Page 85 of The Noble Smuggler

Elizabeth bobbed a curtsy to the final guests in the receiving line, Lord and Lady Penrod or Penrhyn or Peacock. She wasn’t sure anymore.

“Absolutely marvelous, my dear.” A large turquoise feather swayed back and forth on the lady’s head as she talked. Perhaps that was why Elizabeth had thought her name was Peacock. It couldn’t possibly be right.

“Capital. Never heard the like,” the gentleman said. “I certainly hope we shall hear you perform again very soon.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

The gentleman turned to the Duke of Kelbrook and began discussing the arrival of a much-anticipated merchant ship from the West Indies; the lady floated off to greet a friend. The duchess slid her arm through Elizabeth’s and walked her toward the drawing room door.

“Well done, Miss Allerton.” She squeezed her arm lightly. “Are you completely exhausted?”

“Does it show so clearly?”

The duchess laughed lightly. “Not at all. You were magnificent in there. I just know that it can all be a bit much sometimes.”

“It is rather,” Elizabeth said. “But thank you. For everything.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Elizabeth hesitated. “Do you, by any chance, know what became of Lord Bloxley and Lord Langton?” Her curiosity was bordering on concern.

“My husband said that a message came for them from London. I realize that sounds ominous, but I would not have you worry unduly. They would have informed the duke by now if the letter contained anything dreadful.”

Elizabeth glanced across the hall at the door to the duke’s study. It remained firmly closed, and despite the duchess’s reassurance, her anxiety intensified. What could the gentlemen possibly be discussing for so long?

“Miss Allerton.” The duchess said, her eyes twinkling. “If you are willing to take one more piece of advice from me, it would be that you take a moment to escape the noisiness of the drawing room. You can access the gardens through the french doors in the library. The flowers smell even sweeter on a summer evening.”

A chorus of loud laughter came from the room behind them, and Elizabeth cringed. To step outside—if only for a short time—would be heavenly. “I would not be missed?”

“Ah, that I cannot promise, but I will make excuses for you, and I daresay I can hold your adoring audience at bay for a little while.” The duchess slipped her arm out from around Elizabeth’s and smiled. “Go. You deserve it.”

Elizabeth needed no further urging. Crossing the hall, she entered the dimly lit library and made for the large glass doors on the opposite wall. They were unlocked, and within seconds, she was outside. The moon was bright, and stars sparkled above her, illuminating the stone balcony and the stairs leading down to the lawn. On light feet, she hurried down the stairs, instinctively drawn to the path that led to the water.

The bench where she often sat with Lord Langton lay bathed in moonlight. She took a seat, gazing out over the dark pond and listening to the soothing sound of frogs croaking on the lily pads. The scents of lavender and freesia hung heavily in the warm air. Elizabeth closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and caught a faint hint of sandalwood. Turning her head, she saw Lord Langton appear from behind the nearest bush. She came to her feet.

“My sister told me you were out wandering the garden,” he said, approaching the bench.

Although he was still a few feet distant, she could feel his presence. “The duchess said you received a missive from London,” she said. “Is something amiss?”

He shook his head. “All is well.” He reached for her hand. Her fingers tingled at his touch. “Forgive me for being gone so long. I wanted to be the first to tell you how truly incredible your performance was this evening, but the letter was from the prime minister, and Bloxley felt that we should read it without delay.”

Shocked, Elizabeth strained to see his expression in the darkness. “The prime minister? Why would he write to you?”

“He’s a close friend of Lord Bloxley’s and knew of our efforts to curtail the smuggling occurring along the coastline of Kent. He wrote to tell us that King George signed the Commutation Act at Windsor Castle today. The law will go into effect immediately. Import taxes on tea will drop from 119 percent to 12.5 percent.”

She gasped. “So much?”

“The cut had to be made. Those of us who voted for it are convinced that it will ultimately save the economy and countless lives. There is no longer any financial gain to be had by smuggling tea, so more of it will come into the country legally. Despite the lower tariff, the increased quantity being taxed will make up the difference.” He squeezed her hand gently. “The risks involved for smugglers who have not yet been apprehended will far outweigh the potential profit; the Lamhurst Gang is finished.”

It was almost inconceivable. After so many years of living under a cloud of violence, fear, and lawlessness, the time had finally come for a real and lasting change.

“Your father would be exceptionally proud of what you’ve accomplished,” she said.

He smiled. “As would yours.”

Elizabeth lowered her eyes. “Lady Bloxley has asked me to go with her to Bloxley Hall when she returns tomorrow.”

“I see.” He kept his eyes on her. “How do you feel about that?”