Page 57 of To Dare the Devil

“But Kilbane did?” Oak guessed.

Max nodded. “Yes, so Kilbane had best know about him. Just in case he figures it out.”

Mr Oak nodded. “Now shut up. You look like you’re going to puke and, if you do it on me, I’ll drop you and that’s a promise.”

Max swallowed, unable to argue the point, and held his tongue.

Chapter 19

Dearest Eliza,

I thank you kindly for your concern, but I shall not let gossips and tittle-tattle dictate who I may or may not be friends with. I promise you I shall behave with the utmost decorum, and no one will be able to reproach me for my behaviour, but Lord Hargreaves has been treated monstrously, and he needs a friend. I intend to stay right where I am.

Your loving sister. R x.

―Excerpt of a letter from Lady Rosamund Adolphus to her elder sister, Lady Elizabeth Demarteau (daughters of their Graces, Robert and Prunella Adolphus, The Duke and Duchess of Bedwin).

19th June 1842, Vane Hall, Chiswick, London.

Much to her disquiet, Kathy heard the news that the murderous Mr Franklin had got away, but Jarvis had arranged for the biggest, burliest footmen to stand guard at all entrances to the house, and said he would discuss a formal security arrangement with the earl at his first opportunity. For now, she had to be content with that and hope they apprehended the villain quickly. No one could persuade her to sit down and drink a cup of tea until after the doctor had seen Max. He stood before her now and pronounced it to be a shallow wound. His ribs had deflected the knife from inflicting any serious damage and Kathy knew he’d been incredibly lucky that Stirling had acted as fast as he had. Max was a little tired and sore, but providing they could stave off infection, he should recover quickly and with no long-lasting effects.

Kathy stared at the doctor and burst into tears.

“Oh, love,” Grace said, hurrying to her and hugging her tight as Mr Oak showed the man out. “Come now, you heard the doctor. He’s going to be fine. His staff will take good care of him. It’s time for us to go now.”

“No,” she said stubbornly. “No. I’m not leaving him.”

“Kathy.” Grace took both her hands in her own, her lovely eyes grave and full of compassion. “I know you care for him, but you can’t trust him, he’s not—”

“No.” Kathy withdrew her hands from Grace’s and folded her arms. She took a deep breath. “I know you don’t want to hear this, Grace, and I don’t blame you. Not for a moment, but Max has changed. He did a terrible, terrible thing and treated you abominably. I know he did. But he’s not that man anymore. I know he regrets it and wishes he could change it, but he can’t and… and I’m in love with him. I’m sorry, Grace, but it’s true and nothing you can say can change that. I’ll understand if you don’t want to see me again.”

Kathy hugged her arms about herself and swallowed hard as more tears threatened. Grace stared at her, open-mouthed, took a deep breath, and Kathy knew she was going to try again.

“Kathleen,” she said steadily, clearly holding onto her patience by a thread.

“Grace.” A large hand rested on Grace’s slender shoulder, and she turned to look up at her husband. “She doesn’t want to listen to you. She’s made up her mind, and though it pains me to admit it, Vane was ready to die for you, love. I still despise the bastard and he’d better not come within fifty miles of you or Betty, but I think perhaps he’s earned a second chance. If Miss de Beauvoir wants to give him that chance, that’s her affair. Not ours.”

“But, Sterling,” she said, staring up at him and shaking her head.

He cupped her cheek and Kathy felt her heart ache at the love she saw in his eyes for his wife. “It’s not our business, little wren, and it was you that taught me that people sometimes deserve another chance, even when they’ve hurt us deeply.”

Kathy did not know to what he referred, but his words seemed to resonate with Grace, who gave a jerky nod. “Very well,” she said, turning back to Kathy. “Only—”

“I know,” Kathy said, moving quickly to hug her friend. “I’ll be careful, I promise.”

Grace nodded and took her husband’s arm, and Kathy walked them to the front door. “You ought not be here alone, though, Kathy,” Grace warned, anxiety flashing in her eyes. “Your reputation will suffer if anyone finds out.”

“I work here,” Kathy reminded her, though she forbore to mention she had not brought her maid with her this time. “But I shan’t stay long,” she said, adding to her lie, though only to put her friend’s mind at rest.

“Very well. Goodbye, Kathy.” Grace kissed her cheek, accepted the rag doll Jarvis held out to her on a silver platter, and took her husband’s arm as he escorted her out to her carriage.

Once they were gone, Kathy hurried up the stairs to the room they’d helped Max to earlier. She glanced about, hoping that if anyone was watching, Max’s staff were discreet enough and liked her well enough not to gossip.

She turned the doorknob silently in case he was sleeping, and slipped noiselessly inside the room, closing the door with a soft click.

“Jarvis, do stop fussing like a mama hen. I’m only in bed because of you fretting over me. I’m perfectly well, so there’s no need to keep checking on me every….”

Max’s impatient voice trailed off as she stepped farther into the room.