"

"I did understand your very feeble joke," Kitty said with a grin, "but thought I would not dignify it by laughing."

"At least we can tease and joke now. There were a few times when I feared the worst. We have been lucky, Kitty dearest."

"In truth, we have! And I will always be grateful to Carter, for you have told me how much he helped you."

"Ah!" Henry said. "Carter! There is much I have to tell you about that man– but it will have to wait until I return from London."

"Intriguing! I will see if I can try and work out what it is before you get back. Perchance he is a highway man in his spare time? Or harbours a desire to run away and join the circus?"

I expect Selina will be glad to explain the mystery to me regarding Carter while my H is away.

"By the way," Henry said, "my mama would like you to accompany her to the opticians in Milsom Street soon, to have an eye test. She is determined you shall have spectacles to use when you read music– and at other times too."

"Very kind of her," Kitty said. "She has already given me the quizzing glass."

"Yes, and you gave it to Martha. Mama says she will also arrange for you to be measured for a quizzing glass made to your exact requirements while you are at the optician."

"How very kind! And you have reminded me about Martha. I think we should offer her alternative employment. She deserves better than the Cottage Crescent."

"'Tis already in hand," Henry said. "As soon as Mama heard about Martha, she wanted to offer her a job at our home. She will arrange it all."

Kitty squeezed Henry's arm gently. She was marrying into such a thoughtful family.

"And of course, Selina says that you can expect to be meeting up with her constantly for the entire week of my absence," Henry said. "You will not be lonely– not for one second."

"Dear Selina," Kitty said. "I cannot wait until she is my sister."

"You two will have a rare time when I am gone," Henry said. "I believe I will hear the giggles from London. Please be careful, though, that she does not lead you astray."

"Lead me astray?"

"I still remember, when you were all but six years old, how my dear sister encouraged you to jump over the edge of the ha-ha at the edge of the Crescent Lawn and you sprained your ankle. You should have said you did not feel confident enough to jump."

Kitty smiled. "I had my reasons for risking my ankle. How was I to know it would go disastrously wrong?"

"Reasons? And what pray, were they?"

"You will be big-headed if I tell you."

"You must tell! Please? I cannot leave without knowing."

"Why, you are very persistent, Henry! But can you not guess?"

"No! Otherwise I would not be asking."

"'Tis simple," Kitty said, "I wanted to impress you. Yes! Even at the age of six, I admired you and wanted you to like me."

Henry threw back his head and chortled. "Excellent! The beginning of a lengthy and successful campaign. You have a lot in common with the Duke of Wellington, I do believe, for he had to wage his campaign over many years before he finally defeated Napoleon. I certainly like you now, Kitty, and admire you immensely. And love you– very, very deeply... come here again, my dearest, sweetest..."

How intoxicating to be kissed by my soul mate! And I can feel his desire rising, with such promise of what is to come...

Henry groaned and buried his face in Kitty's neck. "I am afraid I must be on my way soon, for Carter and I leave this evening, and there is much to do."

"You have not had your coffee yet," Kitty said. "Let me pour it for you."

She carefully lifted the coffee pot decorated with gold swirls and swags of multi-coloured flowers. This was part of a much-loved set of bone china Kitty's parents had been given as a wedding present. 'Twas reserved for special occasions– and important guests, like a future son-in-law.

Kitty poured the fragrant coffee into a delicate matching cup, added cream and sugar, and passed the saucer to her beloved H. Not a drop was split, despite her body trembling with emotion.

"I could get used to this," Henry said, "having you wait on me hand and foot."

"Is that what you think marriage is about?"

"No," Henry said. "It is about all sorts of other things– loving you forever and being one with you. Then, hopefully we will be blessed..."

"...with children! How I look forward to being a mother."

And I look forward to being one with my H, to joining with my husband, and loving him forever.

*

Henry

Henry's week in London went smoothly. He managed to obtain a special licence so that he and Kitty could be married on Christmas Eve, and he resolved matters with the army authorities, resigning his commission. They thanked him warmly for his service and Henry went on his way with a light heart, feeling more at peace than he had for a long time.

He would never again take his good fortune for granted. There were not many people who could say they had returned from the dead– why, it was almost like being born again, to a new life full of promise and opportunity. Henry would be able to turn his attention to a fresh purpose and career now– with Kitty walking alongside him on life's journey.

One evening shortly after Henry's return to Bath, he attended a ball in the Upper Rooms with Kitty.

Carter and George had done as they had promised and set up a card game with Lord Steyne. He was keeping a very low profile, but they had eventually tracked him down at his lodgings in The Paragon where he had gone to ground to lick his wounds. George issued the invitation without mentioning the Templetons– and Lord Steyne swallowed the bait. He had seemed keen to re-enter society, doubtless thinking the ton would have forgiven him his peccadillos by now.

After Kitty and Henry had enjoyed a dance together at the ball, Henry led her to the Octagon card room next to the ballroom, and they stood in the shadows watching George and two other gentlemen playing cards with Lord Steyne. The men were hunched over one of the small wooden tables, glasses of wine resting on the green baize next to ivory counters. Carter was standing with his back to the wall not far from Henry.

It was not long before Lord Steyne gave a cry of triumph.

"I have won! Victory is mine!"

Then George stood up and shouted, "This man is a card shark! Look! Come here everyone! I can prove it."

Carter ran over and secured Lord Steyne's hands behind his back.

"I am getting quite fond of doing this," Carter muttered. "Hold still, man, damn your eyes!"

After a dramatic pause, George leaned forward and whipped three crucial cards out of Lord Steyne's jacket pocket.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" George said. "The missing cards! Moreover, Lord Steyne has been using other fraudulent and perfidious techniques that have long been outlawed amongst respectable gentlemen... why, he even started the game dishonourably by dealing the cards improperly, giving himself more than his opponents, and he does not limit himself to cards, but cheats at the dice too. What I could tell you about the way he plays Hazard..."

Cries of outrage erupted from all over the Octagon.

"Shocking!"

"Should be horsewhipped! The rogue!"

"Double-crossing rapscallion!"

"Slubberdegullion!"

And there was Selina, in the shadows on the other side of the Octagon. She was staring at George with open admiration. Henry's sister, showing partiality for a young gentleman? This had never happened before. Ah, would it not be sweet if George and Selina... but no time to consider that now.

Lord Steyne started to protest his innocence, causing Carter to put his hand over his mouth.

"Each point I am making is backed up by solid evidence," George said, leaning back on his heels as he continued to outline the illegal playing style of the disgraced lord.

"George seems to be having the time of his life," Henry whispered to Kitty. "Seems to think he is a barrister at the high court! But do you understand what he is saying?"

"Not at all," Kitty said. "For I have never played card games like this– only childish games years ago."

"Not over fond of cards myself," Henry said, "therefore I have somewhat lost the thread of what George is saying. But I know it must be true, for look! Everyone is smiling and cheering. There must be many men in this room who have been caught out by Lord Steyne. Now they can all demand their money back. He will be obliged to pay– this is good news for your dear papa."

"And Lord Steyne is permanently disgraced," Kitty said. "I suppose I ought to be angry that the ton readily lose their good opinion of a man because he cheats at cards– whereas if a man cheats a woman, they tend to turn a blind eye."

"'Tis not fair nor just," Henry said. "But the ton are not always principled, are they? Their approval or otherwise is not a good indication of the absolute right or wrong of a situation."

"True," Kitty said, linking her arm through Henry's. "Let us leave and go back to the ballroom. We will dance– for I do not want Lord Steyne to see us."

"Hopefully we will never see him again," Henry said. "The ton have shown their disapproval, and he will not be welcome in Bath. He might have to go and live abroad now, on the Continent– preferably somewhere over-hot and stifling."

"I wish he would go and live in that horrid ditch that he dragged you to," Kitty said. "I will be first in line to cover him with branches and throw some mud on his head."

"The punishment should fit the crime," Henry said. "'Tis exactly what he deserves."

"And did you notice when he started shouting, he opened his mouth so wide you could see some of his back teeth are black with rot?"

"Horrific! Too much sugar! But he is rich," Henry said. "He will be able to purchase himself a set of Waterloo teeth. There are many fine sets available…"

"Not funny!" Kitty said. "Especially when you think what nearly happened to you. Come on. Let's dance."

Within minutes, Kitty and Henry were back in the ballroom and found their places at the end of the set. It would be some time before it was their turn to dance– the ideal opportunity to catch up.

"How is your mama?" Henry asked.

"She gets better every day," Kitty said. "We suspect her frail state was exacerbated greatly by Miss Steele's inexpertly made narcotic potions. Do you remember I overheard Lord Steyne and Miss Steele talking about ‘quantities?' They must have been referring to making up the draughts used to drug poor Mama and make her more pliable. Now she is being treated properly again, under the care of Doctor Jenkins, she is making great strides forward. I must remember to thank your parents for their great generosity in funding Doctor Jenkins's visits."

"We will soon be family," Henry said, "and my parents will not see your parents in any hardship, rest assured."

"Thank you," Kitty said, "and there is good news too about Doctor Voss's establishment, where my mama was taken. Doctor Jenkins is a very influential figure in the world of medicine, and he has managed things in such a way that Doctor Voss, or should I say Mr. Voss, has been dismissed for running a very poor and irregular hospital. Another doctor recommended by Doctor Jenkins has taken over, thank the Lord. No longer will the patients be treated badly, but they will have the chance to be cured and sent back to their families. Is that not good news?"

"Certainly is. Ah! At last! Our chance to dance!" Henry's feet flew across the floor. "I say! This rhythm is extremely captivating!"

There was precious little time for conversation until the dance came to a conclusion and Kitty and Henry faced each other again, laughing and somewhat out of breath after their exertions.

"The musicians are playing well this evening," Kitty said. "I once heard a very special violinist here. He is not in the band tonight. I wonder where he might be."

"A mystery!" Henry said. "And I will have you know, when you were dancing with other men and I was John Greenwood playing up there in the musicians' gallery, I was vastly jealous."

"You had no need to be jealous," Kitty said. "You are the only man I care for, but I did enjoy seeing you up in the gallery wearing that ridiculous hat– and you were the only person in the whole room to wear a full-face mask."

"Do not forget that John Greenwood is very shy and self-conscious about his appearance."

Then Henry smiled, for a very amusing idea had popped into his head. The flautist and the pianist. Ah, yes! What if...

"Would you excuse me, Kitty dear?" Henry said. "I need to disappear for ten minutes for I have something to fix for our wedding. You will be pleased– but 'tis a surprise."

"Of course I excuse you," Kitty said. "I will go and sit over there with Selina and Edmund. I have much to talk to Selina about."

"I cannot believe that is true," Henry said, "for she has told me that all the time I was away, you both chattered non-stop."

"There is always something new," Kitty said.

"I will have to take your word for it," Henry said. "But what young ladies find to constantly prattle on about, I do not know."

"What a tease you are, Henry! No doubt you think we only talk about young men such as yourself, or perhaps dresses and fashion. But there is much more that we dissect and analyse. For instance, I know about Carter now– I mean, that he is your uncle."

"I am glad Selina told you," Henry said. "My parents have known for some time, of course, but they had not thought it right to tell us. And Carter never said a word until recently. It explains so much."

"When my mama was ill," Kitty said, "in particular when Miss Steele was drugging her with strange potions, she told me that Lady Templeton had an older half-sibling– but she knew no more than that."

"Apparently Mama spent many years looking for her half-brother," Henry said, "and when she found him as a grown man, she wanted him to live with her and Papa, openly as her acknowledged relative. Carter would not– he said it would bring a shadow across the family– so Mama persuaded him to become my manservant to keep him close."

"Will he still be your manservant?" Kitty said.

"It will possibly seem like that, for appearances' sake. But Carter is determined to carry on certain other– more secret– work. I will tell you more of that another time– not while we are in public. And I will have to swear you to secrecy."

"You can rely on my discretion," Kitty said. "Always."

"I know," Henry said. "'Tis another of the many reasons I love you. Now, I am off to organize the surprise I talked of."

He ran up the stairs two at a time to the musicians' gallery. Dear Kitty. He loved to see her excited and full of chatter. She had suffered greatly during her ordeal with the dastardly Lord Steyne. At least now the man had been discredited in front of society and they should have no further trouble from him.

"Hello!" Henry said to the musicians.

The pianist and flautist were on the point of launching into another piece with their usual violinist, the young man who was courting Lady Templeton's abigail.

"Members of the public are not allowed up here," the flautist said.

"Unless they are particularly attractive young women," the pianist said, "which obviously you are not."

"I won't take up much of your time," Henry said. "I merely came to ask if you're free on Christmas Eve. Are you available for work?"

"Well," the flautist said, "I prefer to relax on Christmas Eve. However, I wouldn't say no if the money was right."

"Yes," the pianist said. "Our availability entirely depends on how much you're going to offer us."

"A goodly sum, do not worry," Henry said, "and 'tis very local. A house in the Royal Crescent– and a Christmas wedding."

"Wait a minute," the flautist said. "I've seen you before!"

"Doubtless you have seen me dancing downstairs with all the other young men," Henry said.

"It's more than that," the pianist said. "I recognize you too. Your voice."

"Imagine me wearing a full-face mask," Henry said.

"John Greenwood!" the flautist said. "Is it really you?"

"In a manner of speaking– although my real name is Henry Templeton. I am looking for musicians to play at my wedding reception and would be honoured if you would agree to perform."

"Henry Templeton!" the pianist said. "Bless my soul! Why, you are the talk of the city."

"Yes, indeed," the flautist said, "for you came back from Waterloo after all thought you had been lost in battle. And to think– you are our own John Greenwood."

Henry finalized the arrangements with the musicians before going downstairs again. What a pleasant surprise Kitty would have on their wedding day when she saw who was playing in the band at the reception.

"Is everything sorted out to your satisfaction?" Kitty asked as Henry joined her, Edmund, and Selina at their table.

"Absolutely," Henry said.

"Where are you to live when you are married?" Selina asked. "I don't suppose you have even thought about it, for all has been such a whirlwind."

"We could live with my parents," Kitty said.

"Or mine," Henry said. "At least at the beginning, until we find a place of our own."

"If I tell you something," Edmund said, "would you promise to act in a particularly surprised manner when Papa mentions it?"

"Of course," Henry said.

Edmund grinned. "Remember the day Kitty came over for tea and you played pianoforte duets with her? When Papa wanted to ask my advice about something?"

"Ah, then. Yes, I remember Papa dragged you away, saying he had to consult you about something."

That was shortly before I kissed my darling Kitty for the first time...

"Well," Edmund said, "obviously the whole family were keen to get out of that room to leave you two alone. It was somewhat of an excuse from Papa– but he did also genuinely want to discuss something with me. You see, he has bought Number2 the Royal Crescent, next door to us, because he thought it would encourage me to get married, give me a place of my own in Bath to live– and bring up a family. I have no intention whatsoever of getting married any time soon, as you know, for I am having far too much of a good time."

"You mean you haven't met anyone silly enough to say ‘yes' to you yet," Selina said.

"Edmund, you have not met the right young lady yet," Kitty said. "You must be patient."

"Ladies, I thank you for your opinions," Edmund said. "Anyway, Papa has bought the house– but I have told him I do not require or need it. And now I happen to know he intends to give Number2 Royal Crescent to a certain pair of lovebirds as a wedding present."

"'Tis exceedingly generous of him," Henry said. "I cannot think what I have done to deserve it."

"You came back from the dead," Edmund said. "'Twas truly appalling when we thought you had died– and by some miracle you are here again. And the icing on the cake, the one thing that has us all jumping for joy, is to know you and Kitty are to be married."

"Thank you," Henry said gruffly.

Dash it all, he felt like blubbing like a baby. Everything was catching up with him at last. But it was wonderful to be back, and to be able to be seen openly with all his friends and family– and to be about to marry the beautiful, the wonderful Kitty.

I cannot wait to be joined to my darling love, for us to possess each other fully and completely.

*

Kitty

After a flurry of preparations, with both the Templeton and Honeyfield households in a frenzy of excitement, Kitty and Henry's wedding day dawned.

Although Kitty had dreamt of getting married in her best muslin dress, she could no longer bear to look at the garment, associated as it was with the despicable Lord Steyne. The dress had been shoved to the back of her closet in disgrace. She would take it out again one day and think about the daring rescue effected by Henry and the others– but the rest of the events, in particular what might have been, would not be dwelt upon.

Thus it was that when she walked up the aisle on the arm of her proud father, she wore a shimmering new dress created by the most fashionable modiste in Bath, another generous gift from the Templetons. The gorgeous satin and lace confection with exquisite beaded embroidery was everything that a young woman might desire.

And yet, although Kitty was grateful for this beautiful gown, she knew she would have been just as happy to wed her H in the breeches, shirt, and jacket she had worn when he had proposed in the kitchen of the house at Beechen Cliff. For if her adventures had taught her anything, they had shown her what qualities to admire in life– loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

For true love conquers all! And here I am walking up the aisle to my beloved H.

And Henry! Never had he looked more dashing or debonair. Ah! His sweet, kind face as he said his vows in the service– was there ever a more pleasing sight? And his courage and valour– what a man. A real hero.

Kitty knew it was unlikely that she and Henry would ever again have to face the terrible struggles they had endured over the last six months, but if misfortune did come their way in the future, she was sure that together, they would be able to face it.

The collective sigh from the congregation when Henry and Kitty were finally pronounced man and wife was beyond heartwarming. A soldier had returned from the dead and was marrying his sweetheart– a young woman who had waited for him long after all hope had been extinguished. 'Twas as if a towering, flaming beacon of sensibility had flared up in the church.

Kitty turned to see married couples looking at each other– she could hear their sighs of contentment. And the unmarried! Why, their eyes were darting round the congregation– with eager hope? George was gazing at Selina... how very interesting.

As the happy couple walked down the aisle arm in arm, their bridesmaid Selina following, Kitty nodded and smiled to her friends and family. Her parents had strange expressions– were they laughing or crying? Perhaps 'twas a touch of both.

And there Carter was, looking uncharacteristically smart– and a little awkward– in his new double-breasted tailcoat. How wonderful that he would still be Henry's manservant– at least as far as the world was concerned. Once the front door of Number2 Royal Crescent was closed to visitors, he would take his role as Henry's proud uncle and be a true part of their family.

With the Templetons only next door at Number1 and Kitty's parents but a stone's throw away in Russell Street, the couple would not want for company. And in time, with God's blessing, if children arrived, many dear family would be nearby to help and enjoy the widening circle of Templetons.

Will it not be wonderful when the children arrive? Will we not have fun playing with them? It will be as if Henry and I are children again and can continue to enjoy the fun and friendship.

"Take my arm, Mrs. Templeton," Henry said as they went up the flight of steps into Number1 for their wedding reception.

"I wondered who you were talking to for a moment," Kitty said, "then I remembered my new name."

The house was ablaze with roaring log fires. The ladies would have to be careful not to stand too close in case their fine muslins and silks caught fire, for there was already a vast throng of guests packing all the downstairs rooms. Fireplaces, windowsills, and tables were decorated with armfuls of trailing ivy and scarlet berry-studded holly, all brought in by the servants from the nearby woods and fields and artfully arranged by Lady Templeton. Dried orange slices hung from festive green boughs, filling the air with their distinctive spicy cinnamon and citrus scent. And everywhere, the bright blaze of candles and the babble of excitable chatter. The ton were out in force!

"The house has never looked more celebratory," Henry said. "Mama has pulled out all the stops to combine Christmas with our wedding."

"'Tis almost too overwhelming," Kitty said. "I cannot take it all in."

"Do not worry, Kitty dearest," Henry said. "This will be but for a few hours– and then you and I will go next door to our house and..."

Kitty blushed. Her mother, Mrs. Honeyfield, had made several oblique references in the past weeks to what Kitty must be prepared for in marriage. She had repeated her thoughts that some women endured their marital duties– but some enjoyed them.

As before, Kitty hoped very much she would enjoy joining with Henry. Then she blushed more deeply, becoming almost puce as she flooded with feeling. She already knew she would enjoy being married, for had not everything to do with the kissing between her and H been leading up to this?

"I know what you're thinking," Henry said. "You were imagining what we must both endure tonight."

He wiped his brow melodramatically and Kitty giggled, for she had shared Mrs. Honeyfield's theories of endurance versus enjoyment with Henry only a few days before. He had found the concept very funny– and talking about it between the two of them had led directly to much exploratory kissing. This had convinced both of them that they would fall firmly into the enjoyment category.

"What are you two laughing about?" Selina said. "Come on, you must circulate! Time enough for you to whisper sweet nothings to one another later. Now you need to chat to your guests. There are some here who have not seen you for a long time, Henry– they are still in shock that you are alive!"

"And have any of these guests caught your eye, Selina?" Henry said. "Although I've only been married for an hour or so, I can thoroughly recommend it. Surely it is your turn to choose a partner? Let me look around the rooms for you and see who might suit."

"Muttonhead!" Selina said, swatting Henry on his shoulder.

"Ouch! I am still tender there from being shot, I will have you know!"

"Then Kitty will have to be very careful with you this evening when you retire," Selina said, before giggling like a mad thing and moving swiftly away.

"I have no idea why you chose Selina as a bridesmaid," Henry said to Kitty. "She's very badly behaved. 'Tis certainly time she got married– but I can't for the life of me think of anyone who is strong-minded enough to take her on. Unless... well, George would be a fine match. Perhaps I should have a word with them both? Throw them together?"

"I too think they would suit," Kitty said, "but remember, Henry, it is up to Selina who she chooses. It should not be decided by her brother."

"I stand corrected," Henry said. "We will see what transpires... but possibly a helping hand could be in order?"

"A gentle nudge would not go amiss," Kitty said, "nor an opportunity to allow them to see each other again."

"Shall we invite them both to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Templeton at Number2 in the new year?" Henry suggested.

Kitty nodded. "A fine idea."

"Ah, good! The music has started up," Henry said. "What an excellent band. Aren't they playing well?"

Kitty whipped out her new quizzing glass and had a good look at the musicians.

"There are more people in the band than I thought there would be... oh, Henry! I can't believe it! You didn't?"

"I did," Henry said. "I asked the flautist and the pianist from the Upper Rooms to join the musicians here today. See how the flautist is winking at us? And now the pianist is waving."

"He needs to concentrate on the music."

"Yes, indeed," Henry said. "He played a wrong note in that chord, and I am not sure I shall pay him after this."

"You weren't tempted to join them today?"

"To be honest, yes. I thought it would be highly amusing to dress up in my John Greenwood outfit again, full-face mask included– but then I remembered."

"Remembered what?" Kitty said.

"I remembered that I'm a married man and must behave responsibly at all times."

"Sounds a little tedious," Kitty said. "Almost middle-aged."

Henry took her in his arms. "I can promise you one thing, Mrs. Templeton. Our marriage might be many things– but 'twill not be tedious. One day it will be middle-aged, and one day, God willing, we will be together in our old age. And that is what I look forward to most of all, to living my whole life with you, my darling Kitty. To growing old together."

"Give it a rest, you two," Edmund said, walking past, "for you are not standing under the mistletoe now. No need for kissing! Grub's up, by the way. Cook's surpassed herself, and there is an unbelievable spread in the dining room. The table's positively groaning under the weight of myriad delicious-looking dishes; roast beef, venison, goose, chestnuts, mince pies, plum pudding, jellies, trifles, syllabub, almond biscuits, fruit, wedding cake... the most wonderful collection of Christmas foods, served a day early as a wedding breakfast. We will be eating the leftovers for weeks."

"They say music is the food of love," Henry said, "so what better treat than to enjoy a fine feast while listening to beautiful music with my lovely wife beside me. Lead the way, if you please, Mrs. Templeton!"

Much later, Kittyand Henry were together alone at last, in their new home of Number2 the Royal Crescent.

"I still cannot believe how kind your parents were to give us this house and all the beautiful furniture," Kitty said.

"'Twas very thoughtful of them," Henry said. "Why, there is even a fine Pleyel pianoforte in the withdrawing room. And I absolutely promise it will never be necessary to fill in any windows in our home to avoid the window tax, especially in your bedchamber. Your days will be filled with light– forever. No more daylight robbery!"

"I do love the daylight for reading," Kitty said, "and for gazing at you, dear Henry."

Henry took her into his arms and, despite herself, Kitty trembled, feeling a little nervous.

"There is no need to be anxious," Henry said softly. "We'll work this out together. Marriage is new for both of us."

"Shall we try the pianoforte first?" Kitty said.

"A very good idea. Mozart?"

"Yes, the Mozart duet in D major," Kitty said. "Our favorite."

"And you can wear your new spectacles to see the music," Henry said. "You look so adorable in them."

As the two of them nestled together on the duet stool, playing the familiar harmonies and phrases, Kitty felt contentment creeping over her– and trust.

When they had finished the piece, she turned to Henry and ran her finger gently down his cheek.

"Ready," she said. "Shall we try a different kind of duet?"

"My darling," Henry said.

His mouth descended upon hers. Then he gently lifted Kitty into his arms and carried her to the bedchamber.

"Shall we make sweet music?" he murmured.