A Perfect Gentleman by Bárbara Metzger

he did not appear desperate for Miss Kane’s blunt. No, he decided, the peagoose could get into too much trouble in another day. He’d stop by this morning on his way to Gentleman Jackson’s Boxing Parlor and speak with the butler, Timms. Miss Kane would likely be asleep until noon, anyway, like most other females of his acquaintance. Old Timms seemed knowledgeable despite his age, and Stony needed to learn the lay of the land before he threw himself into the fray. He doubted Miss Kane could tell him what he wanted to know, if she even understood the perils of her situation. He was certain to get a better idea of conditions at Sloane Street from the butler than from the bacon-brained heiress. Hell, he’d get more coherent answers from the parrot!
    He liked walking. He could be halfway to his destination before his curricle was brought ’round from the livery stable, and why should he pay the price of a hackney cab when he had legs of his own? What was the point of driving to an exercise session, anyway? This early in the morning he could enjoy the streets before they were filled with carriages and strolling Society. Stony noted that the trees were well budded, that the gardeners had been busy in the squares and the side yards of some of the houses, that one of the maids polishing the brass stair rails had a fine singing voice. The Woodruff sisters could have taken lessons from her. He tipped his hat to the soprano, and she gave him a friendly wink and a wave with her cleaning rag. Yes, he enjoyed mornings, especially ones like this when the sun was out and his fellow men were in. No blather, no bother with yesterday’s scandal or tomorrow’s gossip. No, the only ones out at this time of day were servants, tradesmen, and working people—like him.
    His pleasure in the day faded.
    Then it evaporated completely when he spotted two women on the steps of what was once Lady Augusta’s town house and now belonged to an imbecilic, ill-favored…dog. Miss Kane did not own the residence, he recalled. She was leaving it, though. Even from this distance he could recognize her height and spare form, and the black skirts.
    Stony was not pleased to see the woman going abroad so early. Didn’t she realize there was no one about if she needed help? At least she had a maid with her, so the woman did have a shred of care for her safety and her reputation. He was also pleased to see that the maid, identified by a drab gray gown and a serviceable cloak, knew her trade, or had some pride in her employment. Today Miss Kane wore a fashionable green pelisse with black trim in the current military style over her black gown. She also wore a black satin bonnet, but at least the dreariness of the deep-brimmed, concealing hat was relieved by a green feather.
    The same brim that hid Miss Kane’s face from view also kept her unaware of Stony’s approach. He could wait for her to leave before speaking with Timms, or he could follow to see where she was going so early, before the shops were open. Church? An assignation? He thought Timms would accompany her to the first, and could not imagine who would join her for the second.
    In the end, he decided on candor, if not complete honesty. He quickened his pace to intercept her before she reached the corner. “Miss Kane, how delightful to see you out and about.”
    “Lord Wellstone?” Ellianne was stunned. The ink on her letter was barely dry, much less delivered, yet here he was. She hid the letter in a fold of her skirt, which was not the gown she’d intended to wear for their next interview. Nor was her hair styled properly. He, of course, was looking magnificent in fawn breeches and gleaming high-topped boots. The slight breeze had ruffled his hair and brought a healthy glow to his fair complexion. His eyes were even bluer than she recalled, bluer than the sunlit sky. “That is, good morning, sir.”
    “It is, is it not? My favorite time of day. As a matter of fact, I was on my way to pay you a