Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer

improper this would be, and was just about to draw the blinds again when she caught a glimpse of a figure emerging from the deep shadow of a yew hedge. It was only for a moment that she saw it, but for long enough for her to perceive that it was a man's figure; Then, as though he became suddenly aware that he was being watched, he vanished behind the hedge.
    Kate was startled, but not alarmed. She had removed her dress before she settled down to her stitchery, and she now snatched up her dressing-gown, and hastily put it on before running along the gallery to her aunt's room. There was no response to her first tap on the door, so she repeated it, rather more loudly. Then, as still there was no reply, she ventured to open the door, and to speak her aunt's name. Even as she did so she saw, by the light of the lamp burning on the table, that the great bed was unoccupied, its curtains undrawn, and its clothing undisturbed. Since Lady Broome had declared herself to be dropping with sleep, and had certainly gone to her room after bidding Kate goodnight, this was surprising. Kate was wondering what to do next when she saw a light approaching up the secondary stairway which lay at the end of the gallery. That did alarm her for an instant, but even as she caught her breath on a gasp Lady Broome came into sight, carrying a lamp. She had put off her rubies, but she was fully dressed, and was looking exhausted. When she saw Kate, she said sharply: 'What is it? What are you doing here?'
    'I came in search of you, ma'am. There is a man in the garden: I saw him from my window!'
    'Nonsense! What man?'
    'I don't know that: I had only a glimpse of him before he hid behind the yew hedge. I came to tell you! Should we rouse Pennymore, or, perhaps, Dr Delabole?'
    'My dear child, I think you have been dreaming!'
    'No, I haven't! I haven't been to bed!' said Kate indignantly.
    Lady Broome shrugged. 'Well, if you did indeed see someone it was probably one of the servants.'
    'At this hour?'
    'It is not so late, you know! It wants twenty minutes to midnight. Do, child, go back to your room, and to bed!'
    'But—'
    'Oh, for heaven's sake, don't argue!' interrupted Lady Broome, with a flash of temper most unusual in her. She stopped herself, pressing a hand to her brow, and said in a more moderate tone: 'Forgive me! I have the headache.'
    The door at the end of the gallery which led into the West Wing opened, and Torquil came into the gallery. When he reached the light thrown by his mother's lamp, Kate saw that he was considerably dishevelled, but in high good humour. He was chuckling a little, and his eyes were sparkling. He said: 'I have had a fine game! Hide-and-seek, you know! I led them such a dance!'
    'Where have you been, Torquil?' asked his mother. She spoke with customary calm, and compellingly.
    He giggled. 'In the woods. I heard them coming, Matthew and Badger, and I escaped over the bridge. Famous sport! They are still searching for me!'
    He sounded unlike himself. Remembering the wine he had drunk at dinner, Kate came to the conclusion that he was a trifle foxed. His speech was not slurred, nor was his gait unsteady, but he seemed to her to be decidedly well and lively.
    'Go back to your room, Torquil!' said Lady Broome coldly.
    His mood changed. He stopped giggling, and glowered at her. 'I won't! I won't be ordered about! I'm not a child! No, and I won't be spied on! I won't—'
    'Torquil, go back to your room!' commanded Lady Broome, in a level voice.
    Her stern eyes held his glittering ones for a few moments of silent struggle for mastery. It was Torquil who yielded. His angry glare shifted, and fell; as his mother advanced slowly towards him, he turned, and ran back into his own quarters, slamming the door behind him.
    'You too, Kate,' said Lady Broome, her iron calm undisturbed. 'There is nothing to alarm you: the man you saw was probably Dr Delabole, or Badger. Goodnight!'
    'Goodnight, ma'am,' responded Kate, subdued.

    CHAPTER