Angel in Black (26 page)

Chapter Fifteen

K
ATRINA HELD HER BREATH
from excitement as their landau rambled up the lane toward Windsor Castle. The great stone blocks formed endless walls dominated by the great round tower, an unbelievable eighty feet high, with four other smaller towers rising from the walls to flank it. The mighty Thames reflected the structure’s magnificence in the ever-flowing waters that gave life to the large city. West of the central tower, in the lower ward, was St. George’s Chapel, its belled steeples and spirals standing guard over all worshipers who entered its resplendent haven. Stained-glass windows, arching into domed ceilings, stood out brightly against the weathered gray stone, colored light etching the floors.

Blake helped Katrina from the carriage, and they were escorted inside past huge, double doors of hand-carved oak. As they walked through the spacious rooms with tall graceful windows, finely ornamented doors, painted ceilings, and delicate plasterwork, Katrina felt as if she were in a whirlwind of color and texture.

Once in the great hall, Katrina was questioned thoroughly by the King’s advisers, and now they awaited word from the King himself. Blake watched her as she stood by the large window, her attention focused on the trimmed parterres and terraces of the palace gardens. She studied in wonder the sunken gardens with their immaculate flowerbeds and hedges, winding walkways, and sparkling ponds and fountains. Pavilions and gazebos with statues of gleaming marble pleased her eyes, and a smile touched her lips as she watched the ducks, geese, and swans wandering freely about.

Blake could not help but stare at Katrina. Dressed in a gown of smoky, blue-gray velvet, she looked stunning. Feeling his eyes on her, she turned to meet his warm gaze, a smile touching her lips as she gracefully came to sit beside him. How calm she was, thought Blake as he reached out and laid his hand on hers in a loving, possessive manner.

He knew how crucial this meeting was for Katrina. The King and his advisers must decide if she was the true daughter of William and Virginia Easton. But Blake’s presence was requested first and he was led to the adjoining room, leaving Katrina to sit alone.

“Ah, Lord Roberts, it is good to see you again.”

Blake crossed the room and bowed elegantly to his King, who impatiently waved away his advisers who hovered nearby.

King George III was not a handsome man, but fifty-two years had lined his face with character, and he commanded attention. Of medium height, he had a rounded chin, full lips, and eyebrows forming a half circle above hooded eyes. A long, straight nose with nostrils that flared out slightly completed his regal face, and a white periwig framed it.

“Yes, yes, dear boy. My court needs a handsome rogue like you to keep all the women swooning. It’s been years since you attended a season here — always off somewhere, I hear.”

“I must admit it is good to be home, Your Majesty.” Blake smiled.

“Good, good. Now, tell me, what of Katrina Easton? I’ve been told your family has known her as Rina for several years. Is she who she claims to be?”

Nodding, Blake answered, “Yes, she is Katrina Easton.”

The King was thoughtful for a moment then made his decision. “My advisers are convinced she is the daughter of William Easton, a man several of them knew well. So, before I meet the Lady Easton, I have just one more question.”

A twinkle sparkled in King George’s eyes and a smile spread across his face. “Is she as beautiful as I remember Virginia Easton to be?”

Blake’s laughter filled the room. “Yes, Your Majesty. I believe so.”

“I should like to see the lady — alone.” The older man winked conspiratorially.

Clearing his throat, Blake considered his next words carefully. “My Lord, may I be honest with you?”

The seriousness in Blake’s voice gave the King a moment’s concern, but he nodded his consent.

“Katrina Easton is an independent, willful woman. I hope you will give consideration to what life has been like for her the past nine years.”

The King drew his eyebrows together in a frown, and his lips pursed thoughtfully. “Has a sharp tongue, does she? Well … I’ve been warned and I’ll take my chances, young man.” With a smile and another wink, he waved Blake away.

Katrina entered the large room and crossed to where the King stood, seemingly interested in an object on a nearby table. Falling gracefully into a low curtsy, Katrina bowed her head humbly. Under lowered lids, King George had watched her entrance and now looked openly at the delicate head before him.

“Rise, my child, and sit. We have much to talk about.” His hand indicated a chair for Katrina.

Though she presented an outwardly calm exterior, she flushed with excitement and her heart raced inside her breast. This man had the power to grant her everything she desired — the right to be called Katrina Easton and to claim her inheritance. Would she finally fulfill one of her promises? Would Camray be hers? Or would King George deny her?

As her worries continued to vex her, Katrina determinedly brought her mind to the matter at hand. She met her King’s eyes, feeling encouraged by the gentleness she witnessed in their depths.

King George found himself looking at one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Magnificent eyes, he thought, then expressed another out loud. “When your mother, Virginia, was your age, I thought no one could surpass her beauty, but I must say her daughter has done so.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” whispered Katrina, taken aback by his praise.

The King smiled at the pink staining her cheeks and her flustered, downcast eyes. How unaware she was of her own beauty and grace. Delighted by her honest reaction, he continued. “I arranged for this private meeting to find out if you were truly Katrina Easton. I believe you are who you claim to be. Others may doubt it, but I do not. You can now return to your previous life, so horribly torn apart by tragedy. I assume this is what you want?”

“Yes, it is my wish,” answered Katrina.

“Well, word has been sent to your uncle and he should arrive soon. I’m sure he will gladly welcome you in his home and act as your guardian.”

Katrina stiffened and her eyes turned cold and hard. “No, Camray is my birthright and I claim it as mine.”

The King put his hands behind his back and walked about the room, deep in thought. “What you say is true, Katrina, but when it was thought you were dead, Camray passed on to your only other living relative. For nine years, Lawrence Langsford has run the estate and increased its profits tremendously. He has proved to be a valued and loyal member of my court. Do you suggest I strip him of his lands and wealth for the claim of a woman?”

The King scrutinized Katrina as she fought to keep her emotions under control. She jumped from her chair but paused in an attempt to maintain her composure.

The young lady bit her lip in vexation and he expected the willfulness to burst free. But, to his amazement, it did not. Only her eyes refused to cooperate and they clearly showed her anger, betraying how she felt as clearly as words could have.

“May it please Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect, but I must speak what is in my heart. This tremendous profit you speak of, so brilliantly brought about by Langsford, has surely proven most valuable to my uncle and the Crown’s treasury, but those funds were bled from the poor. My uncle is a greedy, evil man who knows no compassion. I have nothing but contempt and disdain for him.”

“Your tongue is indeed sharp,” mused the King, understanding now what Lord Roberts had warned him of. “But your accusations are serious and it puts me in a difficult position, young lady. Now I must decide on a solution. In the meantime, since you have no other relative, you will become a ward of my court.”

Astonished, Katrina bowed her head in acceptance. “I am honored, Your Majesty.”

“If you wish to stay in the care of Ryon and Rebecca Roberts, I have no objections. You will, of course, attend all functions given at court; it will be an excellent opportunity to introduce you to society. There is a ball tomorrow night, and I’m certain Lord Roberts would not protest escorting a beautiful lady at my command.”

“If it is what you wish, Your Majesty,” Katrina conceded.

“I find you refreshing, Katrina. You have courage to speak your mind, few rarely do. But I cannot allow personal feelings to influence my decision. I will do what I feel is the best for everyone, including your uncle. Do not mistake my leniency in allowing you to express your opinion as a weakness — I’ll brook no disobedience from you. I want it to be clear your future has been placed in my hands. Do you wish it to be this way?”

Katrina’s mind whirled and she considered all he said. There was no other way and she must trust her King. Her father would have wanted it so. So far, fate had led her here. She must continue, or give up forever. “Yes, Your Majesty. I will abide by your decision.”

Now she could do naught but wait.

K
ATRINA STARED IN AWE
at her own reflection in the long mirror, finding it hard to believe what she saw. The burgundy gown she wore was of the finest silk, clinging softly to her as the design followed her womanly curves, the fabric reflecting the candlelight in its shimmering folds.

Golden embroidery decorated the hem and low bodice. Her delicate shoulders were bared with sleeves of sheer gold silk, fully gathered at her wrists. The same silk spilled out from under the top skirt as it split up both sides. At Katrina’s insistence, Mary had done her hair in a strikingly simple style. The heavy blonde mane had been combed and secured on the top of her head with a decorative clasp. A long single braid fell down her back, with strands of shimmering thread entwined through it. Several wisps escaped and curled about her face, nerves at attending her first grand ball bringing a natural blush to her cheeks. She wore small gold loops in her ears, and on her right index finger she wore her father’s ring.

“Oh, Miss Katrina, you’re truly lovely,” exclaimed Mary, admiring her lady.

“Thank you, Mary, you are always so sweet, but how could I not be so in this gown?”

“Oh, miss, you’d best be goin’, Lord Roberts don’t like t’ be kept waitin’,” reminded the girl as she handed Katrina a cloak of the same rich silk.

She was about to leave when a knock sounded on the door and Blake entered. His eyes sparkled appreciatively at Katrina’s beauty. Quietly, Mary slipped from the room, leaving them alone.

“I’m not sure I wish to take you to the ball,” teased Blake.

Katrina’s eyes widened with worry. “I don’t understand,” she cried. “Don’t you like the gown?”

Blake pulled her close and looked deep into her eyes. “I love the dress. But you are so beautiful, little one, I’m afraid my jealousy cannot abide all the attention you shall get tonight. You will have every man, married or not, falling in love with you. You are mine and I’ll not share you.”

“Tonight I am yours and I do not wish to be shared. Promise me you won’t leave me alone to fend for myself among strangers. I want only to be with you, Blake, no other. Promise me?”

Touching her cheek tenderly, Blake whispered, “I promise.” He brushed his lips over hers. “I have something for you, Katrina.”

Blake pulled something from his pocket and handed it to her. Katrina looked down at a black velvet box lying in her hands and raised questioning eyes to him. “It was my mother’s. I would be pleased if you would wear it tonight — for me.”

A shiver ran through Katrina and she opened the box. Inside, nestled among the velvet lining, lay a magnificent gold necklace studded with dark rubies. Katrina was at a loss for words, but Blake knew her answer.

“We must go, so let me put it on.” Blake clasped the necklace firmly about Katrina’s slender neck.

It felt cold and heavy, but when she looked into the mirror, she saw how well it complemented her gown. “Oh, Blake, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” Katrina sighed in awe.

“Neither have I, little one.”

When Katrina met his eyes, she knew he did not mean the necklace, and she blushed with pleasure.

“Shall we go?” asked Blake, holding out his arm. Together they left the room to join Ryon and Rebecca, who waited downstairs.

K
ATRINA DID NOT HEAR
the announcement of their arrival, nor did she notice the room become silent when she and Blake descended the grand staircase into the ballroom. She observed none of the stares, heard none of the hushed whispers. All Katrina’s attention was drawn to the magnificent gilded cage they walked into. Everywhere she looked, gold glittered and white marble shone as thousands of candles lit the enormous room, bathing everything in their warm glow. Fresh flowers of every imaginable kind filled the room with their fragrant perfume, and delighted her eyes with their vibrant color.

Only moments after their arrival, trumpets blared and the King and his Queen were announced. As the royal couple passed by, Katrina and Blake bowed in obeisance.

After several minutes of introductions the dancing started, and much to Katrina’s relief, Blake whirled her onto the dance floor. It felt wonderful to be held in his strong arms as he led her effortlessly about the floor. Blake held her close, too close for propriety, but neither cared about the raised eyebrows and speculation it caused. This was their night and nothing and no one could do or say anything to ruin it.

They continued right on to the next dance and no man dared to break in. The few who tried were blatantly ignored. It was obvious to all Lord Roberts had no intention of sharing the beautiful newcomer.

Later, as they stood sipping champagne, Katrina thought it like a magical dream. Blake was elegantly handsome. Dressed in dark gray, he looked somber compared to the colorful peacocks strutting around the room, with their powdered wigs and gold snuff boxes. His strong presence emitted a sense of power and control. He made no effort to disguise his feelings for her and Katrina did not care. No, it did not matter to her if these strangers gossiped about them. It did not matter at all.

Turning to his brother, Ryon smiled devilishly, looking much like his older sibling. “Well, Blake, do you trust my honor enough to allow me the privilege of a dance with your lady? I assure you, your black scowl will not send me away as it has all the others.”