A Thin Line: The Reluctant Lords, #2

1

D amn him! Kala’s raspy voice resonated in the empty room. Most would think she had a cold or the ague, but no, this was her new voice courtesy of the villain who had stalked her sister-in-law. Who knows? she thought, momentarily distracted. Perhaps I will start a new trend among the ton .

Back to the matter at hand. She had found Gabriel Hawke, the Duke of Hawkescliffe to be a traitor in the true sense of the word. She had argued with herself for the last week that she had misunderstood what the voices on the other side of the door had been saying the night of the ball for her brother, Derek and his new wife, Tessa. As many times as she tried, she could not deny overhearing him share troop movement, nor could she come up with a plausible answer for his actions.

The man had given away government secrets to a French harlot. What made the treason so much worse remained the fact that Gabe and Derek were best friends. Her brother's best friend, a traitor to king and country. And to make matters worse, at one time she thought herself madly in love with him. He had definitely ruined that possibility for both of them. No way could she even stomach the idea of being married to him now. She could barely look at him. And to think, he had once stood alongside Admiral Nelson at Trafalgar.

She pushed herself out of the big bed, paced to the window and threw back the curtains. The moonlight streamed into the room but did nothing to calm her. The rare cloudless and fogless night in London showed off the true beauty of the city, but she failed to see it. She had too many thoughts wrestling about in her mind for superiority.

How could he? She muttered helplessly, pressing her forehead against the cool pane of glass. He had witnessed the heartache Derek had gone through when he believed his wife to be a traitor. Thank goodness all that had turned out to be false. So how could he, Derek’s best friend, do something like this? The man must have lost all the good sense he had been born with.

She shook her head sadly replaying that awful night in her mind. So many things had happened that night. Tessa had been kidnapped for one. But first she had heard Gabe giving information on troop landings to that exotically beautiful woman. She had a French accent, claiming to be an émigré to all other members of the ton. And there lay the crux of the matter. He divulged information to the enemy. The enemy was beautiful and seemed to have him firmly in her clutches, if the way the woman adjusted her dress before leaving the room had been any indication. She thumped her hands on the windowsill and let out a little growl of frustration. She had to decide what to do about this matter and soon.

One thing had made itself abundantly clear though. She can have him. I’m through with him.

Through with whom?

Kala whirled around and clutched at her throat with one hand. Dru, you startled me. I hope I didn’t wake you.

I couldn’t sleep. Indigestion, Kala’s aunt explained as an aside as she patted her barely there tummy. Now what has you in such an uproar?

Oh, I’m just excited over all the events of the last few weeks, Kala stuck as close to the truth as possible.

It has been quite an adventure, hasn’t it?

Yes. Derek and Tessa will be leaving for the country once more. Then we will all gather there for Christmas in a few months.

Now what are you so worked up about?

I can’t tell you, Dru, Kala said, her shoulders drooping.

What? You used to tell me everything. I am your favorite aunt, you know, she waggled her brows for effect.

Kala giggled but shook her head adamantly. No. This is something I must figure out and address on my own.

If you insist. Just keep in mind there is a thin line between love and hate. Often times that line becomes blurred. She reached into the pocket of her dressing robe and took out a deck of playing cards. What do you say we pass the time with a few games?

Yes, but no bets this time. Derek yelled at me for an hour for losing my quarterly pin money to you, she shook her head sadly. I had a winning hand. I still don’t understand how you beat me, she lamented.

Derek is a spoilsport.

Derek is right, a deep voice drawled from Kala’s doorway.

Richard, I hope you didn’t miss me.

Of course I did, my love. He dropped a kiss on her lips and then covered her stomach with one of his large hands. Is she keeping you awake? Richard felt convinced their fourth child would be another girl so they would have a ‘matching set’.

Yes. Kala watched the byplay unashamedly and with a great deal of envy. She had been raised in a household like this one, with parents that adored one another and touched and kissed. She had hoped that she and Gabriel could have had something like this, and perhaps they could have if he had never become the Duke of Hawkescliffe. He had changed drastically after receiving the title, a title he never should have had to don. A large part of her mourned that fact. Another part of her knew she must get on with the job of living.

Richard, please stay and keep an eye on Dru. I think she cheats, she whispered loudly.

Kala, I’ll let you in on a little secret, Richard replied.

What?

"I know she cheats." The three stayed up until early morning playing, laughing, and talking.

The next morning, Kala quickly dressed in a plain, serviceable dress and scampered downstairs before anyone else arose. She asked a footman to call for a carriage. He performed the task reluctantly, seeing a dressing down in his future for letting her leave the house unescorted. Miss Kala would be the death of them all in his lowly opinion.

The carriage arrived and Kala embarked on a journey across town to the Horse Guards. She left the conveyance and paid the driver. She paced back and forth in front of the building, chewing on her thumb as she tended to do when nervous. Her sable hair fell in loose waves down her back in a most improper way. Her thick, black lashes fluttered, hiding the mercurial changes of her hazel eyes.

She marched to the door with the look of a soldier preparing for a court-martial. As she neared, it swung open and a footman stood sentinel. Is Director McKenzie available?

Not as yet, madam.

Thank you. Please send him to me as soon as he arrives. I will be over there, she waved absently towards the side of the building. Mikala spun away and spent the next fifteen minutes pacing and rehearsing exactly what she would say.

She needed to speak to Director McKenzie as soon as possible and silently cursed the man for choosing this morning to not arrive before everyone else to the War Office, the central headquarters where plans were made to defeat Napoleon, and as she so recently found out where her brother and Gabe spent most of their days, which of course is how Gabe retrieved the information from the French whore.

So caught up in practicing her speech she did not hear the brisk footfalls until they were upon her, What do you think you are doing here?

Director McKenzie, the Duke of Hawkescliffe is a traitor, she said as she turned around to look at the man. Her mouth fell open in horror as she realized she had just told the information to the suspected traitor himself.

Now that you know, what am I going to do to keep you silent, Pest? Gabriel Hawke, the Duke of Hawkescliffe snarled as he pulled her close, the scar that slashed down his right cheek made him appear menacing. Kala did the only thing she knew to do, she raised her knee and in his moment of agony, she tore free of his hold and ran for her life.

The thundering of footsteps followed her too quickly, and she knew he would gain on her in a matter of seconds. She would never be able to outrun him. Mikala found an alley and quickly ducked in it moving to the darkest corner possible. She held herself still, biting her lip to keep from shouting as she felt something scurry across her foot. Make that several somethings; she cringed and fisted her hands. Gabriel ran past her hiding spot and she let out the pent-up breath she held. She remained hidden for several more minutes until she could no longer hear the pounding of his feet.

Mikala took a step out of her hiding place and heard something squeal as she put her foot down. She jumped, landed oddly and felt her ankle give out causing her to crumple to the filthy ground. She struggled to her feet and hobbled towards the darkness again only to feel the steel band of an arm firmly around her waist lifting her up in the air.

Put me down, she yelled, kicking his legs and clawing his arm.

Don’t make me throw you over my shoulder.

You wouldn’t!

After you just attempted to unman me? I find there are a lot of things I am thinking about doing to you right now, and none of them are pleasant, he growled menacingly. Now, this is exactly what we are going to do. I am going to escort you to a carriage and then to your brother’s house. You will go along without attracting any unwanted attention. Do you understand? She remained silent. We can do this easily or not, the choice is yours.

Fine.

Good, he said and lowered her until her feet touched the ground. He quickly grabbed her upper arm and led her out of the alley before she could dart away. What did you do? He queried when he noticed her limp.

Nothing, she replied, refusing to show any weakness in front of him. Kala could hear him muttering under his breath, but could not make out exactly what he said and decided she didn’t really care. He quickly hailed a hack and helped her inside before giving the driver directions and climbing in. As the carriage lurched into motion, Mikala looked around the inside, looking for a possible means of escape.

Don’t even think about it. Mikala gave him a mutinous look before crossing her arms and sitting back against the squabs. They spent the journey to Derek’s house in silence, sizing up one another. A short time later the conveyance came to a stop and a familiar face opened the door.

Ramsey, please get my brother immediately and have him send for the authorities!

Yes, Miss Mikala, Ramsey replied before turning to go into the house.

I ought to turn you over my knee right here and now, Gabe snarled as he descended from the carriage. He turned to help her down, but she jerked out of his hold. Fine. Fall on your face, he said as he paid the driver then turned on his heel and entered the house. Kala managed to exit the carriage under her own power, but if anyone had been passing by at the moment, she would have been extremely embarrassed. She limped into the house and shut the door to see Derek and Tessa coming down the stairs, both having appeared to have dressed hastily.

What’s going on? Derek bellowed.

Your sister is a menace!

Your best friend’s a traitor! Both yelled at the same time.

2

I think you should both calm down, Derek interjected, shaking his head as he observed two of the most important, and stubborn, people in his life. Please, let us retire to the study where we can talk about this calmly and rationally.

Tessa rushed to Mikala, and put an arm around her waist when she saw her limping.

I’m fine, I just turned my ankle. Tessa exchanged a look with Ramsey and Kala knew that in a matter of minutes there would be a compress on her elevated ankle. Tessa quickly helped Kala get situated and did indeed prop up her ankle on an ottoman. Thank you, Kala said quickly, refusing to let on how it had begun to throb.

Ummm, what’s that smell? Tessa asked delicately.

Who knows? Mikala replied flippantly. I had to duck in an alley to hide from this bore.

Now, why don’t one of you tell me what exactly happened, Derek suggested.

I found your sister pacing outside of the Horse Guards at an absurd time this morning. When I came upon her, she shouted at me, ‘The Duke of Hawkescliffe is a traitor.’ Then she tried to unman me and took off running.

Mikala, where did you get this ridiculous notion? Derek asked aghast.

It is not ridiculous! I overheard him myself plotting with that French harlot at your ball last week!

You should take her over your knee now, Derek, before her behavior becomes any worse.

Mikala, things are not always as they seem, Tessa broke in gently.

Not you, too! I know what I heard, she growled.

I don’t doubt what you heard, Tessa tried to explain before breaking off when Sara brought in a poultice for Kala’s ankle. Once the maid had left again, Tessa continued. There are things that you don’t know and it is better that way. Safer for you. Do you understand?

No. And I wish everyone would stop treating me as if I were a child. I am twenty-four! I am not the child that followed the two of you everywhere. I am a woman and should be told the truth.

You think you’re a grown woman? Then act like one! Gabe said. If you have concerns, address them as a woman should, through your nearest male relative. Do not go gallivanting in the early morning hours attempting to solve problems you know nothing about. Not only are you going to get yourself hurt or worse, you are liable to have far reaching consequences you cannot even begin to fathom. Do you understand, Pest?

I hate you, she turned her full venom on the man standing before her.

Good. Now maybe you will stay out of my way. Derek, I expect you will clear up this issue, Gabe said before turning on his heel and walking out of the room leaving the three others behind.

Mikala, Derek began.

I don’t want to hear it. If you are going to take his side, you can go hang. I know what I heard that night, and nothing you say can convince me otherwise.

Perhaps you should return home, and I do not mean simply to Dru’s house.

Excuse me? She asked aghast.

You heard me.

"You may be my brother, but you are not my father, or my keeper. I will do what I please, and it currently pleases me to stay for the rest of the Little Season. And unless you clarify for me what I heard at the ball, I will continue to try to determine what is going on. I will also see the proper authorities are notified, if necessary, even if that means requesting an audience with the King!"

Derek, please just tell her.

No. She must trust my judgment on this matter. Kala, I will have my carriage return you to Dru’s. I will write a letter to Papa and inform him of my opinion in regards to you staying the rest of the season. Never before have we crossed ways to this extent, and it saddens me now that it has come to this. Just know that I love you, and I am only looking out for your welfare.

Kala rose from the chair and hobbled to the door, anger suffusing every fiber of her being. She paused at the door and looked back at her brother, anger causing her eyes to spark green and blue fire.

It is so heartwarming to know that friendship is more important than family.

Kala, Tessa began to cross the room until her husband grabbed her hand.

Let her go.

But she shouldn’t leave like this.

Perhaps it is for the best. There are things she should not know, nor should she be involved in. The anger will pass, given time.

I hope you’re right.

Me, too.

Kala sequestered herself in her room at Drucilla’s house the following week while her ankle mended. She wrote a letter to her father stating she loved both him and her mother very much, but she would not be returning home until after the Little Season. She and Derek merely had a misunderstanding, but all would be well. She also penned a letter to Tessa apologizing for her behavior. She found she felt much better after writing both letters and sending them off.

She spent her time convalescing replaying what she had overheard, even going so far as to write down the scene much like a playwright might. Once satisfied she had captured every detail, she reread it carefully several times. Gabriel was indeed involved in something nefarious, she only wished she could be more certain as to what it might be. On the fifth day, she considered her ankle fully mended and felt the need to be outside. Stuart McKenzie requested she join him for a ride in Hyde Park the day before. She dressed in her sapphire riding habit with the gold epaulets on the shoulder and her riding boots.

Mikala made her way downstairs late that morning after having breakfast in her room. Dru sat in her small parlor with her three children gathered about her as she told them a story. Mikala scooped little Eric off his mother’s lap and blew a raspberry on his cheek causing him to giggle uproariously. She sat next to Dru so the little boy could finish hearing the tale she told. Once she had finished the story, Mikala let Eric scamper off her lap to join his brother and sister as they played on the rug in the middle of the room.

So, you have allowed the children to escape the nursery?

Yes, Dru grinned. You look much improved.

Oh, I feel it as well.

Plans?

I am going riding in Hyde Park a little later.

Oh? Be certain one of the footmen escorts you.

No need. I will not be by myself.

And who will be with you?

Stuart McKenzie.

Mikala, you are playing with fire.

I do not know what you are talking about and since no one seems fit to share information with me, I do not see the harm in going riding with the man. He is perfectly respectable, handsome, and is the Director of the War Office. Can you tell me one reason I should turn down his request? Dru remained silent even though she knew several reasons. Since that is settled, I am going to go visit Venus before my escort arrives. Dru watched her leave, worry etched across her face.

Mikala wiled away the time until McKenzie arrived making Venus’ coat shine. The horse seemed to enjoy the attention that her mistress bestowed upon her.

Oh, to be that horse, a deep voice with a Scottish brogue said longingly.

Mr. McKenzie, you shouldn’t sneak up on a person like that, Mikala spun around placing a hand over her rapidly beating heart.

You must have been lost in thought to not have heard me walk up.

Just enjoying the day. What do you think of Venus?

Lovely animal. Good lines, he walked around, patted her flank and lifted a hoof. Hooves are sound. How does she ride?

Like the wind.

She would be an excellent one to breed with a racehorse.

Perhaps.

Shall I get your saddle?

Please. McKenzie disappeared into the stable and exchanged words with a lad before both he and the other man came out carrying the saddle and bridle. The men made short work of saddling Venus and soon they were ready to begin their ride.

Do you have an escort? McKenzie asked politely.

Mr. McKenzie…

Please, call me Mack, he interrupted.

Mack, I am old enough to not need an escort and could not care less what society thinks about me as I hope this is my one and only season.

Plans for marriage?

No, she replied easily. I’ve just had enough of society.

I see, he chuckled. Well, in that case, shall we go and set society on its ear?

Let’s do. She quickly mounted Venus, hating not being in the country and able to ride astride as she so often did. Mack quickly mounted his horse and the two made their way towards Hyde Park.

I understand I missed quite a show the other morning.

Hmph. I have possible knowledge of one of the men in your office sharing information with the enemy. So let me ask you this, Director, do you want to know who it is? She replied haughtily.

If this is about Hawkescliffe, as much as I would love to haul him before the magistrate for being a traitor, I’m afraid you are mistaken.

Not you, too!

Mikala, her name rolled easily off his tongue, in this day and age enemies can be friends, friends can be enemies, and sometimes people are a combination of the two. Unfortunately, in the case of Hawkescliffe, I can guarantee you that he is a friend.

I’m sorry if I don’t believe you. Not after what I heard and I will find some way to prove it to everyone. Now, if you are not going to tell me why I should trust Hawkescliffe, I suggest that we change the subject.

What would you like to talk about then?

Tell me about yourself. No one seems to know much about you.

Oh, they know, Miss Simmons, they are just waiting for the drama to play out.

What are you talking about?

All you need to know is that my father is a Scottish Laird, and even though I am his firstborn son, I have a younger brother that will inherit instead of me.

How can that be?

You will find out in due time. We will save unsavory talk for another time. Instead, let us enjoy this beautiful autumn day, shall we?

Indeed, she agreed, but she found her curiosity peaked. How could a younger son inherit? She snuck a look at the handsome man who seemed so familiar to her somehow. If only she could place him. They entered Hyde Park to see people already there. The Four-in-hand club could be counted as present this day as well as several reigning London beauties. Mikala and Mack made several passes, stopping to visit with a particularly well-known matron of the ton. A couple of dandies made their way up to pay their respects to Kala.

It seems my companion is extremely popular with the gentlemen.

I am just an oddity, an ugly duckling among swans.

Oh, but I think you besmirch yourself. I would compare your beauty against any woman here.

You are too kind, Mack, she looked at him and bestowed a beatific smile on him. As she faced forward once more, she pulled up sharply on her reins causing Venus to side-step and toss her head in agitation. Mikala leaned forward and patted the filly’s neck and spoke soothingly to her.

Is everything all right?

Everything is fine.

Ach, I see, Mack said, when he followed her gaze.

She couldn’t take her eyes off the couple rounding the bend. The man sat tall, even in the phaeton he rode in. He had dark hair and a scar that ran from the corner of his right eye to the juncture of his lips. His eyes were light blue rimmed in dark blue. His thick brows and lashes made him look sinister. Tessa had called him a wolf before she knew his name and Kala had never heard a better description, particularly since he tended to growl more than smile.

Next to him sat Lady Clarissa Blackerby. Clarissa, a petite blonde, could definitely be called a diamond of the first water. Lady Clarissa was the most popular of the debutantes this season, and it seemed that Gabe had determined her to be the next Duchess of Hawkescliffe. His mother must be hounding him again to produce an heir. Kala chuckled under her breath about that. She could be a veritable dragon at times. She constantly hounded Gabe to produce an heir so the line wouldn’t go to his weakling cousin.

She had to give Gabe credit, he did have excellent taste. She counted Clarissa as her only true friend here among the beau monde. Lady Blackerby refused to speak ill of anyone. She did not act feather-brained and would make the perfect duchess, especially considering her father was a duke. It would be the wedding of the season. And Kala, as much as she wished it, could not hate her at all. Kala tossed her hair back and rode up to the couple.

Good afternoon, Your Grace. Clarissa, how are you?

Fine, Mikala. Isn’t it a beautiful day for a ride? Lady Clarissa replied sincerely.

Wonderful.

Are you here alone, Mikala?

Of course not, Kala arched a sable brow at Gabe’s question. I do believe you know Stuart McKenzie. Mr. McKenzie, allow me to introduce you to Lady Clarissa Blackerby.

Mr. McKenzie, it is a pleasure. My father speaks highly of you.

You are too kind, my lady. And how are you, Your Grace? Mikala heard the acidity dripping off the last two words.

Fine. And you, McKenzie? Gabe gritted his teeth while he spoke, barely making the words understandable.

It is a glorious day, and I am being accompanied by one of the most beautiful women in London, no offense, my lady. I can’t imagine asking for a better day, can you?

Hmph.

"It is indeed a beautiful day, and you are right, Mikala is indeed one of the most beautiful women of the ton. I only wish that the other women could see her worth, Clarissa said with a smile. She has truly been a friend to me this Season."

The girl did not have an evil bone in her body, Kala thought before addressing Clarissa, Some people can’t see past their own nose. Well, it was wonderful seeing you both. Perhaps I’ll see you this evening at the Chatham ball?

Of course. Gabriel, Clarissa broke off and blushed. I mean, Lord Hawkescliffe is escorting me this evening. I do so hope to see you there.

Your Grace.

Miss Simmons, McKenzie, he nodded at both of them before snapping the reins. The Duke of Hawkescliffe unobtrusively watched as Kala and McKenzie whirled their horses around towards the entrance of Hyde Park. He watched the form she presented and found his body tightening in response to her presence. Gabe attempted to shake himself free from her spell and remind himself he was in the process of courting Lady Clarissa. Kala would never be his wife.

She seems like such a nice young lady. I wish the other girls were nicer to her.

Pardon? Gabe hated being caught off guard, but Lady Clarissa politely repeated herself. What do you mean? Gabe questioned.

Many of the girls and their mothers see her as an outsider who doesn’t belong. But she seems so alive, so full of energy. I’m sure if they took the time to know her, they would like her as much as I do. Sometimes I wish I were more like her.

You are fine just the way you are, Gabe commented off-handedly before urging their horse on. He made a mental note to visit with Derek about his sister’s choice of suitor at the next opportunity.

3

Dru’s butler greeted her at the door. Mack had left with promises of seeing her at the Chatham ball that evening. Despite running into Gabriel and Clarissa in the park, Mikala found herself to be in relatively high spirits.

There is a gentleman waiting for you, Miss Mikala.

Oh?

Lord Dewhurst. Her Grace is currently entertaining him in the parlor.

Oh dear, Kala quickly stopped in front of the mirror located in the hall and removed her hat. Then she made sure she looked as tidy as possible after having come from riding. She quickly pasted a smile on her face before entering the parlor. Lord Dewhurst, I am so sorry to have kept you waiting. If only I had known you were coming by today, I would have rearranged my plans.

Oh, do not worry yourself, Miss Simmons. Her Grace has been more than accommodating, he stood and crossed the room, took Mikala’s glove-covered hand and bent over to kiss it. Before her stood the true image of a dandy, as he tried to emulate the very look of Lord Byron. Dewhurst’s light-colored hair lay in curls about his head. His eyes were a nondescript gray color that leaned more towards being blue. He dressed in the latest fashion and women practically threw themselves at him. She had to admit that he cut a fine figure, broad of shoulders and narrow at the hips with long legs. Kala could not understand why he chose to court her. She knew that men found her attractive, but there were others more attractive and with more money than she. Something about him just did not sit well with her, so she always made certain they were never alone.

It is very good to see you, won’t you sit down? She asked indicating the chair as she took the seat next to the quiet but observant Drucilla.

Thank you, he moved to the indicated chair and perched on the seat as if he might take flight at any moment. I had not seen you about in several days and became worried you had perhaps snuck out of London without us knowing.

No, Lord Dewhurst, Mikala chuckled throatily. I merely turned my ankle and had to wait for it to heal before going out.

I hope it was nothing serious.

Nothing that a few days rest couldn’t cure. It was very sweet of you to come by to check on me.

I must admit, I have ulterior motives, Dewhurst gave a lopsided grin. I have received an invitation to the Chatham’s ball this evening and had hoped I might talk you into allowing me to escort you.

Mikala thought quickly before replying, That is very kind of you, but I will actually be riding there with my brother and his wife. But if you would like to meet us at ten in front of the Chatham’s, I would be more than delighted to accompany you inside. They heard a knock at the front door.

I will be honored, he stood and approached Mikala. She quickly came to her feet so as not to feel at a disadvantage. Dewhurst took her hand once again and brushed a kiss over the back then bowed low for Drucilla. Your Grace, it has been a pleasure. Miss Simmons, until this evening.

Until this evening, she said. When he left the room, she collapsed in an unladylike heap on the chair he just vacated. She heard the exchange of male voices in the hall and assumed that Richard had arrived home and exchanged pleasantries with Dewhurst in the foyer.

What was that fop doing here? A familiar voice asked before the butler could announce him.

Southerby! Where were you a few minutes ago when I truly needed saving? Kala stood and greeted him warmly.

Viscount Justin Southerby stood tall and broad-shouldered, but