The Masked Baron, page 16
Unintentional or not, it had happened. Certainly he thought about it a time or ten, but he had maintained control. She was such a curious filly. What would she think of him when she discovered what he was hiding? He thought his heart impenetrable, but Annie had changed everything. She was in his mind all day, every day. Her feelings now dictated many of his choices. There was no denying it; he was not immune to falling in love.
Ellis found Lady Kerrigan waiting patiently for him in the drawing room. He remembered her sitting in the same upright chair when she’d come to visit his mother. At least this memory of his past was a pleasant one.
His mother had been just a little younger than Lady Kerrigan, but he imagined today she would have looked similar, each of them with streaks of gray and small lines of age around their eyes and mouth. Ellis observed Lady Kerrigan while she read from a book in her lap. She was elegant and refined, just like his mother had been. Now it was Lady Kerrigan whom he looked to for advice.
“Am I interrupting?” he asked. “I heard you wanted to speak with me.”
Lady Kerrigan smiled up at him and motioned to the chair next to her. “Sit with me for a moment.”
Ellis dropped his gloves onto the small table next to him, making sure Lady Kerrigan saw the gloves, and hoped she would be brief. He relaxed back into his chair. Lady Kerrigan took her role as surrogate mother a little too seriously.
“I have been watching your ward.”
“Oh?” Ellis wasn’t sure he wanted to hear her disapproval.
“She is very beautiful. Does it not worry you?”
Ellis had questioned the fact himself in the beginning, but after a decade he was beginning to think it didn’t matter anymore . . . any of it. “Mrs. Trenton is lovely too, but you never forbade her from being here.”
“I am not going to argue with you, Lord Cadogen. I think she is very fine. I was worried about your plan, but her speech and manners are more than passable. She has a certain charm about her. You chose well.”
Ellis waited for Lady Kerrigan to bring up her son, but she did not. She must have been the only one to miss the obvious affection Kerrigan had for Annie. Ellis was relieved he did not have to discuss it again. “I am grateful for your approval.”
“You have it,” Lady Kerrigan said without batting an eyelash. “But there is something particular about her, isn’t there?”
Ellis kept his face impassive. Today was not the day to reveal his secrets to anyone. “I did not make this decision lightly.”
Lady Kerrigan lifted her chin and studied him carefully. “I see.”
***
The white ball gown transformed Andalin into a fairy tale the moment she put it on. The lady’s maid attending her pinned several large curls on the back of her head. Then she gathered the remaining ringlets into a matching ribbon and pulled them over Andalin’s shoulder. The final touch was her mother’s necklace. The elegant neckline of her dress framed the jewel, with the garnet’s color matching the sash on her dress as if they were made for each other. Never had Andalin felt more beautiful. She relished her appearance for a moment and tried to still the butterflies in her stomach threatening to make her sick.
Strangely, the hardest part of the night would be Ellis’s absence. She, Lord Kerrigan, Katrina, and their mother had joined a small house party in Newcastle. Andalin would stay on as a guest for two weeks and practice her newfound social skills on their hosts, Mr. and Mrs. White, who were Lady Kerrigan’s brother and his wife. Without any children to call their own, they doted on Katrina and Lord Kerrigan.
Tonight was the first of the two balls Andalin would be attending. She looked at the door again. Lord Kerrigan would escort her to the carriage ten minutes before eight, where they would make the short ride to the home of Lord Gent, who was a viscount or something. Andalin frowned. She could not remember his rank. She forced herself to take deep breaths. Ladies did not sweat, but merchant’s daughters were not so fortunate.
Andalin made her way to the foyer. There Lord Kerrigan waited for her. His eyes met hers, and his smile froze. “Miss Durante, you took my breath away.”
Lord Kerrigan cut a dashing figure himself with his formal dress clothes and a certain distinguished air. He was much too handsome for her.
“I assure you it is your sister’s selection of this dress, not me. Her taste is exquisite.” Andalin felt her cheeks warm as she tried to return the compliment. “And you look . . .”
“Sharp?” Lord Kerrigan filled in for her. They laughed together, she with trepidation and he with a glint of something more.
“I apologize.” Andalin shook her head. “I am quite undone tonight. I know the moment I walk into the ballroom I will be found out.”
“I shall be right here to thwart any prying questions. My mother has exercised her influence by speaking in your behalf to all the right sources. I do not expect anything even remotely uncomfortable for you. No doubt your beauty will speak for itself, which will not help my desire to keep you all to myself.” Lord Kerrigan reached for her hand and placed it on his arm. He was warm and secure and without a troubled past to cumber him.
Lord Kerrigan’s appreciative gaze troubled and pleased her simultaneously. His attentions had only increased since they had left Braitwood Hall. If her heart had not already committed itself to Ellis, she would have wanted Lord Kerrigan to have it. He seemed a more eager recipient, and she did like him a great deal. But logic had little effect on the heart.
Moments later they climbed into the carriage with Mr. White and his wife. Lady Kerrigan excused herself to be with her convalescing niece, a daughter of the late Lord Kerrigan’s sister who resided nearby, and Katrina was to join them later at the ball. Her husband had arrived shortly before, and Andalin was to meet him at the ball. Somehow, in Katrina’s absence, Andalin’s confidence waned.
They arrived before she was ready. And there, in the shadow of the grand house, she remembered all too clearly her true nature. She was just a lowly peasant girl in disguise, so very far from home and everything she knew. Lord Kerrigan assisted her down and escorted her to the house. She hoped he did not notice the way her hand trembled on his arm.
“What do you think of the place?” Lord Kerrigan asked, pulling her through the colonnaded entrance. Exquisite statues and potted plants greeted them just inside. Lord Kerrigan chuckled at her astonishment. He led her through the introductions to their hosts and then into the ballroom. Andalin did not even hear her own name announced. She was too overcome with the number of dazzling people visiting in small groups around the room. The murals on the ceiling along with thousands of bright candles left Andalin breathless.
She let Lord Kerrigan guide her to a chair along the side. “Here, sit before you are so overcome you fall over.”
“Am I so transparent?” Andalin gracefully moved her dress to the side like she’d been taught and took her seat. “Everything is more elegant than I ever imagined!”
“If you leave your mouth hanging open for a moment longer, someone might ask you to sing,” Lord Kerrigan said with an indulgent smile and sat in the chair next to hers.
Andalin pinched her lips closed and returned his smile.
“Might I claim the first set of dances?” Lord Kerrigan asked. “If I wait to ask, I might lose my chance to be your partner.”
“I don’t imagine any competition . . .” The end of Andalin’s sentence dropped off when three gentlemen surrounded them.
“Please introduce us, Lord Kerrigan,” a younger man begged. He was the shortest but not any less handsome than the other two.
Andalin looked to Lord Kerrigan. He stood and helped her to her feet.
“This is Miss Durante, of Thornton Way.”
Andalin curtsied while feeling quite conspicuous.
“Miss Durante,” Lord Kerrigan continued. “Meet Mr. Underwood, recently moved to the neighborhood.”
“Charmed,” Mr. Underwood said. “And these are my friends Mr. Higgens and Mr. Johnson.”
They bowed, and Andalin curtsied again. Mr. Underwood bore an easy smile. “If you are not otherwise engaged, miss, might I partner you in the next dance?”
“After mine,” Lord Kerrigan said. The other two claimed their places in the lineup, and Andalin realized she would not be sitting the entire night. She was at a loss for words, which was not like her at all. She was quite afraid of sounding like a country bumpkin.
“I’m very glad I asked first,” Lord Kerrigan said with a gleam in his eye, once the others excused themselves. Andalin smiled, still taken back. She cast a glance around at the other ladies. Their stations vastly exceeded hers; all had beauty, grace, and accomplishments to recommend them. And yet, she was so readily accepted, at least by the gentlemen. A thrill raced up her spine. Perhaps one night of pretense could be excused.
When the music started, Lord Kerrigan swept her onto the dance floor for the first set. She wouldn’t have wanted to open the night with anyone else. Dancing with her teacher helped alleviate her fears.
“Your feet are hardly touching the floor,” he said. “The mark of a great dancer, you know.”
“It isn’t my skill for dancing but my happiness making me float.”
Lord Kerrigan stared deeply into her eyes. “Are you really happy?”
Andalin did not know if she should read more into his question. “Yes,” Andalin assured him. “I feel like a princess.”
After their dance ended, she was quickly caught up by Mr. Underwood. Her new partner gave her little chance to think, let alone speak. He talked as fast as a pecking chicken, and before the song ended, she knew his entire life history.
Mr. Higgens claimed her for a quadrille. That particular dance made it harder to converse, but she earned herself plenty of eyebrow wagging and flirtatious glances from her partner. She was just about to sit down when a man grabbed her roughly by the arm and yanked her to face him.
“I knew I recognized you.”
Andalin gaped at the dark eyes staring back at her. Several people turned to watch and listen. It was Mr. Crow, from Corbridge.
Shock kept Andalin from acting. Should she deny the obvious? Or should she try to avoid further disruption from Mr. Crow?
“I would appreciate it if you would unhand the lady,” Lord Kerrigan interrupted.
Mr. Crow reluctantly released her gloved arm, and it ached where his grip had pressed into her skin. She quickly stepped behind Lord Kerrigan’s protective stance.
“I know this girl, and she is no lady,” Mr. Crow accused. His large shoulders and broad body made for an intimidating opponent.
Andalin’s stomach flipped. She never thought something besides her own stupidity would make her stand out at the ball. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever imagine running into Mr. Crow again.
“You are wrong,” Lord Kerrigan said, his voice low and heated. He leaned toward Mr. Crow, daring him to say something. “I suggest you apologize and leave before I have you thrown out.”
Lord Kerrigan’s bravery quite amazed Andalin. Mr. Crow was not a man to be trifled with.
“No, you are in the wrong,” Mr. Crow snarled. “I have a claim on this woman, and I can tell you she is dressed far above her station.”
Their argument was gaining a small audience. Lord Kerrigan lowered his voice even more. “Careful with your choice of words, lest you utter what cannot be forgiven. Let us speak of this as gentlemen, outside.”
It was with great relief when Mr. Crow followed behind Lord Kerrigan to the door. Tempers flared between the men as they waited for a servant to fetch their coats and Andalin’s wrap. As they pulled open the door, they found Katrina and her husband ready to come in.
“Katrina!” Tears welled up in Andalin’s eyes, and she threw herself into her friend’s embrace.
“Dear heavens!” Katrina exclaimed. “What has happened?”
Andalin wiped at the moisture under her eyes and attempted to hold the rest of her tears at bay. Lord Kerrigan motioned for Mr. Crow to pass in front of him onto the veranda. “Follow the path to the side of the house, where we’ll be out of sight.”
Mr. Crow grumbled, but he did as Lord Kerrigan said.
“Looks like you need a hand,” Mr. Trenton remarked.
“In this case, two of us will be better than one,” Lord Kerrigan muttered.
Mr. Trenton possessed dark features and a boyish face. But it was his small frame that captured Andalin’s attention. He would be little help to Lord Kerrigan. Katrina’s apprehensive expression matched her own as the three men disappeared around the corner to a side lawn.
Without a word passing between Andalin and Katrina, they darted after the men. Katrina held Andalin back before they, too, rounded the corner.
“You cannot let them know we are watching,” Katrina whispered. “Dueling is against the law. We will have to close our eyes before anything happens so we can honestly say we didn’t witness anything.”
“They aren’t going to duel, are they?” Andalin shook her head. “Not about me! My pretentious reputation is not worth anyone’s death!”
“Your reputation? How vexing. Well, my brother will know what to do. Most likely nothing untoward will happen here. Likely they will just set up a time and a place for later. I heard that is how it is done.”
They crawled behind the bush bordering the house, careful not to snag their dresses, and peered around the corner. Hanging lanterns glowed from strategic parts of the lawn to show off the attractiveness of the house; they gave just enough light for Andalin to see how dire the situation truly was.
“There aren’t any women watching now,” Mr. Crow said, “so I can tell you and your friend to hand over the girl.”
“There’s nothing to tell us, unless it’s an apology.” Lord Kerrigan took a firm stance, refusing to back down. Either he was very brave or very foolish. It was clear Mr. Crow was broader and stronger, but Andalin could always hope Lord Kerrigan knew how to defend himself.
“Not on your life!” Mr. Crow argued. “I will set the terms here. That woman might have come with you, but she’s leaving with me!”
Andalin moaned. “He’ll kill them. They need to let me go with Mr. Crow.” Katrina grabbed her hand and squeezed it. With all her brave declarations, Andalin’s feet were cemented to the ground. Mr. Crow was about as welcoming to her right now as the witch from the Black Forest.
“You can huff all you want, old man, but your ticket home will now not only be an apology but a promise to never seek out Miss Durante again.”
Andalin’s mouth dropped open. She wanted to see the chivalrousness in all of this, but how could she, when Lord Kerrigan was digging his own grave?
Mr. Crow gave a low chuckle. “Does the dandiprat have a weapon to back up his words? Because from where I stand, I’m the bigger man. You wouldn’t stand a chance against me in fisticuffs. And”—Mr. Crow paused as he reached inside of his dress coat—“it looks like I’m the only one who came prepared.”
Andalin heard Katrina gasp, but it took her a second to see what Mr. Crow was holding. The vile man moved, and light reflected off the short blade of a knife.
Katrina’s husband pulled Lord Kerrigan back a step. Lord Kerrigan held up his hands in front of him. “You’re not a fair fighter. Shame.”
Mr. Crow snorted. “Me? Not likely. Now, the three of us are going to walk quietly back to the front of the house, where you’re going to send that pretty girl home with me.”
Chapter 18
It was all over. Andalin’s fairy tale would have a tragic ending. Her heart sank, and her throat tightened in fear.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Lord Kerrigan told Mr. Crow, his voice unwavering and his feet unmoving, “but I’m not the dolt you take me for. I’ve got a wild card you haven’t thought of.”
“What?” Mr. Crow spat.
Andalin saw Mr. Crow freeze, and then his face grew tight and unnatural. Andalin nearly stumbled onto the lawn with the effort of craning her head to see. There was a man behind Mr. Crow who held the tip of a sword to Mr. Crow’s back.
Ellis! Only he could sneak up on a man like that. But what was he doing here?
“Drop it, or I’ll run you through.”
Mr. Crow obeyed, dropping his knife. He turned slowly to address his captor. “The Dark Rider!”
Ellis nodded.
“Why, the Knight of the Road is merely a man with a mask. I’m not afraid of you.”
“But you are. The Dark Rider has a keen sense of smell, and you reek with fear.”
“You can put the sword down. I was just having a bit of fun.”
Ellis shrugged. “I enjoy cutting off the limbs of imbeciles.” Andalin choked. Was he serious? With a flick of Ellis’s wrist the man’s jacket buttons were cut off. “You had your chance to leave peaceably. You also had your chance for a fair fight. I will leave nothing else to chance. Swear you will leave this instant and never seek out Miss Durante again, and I will only cut off your arms.”
Mr. Crow sputtered, his fear now very evident. “My arms? Listen, I swear I’ll never go near her again, but don’t cut off my arms. As one gentleman to another, I’ve got a business to run. A man needs his arms!”
“You are not a gentleman, whatever title you own or clothes you wear. I’m not even sure you are a man. Half a man would not dare dishonor a lady like you tried to do tonight. Why would I show you any mercy when you would not show my friends any?”
Andalin did not know her feet were moving until she was right next to Lord Kerrigan. “Please! No bloodshed!” She begged. She wouldn’t have Ellis’s reputation further ruined because of her.
“Hold her back!” Ellis ordered sharply. Lord Kerrigan grabbed both of Andalin’s shoulders in a firm grip.
Mr. Crow glanced back at Andalin. “Listen to the lady. Have mercy!”
