Page 24 of Against the Wind

Chapter 9

Kit was unsurprised to learn the friends of Mr. Powell—no, he insisted she call him Martin and it felt hypocritical to refuse—lived in Mayfair. A marquess would have a home in Town, and Mayfair was the choice for much of the ton during the Season.

They argued when Martin told her over breakfast that he was taking her to stay with Lord Ormond and his wife. She was tired of her life being controlled by others, yet what choice did she have? Blown along like a leaf before a strong wind, she saw her options as few at the moment, and grateful for his kindness she had finally, reluctantly agreed. Still, it was with some trepidation that she climbed the few steps to the arched door of the elaborate stone townhouse.

Located on Charles Street, the residence was only a short distance to Hyde Park where the nobility took their afternoon carriage rides. The name Ormond was not one she knew, but she did recall that the old baron, her husband, and her father had both known the Duke of Albany, Ormond’s father, according to Martin.

The door opened in response to Martin’s quick knock. “Afternoon, Jenkins,” Martin said, handing the butler his hat.

“Welcome back, sir.”

The dignified butler almost smiled, and it seemed to Kit he liked this houseguest. Martin Powell was charming, she had to concede.

“Is Ormond at home?”

“No, sir. Would you like me to announce you to her ladyship?”

“That would be fine, Jenkins, and please let her know Lady Egerton is with me.”

Lady Ormond must have been listening, because as Kit stepped over the threshold she heard a rustling of skirts. “Martin! We were so worried about you, disappearing like that,” said a vision in rose-colored silk. “The countess asked most directly where you’d hied off to, but Ormond covered your tracks.” Then, facing Kit, the woman with golden hair remarked with a smile, “Thank heavens you found Lady Egerton, Martin.” She took Kit’s hand. “You must call me Mary. I have been hoping to meet you. Now that you are here we shall have a grand time.”

Kit knew she must have blushed, wondering what Martin had told the Ormonds about her. Had he mentioned Willow House? The very possibility caused her to feel exposed, as if everyone knew the horrible truth of her night in a bordello with this man standing at her side. Still, she instantly liked the woman who would be her hostess.

“You are too kind…Mary. Please, call me Kit.”

“I shall, Kit. Come into the parlor.” Then Mary turned to Martin and instructed him with an impudent smile, “Kit and I will have some tea, but you, Martin, are wanted at a meeting with Ormond.”

Reaching the parlor, her hostess invited Kit to sit on a sofa of pale green silk and then picked up an envelope sitting on a side table. “Here, Martin. Ormond left this for you. I suspect it will tell you where to meet him.”

Kit watched Martin’s face grow serious as he collected the envelope, furtively casting a concerned glance at her.

“You need not worry about Lady Egerton, Martin. I will see her settled. We will have no trouble occupying ourselves without you two men. So, be on your way.”

“All right, my lady, but keep her close. Best not to venture out in public until we know what Rutledge is about.” Martin proceeded to tear open the envelope and read the note.

“Will you return for dinner, do you think?” Mary asked.

Still reading Martin replied, “I will return whenever Ormond does. It seems he has scheduled some meetings for John and me this afternoon.”

“Well, then, we shall see you tonight, for my husband promised me he will be here in time for the evening meal.”

Martin asked the butler to take the valise he’d had packed for Kit to the room she’d been given upstairs. He paused at the door, staring at her, and for a moment their eyes met and held. She was somehow reluctant to see her rescuer go, but with a wave he turned and left.

Mary asked the butler to see that they had tea and returned to Kit, taking a seat on the sofa across from her. “I just know we shall be great friends, Kit.”

“This is so awkward, Lady Ormond—”

“Mary,” the marchioness reminded her.

“Mary. What I mean is…my life seems to be in such turmoil just now.” She was afraid to ask but had to know: “What has Martin told you about me?”

“I can’t say we know everything, but allow me to say I would have tried to kill Rutledge myself if he attacked me as he did you. At least, I like to think I would have had your courage.”

“Did he say anything else?”

A maid entered with a tray of tea and scones, suspending conversation. Mary thanked her, and a moment later the maid left, closing the doors and leaving them again in private. Mary turned to the tray and poured Kit a cup of tea and one for herself. Kit took a bite of the warm sweet bread and tasted honey on her tongue. Mary made herself comfortable, lifted her cup of tea and calmly returned to Kit’s question.

“Oh, I know about Willow House, if that’s what you are asking.” She must have seen the shock on Kit’s face, for the marchioness immediately added, “Please do not worry, Kit. I do understand. Some love matches have unusual beginnings.”