Page 28 of Against the Wind

Chapter 10

“See that man leaning against the lamppost?” Mary whispered in Kit’s ear as they stood behind a tree in the West End residential area just off St. James Square where the de Courtenays lived.

Kit’s eyes followed Mary’s to a man slumped against the post. “Yes, I see him. Not very subtle, is he?”

“No, he is not. His eyes never leave the de Courtenay home. No doubt he is watching for you. Do you recognize him?”

“No,” Kit said, “but Rutledge has several men in his service that come and go at all hours of the day and night. They carry knives and pistols, no doubt to assist some evil purpose. This man may be one of them.”

“Come, then, let us not dally.”

Dressed in the plain brown gown of a shop worker, Mary handed Kit the package she carried and briskly set forth, making her way to the servants’ entrance at the rear of the de Courtenay townhouse. Kit followed, head down, praying her stable boy disguise fooled the man posted to watch. Her auburn hair was tucked into a large cap that fell to her eyebrows, so she thought herself a passable shop worker’s assistant.

The door was answered shortly after Mary’s knock, opened by the cook. Mary immediately introduced herself. “The Marchioness of Ormond to see Madame de Courtenay.”

The plump cook peered at her and Kit from under her muslin mobcap before her face screwed up in a frown. But Kit knew the cook couldn’t ignore the voice of command, even if she was reluctant to trust the woman before her based on dress and an appearance at the rear door.

“I am who I said I am, good woman,” Mary promised, and handed over her calling card.

Reading it, the cook immediately relented and flung the door wide. “Follow me, please.”

Once in the kitchen, Kit took off her cap. “Cook, it’s me.”

The plump woman swung around. “Miss Endicott?”

“I had to come in disguise, Betty, but it is me.”

“Miss Endicott! Why, child, where have you been? The mistress is plumb worn out from worry about you, and Gertie is fit to be tied. The twins miss you something awful.”

“I am sorry, Betty, but I had to leave the ball suddenly. I was being pursued.”

The cook chose that moment to remember Mary, and her eyes darted to the marchioness who said, “Can you direct us to Madame de Courtenay?”

The cook was immediately apologetic. “Fergive me, yer ladyship.” She dipped a deep curtsey and escorted them into the parlor.

Mrs. de Courtenay joined them a few minutes later. She paused only a moment to consider Kit, then threw her arms about her. “Miss Endicott! It is you! Oh my dear, what has happened? We were ever so worried when you left the ball so suddenly.”

“It is a long story, Mrs. de Courtenay. I think it best I not try to explain it all just now.” She gestured to Mary. “This is my friend, the Marchioness of Ormond. Excuse us for the way we are dressed, but we were trying to avoid the man watching your house.” Then to Mary: “Allow me to present to you Mrs. de Courtenay, my employer.”

Mrs. de Courtenay bade them sit and called for tea. She smiled graciously at Mary and, though looking askance at her attire, expressed delight at meeting Miss Endicott’s friend. “Welcome to our home, Lady Ormond!” Then, seating herself on the sofa opposite, she turned to Kit and said, “Someone is watching the house?”

“Yes,” Kit said. “Someone hoping to catch me returning.”

“Does it have something to do with your flight from the ballroom—and this disguise?”

“Yes.” Kit stared down at her hands in her lap, embarrassed. “It does.”

Mary must have seen her embarrassment, because she came to Kit’s rescue. “Kit—Lady Egerton—is staying with Lord Ormond and me, Madame de Courtenay, though we would ask you to tell no one.”

“Lady Egerton?” Mrs. de Courtenay’s head jerked as she glanced back to Kit. “Not Lady Katherine Endicott?”

“That was my name before I married Lord Egerton, Mrs. de Courtenay. The use of my former name was necessary, but I am sorry. I am, indeed, Lady Egerton, a dowager baroness.”

“Ah, I see,” the woman said, nodding, though she clearly didn’t. “Well, no matter, my dear. We love you.”

Kit smiled, grateful to be forgiven so quickly.

“We came today,” Mary offered, “so Lady Egerton could say a proper goodbye to you and the twins, and to ask if you might in exchange for her wages allow her to keep a few of the gowns you purchased for her.”