A Reckless Encounter

“Yes, but unfortunately, those idiotic rabble-rousers resisted the constable’s demands to disperse.”

“It was a meeting, for Christ’s sake, and bloodshed could have been prevented if you’d listened to me in the first place. I warned you.”

“You are not infallible, Northington, though you seem to think so. Hunt, Carlisle and the others incited a riot. They will be tried before the proper magistrates and duly sentenced. That will be an end to it.”

“No reformers are welcome in England, I see. I find that view most unsurprising, but shortsighted.”

“My dear lord Northington, I expect only cooperation from you. Your Whig notions are not my concern, nor of any interest to me.” Thin lips twitched in an imitation of a smile. “What is of interest to me is your expertise in certain areas. As you know, the king is very ill and not expected to live long. After the recent attempt on the regent’s life, we must always be prepared.”

“Prepared for what? An insurrection?”

Mowry’s lips tightened. “When the Six Acts are passed, as they surely will be, we expect rebellion from certain factions. Lord Sidmouth is most concerned, and has written a letter to Lord Liverpool regarding this matter.”

“Christ, government creates resentment and then sets about suppressing any protest. Didn’t the American Revolution teach us anything?”

“Ah, Whig sentiments running rife, my lord?”

“I prefer to consider my views as Liberal instead of Whig. As does any man capable of free thought.”

“Are you suggesting we allow the rabble to run the country?”

“No. I’m suggesting we not alienate the citizens. The Six Acts Parliament proposes will only create rebellion. I promise you, there will be an unpleasant reaction.”

“And that is what Liverpool wishes you to prevent, my lord. Either you work with us or against us.” Mowry’s gaze was darkly cold. “Your cooperation is required. Need I remind you of your duty?”

“I know my duty. It does not require me to dance at your pleasure. If you’ll remember, for all intents and purposes, I’m nothing more than an idle buck concerned only with gambling and horses.”

“Ah, yes, and of course, the occasional feminine conquest.” Mowry’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Never fear, Northington, your masquerade is not endangered. Nor is it far off the mark, in my opinion. We simply request that you use your talents to discover any rebellions that may occur in reaction to Parliament’s taking a stern stand on this matter.”

“Christ, any yeoman with a pikestaff can do the same thing,” Colter said. “What do you really want from me.”

“There has been talk. Henry Hunt, the Orator, is stirring up sedition. James Wroe described the incident at Saint Peter’s Field in the Manchester Observer as The Peterloo Massacre. We do not need another misstep.”

Mowry used we as a reminder that he had the government behind him, an implication that the regent confided in him. It was more likely that Prinny was fairly oblivious to anything in regard to politics, and it was certain that his father was too caught up in his own fatal madness to care.

“You,” Mowry continued, “have been seen too much lately and are in danger of coming under suspicion. It’s been suggested that you retire from public light for a short time. Tyler will make investigations and report to you what he learns. When you return to London, you’ll operate under the guise you’ve been using. It’s proven quite effective so far.” His mouth curled. “Whig sentiments have earned you a certain amount of trust from the radicals.”

“And suspicion from the Tories.” Colter shrugged. “I’ll go to Kent, but when I return I intend to conduct matters my own way. No interference from you this time.”

“My dear lord Northington, I wouldn’t dream of interfering with your plans. Do remember to keep us advised, however. It wouldn’t do to counteract y

our efforts or ours again.”

Mowry drifted away, melding into the guests who were still arriving and queuing up in the receiving line to be graciously greeted and announced before descending into the ballroom.

Restless now, Colter considered leaving. He’d had his meeting with Mowry. His reason for lingering was gone. The desire for fresh air increased with each passing moment, and he made his way toward the doors.

“Northington, do come here. I believe you know Lady Leverton, do you not? Oh, of course you’ve met her daughter, Miss Carolyn Leverton, I’m certain. Have you been introduced to Miss St. Clair yet?”

Katherine’s wickedly amused introduction was made with an expression so innocent, it would be difficult to believe she had any intention in mind but civility if he didn’t know better. He turned to face the inevitable.

Lady Leverton and her daughter offered gracious replies to his greeting, but it was Celia St. Clair who caught his instant attention.

No virginal white gown tonight, but a gown of a deep scarlet trimmed in gold, vivid in color and seductive in style as it clung to her curves more closely than fashion dictated. She was creating quite a sensation in it, too, as men craned to view this lovely creature who trod very close to the line between respectability and indecency.

Her every movement made the gold-and-crimson silk shimmer with reflected light, giving the appearance of a flame. The little vixen had to be aware of the glances of admiration, the murmurs of appreciation cast her way, for she wore a small, satisfied smile as she met his gaze and held it, cool green eyes regarding him with speculation. Or was that anticipation?

A gauntlet had been thrown down.