Ashley Gardner

The Gentleman's Walking Stick

On a rainy morning in 1817, I visited Bond Street to purchase a bauble for my lady.

I gazed at trays of glittering jewels in the shop I entered and dreamed of adorning Lady Breckenridge with the best of them. I knew, however, that my captain's half-pay would allow me only the simplest of trinkets. The proprietor knew it too and abandoned me for the more prosperous-looking patrons who walked in behind me.

"Is it Captain Lacey?" a male voice rang out. "Jove, it is, as I live and breathe."

I turned to see a man of thirty-odd, his light brown hair damp with rain, favoring me with a familiar and hearty grin. In spite of the weather, his clothing was impeccable, from his pantaloons and polished Hessians to a fashionably tied cravat. An equally well-dressed older gentleman I didn't know stood behind him with a matron and a young woman with red-gold hair.

"Summerville," I said in surprise and pleasure.

I hadn't seen George Summerville since the Peninsular War. Summerville had been in a heavy cavalry regiment, a big man full of bonhomie, who'd made friends wherever he'd gone. I remembered long nights with him that involved much-flowing port but never how those nights had ended. Memories of the terrible headaches in the mornings, on the other hand, lingered. Summerville had been injured at Salamanca, and I'd lost track of him after that.

I advanced and held out my hand, shaking his warmly. "How are you, Lieutenant?"

"Lieutenant no longer. Sold my commission. You?"

"Half-pay." I'd gotten into the Army a roundabout way-volunteered, then obtained the rank of cornet with the help of my mentor. That's how poor gentlemen get to be officers. At Talavera, I'd been promoted from lieutenant to captain. Three years ago, I'd left the Peninsula in a devil's bargain with my aforementioned mentor, and now eked out a living in London.

"Lacey, allow me to introduce m'fiancee, Miss Lydia Wright. And her family. This is Captain Gabriel Lacey, a dashing dragoon of the Thirty-Fifth Light."

I made a bow, and Miss Wright and her parents greeted me politely. Miss Wright's red-blond hair was dressed in a simple knot, and she wore a high-waisted, modest gown and a dark wool spencer against the weather. She looked well turned out, neat, respectable.

There was nothing to object to in the Wrights, but they seemed rather lackluster for Summerville. Already they'd faded into the background while the boisterous Summerville commanded the light. Ever after I was unable to remember what Miss Wright's mother even looked like.

"I say, Lacey, a word in your ear?" Summerville put his hand on my shoulder and began to subtly but firmly turn me from the group. "Do you mind, Miss Wright? Won't be a moment."

Miss Wright seemed not to mind at all. She smiled, curtseyed to her fiancee, and remained within the safe circle of her parents. They turned collectively to examine jewelry the eager proprietor brought forth.

When we reached an empty corner of the shop, Summerville lowered his booming voice to a murmur. "I'm in a bit of a difficulty, Lacey. You see, I've lost something."

He looked worried. I'd never considered Summerville a good soldier, but he'd been excellent at keeping up the spirits of the rest of us. No night could be so dismal that Summerville could not warm it with his laughter and jests. Summerville worried was an unusual sight.

"Something valuable?" I asked when he hesitated.

"No, not exactly. But…" Summerville paused again, as though debating what to tell me. "I've heard you've become all the crack at ferreting out things. Mr. Grenville himself boasts of your cleverness."

"Does he?" I felt a bite of irritation. Lucius Grenville, the most famous dandy in England and now my friend, was apt to sing my praises a little too loudly, thus building expectations I could never hope to meet.

"He does, my old friend," Summerville said. "The thing is, I've mislaid my walking stick."

I leaned on my own walking stick, a gift from my lady. He looked so anxious that I grew curious in spite of myself. "One of great importance to you?" Perhaps Miss Wright had given it to him.

"No, no. The bloody thing isn't worth much on its own. It does have a bit of gold on the head, but the main thing is, my name is engraved on it." He darted a glance at his companions, a very proper miss and her very proper parents, absorbed in studying the jewelry. "Look here, Lacey, I must find that walking stick. I might have left it in a dashed awkward place-a place I wouldn't want it coming to certain ears I'd visited, if you take my meaning."

I was beginning to understand. "Summerville, the reveler," I said. "You have not changed in that respect?"

"Those days are behind me, I assure you, except for a bit of an outing last night."

"Sowing the last of your wild oats?" I suggested.

He patted my shoulder, happy I'd caught on. "Exactly. I'd be ever so grateful if you could lay your hands on it for me. Today, I mean."

My irritation returned. "Today?"

"I know it much to ask, but the Wrights have my time well spoken for. I will not have a moment to scour London for it myself, and sooner or later one of them will ask what became of it. My peccadilloes are the past, but I had to go and lose that blasted stick. I would hate someone to try to touch me for money because of it. You understand?"

He looked so miserable that I stemmed my annoyance. Summerville's concern about blackmail was not farfetched. I put Mr. Wright as a well-off gentleman of the middle class, possibly a City man who had banks doing what he told them to do. Miss Wright was a catch, especially for a gentleman like Summerville, who had family connections but not much money.

In these desperate times, a lady of the demimonde might indeed threaten exposure to a gentleman due to come into means. Any whiff of scandal would make Mr. and Mrs. Wright whisk their debutante daughter far out of Summerville's reach.

"I understand," I said. "Tell me where you left it, and I'll fetch it for you." I'd find the stick and make Summerville promise to stay home from now on.

"That's dashed good of you," Summerville said, his good-natured smile returning. " Only… there are any number of places it might be."

"Any number? What the devil did you get up to last night, Summerville?"

He flushed. "Several things, as I recall." Quickly he told me the worrisome places he'd visited, and I noted them in my memory.

"The devil's own luck you found me today," I said.

"Not really. I called in at your rooms earlier, and your man told me where you'd be."

My valet had once been Grenville's footman, as pleased as his former master about my ability to find the un-findable. I scowled. "I will make the inquiries. For old times' sake."

"God bless you, Lacey." Summerville beamed like sudden sunshine.

He returned to his party with considerable cheer. Summerville chose a diamond bracelet for his blushing fiancee, then the foursome said their farewells and left the shop.

The proprietor returned to me less hopefully.

"I'll have this." I pointed to a slim gold chain that was a little longer than a bracelet. A tiny bell with a golden clapper dangled from it.

"Ah." The proprietor smiled at me, his interest awakened. "A most interesting choice, sir. A most interesting choice."

I decided to visit the last name on Summerville's list first.

I found the small house in Bishop's Lane, near Oxford Street, without mishap. The lane was so narrow that my hired hackney had to stop at the top of the street and let me down. I hobbled the rest of the way on my own in the rain, the tapping of my walking stick echoing from the close walls.

Number 20 was a tall, narrow house, with Doric columns flanking the front door and Greek pediments over the windows. A young footman opened the door and gazed haughtily down at me. I handed the impudent lad my card, upon which I'd scribbled that I'd come on behalf of Mr. Summerville.

The footman departed, closing the door in my face. He returned a short time after that, let me into the house, and commanded me to follow him.

He led me up a polished staircase to a back sitting room that overlooked a narrow garden. A cheerful fire crackled on the hearth, and low chairs with cushions invited lounging. Books that looked well used lay about on tables, and candles cut the gloom. It was the room of one who enjoyed comfort but not ostentation.

The lady in question entered. I stilled, finding myself enchanted.

Mrs. Chambers was a small woman with dark brown hair and blue eyes. Her turned-up nose gave her a young look, but the settled curves of her body put her in her early thirties.

She was not beautiful, but she was arresting, as comfortable and lovely as her private sitting room. Without saying a word, she made a gentleman want to linger here, made him long to sink back into her sofa's cushions and have her look at him with those eyes. I could only applaud Summerville's choice.

"Captain Lacey?" Mrs. Chambers held my card in her hand and polite inquiry in her tone.

I came straight to the point. "Mrs. Chambers, Mr. Summerville believes he left an article here last evening, and has sent me as an errand boy to fetch it."

Her smile bathed me in charm, and I decided that Summerville was a fool. He was choosing to marry the rather colorless Miss Wright instead of living out his days in comfort with this woman.

I knew why, of course. If Summerville wanted money and a career, Mrs. Chambers could give him neither. He would need the Wrights and their influence. Only the very rich or very poor could make a match in the demimonde without worry.

"A nasty day for such an errand," Mrs. Chambers said. "Please sit down, Captain. Would you like coffee? Or perhaps something against the damp?"

I took the armchair she indicated, noting that the cushions were, indeed, soft, and stretched my aching leg toward the fire. "I will not intrude upon you long. I will simply fetch the stick, if you have it, and go."

She sat in a smaller chair next to mine. I wondered whether I sat in Summerville's place, and she in the more ladylike chair next to it was the usual arrangement. If so, that arrangement was a cozy one.

"His walking stick?" she asked. "With the gold head?"

I nodded.

"I thought as much," she said. "He is always leaving it about."

I hoped she did have it. I would have liked nothing better than to sit in this friendly room and chat with the pleasant Mrs. Chambers instead of continuing my search in the cold rain. I'd remain here and return to Summerville later this afternoon.

"Why did he not simply call for it himself?" Mrs. Chambers asked. "Equally, he could have sent a note, rather than a friend loyal enough to soak himself in the attempt."

I returned a grateful smile and touched the top of my own walking stick. "I believe Mr. Summerville has pressing business, today. I was glad to oblige." That is, I had been regretting my hasty decision to help, but I was now much happier about it.

"You mean he is wooing the Wright girl," Mrs. Chambers said, her look turning wry. "Or rather, Miss Wright's father. You needn't worry, Captain. I know all about it."

She regarded me in amusement, and I felt sudden impatience with Summerville. "I beg your pardon. I did not mean to embarrass you."

"I am not embarrassed in the least. I admit that I am not fond of his decision to marry, but I understand. Mr. Summerville hasn't many other avenues open to him."

"You are courageous," I said quietly.

Pain flashed in her eyes before her smile reappeared. Summerville leaving her to marry hurt her, I saw, but she had decided to put a brave face on it. I admired her for that.

"The walking stick?" I prompted.

"I'm afraid I do not remember him having it yesterday, though I will ask my footman."

Mrs. Chambers rose and rang a silver bell that rested on a tambour desk, and the lanky footman who'd admitted me entered the room.

"John," she said. "Did Mr. Summerville leave his walking stick behind last evening?"

John's face remained as expressionless as a blank wall. "I couldn't say, ma'am. Henry was on the door last night."

"I see. Thank you, John."

John bowed with trained stiffness and withdrew.

"Henry has gone to visit his family," Mrs. Chambers said once John had closed the door. "He'll not return for a few days. However, I will make inquiries of the other staff and have a good root around myself. If the walking stick turns up, I'll send it on to Mr. Summerville." She paused. "Or perhaps it would be more discreet if I sent it to you."

"That would be best," I answered, rising.

I took my card back from her and scribbled my direction on it: Above Beltan's Bake Shop, Grimpen Lane, Covent Garden.

"Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Chambers," I said, handing her the card. "Your home is lovely."

Again, the flash of pain. "That is kind of you. Perhaps you would like to remain and take coffee?" She tried to look as though she'd love nothing better than for me to stay, but I saw in her eyes that she offered from simple politeness.

"I regret that I have another engagement." I did regret it. Sharply.

"Ah, well. I am pleased to have met you, Captain."

I confessed myself equally pleased, bowed, and took my leave.

The rain worsened as morning became afternoon. I pulled my greatcoat around me and directed the hackney across London and down the river toward St. Katherine's Dock. Descending, I limped along the narrow lanes, conscious of scurrying feet in the shadows, of predators stalking unexpected prey.

I entered the lodgings Summerville had indicated, and a sharper contrast to Mrs. Chambers's comfortable house there was not. The stench of cabbage permeated the stairwell, and paint peeled from the walls. I climbed painfully to the second floor and knocked on the door at the top of the stairs.

A child cried fretfully within, and then I heard the unmistakable sound of a window being banged open.

The door was unlocked. I shoved myself inside in time to see a thin woman climbing over the windowsill. I crossed the room swiftly and grabbed her around the waist.

She screeched. "Lemme go!"

"You'll kill yourself, you little fool." I shoved her from me and slammed the casement closed.

She went for the door. Again, I caught her. She didn't weigh much, but she was strong.

"Stop!" I shook her. "I'm not a constable, whatever you may think."

She peered at me from behind a fall of yellow hair. "No? What are yer then?"

"I've come from Mr. Summerville." I glanced at the children on the floor. One was about four; the other, still crawling. Both of them had light brown hair the same shade as Summerville's.

"Oh. You mean our Dobbin."

I set her on her feet. "You are Nellie?"

"I am. Sorry I tried to fight yer. I though maybe you was coming for me." Nellie regarded me warily. "What'ya want, then?"

"Mr. Summ- er, Dobbin, believes he might have left behind his walking stick. A black stick with a gold head."

Interest lit her eyes. "Gold, was it?"

I knew then that the stick wasn't here. This girl would have sold it the moment she'd found it, and no wonder. The disappointment on her face when she shook her head was genuine. "Never saw it."

"He did not have it with him when he visited yesterday?"

"Naw. Mind you, 'e weren't 'ere long, and it were late."

"Ah, well. I apologize for disturbing you."

I took in the room before I went. The chimney smoked, the children sat sullenly, and Nellie looked as though she hadn't had a good meal in a fortnight. I fished inside my pocket and took out what few shillings I had to spare.

"Here." I pressed them to her hand. "For your trouble."

I turned to go. Behind me, she chuckled. "Yer a soft touch, ye are, sir."

From the other side of the door came the sound of drunken voices and the tramping of heavy feet. Nellie gasped. "Me 'usband!"

"You say nothing," I said. The situation was awkward, but not insurmountable. "I will speak to him."

The door banged open, and a man who must have weighed twenty stone filled the doorway. He was red faced, greasy haired, and cup-shot. Two men almost as large as he was crowded in behind him.

"Who the devil-"

Before her husband could say one word more, Nellie flew at me, screeching. "'e's a peach! Come about the money. Run for it!"

"Oh 'is 'e?" Nellie's husband reached for me.

I knew that Nellie acted out of self-preservation. For her husband to find her alone with an unknown gentleman only invited him to knock her about. I suspected he commonly did so, regardless. But as the large man and his equally large friends pounced on me, I could not feel much understanding.

Years battling the Corsican Monster in Spain and Portugal, and before that, service in India, had honed my skills, but I lagged against three huge men, and my ruined leg hindered me. They hauled me down the stairs, me fighting all the way, and tossed me into the street.

I landed, as luck would have it, on my bad leg. I lay groaning on the cobbles, cursing walking sticks in general and Summerville in particular.

I'd kept hold of my own walking stick, a fine weapon, but after traveling the length of London, spending too many precious coins, and being pummeled for my pains, I was no closer to finding Summerville's.

"Sir?" a gentle voice above me asked. "Can I help?"

I peered up through the rain to see a familiar face hovering over me. I'd seen the same face this morning in the jewelers' shop, but this apparition wore a threadbare coat, shabby clothes, and the dog collar of a parson.

"Summerville?"

As the man helped me to my feet, I realized he wasn't Summerville. At least, not my Summerville.

He walked me to the relative warmth of his rooms on the ground floor of a nearby boarding house and fed me coffee.

"I am vicar here, of this parish," Franklin Summerville told me as we sipped the rather weak brew. "There was never much money in the family. Most of it went to buy George his commission. George took the sword; I took the cloth."

I thought that the cloth had been rather thrust upon him, but I did not say so.

Realization struck me. "You are Dobbin," I said.

He stared at me, stricken. "Pardon?"

"You are the father of Nellie's children." I sat back, stretching my game leg. My coat was ripped, and my valet, Bartholomew, would be greatly distressed. He'd give my bruises as much attention, but Bartholomew prided himself on keeping my few garments fine. "I thought your brother to be her paramour at first. But he is not, is he?"

"What is your game, Captain? If you came here on George's behalf, do not waste your breath. I have nothing. And if he accosts Nellie again, I'll… Well, he will regret it."

I regarded him in surprise. "I do not go in for blackmail, sir. Do I take it that your brother does?"

Franklin's rage faded, and he shook his head. "I do not know why George expects that I'll give him money. He needs money, you know, to cover his gaming debts, of which there are always so many. Last night, when I refused to give him anything, he went to Nellie and tried to frighten her." Franklin shot me a smile. "My Nellie doesn't frighten so easily."

"So I noticed," I said dryly. After a moment I said, "You love her."

"God forgive me, but I do. Her husband is a brute, and I can't.. " He sighed. "I can only do for her what I can."

I rose. "Please give Nellie my best wishes."

He got to his feet with me. "But why did George send you to her? Not for money?"

"Your brother mislaid his walking stick. Did he leave it with you?"

"Walking stick? No. But I remember him having it. He waved it in my face. It had a gold head. And he was trying to touch me for money."

I nodded, believing him. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Summerville. It was much needed."

I took leave of him and hobbled away to find another hackney, my limp more pronounced than when I'd arrived.

I thought knew now where the walking stick was. I was half tempted to leave it there and fetch it tomorrow, after a bath and a long night's sleep, but I wanted to be finished with Summerville. I wanted to face Lady Breckenridge-the lady of blunt observations and bottomless blue eyes-without the distraction of him.

The next name that graced my list was a gaming hell in St. James's Square called The Nines. The Nines was owned by a man called Bates and an aging courtesan by name of Mrs. Fuller. The house catered to the upper classes who strolled to it from White's and Brooks's, but in truth, it admitted anyone Bates thought might drop a sufficient amount of cash. Men played against the house, and the house mostly won.

I'd been here before, with Grenville. I'd kept my bets modest and so had Grenville-modest for Grenville, that is-but we'd watched a young man lose seven thousand pounds on one throw of dice and be turned out of the house, ruined.

The doorman let me in from the darkening street without question and ushered me upstairs to Mr. Bates's private office. I knew that Bates admitted me and greeted me courteously not only because of my connection with Grenville but because of my growing connection with Viscountess Breckenridge. Feet firmly under the table, was a phrase I'd heard used about me. Bates was marking me as a person to fleece in future.

"I never saw Summerville with a walking stick," Bates said. Bates was such a tall, healthy-looking man that one would never imagine he spent most of his waking hours indoors, bent over gaming tables or counting money from said tables.

"With a gold head, you say?" he asked. "I'd have taken it from him if he'd brought such a thing. Summerville slipped out last night without paying what he owed-close to three hundred pounds it was. If he does not return with the money, I'll have the bailiffs on him."

The haze surrounding my memories of Summerville cleared still further, to remind me that Summerville had been good at losing money and equally skilled at touching others for more. He'd been ingenuous, warm, and laughing about it, but never once during those years had he paid the money back.

"Mr. Summerville is about to be married," I said. "To a young lady heiress. Perhaps he will pay his debts after that."

Bates gave me an aggrieved look. "Her father might not be foolish enough untangle the money for Mr. Summerville's use. Marriage settlements can be tricky. Please tell Mr. Summerville that if he continues to be careless, he'll spend his wedding night in the Fleet."

I thanked Bates for his time and took my leave. Outside, what light had touched the evening had gone, the rain poured down, and wind gusts sent the cold straight through me. I pulled my greatcoat closed against the weather and climbed into yet another hackney.

My list bore one more address, an equally notorious hell in Pall Mall, but I did not bother with it. I made my way back to number 20, Bishop's Lane, and presented my card to John when he opened the door. He took me upstairs right away, at least, and did not make me stand out in the rain.

I waited a full half hour before Mrs. Chambers entered her sitting room. She was dressed for the evening in a gray silk gown that bared her shoulders and much of her plump bosom. Wherever she intended to go, I predicted that she would eclipse every woman in the room.

"Captain?" She peered at my bruised face and torn coat in concern. "Are you well?"

"No." I made a formal bow. "Mrs. Chambers, I will just take the walking stick and go."

Her color rose. "Walking stick?"

"You have it, do you not?"

Mrs. Cambers gazed at me for a long moment, then she turned and rang the silver bell. In a few moments, a footman appeared-not John this time.

"Henry," Mrs. Chambers said. "Have Annie fetch Mr. Summerville's walking stick from my armoire, please."

Henry bowed and withdrew. I gathered that he truly hadn't gone to visit his family.

"How did you find me out?" Mrs. Chambers asked in the ensuing silence. She did not invite me to sit down again, nor did she offer me a beverage.

"You were not surprised when I told you what I'd come for," I said. "You had a glib explanation that Summerville always left the walking stick about, but I do not think he does. Summerville is careful even when he seems not to be, which is part of his charm, I think. And he was too worried when he found it missing to make me believe this a common occurrence. You questioned John, who would not have taken it at the door last night, instead of Henry who had. You did not want to make Henry lie."

Mrs. Chambers listened to my tale, her lips parting. When I finished, she looked away. "I had not planned to keep it. But when you turned up, saying he'd sent you, I realized how anxious Mr. Summerville was for the walking stick's discreet return. And I understood what that meant."

That Summerville had realized the danger of having the walking stick found in the house of his mistress. The utterly respectable Wrights would never forgive the transgression. Summerville also believed Mrs. Chambers might try to blackmail him with it, which put plainly just how much trust he had in her. And so Mrs. Chambers had decided to act.

I looked into Mrs. Chambers' clear eyes and suddenly wished myself a wealthy man, so I could press money to her palm and tell her to go somewhere, anywhere, to forget about Summerville and pursue her own happiness.

"I am sorry," I said. I truly was sorry. Sorry I'd ever agreed to help Summerville.

"The ton can gossip all they like that he is my protector," she said, "but such talk can be dismissed as gossip." Especially by Summerville, the charmer. "But the stick is proof, isn't it? Proof I can show to his beloved fiancee and her father."

I studied her brittle face, her too-bright eyes. "You love him?"

"Yes. I am afraid that I do."

"He does not deserve you," I said savagely.

She smiled, but the smile was strained. "You are kind, Captain. But it does not matter. I told you this morning that I understand why he must marry. And I do. Marriages should not be made lightly."

"But you do mind."

"Of course I mind! Do you think I have no heart? He must lie in a bed with her and get children on her, and for that I want to gouge her eyes out!" Her rage faded as abruptly as it had come, and she gave a little laugh. "You see, Captain? I am petty and jealous, as is any woman who wants a gentleman."

I took a step forward. "You are brave. I wish…" I stopped. "I am friends with Mr. Grenville, who has a large acquaintance. Perhaps he could introduce you to a gentleman who proves more appreciative than Summerville."

She was shaking her head before I finished. "No. I know you mean it as kindness, Captain, but no."

"I wish you were not so in love with him," I said.

She shook her head again. We watched each other, the words hanging.

Henry entered at this interesting moment, carrying a black walking stick with a gold head. Mrs. Chambers took it from him, dismissed him, and put the walking stick into my hands.

"There, Captain. Tell Mr. Summerville not to be so careless with it in future."

I bowed again, but I had no more words to give her.

My coming had hurt her. If Summerville had not sent me, certain Mrs. Chambers presented a threat, she might never have realized how much he mistrusted her, how much he viewed her as an embarrassment. I'd sown a seed of darkness.

"Good-bye," I said, and left her.

When I reached Summerville's rooms in Piccadilly, his valet was dressing him to go out. Summerville turned from the mirror, his expression hopeful. He did not even inquire about my bruises. "Did you find it?"

I looked him over, from the elaborate cravat his valet had just tied to the pristine pumps he wore with pantaloons that buttoned at the ankle. I thought of his brother, the threadbare parson, and Nellie in her tiny rooms with her children and her drunken husband. I thought of lovely Mrs. Chambers and the misery in her eyes, misery Summerville had put there.

"Yes," I said.

Summerville's smile flashed. "Thank God. I knew you'd do it. Grenville said you were astonishing. Where is it?"

"In a safe place." I had stopped at Grosvenor Street and given it to Grenville's very discreet valet to look after.

His smile faded. "Have you not brought it with you?"

I glanced meaningfully at the valet, and Summerville took the hint. "Leave us, Waters." The valet bowed and departed.

"What are you playing at, Lacey? Where did you find it?"

I ignored his questions, letting my temper rise. "I toyed with the idea of returning it to you-end-first with you bent over, but I decided that would not be practical."

Summerville flushed. "I do not find that amusing, Lacey."

"It was not meant to be. Instead, I decided to ask you to make out a draft for one hundred pounds."

"One hundred-" Summerville gaped. "You are joking. Why the devil do you want a hundred pounds?"

"Fifty of it I will give to Nellie, because she has need of it. The other fifty I will give to Mrs. Chambers for putting up with you. The three hundred you owe to The Nines is between you and Mr. Bates."

A muscle moved in his jaw. "Very well. I suppose you've put yourself out for me today. I will give you your one hundred pounds. A fee, shall we say? For locating the walking stick."

He insulted me. A gentleman did not fetch and carry for money. I did not react to his suggestion, and Summerville gave up and strode to his writing table. Candlelight shone on his immaculate white neckcloth as he sat down, sharpened a pen, and dipped it into his ink pot. He wrote hastily, the scratching of the pen loud in the stillness.

"There." He snatched up the paper and nearly threw it at me.

I took the bank draft, examined it, and tucked it into my pocket.

"Thank you. Next month, I will return, and you will write another draft, for the same purpose. And the next month after that."

"The devil I will. My income is not substantial, Lacey."

"Better marry your Miss Wright quickly then."

Summerville slammed himself up from the chair. "You go too far, Lacey. How dare you?"

I eyed him coldly, our heights nearly the same. "If I do not receive the sum of one hundred pounds from you at the first of each month, to be dispersed as I've outlined, your walking stick will turn up somewhere far more embarrassing than in the houses of Mrs. Chambers or your brother's paramour. I know people in many places, Summerville. You would do well not to have your name associated with them."

Summerville stared in disbelief, then he snarled and lunged at me.

My sword flashed out of my cane. Summerville stopped, looking down at the point of my blade resting against his immaculate cravat.

"Stand at ease, Lieutenant," I said quietly. "Or do you want to ruin your suit?"

"Blast you, Lacey. You're nobody. You always were nobody. How dare you?"

"I am a gentleman of the Thirty-Fifth Light," I said. "Who are you?"

"I am a gentleman who will have the power to ruin you in a few years' time."

I made a frosty bow. "Then for a few years at least, you will do some good by these ladies." I sheathed the sword. "Good night, Mr. Summerville."

I left him cursing as I walked out of the room and hobbled back down the stairs and into the rain.

The next afternoon, I found Lady Breckenridge at Lady Aline Carrington's garden party, as I had known I would. The rain had gone, and the sun shone at last, chased away from time to time by a breath of cloud.

"There you are, Gabriel," Donata Breckenridge said as I walked to her. "Thank God. Sir Neville Percy has been following me about in attempt to engage me in conversation, and he is so very bad at it. Pretty to look at is Sir Neville, but a ghastly bore. He ought to stand under an arch for full effect and keep his mouth closed."

"I am pleased to be of some use to you," I said, making a bow.

"Do not be sardonic, Lacey; it doesn't suit you. Leave the mockery to me." She smiled as she spoke, a genuine smile, and warmth stole through the chill I'd carried since leaving Mrs. Chambers's house the evening before.

"I have something for you," I said.

"Truly?" Lady Breckenridge forgot all about Sir Neville and turned her full attention to me.

I slipped a small parcel from my pocket and handed it to her. Lady Breckenridge peeled back the cloth in which I'd wrapped the gift, and gazed in some surprise at the gold chain with its tiny bell that lay on the piece of blue velvet.

I leaned down and murmured into her ear. "For your ankle."

The look Donata Breckenridge gave me said that she did not find me as old or weary as I felt. She turned and strolled away from me, giving me a little smile over her shoulder.

I caught up to her under the shadows of the ivy, where she stopped and raised her lips to mine.

Content

Ashley Gardner
The Gentleman's Walking Stick