Korina's Wild Winter, page 3
But as his bleary gaze consumed coffee and kippers, he opened the day’s paper that the bartender generally shoved beneath his door and started to read to find out what news he’d missed.
He usually skimmed over the gossip rags, but when a name popped out at him, he suddenly straightened and took notice.
American heiress, Miss Korina Haverswyth, was seen at the opera on the arm of Percival Montague, the Duke of Fenton, last evening. The duke recently returned from abroad and has made a significant splash in society ever since. It appears he may also be ready to set up his nursery and has already selected a potential bride.
Logan slammed down the printed page and wondered if his luck truly was this bad. Was he never to be given a reprieve? And how ironic was it that his cousin should choose to pursue the very woman who had bedeviled him from the very first moment they’d met?
He shoved a hand through his hair, wondering how he might overcome this latest conundrum. He ought to let them marry each other, as that would be fit punishment for them both. Unfortunately, his conscience couldn’t allow that to happen. As much as Miss Haverswyth might deserve a bit of a set down, he couldn’t knowingly stand by and let her wed a murderer. Even if his cousin had mended his ways in the past ten years, which Logan doubted, the predilection for evil was likely still lingering somewhere, especially if any part of his current livelihood became threatened.
For now, he imagined that Miss Haverswyth was safe with him. He might even turn up the charm to win her hand, her dowry being quite a nice inducement to walk her down the aisle. But after the honeymoon was over?
Logan had heard that Percy had been married briefly to a sugar plantation’s daughter in Jamaica, but she had met with an untimely demise months after they’d said their vows. It had been ruled a death by yellow fever, but Logan had his doubts. More likely the poor woman had fallen ill and Percy had decided to finish her off so that he could happily live off of her money while being free to move about on his own.
That was three years ago. He’d probably gambled away what she had and was now looking for an easy conquest. No doubt he believed an American heiress was his salvation, but then, he didn’t know Miss Haverswyth very well.
Abruptly, her words on the terrace floated back into his brain, “I’m a grand heiress who is on the search for a title to wed…
Bloody hell. In that case, it might be a bit more difficult to dissuade her from accepting Percy’s suit. A duke was quite a prize to be had. Not only that, but they hadn’t exactly started out on the right foot. So how could he get her to listen to him?
He pondered it for some time before an idea began to take shape. It wasn’t one he truly relished, but what was the point in being a spy if he couldn’t use all of the resources at his disposal? Besides, it would gain him access to his cousin’s residence without being too conspicuous.
He smiled, for it was the perfect disguise.
Chapter Three
Korina laughed gaily as she walked alongside the Duke of Fenton, her arm threaded through his. She had to admit that he was a rather interesting companion with a sharp wit, and the perfect solution to pass the time until she headed back to America. The hate-filled glares she received as she walked along Mayfair were almost worth accepting his suit in genuine, but alas, her heart was back in New York.
Until her ship literally sailed across the Atlantic, she might as well enjoy this latest diversion that had quite literally been offered up on a silver platter. She smiled, for who would have thought that a chance encounter at Hyde Park would have inspired such romance?
They paused at his townhouse and the duke turned to her. “Would you like to come in for some refreshment, my dear?”
Korina grinned. “We simply took a turn about the square. I’m hardly parched. But since you asked so chivalrously, how can I refuse?” She glanced behind her to make sure her maid still followed, although she would take the servant’s entrance and wait until her mistress was ready to depart. All of this chaperoning could be rather draining, but Korina had but a fortnight to contend with it, so she bit her tongue and walked inside.
Upon entering, they were greeted by the duke’s butler, who bowed deeply. “Your Grace. I thought you would like to know that while you were out we were able to fill the coachman position.”
Percy’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “The agency acted more quickly than I imagined they might. Have his references checked out already?”
“Indeed. He had all the appropriate paperwork in his possession.”
The duke turned to Korina with a wink. “Wonders apparently never cease.”
She preened slightly, for she knew that remark was also directed toward their fateful introduction.
“I pardon the further intrusion, Your Grace, but there is something that also requires you attention. A messenger awaits you in the study.”
He paused for effect, and the duke must have read his urgency for he replied with a slight frown, “I see.” He turned to Korina and said, “I apologize for the delay. I’m sure this won’t take long. I will join you momentarily.” He addressed the servant. “Gilfrey, please see that a tea cart and some treats are sent to the parlor posthaste for Miss Haverswyth.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As the duke walked away, the butler led her to the parlor where he left her to her own devices.
Instead of sitting, Korina slowly meandered about the room. Curiosity was another one of her faults, but when presented with so many interesting items in the world, it was difficult to remain passive. One of the first places she’d visited in England was the British Museum, for the ancient artifacts told a story of lives once lived.
She trailed a finger along the marble mantel where a cheery fire burned. Her glove came away without a speck of dust, and she had to admit that the duke had competent servants. That certainly spoke well of him, for that meant he inspired loyalty.
She continued to move about the expanse, but paused to glance over her shoulder when she heard the teacart being rolled inside.
When another set of footsteps entered soon afterward, she imagined that the duke had returned. She pasted a ready smile on her lips, but it faltered when she saw a man in livery. As a woman, she couldn’t help but notice that he had a firm build, but that was all she could discern. A beard, moustache, and bushy brows covered most of his face, while a rather absurd pair of spectacles perched almost comically on the edge of his nose. She might have laughed aloud at the sight if it wasn’t for her mother’s stern voice in her head reminding her to be a lady.
“I apologize, me lady. I thought th’ duke was in ’ere.” He spoke with a thick cockney accent and considering his awkward manner; she realized that this must be the new coachman that had been hired.
“He’s been temporarily detained,” she offered. “It shouldn’t be long before he returns.”
He glanced at the teacart and while it wasn’t commonplace in England to sit with the servants as equals, Korina was an American. She wasn’t about to stuff her face full of delights while he stood there and starved.
She walked toward the cart. “Would you care for some tea?” She picked up the teapot expectantly. “I’ll even pour.”
He hesitated a moment before he said, “Thank ye, miss.”
“Cream or sugar, Mister…?”
He cleared his throat. “Ebidiah Smith. And none for me.”
She nodded and then brought him the steaming liquid on a delicate china saucer. As he accepted the offering, their fingers brushed. Korina felt a jolt of… something so she looked up and for just an instant; her lungs froze in her chest. This man’s eyes were so shockingly blue, almost like…
She shook her head, telling herself not to be so absurd. Was she so fascinated with Mr. Montgomery that she should see him in every man she met?
Korina sat down on the settee and took a sip of her tea. “I have to admit that after growing up in America, I have a particular fondness for cold tea. It took me a while to acclimate having it served warm and with cream, but I’ve found I also like it quite well. Then again, I know of some that wouldn’t even dream of trying a cold version of tea, saying it isn’t meant to be consumed that way, but steeped so that you are granted the entire flavor.” She tilted her head to the side. “What do you think, Mr. Smith? Is it strange that I shouldn’t mind either?”
“Not at all. Personally I never saw th’ benefit o’ sipping from a cup when ye are truly thirsty. Why stand o’ ceremony when ye need something t’ ease a parched throat?” With that, he downed his cup of tea and set it back on the cart.
Korina grinned and did the same. “Indeed. You are quite right. But then, when the tea is gone, what shall we use to wash down this tantalizing fare?” She reached out and held up a scone and then began to slather it with clotted cream.
He shrugged. “I guess we pour more tea.”
“How shocking! To do that would make you appear greedy, or even worse, a glutton.” She happily chomped on her pastry, finding the conversation with Mr. Smith to be rather enlightening for one who worked for a wage.
In America that would be called determination to better your current circumstances, but in England if one didn’t inherit their money they were looked upon as a lesser. Of course, even then, certain allowances were made. It was what Korina detested most of all. The various social distinctions were varied depending on if it might benefit the Crown. The people of America voted for their leader and currently James Madison was the governing official president. He was one of the men responsible for drafting the Constitution, but also for waging war on the British. The Haverswyths had arrived in London not long after the declaration had been made, and unfortunately, that was a key factor why things had been so difficult for Korina. Since the country was already fighting Napoleon and the French, this little disagreement didn’t endear them to the aristocracy like her parents had hoped. Thus, Korina had decided to behave as the rebel that they imagined her to be, instead of groveling for their approval.
Mr. Smith reached for the teapot and poured another cup for each of them. “I don’t really care wha’ people think. It’s more freein’ tha’ way.”
Korina laughed, for it was as if he had read her mind. “My thoughts exactly! What a philosopher you are, Mr. Smith! To think that your talents are wasted in service. Have you ever considered relocating to America? I’m quite sure that you could change the world with your forward ideals. Times are changing and yet so many wish to stay mired in the past.”
“Th’ world moves quickly,” he returned, popping a cucumber sandwich in his mouth. “Progress will continue whether anyone is ready for it o’ not.” After selecting a small treat from the tray, he washed it down with the second cup of tea. “Thank ye for th’ refreshment, miss.”
“Anytime, Mr. Smith. I’ve enjoyed our conversation.”
His expression turned serious as he said, “As ’ave I.”
***
Well, that was unexpected. Logan watched as Miss Haverswyth gently wiped her mouth with a napkin, as daintily as any proper female, and yet, the bold manner in which she spoke was unlike anyone he’d ever known. Even Constance failed to meet this woman’s expectations, and there were times she’d taken to wearing trousers about the gaming hell.
Logan pictured Miss Haverswyth doing the same, and instantly regretted his decision. Dressed as she was today in a light blue, velvet dress, it was easy to follow her feminine curves. Picturing her bottom so clearly defined in a pair of men’s clothes…
Needless to say, he had the urge to rush out and purchase a pair for her right then. However, that might come across as a bit strange since she’d just met the coachman, Mr. Ebidiah Smith. He was only slightly disappointed when she didn’t recognize him through the disguise, even if there had been a slight flicker of recognition when she’d looked into his eyes. But then, they’d met but briefly for one night nearly a month ago. However, it had been a rather memorable evening for him, forced as he’d been to toss his ruined shirt into the rubbish bin.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, my dear.”
Logan clenched his fists at his side, tamping down the urge to let them fly at will. Every nerve ending was struck as tight as it could get, for that voice had grated across his mind for the past ten years, and yet he anticipated the day when he would hear it again and finish what his cousin had started.
He watched as he lifted Miss Haverswyth’s hand and kissed the back of it. It was all he could do not to allow his baser impulses to react. Even so, a muscle twitched in Logan’s eye as Percy finally turned to glance at him. “You must be the new coachman.”
Logan bowed deeply, remembering the delicate role he was forcing himself to play. One misstep could see him “dismissed” before he’d managed to find something incriminating to put Percival Montague away for a long time. “It’s a honor t’ be in yer employ, Yer Grace.”
He waited to see if there was any sort of recollection from the other man, but his cousin remained entirely oblivious to Logan’s true identity. A swift burst of gratification swept through him.
Percy smiled at Korina and then said, “It seems I should be thanking you, Mr. Smith. You come highly recommended. You may speak with Gilfrey about what is expected.”
Logan inclined his head and turned to go, but not before Miss Haverswyth called out to him, “Don’t forget to check out my recommendation some time, Mr. Smith.” She winked as he turned back to face her. “From one servant to another.”
Even though his nemesis was in the same room, Logan found a true smile lifting the corners of his lips. “Indeed, miss. I will.”
Logan and Gilfrey made it to the stables beside the house, the butler giving him a thorough accounting of how to properly shine the carriages and care for the duke’s horses. He listened with only half an ear, for the man obviously thought he was an idiot, regardless of his credentials. Even if they were falsified, Logan knew how to handle a stable.
He found he was more interested in the exchange taking place along the street. Percy and Miss Haverswyth must have finished their repast, for they were walking along as pleasant as one could be on such a brisk afternoon. Logan had never minded the cold, for when his fingers and toes became numb; it helped to give him something else to focus on, rather than the pain in his heart.
Now, a chill of a different sort passed through him. He had to find a way to warn Miss Haverswyth about his cousin without revealing his entire sordid history to her. And while she didn’t care for Logan Montgomery, he would just have to figure out a way to change her mind. Once he gained her trust, he could begin to drop suggestions into her ear to help steer her away from the duke.
Before it was too late.
***
“You’re making quite a stir among society lately, Rin.”
Korina stood at the edge of the ballroom sipping a glass of Madeira and waving a fan in front of her face. She slid a glance at Triana Wilde, the Duchess of Chiltern. “More so than usual, you mean?” she returned dryly, although she couldn’t help but agree with the lady. Until that point she had stood up for nearly every set. At the moment, with her feet aching and perspiration dotting her forehead, she hoped the orchestra took an indefinite break.
She yearned to escape to the terrace where she could cool off and gain a breath of fresh air, but she had no doubt that if she tried, some persistent suitor would follow and praise her feminine qualities until she was deaf. Truly, if she’d known spending time with the Duke of Fenton would cause this much fuss among the other hopeful fortune hunters, she would have thrown his bouquet in his face.
Triana laughed. “You always did like bending the rules of English society as far as possible, if not breaking them completely. While I always admired you for your bravery, even I would tread lightly now, for word could easily reach New York if you make a misstep that is unforgiveable, especially now that you are the center of attention here.”
Korina paused in her fanning. She’d never imagined that her exploits would give her problems in America. Since that was the last thing she needed, it would do her some good to heed the duchess’ advice. “You’ve always done your best to look after me, and even though I tend to have a stubborn streak, I promise to be on my best behavior.” In true fashion, she couldn’t help adding, “At least, for as long as I can.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Triana replied with a laugh. After that, her husband came to collect her and Korina was left alone once more. Seeing an opportunity to slip away for a reprieve, and not daring to enter the ladies’ retiring room where she was likely the main subject of conversation, she hastened down the hallway and checked various door handles until one opened.
She walked inside and shut the door behind her with a sigh, enjoying the temporary silence. But when she saw the upholstered settee in the middle of the room, she nearly wept with relief.
She sat down and instantly removed her shoes. She groaned as she rubbed her throbbing toes that had been abused by more than one man’s two left feet. She spied an ottoman and stood up, dragging it back over to the sofa. She fell back down and propped her feet up, enjoying this moment of solitude where she could slouch and not have to worry about proper posture, even if her stays made it difficult to truly relax.
“Comfortable?”
She started as a dry, masculine voice spoke up from a far corner of the room. She shook her head. She preferred to ignore the slight thrill that shot through her as Logan Montgomery stood and walked over to lean against the mantel to face off with her. Of course the man would prefer to meld into the shadows of an unoccupied room instead of joining the festivities taking place beyond this room, even if he was dressed in the height of finery.
“I was, rather. But I’ve found my enjoyment of the moment has lessened somewhat.”
One corner of his mouth kicked upward. “I suppose you’re trying to claim I’m the reason.”
