Chapter 12
One week later, early May
Gracechurch Street
“Body found in the Thames this morning,” announced Roger. “They’re asking Sam to do the autopsy, so it stays quiet.”
“Good. That means Clayton will have access and can identify him as one of the congregation or not.” Paddy sat in the parlor in his usual chair by the fire, scratching Aonarach’s back. The wolfhound’s long neck arched up, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the rub.
“Have you seen anyone lurking around the Feltons?” asked Ben. Kitty was growing more homesick, desperate to see her family—and dog. He had an idea to help with that.
“Only once, two nights ago,” said Roger. “But two drunks came stumbling down the lane and scared him off. Hasn’t been back, so I don’t know if it was a random thief or our man.”
Bollocks! No playing the hero today.
“A few days ago, Rowlands was all cozy with one of the gang. I knew he was giving orders of some kind, but I couldn’t hear.
So I followed the man.” Clayton leaned against the hearth, his elbow connecting with one of the frames on the mantel.
He righted it before continuing, “It’s happening soon.
Rowlands has the man trailing the other member who wanted out. ”
“We know Rowlands committed the first murder, but he may have someone else take care of the other traitor,” mused Paddy.
“Nah, he’ll want the credit,” disagreed Clayton.
Harry grunted. “Who shall we put on Rowlands?”
“Ye feel comfortable doin’ it, Clayton? Or do you need to stay with the gang a wee longer? This could expose your identity.” Paddy didn’t like the undercover work, unable to help one of his boyos if something went wrong.
“I think it’s best if I remain just another member. Something’s brewing, and not a soul suspects me.”
Paddy nodded. “Let’s put Gus on the Felton place and send Lynch after Rowlands. How does that sound to everyone?” Due to his size, Gus was never used to tail anyone. It was one of the few things Gus couldn’t do.
“Rowlands mentioned being summoned by The Vicar. He thinks he’s getting a promotion,” commented Clayton.
“You’re not so sure?” asked Ben. Would Clay try to accompany Rowlands to the meeting? The thought of his closest friend in the company of such a heinous villain sent a chill down his spine.
“Rowlands has never spoken with anyone higher than Mason. I can’t see The Vicar trusting him enough to meet in person.
I’m guessing he’ll meet with a representative, or it may be a trap.
” Clayton pushed away from the fireplace.
“Word may be out about Rowlands taking matters into his own hands. If The Vicar considers him a bomb ready to go off, sending any attention in his direction, Rowlands will be next.”
“I agree. Da boss must be a wee bit on edge these days.” Paddy stood, wincing a tiny bit when his knee popped. “I’ll let Gus know where he’s off to next. Keep me posted, boyos.”
“Paddy,” said Ben before they left. “Could I ask a favor?”
“Aye, whatcha need?”
“Kitty, er, Miss Felton is terribly homesick. I wanted to bring her pup to her for a visit, but I’m afraid it might make her, well—”
“Weepy?” asked Paddy with a grin.
“Yes. Do you mind if I brought Aonarach for a visit? I think it would be a nice distraction.” Aonarach was like Paddy’s grandson. If anything happened to the dog while he was in Ben’s care… Well, he’d be moving to the Continent.
Paddy scratched his jaw. A sign he was considering it. “Did I tell you Nora was asking about your sweetheart?”
Ben’s eyes widened. “No. I didn’t even think she knew about Kitty.”
Paddy barked a laugh. “Boyo, haven’t ye learned anything living with those women? They always know when it comes to matters of the heart. Anyway, why don’t I send Nora over tonight? I’ll be making two of my children happy with one act.”
“That would be excellent. Thanks, Paddy.” He knew Kitty would love the big furry beast. Hopefully, Nora would bring back a good report to Maggie.
“Rumor has it ye’re at Chapelle’s most nights now.” Paddy’s large hand squeezed Ben’s shoulders. “Ye’re keen on dis lass, eh?”
“Yes, sir.” Blast! Don’t blush. “I hadn’t realized how much I needed the company.”
“Dat’s what a good woman does to ye. I’m happy for ye. Her father’s a good man. Ye could do worse, as my pater always said.” Now he slapped Ben on the back. “I was wonderin’ how long it would take ye to figure out she wasn’t da wife. Poor woman died a few years back.”
“It was a pleasant surprise,” Ben said, remembering back to the first day he’d seen her with her hood down. Is that when he’d fallen? Had it happened so quickly?
* * *
Kitty worked on a pair of gloves for the shop while Ben read Byron aloud. He stopped reciting and closed the book.
“You don’t enjoy Byron, do you?” he asked.
Kitty shrugged, giving him a side-glance. “He’s fine. I’m just not much for poetry. I enjoy listening to you, though.” She wore a pale-yellow muslin that complemented her eyes and dark hair by contrast. “Don’t stop.”
He sighed, then checked his pocket watch again just as a knock sounded on the back door. He rose to answer it but realized it wasn’t his house. Genie and Lydia had gone with Mr. Lockwood to a concert. Ben hadn’t seen anyone as smitten as the stablemaster. The man doted on Lydia Peckton.
“If you don’t mind, may I answer that? I’ve arranged for a surprise for you.”
Kitty’s head jerked up. “A surprise? For me?” She set her work on the table and stared at him. “Is it a delivery?”
“Of a type. You’ll see,” Ben said, excited to see her reaction. He dashed down the stairs and opened the door.
“Took you long enough,” said Nora, pushing past him and heading up the stairs with the great gray beast at her side. Her long red hair was pulled back with a ribbon and shone copper against the black of her pelisse.
“Wait for me. I want to see her expression!” Ben hurried after his sister. “And you haven’t been introduced properly.”
Nora grinned at him over her shoulder. “Do you really think that’s necessary?”
Then Kitty was at the top of the stairs, gasping and clapping. “This must be Aonarach!” She held the door wide for the guests to enter.
“And you must be Miss Felton,” said Nora, her green eyes studying Kitty. “I’m the famous sister.”
“The actress who will be on the same stage as Charles Macready!” Kitty took her hand and shook it. “I’m honored to meet you, Miss O’Brien.”
Nora waggled her brows at her brother as they followed Kitty into the parlor. “Let’s not be stiff. I’m Honora, Nora to my friends. If Ben is officially courting you, we’ll soon be closer than the latest passengers on a stagecoach.”
“I’m Katherine Felton, Kitty to my friends.
Please make yourself comfortable.” Kitty turned her attention to Aonarach.
With two hands, she scrubbed the animal’s ruff.
His wet tongue ran up her face in gratitude.
She wrinkled her nose at the smell, wiped her cheek with a sleeve, and chuckled.
“I’m afraid if I sit down, you’ll be taller than me. ”
“Da has taught him to mind his manners. He’ll sit, so it won’t be so awkward. Meant to warn you his breath is atrocious. Gus gave him a sardine before we left.” Nora shuddered. “I hate those salty fish.”
“Would you like some tea? Wine? I believe we have some sherry in the kitchen,” offered Kitty.
“Sherry would be lovely, thanks,” said Nora, laughing when the wolfhound followed Kitty.
“I love you, Sister,” Ben said, the ridiculous grin forming again. “I knew Kitty would enjoy this.”
“I’m to bring back every detail of this visit with a meticulous description of Miss Felton. She’s lovely,” whispered Nora.
“Let me go help her with the drinks,” he said, pleased that Nora approved. “She may have difficulty maneuvering around the beast.”
When he entered the kitchen, Kitty turned with hands on her hips. “You thoughtful, wonderful, dear man.” Then she handed him the tray. “We’ll be right in.”
Ben stood, the compliment still penetrating his brain as Kitty held up a biscuit and tried to get Aonarach to lay.
“Lie down,” she commanded, the treat in hand as she added a motion to the order. The dog’s head moved with the biscuit.
Ben shook his head. “He was taught commands in Gaelic. Sit is suigh.” The dog sat, now looking up at Ben. “You try it.”
“Sig?” she said as a question, holding the biscuit up again.
The wolfhound thumped his tail, his head moving back and forth between the humans asking him to perform a task he was already doing.
Kitty broke off a piece and held it on her palm. The dog gingerly took it from her hand. “He’s so gentle.”
“He’s an ancient breed, used for hunting and guarding. The motto is ‘gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.’ Aonarach is a good representation of the breed.”
“I have half a biscuit left. What else shall I have him do?” she asked.
“Tell him to lie down again but in Gaelic. I’ll say it in parts, so he doesn’t put them together. Lee… she… uss.”
“Luigh síos!” Kitty cooed to the dog when he obeyed and gave him the rest of the treat. “You could eat my Terry for a snack!”
Once they were settled in the parlor, Kitty once again giving Aonarach the command to lie down, Ben sipped the sherry and listened as his sister and Kitty chatted.
Nora had warmed to Kitty with the first compliment, sensing it was sincere.
She told several amusing stories about various productions she’d been a part of.
“I tried to talk Da into letting me bring the beast for a performance, but he refused. I was in a comedy and wanted to dress him up, have him howl along with the chorus.” Nora grinned. “Did you know the dog can sing?”
Kitty shook her head, anticipation shining in her violet eyes. “I have a penny whistle if you’d need accompaniment.”
“Yes!”
Kitty hurried to her room and took her seat again. “What are we playing?”
“‘Comin’ Through the Rye.’ Do you know it?”
“Of course.” She put the whistle to her lips and blew the first notes as Nora began to sing.
If a body meet a body,
Comin' thro the rye,
If a body kiss a body,
Need a body cryyyyyy?
Aonarach raised his head and gave a mournful howl along with “cry.” Nora’s clear voice continued,
Ev'ry lassie has her laddie,
Nane, they say, ha'e I,
Yet a' the lads they smile on me,
When comin' thro' the ryyyyye.
This time Ben added his wail to the dog’s, pleased that Kitty could barely suppress her laughter and keep up the tune.
“So, what’s your opinion? Should he have a debut on the stage?” asked Nora.
“Aonarach, yes. Ben, absolutely not,” said Kitty, breaking into a gale of laughter.
Yes, he thought, this is just what she needed. A feeling of contentment spread over him as he watched his sister patter with the woman he lov—
His mouth went dry. Blast and perdition! Did he love her? He’d only known her a month. He was attracted to her, considered her a good match, enjoyed her company… but love so soon?
Your feet will bring you to where your heart is.
Where had his feet taken him every night this week?
Demmed Irish sayings!