Chapter Three #3
Earlier in the day, Carter had followed Honfleur’s daughter, first to a shop and then to a park to recover a note left by one Margaret Childers, a known forger.
Small scale, but with the assistance of someone with Honfleur’s newly established connections among British society, passing uttered notes could be more efficiently spread.
After the assassination of the Prime Minister, they had first thought to be facing large coordinated riots from the Luddites or any number of other groups, including ones with which Navan was well acquainted, the United Irishmen.
“It looks like our mission will be to keep the Bank of England solvent,” Navan said when he heard Lionel’s report.
“The current Bank Restriction Act can only protect the bank for so long, especially with large funds already allocated to the war with the French and a renewal of animosities with the Americans.”
When Lionel announced the name of the woman who had dropped the note Lady Caroline sought, Duncan declared, “You are brilliant. Now let us plan for a widespread forgery ring to flood London’s streets with uttered banknotes.
Afterwards, I will contact the new Prime Minister, and we can set about stopping the men and women in their tracks. ”
Ironically, Audrey did not have to wish to encounter Lord Marksman again, for as she crossed the park only two days later, there he was entering the area from the opposite street.
She knew he had seen her simply by the slight shift in the direction he had taken.
It was then that Audrey also noted a trio of walkers, who efficiently joined Lord Marksman as a quartet, including the woman with whom Lord Marksman had argued at the masque.
Knowing Caroline would soon notice the other walkers, Audrey said, “As you likely recall, the woman in green with the matching bonnet is Lady Theodora Duncan.”
“As I said previously, I have seen her from afar, but I appreciate the warning,” her cousin said with equal secrecy. “And the other man and woman?”
“I do not recall seeing the man previously, but the other woman was part of the Duncan party at the masque.” Audrey prayed her loyalty would assist in providing a return of her uncle’s trust.
“Lord Marksman also,” Caroline warned. “Too convenient. Be aware of what they ask and say.”
“Miss Moreau,” Lord Marksman called. “How pleasant to encounter you again. You have been sorely missed at the recent entertainments.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Audrey did not know what else to say. She could not admit that her uncle had been livid when she did not retrieve the note meant for him, especially as the man bowing before her had prevented her from doing so.
Thankfully, the earl was more composed than was she. “Might you provide us an introduction to whom I must assume is your relation, for I have viewed your companion recently on the arm of Lord Honfleur.”
Tentatively, Audrey said, “Assuredly, my lord.” With a quick swallow of trepidation, she said, “Lord Marksman, permit me to give you the acquaintance of my cousin, Lady Caroline Moreau.”
“It is truly an honor, your ladyship.”
Caroline’s tone spoke of her displeasure. “Likewise, my lord. Might I claim the acquaintance of the young ladies at your side?”
Lord Marksman looked upon the one Audrey knew as Lady Theodora with a tenderness that left Audrey feeling a bit broken inside.
Since the masque, she had dreamed of the young lord rescuing her from the mediocrity of her existence.
Not that Audrey would ever complain. She knew many who had a harder row to hoe.
“At first I assumed you might have become acquainted at the masque,” Lord Marksman said, “but I now realize you were not so fortunate.”
Lady Theodora responded before Audrey could form a complete thought. Her remark spoke of his lordship rescuing Audrey from Lord Bacggart. “I too was not so fortunate.”
Lord Marksman’s eyebrow rose slightly in disapproval, but he made the necessary introductions, not that Audrey would ever encounter any of them again, but perhaps Caroline might.
At least now Caroline would know the others she should avoid at future events.
Audrey knew her cousin wished to move on, but before Caroline could speak of departing, a knowing look passed between Lord Marksman and Lady Theodora.
With a nod directed to Marksman, the lady left the other gentleman’s side and claimed Caroline as her walking partner.
“I am quite envious of others who have claimed to be your acquaintance over the last few evenings, my lady. I am excessively glad to possess the opportunity finally to speak to you.” With that, Lady Theodora led Caroline across the park, and they followed, with Lord Marksman offering Audrey his arm.
“Shall we join them?”
Audrey tentatively accepted his arm. “Lady Theodora appears quite accustomed to being in your company,” she observed. “The two times I have encountered you, the lady has been at your side.”
“As I explained at the masque, Lady Theodora and I have known each other since I was very young. Lord Duncan’s estate is the nearest one to my home seat.
His lordship once served as one of my guardians, after, quite literally, scooping me and my father off the streets of London to install us as the heir and heir apparent of the Marksman earldom.
My father, who was never expected to inherit, was near death when Lord Duncan and the others came calling upon our tenement. ”
“You were not raised as a gentleman?” Audrey asked before apologizing for her rudeness.
“I truly do not mind the question,” he assured.
“My rise to the earldom is common knowledge among society.” He shrugged nonchalantly.
“At least, by the time I reached my majority, Duncan had seen to my education and my manners. I still occasionally hear the whispers, but Lord Duncan long ago cautioned me not to react. I am judged by my behavior.”
“I imagine such must be difficult,” she said softly. “I, too, was rescued by Lord Honfleur after my mother passed unexpectedly.”
“What of your father?” he asked.
She mimicked Lord Marksman’s earlier shrug. “I barely remember him. Generally, my memories are what my mother often repeated to me. He sailed away one day and never returned.”
He asked, “Were you in France at the time? I know Lord Honfleur is French, but your English has the undertones of someone raised in an English household, rather than a French one.”
She stiffened next to him, for he had caught her in one of Honfleur’s lies. “My parents were English, but we resided in the West Indies for many years.”
“Then Honfleur is also English?” he asked in what sounded to her of mere curiosity, but Audrey could not be confident in her judgment.
She explained, “My Uncle Jacobi is my mother’s half brother. He learned of my abandonment and came for me. I am most grateful, for my mother was employed as a housekeeper to a rich man. I had no family after she passed.”
He said, “Then I am doubly grateful Lord Honfleur showed you such compassion. I would have been eternally sorry never to have claimed your acquaintance.” They walked in silence for several elongated seconds before he added, “I was fortunate to have Lord Duncan take me under his wing, so to speak, and present me his daughter and several other young lords as my most constant companions. I am confident you feel the same regarding Lord Honfleur and Lady Caroline.”
“Oh, yes,” Audrey said readily. “Caroline is nearly as close as a sister. I would be lost without her.” Up ahead, Lady Theodora and Caroline had paused to wait for them. “My cousin and I promised to return promptly,” she explained.
“Might I call upon you?” his lordship asked softly.
She bit her bottom lip to drive away the pain of her denial. “Lord Honfleur would not approve, my lord,” she explained in quiet tones.
“Are you not out in society?” he asked with equal discretion.
“Not officially,” she rushed to say. “My uncle means for Caroline to know a Season first. I am to wait.”