This book is dedicated to Mrs. Spudy and her daughter, Beth. Thank you both for all the romance books you ’ ve shared with me throughout the years, which helped turn me into the writer that I am today.
Chapter One
Thisgownwillbeperfectforthebetrothalball”
PanicandhorrorfloodedLadyCharlotteLovettathermother’soffhandstatement Thetwoofthemwerestandinginfrontof anornatemirrorattheirfavoritemodiste’sshopandsurroundedbysinfullysoftsilks,delicatelaces,andfinelywovenwoolen cloth. It was not the setting for dramatic, life-changing announcements. Yet Charlotte could not escape the feeling that her mother’sseeminglyinnocentobservationwasactuallyaharbingerofdoom.
“Whose betrothal ball?” Charlotte’s heart pounded desperately against her stays as she prayed her suspicions were unfounded
“I… Iamengaged?” The words flew fromCharlotte’s lips eventhoughshe had suspected the truth. Her gutclenched so violentlythatshenearlyflinched
“Donotactsosurprised,”Mothersaidabsentlyasshecontinuedtoarrangethefrontpieceofthegown “Youshouldhave been married ages ago. Your father and I decided it was past time to stop humoring your missish qualms and conduct the arrangementsentirelyourselves.”
Missish qualms? Everylastoneoftheircandidateshadpossessedthehallmarksofatyrant arich,connectedtyrant,buta tyrantallthesame.ItwaswhyCharlottewasstillunmarriedatthegrandageoffive-and-twenty.Shehadtriedofferingherown suggestions, but her father would not hear of it He wished to create a dynasty, and her opinions were obviously inconsequential
Please let it not be the ancient Lord Paltham, who inquired after the natural shape of my hips beneath my petticoats He is much too obsessed over whether I could bear him Paltham heirs, who he claims are always brawny babes
“Thisishardlytheplace,Charlotte”Hermother’slipstightenedeversoslightlyasshenoddedwithherchintowardthe modiste. The dressmaker was doinga commendable job ofpretendingto be too absorbed inher workofstretchingthe silk skirtsoverthepanniertooverheartheconversation.
“Madame Vernier, could you please give us a moment?” Charlotte asked, refusing to allow her mother any excuse to prevaricate.
Everyfiber withinCharlotte shrieked insilent horror, but she, herself, made no sound. Anyone eventhe uncouthLord Paltham wouldbepreferabletothemonstruousHawley.Animageofthesmirking,handsomemanroseinCharlotte’smind. Thefiend’schiseledbeautycouldnotdistractfromthecold,hardmeannessthatlurkedinhiscrystallineeyes.
“Hawleyshall make youa duchess whenhis father, the Duke ofLansberry, passes,” her mother continued, as ifthe title were all that mattered But then, fromthe perspective of Charlotte’s parents, social standing was paramount to everything, especiallyafterthetaintthatheraunt’smarriagehadleftuponthefamily
“At least something good has come from your brother’s association with Lansberry’s youngest son, Matthew,” Mother
continued “WhyAlexander chose to be friends withthe third inline rather thanLord Hawley, Ishall never understand But Alexander’s relationship withthe familyexpanded our sphere ofinfluence to include the duke, whichinturnhas ultimately resultedinthisbetrothal.”
“Lord Hawleyis not evennine-and-twenty, yet he has twice beenwidowed withina spanofthree years The mourning periodforhissecondwifehasn’tevenended Ifhewereawoman,hewouldbeinseclusionandcouldn’tremarryforanother sixmonths.”Charlottecouldn’tkeepanedgeofdesperationfromhervoice.
“Astheheirapparent,theviscounthasadutytoquicklyremarryandproducemaleissue,”hermothercontinuedinherusual clipped tone. “Bothwives died intragic accidents, the poor man. Butthere is no reasonto thinkyouwould succumb to the samefate Itisnotasifacurseisuponthefamily”
No, it wasn’t bad luck that had befallen Hawley’s young brides but, according to whispers, something much more suspiciousandsinister.FearpumpedthroughCharlotteasshescrambledforawaytomakehermotherseebeyondtheman’s titletohisdangerouscharacter.“Peoplewhocrosstheviscounthaveatendencytoendupdead.”
“After Lord Hawley’s mistress threw himover for another man, bothshe and her new lover burned to deathina house fire.”Charlottegrabbedhermother’sarmasifthegesturewouldsomehowmakeherwordsmiraculouslyheeded.
“He would notneed to personally. Ihave heard thathe associates withquestionable…” EvenCharlotte could hear how frantichernormallyeven-tonedvoicehadbecome,butshecoulddonothingtostaunchthefearseepingfromher.
Hermotherheldupaglovedhand,herfacialfeaturessetinelegant,yetunyieldinglines.“Thatisenough,Charlotte.Iwill notlistentomoreofthisdrivel.YourfatherandIspokewiththeDukeofLansberrybeforehelefttoaddressanurgentmatter onhis Scottishestate All ofthedetails havenotonlybeenfinalizedbutagreedto Wewouldannounceimmediately,butthe duke wished for us to wait until he returned from the Highlands in two months’ time At least that will give us ample opportunityto prepare for the betrothal ball and the wedding. Bothevents mustbe grand enoughto be discussed indrawing rooms,notforjustthisSeasonbutfordecadestocome.OurfamiliesdohavereputationsinSocietytouphold.”
Two months Two damnable short months ThatwasallCharlottehadtoextricateherselffromamarriagetoayoungman whohadalreadyburiedtwowives
Consumed by the urge to flee, Charlotte grabbed a swatch of gauzy material that Madame Vernier had been using as a makeshift neckerchief for Charlotte. Luckily the material had not been cut and served as a perfect veil. Pulling the sheer materialoverherhead,CharlottecrossedovertotheFrenchdoors.Partingthem,shesteppedthroughandontothestreet. Thensheran.
Chapter Two
Atfirst, Charlotte did nothave a directioninmind as she dashed throughLondon Instinctively, she headed awayfromthe crowdedstreetsfrequentedbytheupperclasses Shebarelyregisteredtheshockedexpressionsofpassers-byatthesightofa ladydressedincourtattiredashingpell-mellalongthecobblestones.Severaltimes,shehadtomoveherbodyatoddanglesto avoidwhackingsomeonewithherpannier.Yetshedidnotslackherpace,notevenwhenthebuildingsbecameolderandless meticulouslymaintained.Fineladiesandtheirmaidsnolongerpopulatedthethoroughfare.
Apainful stitchinCharlotte’s side finallycaused her to pause. As she leaned againstthe roughbrickfacade ofa nearby building,surpriseshotthroughher She’dtraveledallthewaytoCoventGarden andnotaverysavorypartofit Scooching intoasidealley,shetriedtogatherherfreneticthoughtsandemotionsandputherintelligencetouse
Tothink,shehadyearnedtoaccompanyherbrothertothissectionofLondon!Althoughshehadnointerestinthedrinking establishmentsorthebrothels,she’dlongwantedtovisitacoffeehouse,chokedownsomeofthebitterbrew,andengageina debate unfettered bythe rules of polite society. She and her friends had secretlyfantasized about visitingthe noisyspaces instead of enduring the suffocating atmosphere of her mother’s especially strict salon and its endless decorum. But coffeehouseswerebarredtowomen,exceptfortheproprietresses
Stiflinganother inappropriate giggle, Charlotte tried to soberlytake anaccountingof the street Richlyclad aristocratic youngroguesmixedwithlaborers.Notallthebetter-dressedmen,however,hadthebearingofthepeerageorgentry.Instead, theirdemeanorseemedhard,coarse,andmostassuredlydeadly.AchillslitheredoverCharlotteasshewonderedifshewas espyingsome ofthe fabled highwaymenwho dressed like fops;or perhaps these hardened fellows were smugglers or river pirates. This, Charlotte realized, was a world that Lord Hawleywould frequent as he discarded his Societytrappings and donned his true persona The truthofthe villaincould be found inplaces like CoventGarden, notatthe balls, soirees, and musicalesthatCharlotteattended
But there was one coffeehouse where she might at least be able to seek temporary shelter and arrange for a hackney carriage: the BlackSheep. Notonlywas ither twin’s favorite haunt, butone ofthe proprietresses was Charlotte’s cousin estranged,butstillfamily.AndAlexandertoldsuchstoriesabouttheestablishment.
TheBlackSheep eventhenamecalledtosomethinginsideCharlotte,notjusttohercurrentpanicbuttothemisfitpartof herthatwantedtodebateandmaybeevendefytherulesprescribedtoladies Whatwoulditbeliketoliveashercousindid freed fromSociety, owninga place thatwas a hotbed for revolutionaryideas? Would itbe similar to how she imagined her grandmotherandgreat-aunt’ssalon?MotherhadstifleditsdaringphilosophicalatmosphereafterCharlotte’saunthadrunaway withapirate,buthowmagnificentitmusthavebeeninitsheyday.
Just a few weeks ago, her cousin and product of that shocking union, Hannah Wick, had approached Alexander about investinginanexpansionofher coffeehouse ThespaceadjacenttotheBlackSheephadrecentlybecomeavailablefor rent, and Hannahhad wished for help inpayingthe lease The sumwas not a grand one, but Charlotte’s brother didn’t have the funds.
Suddenly, a brilliantplanripped throughthe doomencasingCharlotte She had the money her inheritance!Whatifshe transformedherdreamsofacoffeehousewherewomencouldattendintoreality?Sheknewsuchaplacewouldattractscores ofcustomers,andcustomersmeantblunt,andbluntmeantshewouldhaveanincomeseparatefromherparents.Ifshewasacoowner ofthe BlackSheep,she wouldhave access toall its customers,includingthose withcriminal connections whomight knowofHawley’smisdeeds.
Good lord, perhaps Charlotte had been running somewhere after all An almost giddy excitement collided with her anxiousness ApartofCharlottewarnedherthatsheshouldnotplungeintomurky,unknownwaters,butsheruthlesslysilenced thedoubts.Ifshewantedfreedom,shehadtobebold.
The female peddler blinked, likely in shock over Charlotte’s formal appearance and polished accent Too startled and confusedtoprotestor eventoaskfor coin,shejabbedher finger totheright.“Four streetsthatway,milady,thentowardthe south.”
Within three minutes, her breath coming in gasps both fromanticipation and exertion, Charlotte stood before the famed BlackSheep Atthishour,itwasnotopentothepublic,whichmeantshecouldtalktotheproprietressesalone
Charlotte raisedher glovedhandtorapatthe sturdywoodendoor,buther heartseemedtoknockinstead.Before nerves couldstopher,Charlotteletherknucklesfallagainsttheoak.Once.Twice.Thrice.
ThedooropenedtoshowCharlotte’scousin.Untilnow,CharlottehadonlyspiedHannahinpassing,butshehadnotrouble recognizingher Afterall,itwasabitlikepeeringintoherownlookingglass TheyhadthesameTitianredhairandpalewhite skinwitha light smatteringof freckles over the bridge of their noses Unlike Charlotte, however, Hannahdid not hide the brownflecks withpowder. Since their mothers had beenidentical twins, itwas no wonder theylooked similar, despite the widelydivergentpathstheirimmediatefamilieshadtaken.
At Hannah’s hastily spoken command, Charlotte attempted to slip through the opening between the coffeehouse’s heavy woodendooranditshalf-timberexterior.Unfortunately,shehadentirelyforgottenabouthermassivehooppetticoat.Thestiff pannier collided with the wattle and daub Charlotte found herself bouncing backward into a gaggle of smartly dressed gentlemenwalkingdownthestreet
Theyoungbuckshadn’trecognizedherastheycontinuedtogambolsouthalongthethoroughfare.ThankgoodnessCharlotte had grabbed thatveil Butevenifthe gauzyfabric had shielded her this time, itmightprove less effective inanother close encounterwiththepeerage
Wastingnomoretimeinreachingsafety,Charlotteturnedsidewaysandpushed.Thedelicatesilkofherdresscaughtona splinter inthe woodendoorjamb.Ignoringboththe tugandthe soundofrippingfabric,she continuedtoshove her bodyand massiveskirtforward.Asmuchasshelovedaprettygown,shedidnotappreciatethisone.
“A gown for my betrothal ball.” Charlotte could not help but spit out the last two words as she finally burst into the building.Sourpanicchurned,andherinnardstwistedagain.Rightnowshewouldeagerlytradeherridiculous,delicateattire fortheserviceablelinsey-woolseyshortdressandpracticalskirtsthathercousinwore
“Whyareyouhere?Itisnotasifourfamiliesareonspeakingterms”HannahregardedCharlottewithwaryintensity Since itwasalookthatCharlotte’sownmotheroftenemployed,Charlottewaswell-accustomedtosuchscrutiny.Infact,itironically rebalancedher.AnexaminationwassomethingCharlottecouldhandlewithaplomb.
anattempttohideaglimpseofherlinenundergarments Shewished,however,thatherhandsdidnothaveaslighttremor “Coffeehousesdonotservewomen,soyoucannotbehereforthebrew.Ifyou’rearunawaybrideseekingshelter,Isuggest youtryamorehospitablehost.Sincemymotherwascutoffbyyoursforfollowingherheart,donotexpectsympathy.” “Iamnotarunawaybride.” Not precisely, at least,Charlottethoughtassheremovedtheveil.“Ionlyfledadressfitting.” “Wheretheword‘betrothal’wasbandiedabout?You’requibbling.”Thesecondspeaker’svoiceagaincamefromtheback ofthe narrow room Charlotte scanned pastthe long, emptytables Finally, her gaze litonwho she assumed was, fromher brother’sdescriptionoftheother proprietress,Miss SophiaWick,Hannah’s paternal cousin LikeHannah,sheworeawhite linencapandclothesoflinsey-woolsey.ThehardedgeofSophia’sLondonaccentwassoftenedwithhintsoftheCaribbean, but her golden-brown eyes held an unmistakable challenge. Neither of the mistresses Wick were pleased with Charlotte’s unexpectedappearance.
The Wick cousins exchanged a glance before they both doubled over in laughter. The guffaws pricked at Charlotte’s rediscoveredpoisebutdidn’tpopitentirely.
Sophia recovered first “Youexpectus to believe thatthe daughter ofa duke wishes to do business withthe childrenof pirates?”
Charlotte smiled warmlyjust as she did whengreetingguests at the literarysalon. “You’re not the offspringof anyold buccaneer,though,areyou?Yourmotherisroyaltyinthatworld.”SophiawasthedaughterofapirateprincesswithAfrican, Dutch, and Taíno ancestry. Accordingto legend, Sophia’s mother had rescued and thenfalleninlove withSophia’s father, a whiteEnglishragamuffinwho’dbeendeportedwithhisbrothertotheNewWorld
Because Alexander receives a paltry allowance from our father.
Buteventhoughtheduke’sdisdainforhisheirapparentwasanopensecretamongtheupperechelonsofSociety,andlikely muchofthe lower rungs as well, Charlotte would notembarrass her brother bysayingso. Instead, she ignored the question entirely
Hannahsnorted, sendingtendrils of red hair flyingagainst her mobcap. “How muchdo youthinkwe earn? It is hardly ampleenoughtokeepthelikesofyousatisfied.Marryanindulgentmaninstead.”
“My parents insist upon selecting my bridegroom I assure you, indulgent is not a quality they seek out Rather the opposite,”CharlottesaidasshebattledbacktheclawingdreadthathadchasedherthroughthestreetsofLondon “Ifindithardtodredgeupsympathyforanoble,”Hannahsaiddrily.
“Your mother was one originally,” Charlotte pointed out, careful not to allow a single ripple of frustration or panic to disrupt her calm tone. After all, she needed the Wick cousins much more than they required her. She could not run a
coffeehouseherself “Idonotneedtoliveinhighstyle” Just not in a gilt prison And Charlotte wanted more than financial security. If she was to unearth evidence of Hawley’s perfidy and stop the wedding,thiswasherbestchance,reallyheronlychance,todoit.
For one,theaviancreaturehadtwistedits headsodramaticallythatits beaknow pointedtowardthetimberedceiling.It madeforaratherintimidatingstance,especiallycoupledwiththedastardlygleaminitsamberiris.Thewingedbeastseemed morethancapableofnotonlytakingoffensebutenactingrevenge
Evenmore salient, however, Charlotte half feared that she agreed withthe parrot’s harshassessment Her planto save herselfand learnViscountHawley’s secrets was flimsyatbest… dangerous atworst. Itwas a half-formed scheme builton unrealizeddreamsanddesperation.
EvenmoredoubtsbegantopressuponCharlotte’spreciousbubbleofhope,threateningtopunctureitentirelythistime But sheearnestlyclungtoheroptimismandtohercomposure Herplanwouldwork Ithadto
Charlotte drew ina breath, and her chest pressed against her stays. The rigid structure gave her strength. “I have many connectionstoliterarysalons.Mymotherrunsone,andIassistwithherhostingduties.”
Hannahsnorted “Ihardlyseehowthatgenteelactivityhasanythingtodowithourcoffeehouse FromwhatI’veheard,your motherhasruthlesslystampedoutanywhiffofrevolutionarythoughtthatourgrandmotherandgreat-auntpreviouslycultivated We cater to people who eschew social strictures and whose ideas are considered uncomfortably radical, not fashionably ‘enlightened.’Itisrough-and-tumble,notsilksanddivans.”
It did not surprise her whenthe Wickcousins once againturned toward eachother. Theywere clearlyclose. Charlotte understood.SheandAlexandercommunicatedinthesamewordlessway.Pan,however,mustnothaveappreciatedthetension. Withaflutteroflimewings,hecircledtheroom.
“The Black Sheep’s code of conduct states that no debates shall touch upon religion and politics, but according to my brother, thatis mostdefinitelynotthe case.” Charlotte tried to peer around the parrot. Itproved impossible as the creature bobbeditsheadinanydirectionthatsheturned
“No member is supposed to discuss what happens within these walls” Hannah’s mouth twisted, and her already pink cheeksdarkenedinpatentagitation.
“Blackguard! Villain! Filching cove!” Pan flew toward one of the ceiling beams and perched there as if watching for dragoonstoramdownthedoor.
Sophia appeared more receptive to Charlotte’s ideas than her fellow proprietress. She, however, did not seementirely convincedeither.“Doyoureallythinkagroupofladieswiththeirwideskirtsandpowderedhairwillwishtositaroundlong tablesandrubelbowswithshopkeepers?”
“We will install a disguised door betweenyour currentshop and the new addition,” Charlotte spoke quicklyas the halfformedvisionbegantocrystalize HeryearsoforganizingSocietyeventswereservingherwelldespitetheemotionsclanging through her. “That shall be the only entrance. We fill the room with sofas and chairs, all elegantly appointed, but more comfortablethanfashionable.”
“Theappealofthecoffeehouseisitsegalitarianexchangeofideasuntrammeledbysubtletiesandtact.”AsCharlottespoke, her hope transformed into a fire ofwant. Oh, how tired she was ofbeingnice. She did not want to politelyconverse with charmingsmilesandcoquettishwinks.Shewantedtodebate.Boldly.Fiercely.Withoutrestraint.Withoutworryingwhataman, especiallyaprospectivehusband,mightthink.
“Are yousure youare notromanticizingthe idea ofthe pennyuniversity?” Sophia asked, usingthe popular nickname for coffeehouses For a single copper, a man could gain admittance to one of the establishments where he could have his cup refilledashenatteredwithgentlemenofallranks,includingleadingluminariesinanyvarietyofdisciplines.
“PerhapsIamaimingfor anideal.Butisthatsowrong?Establishmentsareaboutappearances,aretheynot?Wewill be offeringanatmospherethatnooneelsedoes.Itsconcealednaturewillonlyenhancetheappeal.Youcouldchargehigherprices for coffee, evenoffer differentrecipes thatadd unexpected flavors Itwill be a place to indulge the bodyand the mind a retreat,anescape fromall strictures” Charlotte knew she soundedeffusive She couldn’thelpit She’dheardsomanytales fromherbrotherabouttheBlackSheep.
“Youare fine withconsortingwithbeau-takers?” Hannahpushed again, usingthe termfor criminals who defrauded the gentry.“Andillegalginproducers?Howabouthighwaymen?Smugglers?Ariverpirateortwo?”
“Isn’t that the point of a coffeehouse? To mingle with all?” Charlotte spoke lightly, but her heart began to thump so dramatically that she could only pray the women did not detect its thundering The bubble of hope had swelled to almost painfulproportions
“Youare actuallyserious aboutjoiningour venture.” Sophia’s observationwas a statement, nota question, butCharlotte noddedallthesame.
Sophia turned toward Hannah. “We have talked about wanting to experiment with the coffee maybe even serve light refreshments LadyCharlotteisright Mostofhersuggestionsmirrorwhatwe’vealreadybeenplanning”
Hannahrubbedherbrow,themovementcausinghermobcaptorustle Thensheheavedoutabreath,andCharlottebarely stopped her own sigh. In Hannah’s exhalation, Charlotte detected a relenting note. For the first time since her mother’s pronouncement,thefearinsideCharlottebegantoebbafraction.
Reliefthunderingthroughher,Charlottestartedtoarrangeherskirts Althoughthepetticoatdidfolduptoallowhertosit, the chairs were not just narrow but closely placed. Eager to document the deal that could not just save but transformher, Charlotte pulled out several seats to make room. Unfortunately, her pannier still knocked one down and caused another to wobble.
To Charlotte’s surprise, the Wickcousins did not laughat her predicament. Instead, Hannahcrossed over to one of the windowsandemphaticallyclosedtheshutter “Youmightaswellstepoutofthatridiculousgown Thisisn’ttheking’scourt, andyou’llfindwe’renotgiventoceremonyhere”
Neargiddyfromthemaelstromofrelief,Charlottewonderedifshehadeverheardabettersuggestion.Withanalacritythat shouldhavemortifiedher,sheremovedtheoffendingdressandpanniersandthenstoodinnothingbutherchemise,stays,anda single petticoat. She would have expected to feel scandalous. She did not. She feltwonderfully, utterlyliberated. Withouta backwardglanceatthediscardedbetrothalgown,sheslidontoachairandpreparedtodiscussherfuture
Matthew Talbotfelthis mouthstretchintoasmileatthefamiliar voiceofhis bestfriend,Alexander Lovett,Marquess of Heathford.Itfeltsurprisinglygoodtobebackonthestreetsofthecapitalcityafterayearabroad.
Normally,Matthewdidn’tmindlongseavoyages,butthisonehadseemedinterminableforsomeblightedreason.Itwasn’t evenasifMatthewparticularlylikedBritain,althoughhesupposedhedidn’tmindthefoggyplaceofhisbirth.Theisleoffered enoughflora and fauna to keep a chap like himbusysketchingand categorizing, especiallyinthe ScottishHighlands where he’dspentmostofhisearlychildhood
Itwasn’tpreciselyhome,butthenagain,noplacewas Matthew didnotfitanywhere,especiallynotwithhisfamily His father, the Duke of Lansberry, had never understood how a sonof his could be more interested instudyinga pheasant than shootingit.Andhisolderbrothers,especiallyHawley…wellthatdidn’tbearthinkingabout,notwhenthedaywassunnyand hewasinthecompanyofhisbestfriendonthethoroughfareleadingtohisfavoriteplaceinallofLondon theBlackSheep.
“Oh, but there have been some developments in your absence A new boxing arena opened, a veritable plague of highwaymenhasbesetLondon’sthoroughfares,andMr Powyshaspennedthemosthilarious,scandal-riddenplay,”Alexander said withmocktheatrical drama as he reached Matthew’s side. “And youwill soondiscover the mostinterestingnews and transformationwhenwereachourdestination.”
“DoyoumeansomethinghaschangedattheBlackSheep?”ConcernrippledthroughMatthew.Theestablishmentwasasafe haven Where else could a man discuss the minutiae of Hooke’s and Leeuwenhoek’s theories on cells and the validity of immunizationonemoment,PopeandSwiftthenext,reformandthelatestdebatesinParliamentthethird,andfinallytheplants andanimalsoftheOldandNewWorld?Itwasatonceradicalandpedantic,andMatthewlovedit.
Although Matthew had become accustomed to giving large lectures at colleges or in front of learned societies, he was horriblyawkwardinsocial situations,especiallynew ones Ifhe keptthe matters limitedtoscience,he couldmuddle along untilhelosthimselfinthefacts Themorerigidthingswere,themoreateaseMatthewparadoxicallyfelt Heratherlikedthe BlackSheep’sspartaninteriorandhigh-backedwoodenchairs.Therewasnothingtodistractfromthedebateathand.
“Have theyredecorated?” Matthew asked, unable to hide his hesitancy. It was absurd, his reluctance to learnabout the alterations.
Alexander spokethelasttwowordswithaflourish,butMatthew couldmuster noenthusiasmattheideaofaclandestine additiontohisfavoriteretreat.Hehadenoughcovertactivitiestocontendwithalready.Hedidnotneedtoaddmore.
“Iwouldn’tmind a snake den, as longas we’re talkingaboutactual reptiles, notmetaphorical ones Serpents are rather fascinatingcreaturesanddeeplymisunderstood”
“‘Onthe Web-Weaving MatingHabits of the Black Lace-Weaver Spider’was very well received,” Matthew protested, moreoutofreflexthaninanyrealdefense.AlexanderhadbeentheonepersonwhohadalwayssupportedMatthew’sacademic pursuits,eventhemostoutwardlyprosaicones.
“Thereisothernewsaswell”
At Alexander’s uncharacteristically somber tone, Matthew swung his head to study his friend Alexander preferred to regardtheworldthroughalensofperennialamusement.Whenhesobered,thecircumstanceswerealwaysserious.
“Youspenta year tryingto prove Hawley’s guilt” Alexander stopped walkingand clasped Matthew’s shoulder withthe hand not gripping his cane “You needn’t blame yourself when everyone considers Hawley’s wilder side a charming affectation.”
“He’smybrother.Ishouldbetheonetostophim.”
Alexander gave Matthew a squeeze before releasinghim.“Andyouwill,withmyhelp.We mustsucceedthis time.Your fatherandminearediscussingaunionbetweenHawleyandmytwin.Ican’t won’t lethimmarryher.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Matthew slammed his cane against the ground ina rare outward expressionof anger. But thenhis expressionsmoothedasitalwaysdid “ButLottieisn’tallowingherselftobecowed Infact,she’sembarkedonherowngrand escapade”
LadyCharlotte.She’dbeenawhirlofskirtsthefirsttimetwelve-year-oldMatthewhadseenherasshe’dnearlytackledher brother withher exuberant embrace. She’d summarilygrabbed her sibling’s hand, chatteringawayabout all the happenings Alexanderhadmissedwhilehe’dbeenawayatschool,fromthevicar’snewbabystealingeveryone’sattentionattheSunday sermonto her thoughts on Robinson Crusoe, to the growinghedgehogfamilyinthe home garden. WhenLadyCharlotte had finallynoticedMatthewstandingutterlystillinthedarkestcornerofthefoyer,hersmilehadn’tdimmedawhit He,ofcourse, hadonlymanagedafaintgrin
“What do you mean Charlotte is undertaking her own adventure?” Matthew asked as a fierce protectiveness billowed throughhim.Hecouldn’tallowHawley’sblacknesstoseepintoCharlotte’slife.Withthejoyshegavetoothers,shedeserved happiness.
Matthewdidn’teventrytosuppressagroan.HewasaccustomedtoAlexander’smercurialmoodsandknewhisfriendhid his worries and pain behind jokes and grins, but Matthew didn’t wish to be reminded of the changes to his preferred establishment.HejustwantedtoheadinsidethefamiliarcoffeehouseandsiponbitterbrewwhileheandAlexanderplottedto revealHawley’struenature.
“You’ll appreciate the changes I promise” Alexander started walking again, his cane clicking merrily along the cobblestones
With a start, Matthew realized they’d stopped only a few feet away from the Black Sheep. Hurrying after his friend, Matthew caught up to Alexander just as he was opening the heavy front door. Falling silent, Matthew stepped inside after Alexanderandsurveyedthefamiliarspace.Itwascuriouslylesscrowdedthannormalforthattimeofday,anddefinitelyless
noisy Althoughmanyoftheregularswerestill clusteredaroundthetablesandwerespeakingpassionately,theenergydidn’t feel the same. It didn’t appear gutted… just a wee bit duller. Matthew wasn’t sure though, if it was an actual shift in atmosphereorjustthateverythingfeltdarkerafterlearningofHawley’simpendingbetrothaltoLadyCharlotte.
Miss HannahWickdrifted over, givingthema wink. “Why, aren’t youa sightfor sore eyes, Dr. Talbot!Ido hope your journeywentwell.HasLordHeathfordtoldyouaboutthealterationtoourbrew?”
“The coffee has changed too?” Matthew asked Swounds, had theymade the swill worse? The BlackSheep did offer a betterdrinkthanmostoftheestablishments,butitstillwasn’texactlyanappealingbeverage Therefreshingjoltitgaveaman, however,morethanmadeupforitsflavor.
Hannah’s greengaze bored into Matthew, and he realized her questioncarried hiddenmeaning Althoughhe still didn’t possessanyclue as to whattheywere actuallytalkingabout, he nodded He mightnotparticularlylike secrets, buthe damn wellknewhowtokeepthem.Hewouldn’thavesurvivedthesepastfewyearsifhedidn’t.
Itswungwide to reveal a boisterous gatheringthatlooked more like a sartorial printfromWilliamHogarth’s ARake’s Progressseriesthanareal-lifetableau.Thecushionsontheratherplainlycarvedfurniturewerestuffedneartobursting;they weresosinfullyplump.Itappearednighimpossiblefor ahumanbeingtomaintaingoodpostureonthem.Theywereclearly designedforlounging…andforpleasingthebodyratherthantheeye.Thewhitedaubwallshadbeencoveredwithacoatof powderblue,andtheceilinghadevenbeenpaintedwithafewcloudsinContinentalfashion Conversationburbledaroundlike aseriesoffountainsinaFrench-styleformalgarden Lighterfemininevoicesmixedwiththedeepertonesofmasculineones Betweenthe potentmixofcolognes and the brightsilkclothingofthe menand women, the hiddenspace broughtto mind a glasshouse fullofbloomsgatheredfromallcornersoftheworldthatwouldne’ergrowtogetherinnature.
Attheunexpectedsightofher,theairwhooshedfromhisbody Matthew hadnotlaideyesonAlexander’stwinsisterfor years. He’d beenousted frompolite societyafter he’d scandalouslydecided to earna livingas a physicianand professor rather than become a vicar or a military officer. His decision to learn the skills of surgeons, an uneducated profession associated with barbers, had earned him only more derision. But his most unforgiveable transgression was his choice to eschewhisrightasasonofaduketobecalledLordMatthewTalbotandinsteadselecttobeaddressedasadoctor,atitlehe’d earnedthroughhisformaleducation
“Dr MatthewTalbot!”LadyCharlotte’svoicehadgainedarichflavorsincetheirchildhooddays,anditdumbfoundedhim asmuchasabeeconfrontedwithasmoker Butunlikeanapismellifera,hewasnotlulledintoastuporbutratherbesiegedby too muchvigor. His heartpounded, his chestcontracted, his throattightened, and his intellect… well his intellectstruggled undertheheftofhisphysicalreactions.
When he and Alexander reached Lady Charlotte’s side, Matthew bobbed slightly Some of his unfashionably short hair slippedfromitsbinding Hastily,Matthewtuckedthewaywardchunkbehindhisear
LadyCharlotte,incontrast,wasperfectionpersonified.NotoneTitianredstranddaredtospringloosefromthetightcurls ofher elegantcoiffure. Gone was the wild hoydenwho would climb downa tree fromher window to joinher brother and Matthewforarompthroughthewoodsoralazyafternoonatthefishingpond.Inherplacestoodanelegantladywhoembodied everybeautyideal,fromherflawlessporcelaincomplexiontouchedwitharosyhintofrougetoherwell-shapedbosomlifted highbyherstays
Matthew felt like a doomed dodo standing before a bird of paradise He had always dressed practically, avoiding the flamboyantcolorspreferredbyotheraristocraticmen.Hecouldn’thidehistall,narrowframethough.Hisbrothershadalways quippedthathewasastickmasqueradingasasapling.Althoughhewasnotasrawbonedashehadbeenasalad,hepossessed anunfashionablelankinessmadeworsebyhisrefusaltoengageinthepracticeofpaddinghislegstoappearmoremuscular.It
alsodidnothelpthathe was constantlybonkinghis headondoorframes or duckingtoenter rooms Jester His siblings’old nicknameforMatthewburnedinsidehim.
Matthew’s heartflopped. Somehow, he managed to nod his head and sitdownbeside her withouttrippingover his feet. Alexanderreclinedinanarmchairacrossfromthem
It had been approximately three years and two months since their last ill-fated encounter. Alexander had persuaded MatthewtoattendthelegendarysalonthatLadyCharlotteandhermotherheld.AlthoughMatthew prizednothingmorethana goodbook,hepreferredtreatises tonovels Inascientificsetting,hecoulddebateall manner oftopics,butwhenitcameto discussingsatireofmodernsensibilitiesor,evenworse,theemotionsofthecharacters,hefailedmiserably Duetohisposition asauniversitylecturer,theotherguestshadexpectedhimtosaysomethingbrilliantateveryturnoftheconversation.Instead, hehadmutteredsomeincoherentsounds andprayedsomeoneelsewouldspeak.Morethanonce,ithadbeenLadyCharlotte who’drescuedhimbyprofferingherownopinions.
LadyCharlotterolledhereyesathertwinbeforesheleanedclosetoMatthew.Onceagain,hisblastedheartrefusedtoact inthe normal manner Althoughhe knew itwas physiologicallyimpossible, he swore itjumped around inside him Whena warmpuffofCharlotte’sbreathtouchedhisear,hiscormeumslammedagainsthissternumwiththeforceofabatteringram
“The mistresses Wick have established this room for debate between sexes. I have been recruiting female patrons for severalweeksnow.Itisaveritablesuccess,wouldn’tyousay?”
Rather dazedly, Matthew scanned the alienadditionto his formerlyfamiliar coffeehouse. It reminded himof anelegant salon,infused withall the rules ofsocial etiquette thathe would never absorb. He haddevoted his life to understandingthe physical workings of the humanbodyand of the natural world but the humanpsyche would never be somethinghe could comprehend
Matthew’s favorite haunt, his former escape fromthe pressures of cityexistence, had just become his Hades… and his Elysium.
Chapter Four
Matthew Talbotwasbothexactlyhow Charlotterememberedhimandintriguinglydifferent Sherecalledhimasaquietbut good-natured sortwho had never begrudged his friend’s sister taggingalongduringthe boys’holidays fromschool Despite yearsofspendingweeksinMatthew’scompany,Charlotteknewlittleabouthimotherthanthathepossessedasingularhabitof fadingintothesceneryandthathe’dspentalargeportionofhischildhoodonhisfather’sremoteScottishestate.
AlthoughCharlottehadbeenendlesslycoachedbyhernurse,governess,andhermotherontheartofconversation,shehad never succeeded incoaxingMatthew fromhis veritable fortress ofsilence. Although, truthbe told, she had notputher full efforts intoit She hadalways beensothrilledtohave her belovedbrother home thatshe rather enjoyednothavingtoshare theirchatswithaninterloper
The clandestine roomof the Black Sheep had been open for two weeks, and Charlotte was frustratingly nowhere near gatheringany truths about Viscount Hawley, and the dread over her impending engagement burgeoned each day. The more colorfulcustomershadnotyetdeignedtoventureintothe“women’slair”asthey’dlabeledthenewbackroom.Charlottehad nomoreknowledgeofthenefariouspartsofLondonthanshe’dpreviouslypossessed.
Without other options, she had tried to gather gossip about Lord Hawley from the aristocratic women who’d already discoveredtheBlackSheepthroughanetworkofwhispers Charlottehadhopedthattheladieswouldtalkmorefreelyatthe coffeehousethanintheirparents’orhusbands’drawingrooms Althoughshehadn’tbeenwrong,therehadbeennousefultittletattle.TheonlynotabletidbitwasaboutLadyGreenvale,thesister ofHawley’ssecondwife.Ever sinceher sibling’sdeath, CountessGreenvalehadbeendiscretelyespousingradicalideasaboutdivorce.Charlottelongedtospeaktothewomanatthe BlackSheep,wheretheycouldconversewithoutrestraint,butshecouldn’tsimplysendherawritteninvitation.Instead,she’d askedthecountess’sacquaintancestoinformherabouttheirclandestineestablishment
Unfortunately, Alexander positivelyrefused to questionMatthew onCharlotte’s behalf. He insisted thatifhis bestfriend hadproofofHawleycommittingmurder,thenthehonorablephysicianwouldhavealreadyreportedthecrime.Alexandermade it abundantly clear that he didn’t want Charlotte attempting to unearth Hawley’s misdeeds. He promised that he was investigatingonhisown,andherefusedtogiveCharlotteanydetails
Butshe had enoughofothers dictatingher fate, and she refused to waitdemurely Everytickofthe clockwas a moment closer to the returnofthe Duke ofLansberryand the finalizationofher engagement. There was a chance that Matthew had observed something but didn’t realize its significance… or perhaps the good doctor wasn’t as upstanding as Alexander believed.HawleywasMatthew’ssiblingafterall,evenif,byAlexander’saccount,theviscounthadbeenanawfulone.People oftenpossessedanillogicalandundyinginstincttoprotectfamilymembers
SinceAlexander hadjustexcusedhimselftofetchcoffee,CharlottehadanopportunitytoquestionthereservedMatthew Yet even as he tried to make himself inconspicuous, he didn’t actually succeed. Charlotte found herself acutely aware of Matthew,althoughshewasn’texactlysurewhy.Assoonashe’dsatdown,anodd,pricklyheathadrushedoverher.Untilnow, shehadneverconsideredthattheperfectlypleasantMatthewcouldbethetypewhocouldmakeapersonflush,foranyreason. Yetagiddysortofanticipationspiraledthroughher,pushingawaysomeoftheconstantdoom.
“Traveling agrees with you,” Charlotte said, trying to categorize for herself the subtle ways in which Matthew had transformedduringtheinterveningyears
Charlotte tapped her finger against her chin as she took the opportunity to study more than just his profile. Matthew’s formerlypale skinnow possessed a goldenglow. His complexionmade her thinkoflazydays inthe gardens atFalcondale Hall,whenthechillofspringhadjustgivenwaytothedeeper,truerwarmthofsummer.
“Yes Agoodbit”Matthewvisiblyswallowed,andCharlottewatchedasthecordedtendonsinhisneckmovedandflexed He’d losthis ganglyappearance Muscles smoothed over places where bones and joints used to protrude, and his limbs no longerseemedtoolengthyfortherestofhim.Hisbodywasn’tallbulgingpowerthough.Instead,hisformpossessedarefined strengththatmadeCharlottescandalouslycuriousastowhathehadhiddenunderhislayersofcoat,waistcoat,andshirt.
Atthe mentionofhis name, the parrotfluffed outhis chestfeathers. He didn’tmake a single sound butominouslybegan stretchingandscrunchinghisneckinpatentoffensetothesuggestionthatherequiredacomrade.Duringtheentiredisplay,he didnotbreakhisgazefromCharlotte,asifheblamedherpersonallyfortheperceivedindignity
“IwasinthenorthernpartoftheAmericas,notthesouthern,soIdidnotcomeacrossanotherparrot,”Matthewsaid The singlesentencecausedPantofreeze,andthebirdreturnedtomimickingastuffedone.
She reached up and scratched Pan’s chest She onlymanaged a few scritches, however, before Panclicked his beakin warning Hastily,Sophiawithdrew,andsmugsatisfactiongleamedintheparrot’seyeashecontinuedtoglareatCharlotte Tryingherbesttoignorethemalevolentbagoffeathers,Charlotteinsteadfocusedonthehumanconversationbuzzingabout her. The Wicks definitely had connections to pirates, and Matthew had just returned froma long sea voyage. Could he be involved inhis older brother’s nefarious dealings? Did those transactions involve marauders onthe highseas? Charlotte’s heartsetoffonagallop.
“Yourlatestjourneywasoneofmanythen,Dr Talbot?”Charlotteinquired,forcinghervoicetoremainneutraldespitethe intenseanticipationswirlingthroughher “Aye.” Matthew jerkedhis chinagain.His slightScottishbrogue was a testamenttobothhis Highlandchildhoodandhis universitydaysinEdinburgh.
“Dr.Talbot,here,isatrueswashbuckler.”SophiabumpedMatthew’sshoulderlightly,butthegesturewaspatentlyfriendly withoutahintofflirtation Still,redstainedMatthew’scheeks,thecolorapparentevenbeneathhissun-kissedcomplexion The movementfreedthechunkofdarkbrownhairthathe’dearliertuckedbehindhisear
Heshouldhaveappearedsillybetweentheunkemptstrandsandhisneckasredasahawthornberry.Buthedidn’t.Instead, heseemed…oddlytempting.Charlottewantedtosmooththeerrantlocks…orundotherestofhisclubbed-backhairandrun her fingersthroughhissilky,unfashionablyshortmane.Thenshe’dexplorehow deephisflushwent,firstbyunlooseninghis cravat,andnextthebuttonsofhis…
“That’s more thanmost folks ever do,” Sophia pointed out and sat downinthe chair across fromthe sofa, clearlynow invested in the chat. Both Hannah and Sophia employed additional workers, which freed them to join whatever animated discussionintriguedthem.
Thatfitwiththe boyCharlotte remembered,butfor the firsttime,she begantowonder why.Perhaps humbleness was an intrinsicpartofMatthew.Or,justaslikely,hispastmayhaveinstilledself-effacementintohissoul.Butwhatifhehadmore sinisterreasonsnottodrawattentiontohimself atrickratherthanatrait?
Suddenly, some of the burgeoning attraction inside Charlotte shifted into suspicion She had no time to disentangle the conflictingsensations Shehadtodigforanyclue,nomatterhowunlikely,andshewouldemployallmeansnecessary
“Whatis the cause ofyour trips awayfromour foggyshores?” Charlotte leaned her bodyever so slightlyinMatthew’s direction.Themaneuverworkedwelltosetsalonguestsateaseorsubtlyflatterintellectualswhoneededtheiregosstroked.It alsodrewoutsecrets.Intimacy fabricatedorearnest alwaysdid.Herheartbeatfaster,butwhetherfromdanger,increased nearnesstoMatthew,orboth,shedidnotknow
Charlottehadpreciselytwosocialcircles thatofthehighestechelonsofSocietyandthatoftheluminariesoftheliterary community. Even she, though, had heard of Mr. Tavish Stewart, the mysterious Scotsman who had amassed a fortune from shipping. Her mother’s friends generallywould notsullythemselves withgossip aboutthose whose wealthoriginated from trade,nomatterhowlargeorimpressivetheriches Mr Stewart,however,offeredwaggingtonguesatemptationtoosweetto ignore a delicious enigma No one, no matter how well connected, could learn anything of his past It was as if he had appearedlikethelegendaryAthena,fullyformedfrommeresea-foam.
“Truly?” Charlotte inched her bodyevencloser to Matthew’s, sensingtheir nearness unsettled himevenmore thanitdid her.“HoweverdidyoubecomeacquaintedwithMr.Stewart?”
“InEdinburgh WhenIwas a student He’d read one ofthe papers thatI’d writtenfor the Amica Fauna Societyand then attended a lecture thatIgave onthe subjectofthe wildcat He was impressed withthe efforts Itookto trackand sketchthe elusiveanimal,ratherthanrelyonthemyriadofmyths.Heofferedmeapositionassurgeonontheflagshipofhisfleetandthe chancetostudywildlifeattheportsofcall.”
“Is it common for a merchant ship to employ a physician?” Charlotte asked, her mind working quickly as she tried to organizethecollectionofnewinformationintosomesemblanceoforder
“Inthe bestway,” Sophia answered rather mysteriously. Charlotte had learned itwas difficultto extractanyinformation fromtheWickcousins,nomatterhowinnocuous.
“He also owns a printing business. It is more of an amusement than a serious endeavor,” Matthew quickly interjected. Giventhatthe manrarelyvolunteered much, Charlotte turned sharplyinhis direction. His face looked… stern, as ifhe was offeringSophiasomesortofwarning Butaboutwhat?ThesuspicionsalreadythrummingthroughCharlottegrewstronger
“And purchased bycits who are eager for private libraries thatdeclare themto be learned members ofsociety.” Sophia gaveaknowingwink,clearlynotimpressedwithsuperficialtrappingsofenlightenment.
“The books are invaluable to universities, and Mr. Stewart does not charge themanexorbitant rate,” Matthew said, his voice still low in volume but with a surprisingly unyielding edge Charlotte studied him even more closely, her senses heightened Clearly,Matthewwasmadeofsternerstuffthanhisquietdemeanorportended
Thisadditionalunexpectedcomplexityfascinatedher…forreasons,concerningly,thatwentbeyondherinvestigation.For the secondtime thathour,Charlotte foundherselfwantingtopeel backMatthew’s layers,butthis time notjustthe corporeal onesbutthemetaphysicalaswell.Heremindedherofaseeminglysimplebucolicnovelthatinrealitywasrifewithunderlying meaningandtension
“WhatmydearchumisfailingtotellyouisthatMatthewhimselfisresponsibleformanyofthedrawingsandmuchofthe text.” Alexander tipped back his coffee mug after he spoke, drained it, and then plopped it down on the table. “That was delicious.IthinkIshallhaveanother.”
“It is true then what youand Hannahhave said before. Youreallydo have highwaymenas patrons?” Charlotte asked, straighteningasathrillburstthroughher.ThispotentialleadintodiscoveringHawley’smisdoingswasblessedlynotburdened withthecomplicationsofheroddreactiontoMatthew
Sophia responded with an enigmatic smile, and Charlotte sank back into the settee She could not tell whether the coffeehouseownerwasseriousorjesting.
While Matthew visiblystiffened atthe retreatofhis familiar friends, Charlotte was glad for the returnoftheir previous intimacy.Settlingbackagainstthesoftcushions,CharlottefixedMatthewwithoneofherwarmest,mostgracioussmiles.
AsMatthew mountedthefrontstairstotheLovetttownhouse,hewonderedhow LadyCharlottehadeverconvincedhimto returnto her mother’s salon Evenmore astonishing, he’d actuallyconsented to leadingthe discussionabouthis firstnatural sciencepublication, Ferus Cattus of Caledonia.Nervously,heclutchedthethinvolumeinhislefthand.Hewasperspiringso profuselyitwasawonder thathissweatdidn’tseeppastthecover andcausetheinkonthepagestobleed.Hissophomoric efforthadnotbeenprintedbyTavish’spublishinghouseandwasofpoorquality.
Swallowing, Matthew glanced up atthe Doric columns. He feltrather like a supplicant or perhaps more accuratelythe sacrificialcalf draggedbeforetheoraclestobedissected
His dry,scientific knowledge was notwhatthe salonmembers sought Theywishedtodiscuss the vagaries ofthe human spiritandmind,butheonlyunderstoodthebanalfunctionsofcorporealbodies.
Atall butler withasolemn,refinedfaceopenedthedoor,tookMatthew’scard,andintonedapolitebutnotoverlywarm greeting. The servant, withhis symmetrical features and cool, almostregal bearing, matched the Palladianstructure soaring aboveMatthew’shead Itwasgrandeur simultaneouslyunderstatedandoverstated
The large halls thatMatthew normallyentered were those ofuniversities Althoughhe did frequentthe residences ofhis benefactor,Tavishdidn’tbelieveinformality.ButtheatmosphereintheLovetttownhousewasasstiffasthehorsehair-stuffed skirtofthebutler’simpeccablytailoredcoat.
“Tell me again why I am attending my mother’s salon rather than enjoying today’s perfect curricle-racing weather?” Alexander’swryvoicebrokeintoMatthew’sreverie.
Matthew turnedtofindhisbestfriendleaningonanornatecaneasAlexanderstoodinoneofthearcheddoorwayslining themassivefoyer
“And you oh-so-kindly invited me along.” Alexander sighed, patently making the sound as laborious as possible. He winkedatMatthewtodemonstratenoactualillwill,butMatthewfeltatrickleofguilt.Hewasn’ttheonlyonewho’dgrown upasanoutsiderinhisownhome
Before Matthew could respond, Alexander resumed his unevenstride and burstinto the drawingroomlike a conquering JuliusCaesarenteringGaul Matthewfollowedquietly,preferringnottodrawanyattentiontohisownarrival
Thesemicircular roomremindedMatthew ofthefamous Raphael frescoofAristotleandPlatoattheSchool ofAthens,a resemblance thathe assumed was intentional onthe partofthe Duchess ofFalcondale. The large central backwindow was deeplyrecessed, givingthe appearance ofanimpressive arch. Araised sectionofflooringbythe outer wall formed a dais reachedbybroad,terracedsteps.Bathedinlight,bothnaturalandthatofherownmaking,LadyCharlottesatinthemiddleof theGrecianbackdropwherehermotherusuallyheldcourt
Perfection.BoththeDukeofFalcondaleandhisduchessdemandedit.Matthewknewalltoowellwhatthatquesthadcost Alexander still cost his friend. But he had never considered what toll it eked fromLadyCharlotte to become this radiant deity.BecausenowMatthewhadseenhershineonherowntermsinthebackroomoftheBlackSheep arealmshe,nother parents,hadshaped.
Lookingather,hecouldobservethefaintestdifferences Herpinklipswerepressedjustahairortwoagainsteachother, while the skinaroundher emerald-greeneyes appearedever soslightlypinched Mostpeople wouldn’tnotice,butMatthew hadalwaysbeenobservant…afactthathadbothsavedhimandrainedtroubledownuponhishead.
Takinga fortifyingbreath, Matthew beganwalkingtoward LadyCharlotte, who had just beenjoined byAlexander. But beforehe’dmanagedtwosteps,acrawlingsensationslitheredupanddownhisneckatthesoundofanall-toofamiliardrawl.
Old,arcticemotionscrasheddownuponMatthew,buthewouldn’tletthemdrown orfreeze himthistime Hewasno longer a scrawny, scaredchild, buta man, one who hadn’tjusttraveled the world butexplored it. He’dstalked wolves and bearsintheColoniesjusttolearnthefearsomebeasts’secrets.
“Hawley,” Matthew said stiffly as he turned to face his eldest brother. During their months apart, the viscount hadn’t changed.Despitehis lifeofdissolution,Hawleylookedremarkablyhaleandstill miraculouslyfreeofthepox.Theviscount mightenjoyanoverabundanceofdrinkwasheddownwithanimprudentamountoflaudanum,buthealsorelishedthesporting life,especiallyanythinginvolvinghisfists
“They’re not,” Hawleysaid shortly, his grayeyes burninglike the center of a hot flame, “but it’s been ages since I’ve watchedyouplaythecourtjester.”
“I’mafraid I’ve left mycap and bells at home,” Matthew said pleasantly, wishingthe schoolboytaunt didn’t cause his alreadytwistinginsides to knot uponthemselves At least this time, he wasn’t displayinghis emotions for Hawleyto feast upon
“Didyoucomeherejusttoinsultmewithmixedmetaphors?Youmustleadaratherdulllifethen,”Matthewsaid,keeping his voice light, althoughhe was purposelyproddingHawley Matthew wanted to learnhis brother’s exactintentions toward LadyCharlotte Didhewanttheunionasmuchastheirfatherdid?ThemoreinterestHawleyhadinthelady,themoreperilshe faced.
Hawleysmiled. It was not a kind one, not that the reprobate possessed one of those. “Hardly, Mat. You’re like a halfforgottenballfromchildhood.Amusingtobataboutfromtimetotimebutnotthatinteresting.LadyCharlotteisthetruereason thatIrousedmyselffrombedratherthanenjoyingalonglie-in.”
“Isupposeoursirehasn’texplainedhisplanstoyouyet.”Hawleyhadspeduptheunnaturallyslowcadenceofhisvoice, andMatthew couldhearthesizzleofunholyexcitementintheless-measuredtempo.Hawleywaitedabeatortwo,andwhen Matthew did notspeak, the viscountchuckled again. “Oh, that’s right. Father tells younothing. He’s always considered you odd.Wheneverheisinhiscups,heblathersabouthowyouareafairychangeling.”
Matthew refusedtoclenchhisjaw “Fatherisoftensoused,andhisotherworldlytheoryishardlyasafelyguardedsecret, evenifithasnobasisintheactualnaturalorder”
Hawleyusingthewords modern and enlightenment mighthaveamusedMatthew,ifhedidn’trealizethathisbrother was
alluding to his upcoming arranged marriage Matthew could feel nothing but an intense almost rage-like need to stop Hawleyonceandforall.
“Iwouldn’tknow,asthedukeisnotkeenonsharinghisinsightswithme,whichyouwerequicktopointoutonlyamoment ago.” Matthew shoved his emotions deep inside and kept an outward calm as he pretended ignorance. It would do Lady CharlottenogoodifHawleyrealizedthatMatthewhadanyconnectiontoherbeyondbeingfriendswithhertwin.
“Father has arranged a marriage for me The Duke ofFalcondale is verypleased to soonhave another ducal heir inthe family GiventhesorrystateofFalcondale’sownsuccessor,itishardlysurprisingthathewishestosecurehisfamilylegacy throughthefemalelineinsteadofonlythroughthemale.”
Matthew swungtowardhisbrother,hopingthathisexpressiononlyshowedfeignedshockandnotthehorror thatchurned inside him every time he thought of Charlotte married to this brute. Hawley, who always dressed like a deuced strutting peacock,roseupinhisbuckle-festoonedshoesandclickedthemdownonthepolishedparquet,hisbroadchestpuffedout
MatthewstudiedLadyCharlottealongsidehisbrotherbutwiththeeyesofanobserver,notamanipulator.Thestressaround her eyes had increased, and the pressure againsther lips had caused her smile to flattenseveral degrees. She was watching Hawley, her greeneyes alert, her bodytense. She reminded Matthew ofa panther thathe’d spied inthe woods ofAmerica. Silent, onguard, readyto attackor flee as the situationdemanded She was fierce, LadyCharlotte, and intelligentenoughto recognizewhenshewasbeinghunted
“Hastheladyconsented?”Matthewasked,thewordsslippingfromhimbeforehethoughtbetter Hawleywouldinevitably viewthequestionasachallenge,andthelastthingMatthewwantedwastoprovokemoreinterestinLadyCharlotte Hawley’s head snapped inMatthew’s direction. “Younever mentioned how lovelyAlexander the Galling’s sister was. I canseewhyyou’dwanttohidesuchagemforyourself,notthatshe’deverpayyouanyattention.”
“Theidentityofyourintendedaside,don’tyouthinkitisamighttooearlytobelookingforanotherbride?ThelatestLady Hawleywasonlyburiedascantsixmonthsago”Matthewkepthisvoicerelaxed,buthestudiedhisbrotherclosely ThefaintestflickerofsomethinguglyflasheddeepinHawley’seyes Matthewprobablywouldn’thaverecognizeditifhe hadn’t endured the full blast of his brother’s cruelty in the past. Within an instant, Hawley hid his true emotions under an outpouringofsadness.Heevenmanagedtomanufactureasheenoftears.
“Thatistrue.IfIwereactuallybrave,I’dmentionthatbothyourwiveshadtheu-shapedboneintheirneckssnapped.That particularinjurytypicallycomesfromstrangulation I’veservedasasurgeononenoughinqueststoknow”Matthewliftedhis eyestostaredownhisbrother Evennow,after all theseyears,itwashardtolookdirectlyatHawleywithoutflinching But MatthewneededtogaugeeveryaspectofHawley’sreaction.
Aslightflushtouched the viscount’s skinas he beganto step forward. For a moment, Matthew thoughthis brother might publiclystrikehim.Buttheviscounthadlearnedtohidehistemperbetterthanhehadasalad.InsteadofhittingMatthew,he
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Title: Deux années en Ukraine (1917-1919)
Author: Charles Dubreuil
Release date: July 18, 2022 [eBook #68560]
Language: French
Original publication: France: Henry Paulin, 1919
Credits: The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DEUX ANNÉES EN UKRAINE (1917-1919) ***
Au lecteur
Table des matières
Deux Années en Ukraine
Charles DUBREUIL
Deux Années en Ukraine (1917-1919)
avec une Carte de l’Ukraine
PARIS
H PAULIN, Éditeur
3, Rue de Rivoli, 3 1919
AVANT-PROPOS
De tous les lambeaux arrachés à l’Empire des Tsars, l’Ukraine est, sans contredit, de beaucoup le plus précieux. On comprend, dès lors, que ses maîtres d’autrefois et ses adversaires d’aujourd’hui unissent leurs efforts, luttent de toute leur énergie, contre le mouvement national qui pousse le peuple ukrainien à vivre désormais libre et indépendant.
Cette lutte, violente sur le territoire de l’Ukraine où le peuple tout entier, hommes, femmes et enfants doit soutenir des combats acharnés, se livre en France, surtout à Paris, sous forme d’articles de journaux, d’informations tendancieuses, et trop souvent mensongères, de brochures, de mémorandums et de tracts dont le but unique est d’influencer les membres de la Conférence de la Paix, les hommes d’Etat de l’Entente et surtout le public français.
La question ukrainienne est donc à l’ordre du jour: elle semble avoir remplacé la question balkanique, autrefois si épineuse et comme elle, donne lieu à des polémiques violentes dont toute courtoisie et tout sentiment de vérité et de justice semblent bannis.
Comme de très gros intérêts français sont engagés en Ukraine, que leur avenir dépend entièrement de la solution qui sera apportée à la question ukrainienne et comme, d’autre part, il est impossible que la France prenne à l’égard d’une nation opprimée, une attitude en contradiction flagrante avec tout son passé historique et nullement conforme au droit et à la justice, il paraît du devoir de tout Français revenant de ces régions trop ignorées, non seulement de dire ce qu’il a vu, mais aussi de formuler un jugement sur les événements qui se sont déroulés sous ses yeux: le public français pourra alors juger sainement sur des faits concrets et les hommes
politiques qui détiennent en leurs mains l’honneur de la France pourront faire, en connaissance de cause, le geste qui s’impose.
C’est pour remplir ce devoir qu’ont été écrites ces pages, sous le seul patronage du respect de la vérité et de la plus stricte impartialité.
Paris, le 15 Août 1919.
Ch. D.
PREMIÈRE PARTIE
MON SÉJOUR EN UKRAINE
Mon arrivée à Kiev
C’est le 6 janvier 1917 que je débarquai, pour la première fois, à Kiev. En toute autre circonstance, j’aurais admiré la capitale de l’Ukraine, avec ses rues larges et droites, ses hautes maisons aux toits rouges et verts, ses multiples églises aux dômes dorés, sa cathédrale Saint-André qui s’embrase sous les baisers du soleil, sa double croix de Saint-Vladimir qui s’illumine le soir, son vieux quartier qui s’étage en gradins, son fleuve majestueux qui roule, à la belle saison, ses eaux jaunes et profondes sur lesquelles se jouent, mouettes vivantes, une multitude de voiles blanches.
Mais, parti précipitamment de Bucarest, avec ma famille, cinquante jours auparavant, quelques heures à peine avant l’occupation de la capitale roumaine par les troupes austroallemandes, je venais d’accomplir un voyage, véritable odyssée, qui avait absorbé le plus clair de mes économies et j’arrivais dans une ville dont j’ignorais tout, surtout la langue et où je ne connaissais âme qui vive. Je n’avais guère l’esprit ouvert à l’admiration.
De Kiev, je ne vis donc tout d’abord qu’une gare, petite et sale, encombrée de soldats endormis sur le sol et de désœuvrés grignotant les graines de tournesol dont les Ukrainiens sont si
friands, des cochers enveloppés dans de vastes manteaux ouatés, chaussés de grosses bottes de feutre et assis sur les planchettes de traîneaux minuscules et fort bas; des maisons, encore des maisons et toujours des maisons, dont aucune porte ne semblait vouloir s’ouvrir pour me donner l’hospitalité.
Kiev avant la guerre, ne possédait que 600.000 habitants, mais depuis que Polonais, Lithuaniens, Serbes, Arméniens et Roumains, fuyant devant l’armée ennemie, étaient accourus en foule dans l’Ukraine hospitalière, la population kiévoise se chiffrait par plus d’un million et demi d’habitants. D’où superpopulation et crise de logements.
Dans la rue depuis huit heures du matin, par un froid de 22° et sans avoir eu le temps de ne rien me mettre sous la dent, je trouvai enfin, à neuf heures du soir, obligeamment aidé par la Directrice du Foyer Français, un gîte pour moi et les miens, dans un hôtel tenu par une famille belge, au centre de la ville.
Grâce à l’intervention de M. le Colonel P..., officier d’ordonnance du Général Berthelot, le Chef d’Etat-Major du Général Rousky m’avait accordé, à mon passage à la frontière roumano-russe, une recommandation très chaleureuse qui me permit, dès le lendemain de mon arrivée à Kiev, d’occuper, à l’Université féminine, la chaire d’histoire de la littérature française, vacante depuis le départ de M. Ch., mobilisé, et, au Gymnase Alexiev, celle de maître de langue française.
Assuré du pain quotidien pour moi et les miens, je pus ouvrir les yeux sur ce qui m’entourait.
Kiev avant la Révolution
Deux faits me frappent tout d’abord: la liberté extraordinairement grande accordée aux prisonniers de guerre et le respect presque exagéré que témoignent les soldats russes à leurs officiers.
Les prisonniers de guerre, presque tous allemands ou autrichiens, vont et viennent dans les rues de la ville sans aucune surveillance, du moins apparente. Très travailleurs et exerçant presque tous des professions, ils ont monté de petits commerces et de petits ateliers qui leur font réaliser de jolis bénéfices. «Cela est préférable à la guerre», me dit un moine-soldat qui veut bien me ressemeler une paire de souliers à un prix étonnant par sa modicité.
Les soldats russes, très nombreux à Kiev, puisque c’est de là que partent toutes les unités à destination du front roumano-gallicien, se montrent très profondément, trop profondément, à mon avis, respectueux pour leurs officiers. Dès que ceux-ci paraissent, les soldats s’arrêtent, se tournent face à l’endroit où l’officier va passer, frappent fortement le sol de leurs deux talons, portent une main largement tendue à leur shapka et dans un état de fixité et d’immobilité absolues, attendent que l’officier ait disparu dans le lointain.
Inutile de dire que la plupart du temps l’officier ne paraît pas s’apercevoir de ces marques de respect.
Dans les restaurants, les cafés ou les brasseries, un cadet, c’està-dire un élève officier, doit aller, la main dans le rang et en claquant les talons, demander à chaque officier présent, la permission de s’asseoir. Si un officier entre dans ces mêmes lieux, chaque officier se lève aussitôt et la salle résonne du timbre clair des éperons entrechoqués.
J’aurais été bien plus frappé si quelqu’un m’eût alors dit que deux mois plus tard ces mêmes soldats, non seulement ne salueraient
plus leurs officiers, mais porteraient la main sur eux et que ces officiers, si fiers et si hautains, obéiraient à leurs soldats et les craindraient.
Et cependant il en devait être ainsi.
La Révolution russe à Kiev
Les premiers bruits d’une révolution prochaine commencèrent à circuler à Kiev dans les premiers jours de février. Des personnes se disant et paraissant bien informées me conseillèrent même de ne pas sortir ce jour-là car «dans la rue il y aurait certainement des émeutes et le sang ne manquerait pas de couler».
La journée du 26 février arriva. Je sortis comme d’habitude et ne vis aucune émeute; pas même la plus petite manifestation. La Révolution annoncée n’avait pas lieu. Elle n’était que retardée.
Les journaux paraissant à Kiev le 13 mars, annoncèrent à la population que le tsarisme avait vécu et que Nicolas II ayant abdiqué, la Russie entrait dans une ère nouvelle. Ce fut comme un coup de foudre. S’arrachant les journaux, les passants dévoraient la nouvelle et se jetaient dans les bras les uns des autres; ils s’embrassaient, riant et pleurant tout à la fois.
A voir les rues de Kiev, ce jour-là, personne ne se serait douté que l’Empire Russe venait de subir la plus épouvantable catastrophe enregistrée par l’Histoire et que le colosse septentrional allait être réduit en quelques semaines à une sorte de néant.
Des rassemblements se forment, des cortèges se mettent à défiler aux accents de la Marseillaise dans la rue Krechtchatik. Toute la ville est en liesse. A toutes les fenêtres, sur tous les édifices, des drapeaux rouges apparaissent sortant on ne sait d’où; de place en place, en travers des rues, de larges banderoles sont tendues portant des inscriptions variées mais dont les plus fréquentes sont: Vive la Révolution, vive la Liberté.
Les établissements scolaires étant fermés, j’eus toute la journée pour jouir du spectacle qu’offrait la ville; j’en profitai largement et petit-fils de la Révolution de 1789, je restai à la fois, surpris et émerveillé de voir cette foule, hier soumise au plus avilissant des
jougs, passer tout d’un coup à la plus entière des libertés, sans un cri de haine, sans un acte vengeur.
Quatre jours après, la vie reprenait son cours, et il semblait que rien n’était changé. Les ouvriers se rendaient aux usines de guerre comme par le passé et les soldats partaient au front avec le même enthousiasme que la semaine précédente. A Petrograd, le prince Lvov, M. Milioukov et leurs amis mettaient sur pied le gouvernement libéral qui devait durer trois mois.
Le mouvement nationaliste ukrainien
A Kiev et dans toute l’Ukraine, un mouvement nationaliste s’éveille. Un peu factice et hésitant, à l’originel il acquiert bientôt une puissance irrésistible que ses adversaires les plus acharnés ne sauraient ni arrêter ni empêcher d’aboutir.
Des organisations sociales se mettent en devoir de formuler leurs programmes et leurs désirs politiques qu’elles adressent au Gouvernement provisoire. Des délégués des organisations déjà existantes, dans le but de coordonner leur travail en faveur des intérêts nationaux, forment dans les villes des conseils nationaux ukrainiens. Un Conseil suprême, constitué d’après l’ancien Concilium generale du temps de l’hetmanat, est organisé à Kiev, sous le nom de Rada centrale. Ce Parlement comprenait 800 membres, représentants de tous les partis politiques du pays sans distinction de nationalités: Social-démocrates, socialistes révolutionnaires, socialistes fédéralistes, indépendantistes, Bund juif, socialistes russes et polonais. Son programme est la défense des conquêtes de la Révolution (libertés nationales, terre aux paysans) contre les ennemis du dedans (bolcheviks et tsaristes) et du dehors (Allemands). Elle a contre elle tous les partis bourgeois et aristocrates (propriétaires fonciers, fabricants de sucre, fonctionnaires, Grands-Russes, Polonais et Juifs).
Enfin, un grand Congrès national s’assemble à Kiev et, dans ses résolutions, donne la formule fondamentale des principes politiques des Ukrainiens.
Ces principes, admis par la plupart des partis politiques, peuvent se résumer ainsi:
Garantie des droits nationaux des minorités habitant l’Ukraine.
Droit pour l’Assemblée Constituante russe de sanctionner la Constitution autonome de l’Ukraine.
Droit pour les organes du gouvernement autonome de résoudre les problèmes économiques, sociaux et surtout agraires du peuple ukrainien.
En attendant la réalisation de leur autonomie, les Ukrainiens exigeaient:
La reconnaissance des droits de la langue ukrainienne à un usage libre dans les institutions sociales et administratives du pays;
La nomination aux emplois administratifs de personnes connaissant les mœurs et les coutumes du pays et familières avec la langue du peuple ukrainien;
L’introduction de la langue ukrainienne dans l’enseignement primaire et une ukrainisation progressive des écoles secondaires et supérieures dans les gouvernements ukrainiens.
Démêlés de la Rada avec le Gouvernement provisoire
Nommée en avril, la Rada choisit en juin des ministres, qui sous le nom de commissaires généraux, doivent gouverner l’Ukraine jusqu’à la réunion de la Constituante ukrainienne dont les élections se feront en décembre 1917, et envoie à Petrograd une députation dans le but d’obtenir l’autonomie immédiate des douze gouvernements qui constituent l’Ukraine.
La réponse dilatoire du Gouvernement provisoire, ses soupçons injurieux et le refus de Kerensky, Ministre de la Guerre, d’autoriser un Congrès militaire ukrainien, exaspéra le sentiment national. Le Congrès eut quand même lieu à Kiev, le 8 juin 1917, et réunit plus de 2.000 délégués des soldats.
Ce fut un beau jour pour la nouvelle capitale.
Dès le matin, de grands rassemblements se forment en différents points de la ville et se concentrent dans le krechtchatik, la plus belle rue de Kiev, où ils défilent en un immense cortège. A midi, aux accents de la Marseillaise, et aux applaudissements frénétiques d’une foule enthousiaste, le drapeau rouge de la Révolution qui flottait sur la Douma municipale est amené et remplacé par le drapeau jaune et bleu de l’Ukraine. Une manifestation assez tumultueuse se déroule ensuite au pied du monument de Bogdan Khmielnitski.
Le lendemain 19, la Rada centrale publia, sous le nom d’Universal, sa première proclamation où étaient formulés les droits du peuple ukrainien. Le Gouvernement provisoire prit peur et adressa à l’Ukraine un appel qui amena une sorte de trêve, devenue nécessaire d’ailleurs par les préparatifs de l’offensive qui va se déclancher quelques semaines plus tard, sur le front de la Galicie.
