A Kiss for Lady Mary (18 page)

Thankfully, she’d just put down her cup, or it would have gone crashing to the floor. As it was, she barely swallowed her tea without spewing it all over. “I thought I’d let things happen as they may.”

Lady Theo slowly shook her head. “It must only appear that way. As I told Caro, I have made a list of eligible gentlemen, including information on their families. You will not want for choice.”

Mary fought not to drop her jaw. “
Their families?
” she squeaked.

That was a stupid thing to say. Families were important. One needed to know what one would be left to deal with after the marriage. Had she ever met Mr. Featherton’s mother? She struggled to bring her wayward thoughts under control. What did it matter if she wasn’t going to wed him?

“We have several gentlemen down from the Highlands,” Lady Theo continued. “I’ll not deny they are extremely impressive specimens, but if you should be interested, Lady Mary”—Mary snapped her attention back to her hostess—“you must remember most of them live in isolated areas which you may not like.”

Such as Rose Hill. Actually, Rosebury hadn’t felt isolated at all. Although from what she’d heard of the Highlands, one could easily be a day’s ride or more from any kind of town at all. Still, if she fell in love . . . Who was she trying to fool? She’d never be able to live in the middle of nowhere. Very well then, no Highlanders no matter how remarkable they were.

“What is your portion, my dear?”

Bother
. That was the second time she’d been caught woolgathering. “Er, I believe I’d rather say moderate. Nothing to get excited about.”

Lady Theo nodded her head sagely. “Good thinking. There is no reason to encourage fortune hunters. Though in my experience, most of them go to London. How is your wardrobe?”

Thankfully Mary had been readying herself for London. “I received a package from my modiste in London before we left. All I require is a final fitting for some of the gowns.”

“Excellent.” Lady Theo tugged the bell-pull, and almost immediately a footman opened the door. “Tell Beattie to send a note round to my modiste. I expect her to attend me in the morning. The hour may be as early as she wishes. Oh, and it’s time for someone to fetch the gentlemen.”

The young man bowed. “Yes, my lady.”

Lady Theo glanced at the clock. “We shall dine in two hours. Lady Mary, I’ll advise you as to the time of the fitting.”

“Thank you, my lady.” There was, after all, nothing else she could say.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to. Please make yourselves at home.” Lady Theo sailed out of the parlor, the door snapping shut behind her.

“Well.” Mary glanced at her friends. “I didn’t expect her to take charge in such a manner.”

“I know what you mean.” Caro grimaced. “On the other hand, this is her city, and she knows it well.”

“The real question,” Phoebe said, “is whom do you wish to marry? Has Kit done anything to fix your attentions?”

Mary pulled at a curl. “He is all that is exceptional . . .”

“But?” Anna prompted.

“He is Mr. Perfect, and he doesn’t seem to feel anything particular for me.” Mary gave an exasperated huff. “And I will not throw myself at him. I’ve given your suggestion a great deal of thought, and I cannot. I shall have to look elsewhere for a husband.”

Her friends nodded. Thankfully no one brought up her living at Rose Hill. Well, this was up to Mr. Featherton, after all. If he wished to marry her, he’d find a way to show her. Until then, she planned to enjoy her Season without Gawain trying to trap her. That at least was something to be happy about.

K
it was in his chamber tying his cravat, as Piggott kept up a steady stream of conversation. Normally Kit was interested in the goings-on of the house in which he was visiting, but to-day he impatiently waited to hear what Lady Theo had planned for Mary. Kit vowed to thwart any attempt by the formidable female to match his Mary to anyone else. Yet asking his valet to just get it over with and tell him seemed a bit pathetic.

She was everything he wanted in a wife; they had never lacked for conversation, she was intelligent, resourceful, responsible, kind, and so lovely it made his heart and the rest of his body ache with longing. The depressing fact was, during the last three days of travel he’d fallen irrevocably in love with her, and she hadn’t appeared to notice. He’d never before spent so much time in one female’s company, never danced attendance on only one lady, and he’d damn sure never had to stop himself from pulling one into his arms. His fingers came close to trembling each time he touched her. Yet other than a few blushes, which were charming, she hadn’t seemed to have been affected. He would like to take his friends’ advice and kiss her, but first he must ensure she would welcome his advances.

Kit gave himself a shake, and Piggott cried out, “Sir, you’ve ruined another one.”

Hell and damnation!
Kit glanced in the mirror. “Well, it’s not the Trone d’Amour, but it’s not bad. The extra two creases are even interesting. I shall leave it at that. We’ll name it ‘The Featherton.’”

His valet came around and peered at his neckcloth. “You might have something there, sir, and I defy anyone to replicate it.”

Kit doubted if he could tie it the same way again. “My jacket, please.”

Piggott assisted Kit in donning his jacket. Tucking his watch and quizzing glass in his waistcoat, he should be just in time to escort Mary to the drawing room. If only he knew what Lady Theo had planned. Leaving his chamber, he headed toward the grand staircase.

Fortune was with him. Mary turned the corner from her wing of the house. Lady Theo apparently didn’t believe single ladies and single gentlemen should sleep near each other. Any other time he would have agreed, but now he was not so sure. “Shall I escort you, my lady?”

“Oh. I didn’t see you.” She gave him a tenuous smile. “Yes, thank you. I believe the others will be along shortly.”

Something was bothering her, and he wished with all his heart she’d confide in him. “Did your meeting with Lady Theo go well?”

“Yes.” Mary’s finely arched brows drew together slightly. “She has a great many invitations all ready. To-morrow we ladies will accompany her on morning visits.”

It was time to start ensuring she would not be spending all her time without him. “When you expressed interest in seeing the city, I borrowed a guidebook. If you like, we may walk to some of the closer sights to-morrow afternoon.” She glanced up at him, confusion lurking in her lovely gray eyes. “Only if you won’t be too tired after a round of meeting new people.”

Finally Mary laughed. “I doubt copious cups of tea will tire me, and after three days in a carriage, even a well-sprung one, I’d love to walk.”

“I’ll arrange for a footman to accompany us. I imagine the proprieties are the same as in London.”

“Yes.” She heaved what sounded suspiciously like a sigh. “I’d forgotten.”

She wasn’t the only one. After living for a year as a “married lady,” the constraints of being an unwed female might chafe. He should apply his mind to the best way to turn that to his advantage. By this time they’d reached the door of the drawing room. Lady Theo and Lord Titus stood by a window, talking. They turned when Kit and Mary entered.

He bowed slightly. “Good evening.”

“Mr. Featherton.” Lady Theo glided toward them. “Just the gentleman I need to speak with.” She drew him away as Lord Titus engaged Mary in conversation. “One of my dear friends has a daughter who is painfully shy. I mentioned to her you were here, and we thought you might engage her daughter for a dance. I understand you have a way of drawing young ladies out.”

Not what Kit wanted to hear, or do for that matter. “Of course, my lady. I am happy to be of assistance.”

“Come, Mr. Featherton, what do you prefer to drink before dinner?”

“Sherry is my preference.” He stole a glance at Mary, who was in discussion with Lord Titus. She already had a glass of sherry.

“I believe we can find some. I understand Lady Phoebe’s uncle, the Marquis of St. Eth, is a connoisseur.”

“As is the lady herself.” If Lady Theo had another point to make, he wished she’d get on with it and stop this slow perambulation around the room, the sole purpose of which appeared to be to keep him away from Mary.

“Indeed. I do hope she will not be disappointed by my cellar.”

Before he could answer, the rest of the group arrived. Lord Titus served them all glasses of sherry.

“This is fine for before dinner,” Lord Titus said, “but afterward, I have some well-aged Scotch from my family’s stock. In my opinion, it is better than the finest brandy.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of sampling Scotch whisky a few times,” Marcus remarked. “When it’s well brewed and aged, it can indeed rival a fine French brandy.”

Lord Titus, in the act of lifting a glass to his mouth, paused. “And where did you drink it? I thought you hadn’t been to Scotland before, and to the best of my knowledge, no self-respecting Englishman would willingly partake of it.”

Lifting his lips into a smile, Marcus saluted him. “In general, you are correct, my lord. My father would not have it in his house. I, however, traveled broadly for eight years and had the great good luck to come across more than one of your countrymen. They always seem to have a taste of home around. In parts of America and Canada, it’s actually produced in small quantities.”

Lord Titus laughed. “You’ve put me in my place, my lord. I should not make suppositions.”

“Nor,” Lady Theo said in a harsh tone directed at her husband, “do we wish to dredge up all the problems between England and Scotland.”

He strolled over to her and kissed her cheek. “My apologies to you, my love, and our guests. In my defense, I’m suffering from political overstimulation.”

Kit began to amble toward Mary, but before he could take his place next to her again, Lady Theo had the women in conversation at the other end of the long room. If he didn’t know better, he’d think his host and hostess were purposely keeping Mary and him apart. That he would not allow.

Mary glanced at him. Yet the moment her gaze met his, she lowered her long, dark lashes and turned her head. What the devil did that mean? He never should have agreed to come here until they were married. After all, Huntley and Caro had wed before they loved each other. Kit could have made it work as well.
Damn it all
.

From the moment Lord Titus had drawn her aside, Mary had surreptitiously studied Kit from beneath her lashes. Then their gazes met. It never occurred to her he’d be watching her as well. She missed him by her side, and no matter what else she attempted to think about, it all came back to him. Next to her Caro laughed, but Mary had missed the joke. Surely, he’d escort her to dinner. He was coming her way, after all. Yet when the meal was announced, her host was bowing before her, not Kit.

Lord Titus held out his arm. “My lady, allow me.” She placed her hand on his arm, and he escorted her to the seat on his left. Phoebe sat on his right, and Kit was at the other end of the table on Lady Theo’s right. Not exactly the correct protocol, but it left Caro and Huntley together.

Unless Scottish manners allowed shouting down the table, Mary was not even going to be able to talk with him until the gentlemen joined the ladies after dinner.

She made herself smile as Lord Titus recommended a dish. “This is baked salmon with tarragon, a particularly Scottish receipt.”

Kit’s deep, smooth voice carried lightly down the table. She would not look. She’d not make a spectacle of herself. “Thank you, my lord. It sounds delightful. I’m sure I shall love it.”

It was the longest meal of her life. A thrumming started behind her ears and spread through her head. By the time Lady Theo rose, indicating it was time to leave the gentlemen to their libations, Mary had a rare headache. Once in the corridor, she caught Caro’s arm. “I need to lie down.”

Caro searched Mary’s face. “You do look pale. Shall I come with you?”

“No, thank you. Mathers will know what to do. Please make my excuses to Lady Theo.”

“Naturally, I will. Get a good night’s sleep. I’m sure all will be well come morning.”

Mary gave Caro a quick hug. “Of course. Thank you.”

Several moments later, Mary entered her empty chamber. Not expecting her mistress to retire so early, Mathers was probably with the rest of the servants. Perhaps some time alone would help Mary think. She toed off her silk slippers, moved to the dressing table, took the pins and ribbon out of her hair, then dragged a comb through her curls. This visit was not going at all as she’d thought it would. She wished she was back at Rose Hill, or that she’d never gone to Northumberland in the first place. The only good thing that had happened was that she wasn’t dodging her cousin.

 

Theo watched Mr. Featherton as he, once again, glanced around the drawing room, his frown deepening. All evening he and Lady Mary had been casting looks at each other when they thought no one else was watching. It would make short work of marrying them both off, if the young couple were enamored of each other, but before involving herself, Theo resolved to discover what was going on. She’d been on the wrong end of believing two young people were in love before. She was older and, hopefully, wiser now.

She strolled up to Huntley, who was standing with his wife. “Caro, my dear.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“None of that now, we are of the same rank, and related. I know you are much too well mannered to mention the age difference. I insist you call me Theo.” She linked her arm with Caro. “Come with me if you would. We’ve hardly had time to get to know one another, and I’d like to speak with you for a bit.”

Huntley raised his wife’s fingers to his lips. “I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Well, that was nice to see. Love was important in a marriage. She glanced at her husband. Which was the very reason she’d married the sometimes ill-natured younger son of a Scottish peer. What a row with her father that had been. “I’ll come right to the point. Am I mistaken, or do I sense something between Lady Mary and Mr. Featherton?”

“You are perfectly correct.” Caro paused for a moment. “The problem, as I see it, is that they are not only both reserved, but Mary is a romantic. You know Mr. Featherton’s reputation.”

“Ah yes. Mr. Perfect.”

“Indeed.” Caro glanced up with a disgusted look. “Mary is waiting for an overt sign from him, and he is too proper to give it. He says he will not insult her honor.”

Theo couldn’t stop a huff. “There are times when a lady’s honor needs to be insulted. What a muddle.”

“That is what we’ve been thinking.” Her niece shook her head. “Nothing any of us says seems to work. I’m quite sure if we locked them in a room together, they’d end up playing cribbage.”

This was the most interesting case of courtship going astray Theo had seen in years. “They do not appear to be dullards.”

“No, not in the least.” Caro’s lips formed a thin line. “Both Mary and Kit, Mr. Featherton, are intelligent, well-informed individuals with a great many talents and interests. It’s just, when it comes to one another, they don’t know what to do.”

“Love can make fools of greater people then they are. Let me put my mind to it. I’m sure I can come up with a solution. In the meantime, we shall go on with my plans.”

“Of introducing them to other people?”

“Indeed. Come to think of it, a little jealousy might be just what is needed for at least one of them to forget him- or herself.”

“I’ll not disagree with you.” Caro sighed. “But I know for a fact, Kit has never lost his temper in public.”

“Well, then it’s about time he did.” And Theo knew just the gentleman to do it. As long as the rake remained a gentleman with Mary, the scheme forming in Theo’s mind would do the trick.

 

Kit excused himself shortly after tea. Caro had mentioned Mary having a headache, and he wished he could make sure she was all right. He reached the top of the staircase and gazed at the corridor leading to her chamber. He was half-way to the end, and stopped. What the devil did he think he was doing? He couldn’t very well enter her chamber, even if he knew which one it was. He ran his fingers through his hair. There must be some way to discover how she was doing.

Luckily for him, Mary’s maid passed carrying a tray.

“Mathers?”

She turned and blinked. “Yes, sir?”

“I, er, I am concerned about Lady Mary.”

The dratted woman stood stock still, obviously waiting for him to explain himself.

“I was told she wasn’t feeling quite the thing.” His neckcloth tightened, and he had an urge to loosen it. “If you could tell me whether or not she is better, I’d appreciate it.”

The maid gave a sharp nod. “I shall inquire.”

Kit remained where he was for several moments before Mathers returned. “Her ladyship says her headache is going away.”

He waited for the woman to continue, but it became clear that he wasn’t going to get anything more out of her unless he asked a great many important, not to mention impertinent, questions. “Thank you.”

Mathers bobbed a curtsey. “Good-night, sir.”

Every instinct he had urged him to go to Mary; instead he turned on his heel and stalked off to his own room. To-morrow, while the ladies were making morning calls, he’d scour the town for the best of the sights for him and Mary to visit. Together. Somehow he’d have to find a way to continue to court her and remain near her for the duration of their stay.