Reckless. Shannon Drake

at her sadly. “We do not need the charity of others. I work hard, we work hard. And we earn our living. Meager, that it is. But I’m an honest man, and I do an honest day’s work. You will take no reward.”

      “Papa!” Eliza protested. “Papa, in truth, you are a great artist! You are simply too quick to work for those who promise to pay, but cannot pay.”

      “They are the interesting subjects,” the father murmured.

      “And then, when there is a rich man about, you refuse to charge what your work is worth! I would say that many a rich man owes you. And if the truth of your service were ever known, you, Papa, would be knighted! Therefore, nothing coming our way would be charity, but rather your due,” Eliza stated.

      He shook his head again. “A man’s life is far greater than any sum of money. Kat will take no reward.”

      Eliza groaned, turning away.

      Kat lowered herself to her knees, setting her hands upon her father’s knees. “Papa, I will take no reward. But may I go back to Mrs. Johnson just to meet these people? I swear to you, I shall refuse the reward. But I would like…I would dearly love…just this time…to meet these people, to let them thank me. Oh, please, Papa!”

      “It is a hard world out there, lass! We haven’t money, but again, we’ve pride. And you’ve no great dowry, but again, lass, you have your virtue.”

      “It is not at stake, Papa,” she vowed levelly, not offended, her promise earnest.

      “I fear to let you from my sight!” he said.

      “She is in lo—” Eliza began, but Kat flew to her feet and whirled on her sister.

      “Perhaps, since it is a castoff, Papa will allow me to keep the dress, and you may have it!” she said, her eyes offering both a plea and a warning.

      “What kind of a father would I be to let you go?”

      “A kind and trusting one?” Kat suggested.

      “No!”

      “Oh, Papa, please! It’s just a dream, a silly dream, to have one chance to be thanked and feted. And I know the streets, the way of people, rich and poor. You’ve taught us well. You used what you worked so hard to attain to see that Eliza and I had an education. You taught us to know right from wrong. Please…trust in me, Papa!” The last plea seemed to touch his heart, for he rose and took her hands in his.

      “I do trust in you. But I’m deeply sorry that you may not have your moment of glory. I am a poor man, but I will not sell my pride, nor my responsibility.”

      “But, Papa—”

      “Hate me, child, rail against me. I will not let you go.”

      “Papa, I can never hate you!” She was in his arms again, cherished, but dismayed.

      Hunter, from his position outside the window, could see her face as she held on tight to her father. She loved him, but she was stubborn. Reckless. And she was plotting. She had come upon a dead end, and she would discover a way around it.

      What would it be? Hunter wondered. He realized that, listening, he had caught and held his breath. He released it slowly, thinking.

      He wondered if the wicked little redheaded vixen knew that she already had far more than money, a title, or half of the silly things considered important by members of the so-called elite, the place her beloved David inhabited.

      Her father drew away. “The dress, lass, must be returned. Where did you acquire it?”

      “It belongs to Francesca, Lady Hathaway,” Kat said unhappily.

      “But she lives far from London!” the father said.

      “Her brother’s town house is not so far.”

      Eliza gasped. “You were at the town house of…Sir Hunter MacDonald?”

      “Hunter MacDonald!” Papa roared.

      Hunter winced. It appeared he was well known.

      “Papa!” Eliza said, apparently shocked by her father’s response. “The man is a favorite of the queen!”

      “Yes, and it’s because the man has a reputation for outlandish adventure, always riding into the fray. I daresay that the queen enjoys the stories of his escapades—and the flattery he doubtless showers on her.”

      “But they say that he’s brilliant!” Eliza said excitedly. “And oh! Far more than charming. Why, there have been rumors of his affairs with ladies of the highest strata!”

      Both her sister and father were staring at her in horror.

      “No, please,” Eliza persisted. “He has sullied no reputations, he has merely…well…goodness! How do I put it delicately? Played among players?”

      Hunter shook his head. Things were only getting worse. And though he hadn’t really the least idea of what he was about, he decided that the time had come to knock on the door.

      He was just heading for the door when Kat spoke.

      “Sir Hunter is not so much, I assure you, Father,” she said. “I promise you, there is not the least worry regarding my virtue as far as he is concerned. But…I might have met Lord Avery, Father.”

      “And her precious David!” Eliza murmured.

      “What?” their father demanded with a frown.

      “Oh, she might have had a lovely dinner, Father, that is all,” Eliza said. “You know, Papa, rubbed elbows with the truly elite!”

      “There is no sense in it,” the man said softly. “No sense at all, and you must believe me, and accept this regret rather than one far greater. Do you understand, Katherine Mary?”

      Kat looked down. “I bow to your wisdom, Papa,” she replied. Then she gave a massive yawn. “Papa, I am to bed.”

      “’Tis best, my girl,” he said gently. “Tomorrow, we will return the dress.”

      “Tomorrow,” she agreed.

      She started for the narrow stairway. Then she turned. “I love you, Papa,” she said.

      “Aye, child, and I love you.”

      Kat smiled, hesitated and went on up the stairs.

      Outside and unseen, Hunter leaned thoughtfully against the wall. Then he looked through the window again, and a frown creased his forehead. He realized that he knew of the girl’s father. His frown dissipated, to be replaced by a small smile.

      At last he moved away, certain of the need to hurry home.

      Kat, he knew, would soon be on the road again.

      Chapter 3

      A NOTE HAD BEEN DELIVERED to the house in Hunter’s absence. Lord Avery begged pardon; the excitement of the day had been too much, and he wished to retire early that evening. He requested, however, an audience the following morning, and asked if Hunter would bring the young lady to the manor, or if they might call upon the town house.

      He could have tried calling on the telephone, but Lord Avery never seemed to hear what was said, so Hunter sent Ethan off with the reply, requesting Lord Avery and his party to attend a late breakfast at his town house the following morning.

      He went upstairs, obviously intent on entering the Blue Room, despite the fact that Emma pleaded he not do so. “She doesn’t want to be disturbed!” Emma said firmly.

      Hunter laughed. “A quid says she isn’t in there!”

      “Quid! Street language, Hunter,” Emma warned with a sniff.

      “Bet me?”

      “Good heavens, Hunter, a respectable matron doesn’t gamble!”

      “Good