Chapter Two

Henry

Henry and Carter took the long route around the city to approach the Royal Crescent, hoping to avoid detection.

"'Twouldn't do to walk round the Circus and along Brock Street," Henry said.

"No, it would not!" Carter replied. "Far too busy and full of all sorts of nosy snobs."

"All right, Carter," Henry said. "I know your views on the ton. You think they care for nothing but fashion and gossip."

Carter nodded.

"Well," Henry said with a laugh, "you could have a point, for that is exactly what a lot of them are like."

"Not your family," Carter said.

"Very loyal of you," Henry said, "and I agree my parents are nothing like that. My father has true values."

"He is a benevolent employer and runs his estates with great skill and kindness– a rare combination."

"If I can be half the man my father is, I shall be happy," Henry said.

The two men had reached St James's Square now, behind the Royal Crescent. They pulled their hats down over their eyes and their cloaks closely around them, then walked more cautiously to the servant's entrance to Number1.

"One of the reasons I greatly admire your father," Carter said, "is his steadfast refusal to have anything to do with investing in the plantations and thus with slavery. He could be much richer if he did what many others do."

"He had no choice in the matter," Henry said. "Mama would not agree to marry him unless he said he would never profit from slavery."

"God bless her," Carter muttered. "She cares much for the less fortunate– a wonderful woman."

"She certainly is," Henry said. "Let us make haste to see her."

The two men slipped down the steps at the side of the servants' entrance, making a surprise appearance in the below stairs area, then rushed up into the main part of the house where they discovered Henry's parents and sister sitting in the parlour.

"Greetings!" Henry said.

"My dear!" his mother said. "'Tis a shock to see you every time you arrive! I still can scarcely believe this miracle and thank God every night for your safe return. Come here and let me enfold you in my arms once more."

"I sincerely hope you were careful coming here," Lord Templeton said, coming over to embrace his son, "and thank you again, Carter, for taking such good care of my boy. We will be forever grateful to you for what you did out there."

"Don't I get a kiss?" Selina said, throwing herself at Henry. "Edmund's not here– out gallivanting in the city with his friends– but he will be back later in the afternoon. By the way, I saw Kitty today, and she's coming here for tea at three o'clock. She had to rush away because Lord Steyne was visiting and then they were going for a walk in Sydney Gardens, but she will come to us later. I know she'll be happy to see you– in fact, I have my suspicions you already know of this visit– am I right?"

"Yes," Henry said. "I suggested she visit this afternoon."

"Thought you must have seen her! But how?"

"I waited near the library– if you wait outside the library, chances are, sooner or later, you'll see Kitty."

"She loves books more than anything in the world," Selina said.

But hopefully not more than she loves a soldier back from the war...

"I hope Miss Steele will not be accompanying her when she comes to tea," Selina continued. "She kept fiddling with her reticule when I was talking to Kitty, but I had the uneasy impression she was listening to us intently. I am not sure I trust her."

"Carter doesn't trust anyone at all," Henry said, indicating the man himself standing at the side of the room, "which is probably why I'm still alive."

"Sit down, sit down everyone!" Lady Templeton said. "Carter, you know we do not stand on ceremony. Sit down, please. I am eternally grateful to you for rescuing Henry– you must consider yourself part of the family now."

"You're exceedingly kind, Lady Templeton," Carter answered, "but I will go down to the servants' quarters."

Carter left the room.

"You should not embarrass the man," Lord Templeton said to his wife. "He is a treasured servant and saved the life of our dear son, but he isn't part of our family– and never will be."

"There will come a time," Lady Templeton declared, "when all this silly business about upstairs and downstairs simply won't exist, you mark my words."

Everyone laughed heartily to hear this.

"Mama," Henry said, "soon you'll be telling us that women will be able to own property in the future."

"And what would be wrong with that?" Selina said.

"And that ordinary men would be able to become members of parliament!" Lord Templeton added.

"Now that I would not laugh at," Henry said, "because I think Carter would make a very interesting politician. We have had some pretty interesting debates on our journey back across the Continent– and I defy anyone to get the better of him in a reasoned argument."

"He certainly is an uncommon sort of fellow," Lord Templeton said. "I am glad I hired him to work for us as your manservant."

"I think you'll find that was my suggestion," Lady Templeton said with a smile. "I was determined we should have him within our household."

Henry regarded his mother quizzically. She had always appreciated Carter's qualities, and now seemed to hold him in even higher regard after he had heroically helped to restore Henry to his family after the fiasco at Waterloo. However, to learn that Lady Templeton had been the driving force behind Carter's arrival within the household was something Henry had not previously known. 'Twas very curious– but a mystery for another day.

For now, Henry was resolved to relax with his family over coffee and anticipate the arrival of Kitty that very afternoon.

*

Kitty

On reaching her home in Russell Street, Kitty rushed upstairs, intending to visit her mama in her chamber.

"Make sure you tidy yourself up," Miss Steele called after her. "You need to look presentable to see Lord Steyne. He should always see you at your best."

Kitty put her head round her mother's door. "How are you today?"

"Not too bad," her mother said. She was sitting up in bed, keeping warm with a shawl and night cap. "Perhaps I will try to get up later."

Kitty sat on the edge of her mother's bed and held her hands. "It must be rather monotonous being in bed all day."

"It can be," her mother said, "but I will not complain. If I can but get plenty of rest and sleep, then perhaps I will be partially restored by Christmas time."

"'Tis less than three weeks before Christmas, Mama," Kitty said. "I do hope you make swift steps towards recovery and can at least join us to celebrate on Christmas Day."

"We shall see," Mrs. Lydia Honeyfield said. "Would you pass me my glass, Kitty dear?"

"My word! What's in it? A strange colour..."

"Merely something Miss Steele has recommended– a special restoring draught that she says aids sleep and recovery. I find it tastes unusual, but must tolerate it for the sake of my health."

Kitty picked the glass up and sniffed before passing it to her mother. 'Twas a slightly acrid, smoky scent.

"Odd," Kitty said, "and certainly not like anything I have encountered before. Are you sure you should be taking this? What does Doctor Jenkins recommend?"

"Oh," her mother said, "we cannot afford another visit from Doctor Jenkins– you know how tight money is."

"I know that," Kitty said. "I have the evidence in my own bedroom of how much Papa needs to make economies."

They were interrupted by a series of deafening thuds coming from a nearby chamber.

"Yes," her mother said, "I am so sorry about that. Let us hope it is only temporary, but it does save many guineas."

Money! It seemed this was the most important subject in the world.

"Lord Steyne will be here soon," Kitty said. "I do not think much of Papa's plan to marry me off to him, however prudent a financial move it might be. I am fully determined not to accept him."

"I know that," Mrs. Honeyfield said, "and I promise no one is going to force you into an unwelcome marriage– that will never happen to my daughter. We will have to find some other way to manage financially. Perhaps there is someone else of fortune who has caught your eye?"

Kitty looked out of the window. She hated to think in these terms. Henry's family were wealthy, although not quite as wealthy as Lord Steyne, for he was one of the richest men in England– but she knew that if she married Henry, it would be a sound financial contract as well as a love match.

But how unfair that she must think in monetary terms, when from what she could gather, the loss of the family wealth seemed to be caused mostly by her father's fondness for gambling.

"Look at me, Kitty! What are you thinking? You have not fallen for someone else, someone unsuitable and penniless? That will not lead to happiness and a good comfortable life together."

"I have not done that, Mama."

"Promise me!"

Kitty looked her mother straight in the eye. "I promise you, Mama, I have not fallen for someone unsuitable and penniless."

Kitty closed her lips firmly. She had spoken the truth– maybe not the whole truth, and perhaps she had misled her mother in some way, but she had nevertheless spoken the truth.

"Begging your pardon, Mrs. Honeyfield," a voice at the door said. "Mr. Honeyfield asks that Miss Kitty might come downstairs, as Lord Steyne has arrived."

"I'll be down directly," Kitty said to the abigail, then she planted a gentle kiss on her mother's cheek and made her way downstairs to the hall as slowly as she dared, where she found her papa, Lord Steyne, and Miss Steele.

"How charming you look," Lord Steyne said with a deep bow, then nodded at Miss Steele.

Mr. Honeyfield gave Kitty an unusual smile, baring his teeth, and she felt fear stab the pit of her stomach. Why was her papa acting strangely? Oh, that grin! 'Twas like a cat that has got the cream, or is anticipating getting the cream– and is about to be released from a tricky situation. Would Lord Steyne be making an offer for Kitty's hand soon? Mr. Honeyfield would no doubt find this most agreeable, as it would alleviate his distressing financial problems.

But I will never marry Lord Steyne– I only wish for my darling Henry!

"Please! Let us proceed to the parlour," Mr. Honeyfield said.

"Thank you," Lord Steyne said, graciously indicating that Kitty should walk ahead.

Once they were all seated in a semi-circle, there was an awkward silence. Perhaps Kitty should make a remark about the weather? Or take her courage in both hands and ask Lord Steyne what he was doing here when she was determined not to accept any proposal he might be brazen enough to make?

Kitty opened her mouth to comment on the lack of rain and the surprisingly chill wind that morning, but before she could utter a word, Lord Steyne said,

"What in God's name is that strange noise?"

Should Kitty admit what work Papa was having done? Perhaps she ought, for it would underline how little money the Honeyfield family possessed. The knowledge might deter Lord Steyne from seeking Kitty's hand in marriage– he surely would not want to marry into such a lowly family.

Why did he want to marry her, anyway? He obviously wasn't in love with her. Not love, not money– so what?

The hammering increased in ferocity, and Miss Steele began to rub her temples and murmur about getting one of her megrims.

"Napoleon is to blame for the noise," Kitty said.

Lord Steyne curled his lip, displaying yellowing teeth. "Napoleon Bonaparte?"

"Yes. Papa says Mr. Pitt put the window taxes up to help pay for the Wars."

Excruciating thuds now cascaded down through the ceiling. Kitty's mama would be finding it hard to bear.

"Papa is having a window removed to save on his tax bill," Kitty explained further.

Lord Steyne stared in amazement.

"I have heard of this happening," he said, "but have never known anyone who has actually had it done. Egad, a prudent option, I suppose, for those short of funds. But, if perhaps certain circumstances were to change, if Miss Honeyfield were to make an advantageous match for example, it might not..."

"Some call it daylight robbery," Kitty said. "The filling in of windows, that is, not making an advantageous match."

A harsh laugh escaped Lord Steyne, and Miss Steele joined in with a high-pitched whinny.

"Appreciate your wit, Miss Honeyfield," Lord Steyne said, "but beware speaking your mind too freely."

Kitty dug her nails into the palm of her hand. The man was insufferable!

"Time for our walk, Miss Honeyfield," Lord Steyne said, "with your permission, of course, Mr. Honeyfield? And I would be pleased if Miss Steele could accompany us."

Kitty could not think of a reason why she should not be able to go for a walk with Lord Steyne– not one that would be acceptable to articulate. If she lived in a different world and was allowed to speak her mind, she would say she couldn't stand the man and found him boorish and repulsive. And that she would far rather be reading her new book from the library.

The way Lord Steyne was looking at her right now repulsed her! She wished she were wrapped in a large shawl from her neck down to her toes, because he was taking far too much interest in trying to stare through her flimsy muslin frock at her legs and form. And now his eyes were positively dancing with glee all over the skin on show between neck and bodice. Kitty shivered. Why were men allowed to behave like this?

Lord Steyne is no gentleman– not like my dear Henry.

"We shall set off for Sydney Gardens at once," Lord Steyne said. "It will not take us long to walk down there– and the fresh December air will bring out the roses in your cheeks, my dear, and make you even more bonny and attractive."

At least I will be able to wear my cloak– that will stop you gawping at my figure.

*

Henry

"Selina, did you say Kitty would be walking in Sydney Gardens with Lord Steyne?" Henry asked.

"Yes, I did," Selina said. "Oh no! I know that look in your eye."

Henry tried to assume an innocent expression but failed miserably.

"You can't fool your sister," Selina said. "I know what you're thinking."

"What am I thinking?"

"You want to go to Sydney Gardens and make sure Lord Steyne behaves himself when he's out with Kitty."

"I was thinking no such thing!"

"Was!"

"Wasn't!"

"Henry! Selina!" Lady Templeton reproved. "Stop behaving like squabbling children."

Selina laughed and swatted Henry on the arm. "Ninny!"

Henry winced.

"Oh, sorry! I totally forgot about your poor shoulder."

"We should get Doctor Jenkins to look at your injury," Lord Templeton said. "Check whether there is infection there, in the joint. He's a fine doctor. Very knowledgeable."

"No need," Henry said. "I've almost recovered. My shoulder just plays up now and then– especially when my sister hits me."

"Selina!" Lady Templeton warned as Selina advanced upon her brother again.

"Now you have mentioned Sydney Gardens, sister dearest," Henry said, "I've decided I will take a walk there."

"If you're going," Selina said, "I'm going too."

"I don't think either of you should go," Lord Templeton said. "Henry, you and Carter have spent a long time telling us about the dangers that you faced abroad– and we know you have an unknown enemy in Bath who must not be allowed to know you are returned from the dead. So what the devil do you think you'll gain by going to Sydney Gardens in the daylight, eh?"

Totally ignoring his father, Henry said, "Mama, do you still have the dressing up box?"

"Good heavens," Lady Templeton said. "You haven't asked me that since you were about twelve years old. Selina– do you have any idea where it might be?"

"In the nursery. Come on, Henry. Upstairs, with me."

Ten minutes later, Henry and Selina reappeared in the entrance hall wearing ancient robes, grey wigs, and hats with massive brims covering their faces. Each carried a walking stick and was practicing limping. Mercifully, the door to the parlour was closed and Lord and Lady Templeton were unable to see the comical sight of Henry and Selina wearing clothes that must have belonged to their grandparents or even more distant generations of the family.

"Come on, Henry!" Selina said. "Keep up! Nearly time to set off for Sydney Gardens. No one will recognize us."

"What do you think you're doing?" Carter's voice boomed around the hall. He had come upstairs from the servants' quarters and had deep disapproval etched onto his face, along with something else. Amusement?

"You don't think it's a good idea," Henry asked, "going to the gardens disguised as old people?"

"No! Although I am glad you are having fun."

"But I simply must see Kitty," Henry said.

"You're seeing her this afternoon for tea," Selina said.

"No, you don't understand," Henry said. "I think Lord Steyne is trying to court her."

"'Tis interesting that you care, brother dear," Selina said. "Do you want to court Kitty yourself?"

Henry turned bright red. "None of your business!"

"I tell you what," Carter said, "to put you out of your misery, go and change into the ordinary clothes you were wearing earlier– but keep the very large hat– and I will go with you to Sydney Gardens. From a very safe distance, we'll keep an eye on what's going on there. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like a plan," Henry said. "Let's sneak off before Mama and Papa have a chance to stop us."

Could Carter have his own reasons for wanting to go to Sydney Gardens? He might be trying to sniff out information about the mysterious enemy. Who cared– it was more important to make a quick getaway before Lord and Lady Templeton realized what was afoot.

"Drat!" Selina said. "I do believe I'm to be left out of this plan."

"You'd only give the game away by giggling," Henry said.

"What piffle! I never giggle," Selina said.

Henry snorted.

Carter cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should get going?"

Henry changed quickly, then followed Carter on a very circuitous route through dark alleys and shadowy side streets to Sydney Gardens.

Once there, Carter whispered, "Stay under the trees– and don't look anyone in the eye."

"I can see Kitty," Henry said after a few minutes. "Over there– strolling along with Miss Steele and Lord Steyne."

"No," Carter said as Henry tried to leave the shelter of the trees. "No closer."

Kitty stumbled slightly and accepted Lord Steyne's arm to lean on, causing Henry to grind his teeth.

"Steady!" Carter said. "Don't do anything rash."

"That man!" Henry said.

Lord Steyne's massive bulk towered over Kitty. She looked divine, in her favorite red cloak and a very pretty bonnet. Miss Steele was walking close behind head down.

"Interesting," Carter said.

"What's interesting?"

"How Miss Steele seems in thrall to Lord Steyne. I wonder why this would be."

Carter had a tendency to over-analyze every aspect of human behaviour he encountered; he often said it had saved his life on many occasions.

"You can be very enigmatic, Carter," Henry said.

"I'll take that as a compliment, sir."

"You can take it any way you want."

"Thank you kindly, sir. You are too generous."

Henry sniggered. Carter was the end!

"You've put me in a better frame of mind," Henry said. "And you used to do this when we were abroad, too. How you put up with my low mood for all those months, I have no idea. Why, I didn't even know who I was sometimes, I was that shaken up."

"I would never have given up on you," Carter said. "'Twas a pleasure to be able to look after you in your time of need. Besides, your mother would never have forgiven me if I had not managed to bring you back in one piece."

"Nevertheless," Henry said, "I'm eternally grateful and do not say it often enough. Many apologies."

They watched the others walk towards the Labyrinth.

"Shall we follow them?" Henry said. "I used to love going right to the centre to have a go on Merlin's Swing– before I went to war."

"I think not," Carter said. "We have been lucky so far, but if we go into the Labyrinth, it will be easier for us to be recognized. Those paths inside are narrow! And as for having a go on Merlin's Swing– that would be utterly insane."

"As you wish," Henry said, "but I sincerely hope Kitty will be safe in the Labyrinth with that rake."

"He won't attempt anything inappropriate with Miss Steele there," Carter said. "She would not allow it. Ah! There is Lord Bragg over there and Lord Pratt– oh, and there's Mr. Boyle. Interesting. All of them idiots– and one might be your sworn enemy, too."

"I thought you said before my enemy was cunning– can you be both cunning and an idiot?"

"'Tis a hard task– but some men manage," Carter said. "You could be extremely clever but act like a blockhead to disguise your intelligence."

"I suppose you could," Henry said. "And you're right about it being too risky to go into the Labyrinth. You're always right, Carter, damnation!"

Kitty turned and looked back, and Henry saw her sweet face. He groaned. This was hard! He wanted so much to be with her, to love her, and make her his wife.

But why would Kitty be interested in someone like him? If she knew what he had seen, what he had done abroad, how war makes a man behave, why, she would be shocked and would want nothing more to do with him. Henry wiped his hand across his face as visions of violence and sounds of conflict flooded his mind. He didn't want to think about it, mustn't think about it...

How desperate Henry was to close that chapter of his life forever.