The Masked Heart - By Karla Darcy Page 0,3

a theatre."

"Aunt Haydie, can't you help me? I can only guess at the kind of situation that exists in the theatre. With Papa and Juliette away so often, I have not even been out much in Wiltshire society. I truly believe that my idea is a good one but I am the veriest of babes concerning London."

Blaine rose and paced in front of the older woman whose face was set in disapproving lines. She was silent for several moments then turned to face her aunt. "When you married Uncle Neddy, he was a soldier and against your family's wishes you followed the drum. I'm sure that army life was far different from the society you had been brought up in, yet you survived. In order for Val and Fleur to survive, I must go to London. Will you help me?"

"And if I refuse?" Lady Yates raised the lorgnette, her hazel eyes unwavering.

Blaine blinked under the harsh gaze but raised her chin in determination. "Much as I would hate to go against your wishes, Aunt Haydie, I am going to London."

There was silence in the room as the old woman attempted to outstare the young girl. Slowly a smile curled the edges of Lady Yates' mouth.

"Good show, my dear." Haydie relaxed in her chair, saluting the startled girl with her glass of sherry. "Come and sit down. And don't look so surprised. I would never condone a whim but, as it seems you are determined to set your feet to the boards, I would be sadly remiss in not giving you all of my assistance."

Blaine crossed the carpet in quick strides, hugging her aunt with enthusiasm. She collapsed on the couch in relief, well aware that, despite her strong words, without the woman's support she would never be able to consider such a venture. Lady Yates was an unconventional woman even in the enlightened year of 1807. With her advice, Blaine felt assured of success.

"It just so happens that I can give you some help," Haydie said, smiling benignly at the girl. "I had an Abigail who was quite mad about the theatre. Tate is working at Covent Garden as a dresser. I will send you to her and I will also send a letter to Sarah Siddons with whom I have some acquaintance. You could have no finer mentor. The woman is magnificent. On stage and off, she maintains the highest standards. Her friendship may afford you some protection but, as an additional insurance, I will send Sergeant McCafferty with you."

Sarge had been batman to Lady Yates' husband. He was well above the normal height with a build that would dwarf an elephant. The combination of a lantern-jawed face and heavily-lidded eyes of an indeterminate color tended to be extremely intimidating when set above an enormous bull neck. Blaine had loved the gruff servant, since she was a small child. For all his ferocious looks, he was a gentle giant. Although she would feel safe in his care, she hesitated.

"How can I take Sarge?" she asked. "He has always been in your household."

"I have decided to remain here with Fleur and Valerian," Haydie said calmly. "If you are off to London, someone must remain to fortify the battlements. No Friday-face, if you please, miss. This is not self-sacrifice on my part. My days of gallivanting are over. I have little enough to keep me occupied and besides I have found a real enjoyment in the children."

"I hadn't thought of how much I shall miss them," Blaine said, a quiver in her voice that matched the lost look in her golden eyes. "I hate to leave them after such a tragedy, but at least I can feel more at ease, knowing you will be here."

Having a fair knowledge of the risks her favorite niece would be taking, Haydie feared for the girl. Blessedly the young had little conception of the evil that predominated in the world. As she took in the innocent glow that surrounded Blaine, she had little doubt that her beauty would bring her to the notice of the London audiences. However it was this very radiance that would make her the target of the jaded rakes who flocked to the theatres, circling like birds of prey over a downed sheep.

Silence filled the room as the old woman stared thoughtfully up at the picture of her brother. Her mouth was pursed in displeasure and she tried not to show her anger at the realization of how his care-for-nothing attitude