Beauty in Disguise (13 page)

Kathryn interrupted, apparently to stop the girl’s whining. “Charity, I will write the invitations this evening, and James may deliver them first thing in the morning. You will then be able to decide which path you will choose on the morrow.”

“Of course, I do not know why I did not think of that myself. And if we are to visit my friends, Kate need not join us. I will be perfectly chaperoned at each stop.”

Oh, no, that was not part of his plan. What about in between houses? He turned to address Kathryn. “I would be delighted, as well, to have
Miss Montgomery’s
company.”

Charity would no doubt berate her mother roundly.

* * *

In the end, Charity was more than happy with the arrangements that surrounded their outing. At quite the exact moment they were to set off, none other than the Farnham brothers appeared, accompanied by their sister, Cynthia, as well as Mr. Bolton, Charity’s most fervent suitor. Charity clapped in delight at the thought of her friends receiving a preview of
her
lord.

“Mama, we must still be sure one of the footmen is able to deliver the invitations today. And we shall go to Easebourne Priory for our picnic!”

“Miss Montgomery?” Lady Dinsmore asked as Kathryn removed her bonnet. “Where do you suppose you are off to?”

“Lady Dinsmore, this outing certainly does not require a chaperone!”

“Of course not, my dear. But
you
will be more necessary on this picnic than before! Indeed, you know more about the Priory in your four months with us than these children know from living near it since birth. Put your bonnet back on, and do not let me hear one word of protest.” Her harshness was in jest, as her real affection for Kathryn allowed that she deserved a treat as much as anyone. Kathryn knew, however, that while another pair of watchful eyes was Lady Dinsmore’s goal, Lord Dalton had a few of his own.

Though at one time she would have been quite happy just being in Lord Dalton’s company, she now knew a day with Lacey and Jacob in the nursery would have been preferable.

Having arrived at the Priory only a few hours later, Lord Dalton was still castigating her for her actions of long ago. “I quite appreciate your tour of the ruins,
Miss Montgomery,
” Lord Dalton said, instinctively placing a hand at her back over a patch of rough ground, then, realizing what he had done, removed his hand as if it had been burned. “I daresay it is not the way you intended to spend your day.”

They had arrived at Easebourne in varying stages of frustration, but glad to see that the servants had indeed arrived before them and had set up an alfresco banquet grand enough to impress the Regent himself.

After being cooped up, talked to death and choked by dust, all were happy to relax in the shade and indulge in cold chicken, pigeon pies, cheese, fruit and tangy lemonade in one large group. Charity had been counting on lunch solely with Lord Dalton. She had openly shown her pique and, after the repast, had suggested they get on with the tour.

Kathryn could see that Charity was put out as she looked at the earl coyly and put her hand in the crook of his arm. It seemed Lord Dalton knew Charity’s intent, as he blatantly invited her companion along as the expert amongst them.

Charity, now openly disgruntled, removed her arm from Lord Dalton’s and placed it in the crook of Kathryn’s. Apparently she was not happy, but not disgusted enough to leave him alone with her companion.

Kathryn was determined to be pleasant and amiable once they were thrown together. She knew he was happy that she was uncomfortable, especially while covered in her loathsome disguise, but she would allow him his revenge. She deserved it.

“Indeed, I will sink very low in your opinion and admit I love this tumbled-down old building. I love to bring the children here. To own the truth, I think they have begun to believe they are being punished for crimes unknown when we come. Would you not agree, Charity?”

Lord Dalton pretended no notice of Kathryn. “Miss Charity, the study of old architecture is one of my passions. Do you share it?” They sat down upon a pile of fallen stones, and Kathryn leaned back against the remaining wall. Charity did not share it, but she would certainly take advantage of it.

“Of course, my lord. Easebourne Priory has been my friend since childhood.”

Had things been quite different, the old Lord Dalton would have shared a private smile over such a lie.

Instead, Kathryn spoke in platitudes. “I like to spend my time off with Lacey and Jacob, and though they both love to read, we gather such vivid information from actual visits.” She smiled a little to herself. “So I kill two birds with one stone.”

Charity was quickly becoming bored, and Kathryn could not be alone with Lord Dalton. “I’m sure Charity and I would like to hear about your travels, my lord. I always hated the nonchalant discussions of war in London, when anyone with a brain must realize the dreadful nature of it all.” She sighed.

“Oh, yes, my lord, do tell me about your regimentals. I so adore a man in regimentals!”

Only a few weeks ago, he would have looked at Kathryn in complete understanding of Charity’s childish remark. Now he seemed bent on pleasing her. Perhaps he truly
had
decided on her for a wife. If that were so, then she was well out of it.

“Ah, they are quite handsome, I assure you, Miss Charity.” Kathryn heard him say under his breath, “Especially once they have bullet holes and saber slits in them.” Oh, what he must have seen in times of battle.

It seemed Charity had heard him, as well. But she laughed. “My lord, you do love to tease me. Of course they would not be handsome then. Why, I assumed you had several pairs in the event your colonel had a party. I have heard there are great balls in between battles.”

Neither of them could respond to such a comment.

Suddenly, Lord Dalton turned to her. “
Miss Montgomery,
” he said with emphasis, “I still have not heard about your London Season.” Apparently trying to flirt with Charity did not give him enough pleasure.

“My come-out was many years ago. But as I have mentioned, it was not a successful one, and I am afraid I have no taste for London any longer.”

Charity tittered. “Can you imagine, my lord? She does not like London!”

Ignoring her, he persisted in his inquiry of Kathryn. “But you must have learned all you could while you were in Town?” He smiled as if speaking to a stranger. “Despite your distaste for the place, you must own it has much to offer in the way of stimulating one’s mind.”

She could remind him that the social whirl allowed her little time for more intellectual pursuits, but she watched her words more closely now and would give him nothing more to pierce her heart. “Unfortunately, my visit was cut short and I was not there long enough to see many of London’s famous sights. That is only one of the regrets I have about my Season.” Why had she added that? Oh, her wretched tongue!

“Too solemn, by half, ma’am. Miss Charity, have you perhaps visited London?”

Charity proceeded to monopolize him with quite a monologue. No, she had not been to Town, but she had been to Bath. She needed neither of them as she spoke without ceasing, but she kept tugging at Lord Dalton’s sleeve to be sure he was listening to her.

Kathryn knew he was sorry he had asked for Charity’s opinion when he turned once more to her. “I do not know much about your lot in life. What brought you to your present occupation?”

She flinched at the hurtful words. “If you two will excuse me, I am the chaperone on this outing. I will go see to the others.” She curtsied and walked away. She did not even bother with her shuffle; she was so hurt she did not care. And she did not give a hang about leaving her charge alone with Lord Dalton. Indeed, she hoped they would be very happy together.

“No, ma’am, I am not asking for information. I wished to make an observation, but it may not apply in your case.” His voice grew fainter as she got farther away. Before this week she would have taken that as an apology.

She noticed by the time she reached the others that the couple was not far behind. She supposed he did not want Kathryn to miss even one moment of their burgeoning love.

“Oh, yes, Lord Dalton, I adore strawberries,” was all she heard before she sat down with Cynthia Farnham.

When they all had their fill of dessert, Kathryn watched him charm the group of children with war stories and horse races and exploits she knew had never happened. But she had the feeling he was somehow trying to make up for his earlier comment, taking on the duty of keeping the group occupied and carefree.

She knew his hurtful words to her came out of his own pain, but there was nothing she could do about it now. He had even used Charity to protect him from being alone with her. If he would just speak his mind, let all of his anger out, she knew he would be able to go on with his life and put their tiny space of time in the past to rest. She had given up on him long ago, and she had no more right to him. She’d hoped that someday they could work it out, perhaps remain friends, but she knew it was too late for that now. So she would let him punish her as long as he wished, then she would watch him leave her, glad to be out of it. At this point all she could hope for was that she would not lose her position through him.

Unfortunately, Charity had had enough of Mr. Bolton, after the attentions of the earl. “Lord Dalton, you must be bored to tears with these children. I will rescue you.” She sat closer to him and touched his arm. “You see, I know you are too honorable to interrupt them.” She put her hand through the crook of his arm, giving him no choice but to stand up.

He quickly removed it once standing. “I do not think we should leave full responsibility for the group to Miss Montgomery. We must not be selfish.”

“Oh, my lord, that is why Kate is here. She will keep a watchful eye, do not doubt it.” She turned her brilliant green eyes to his in adoration. He laughed out loud and patted her arm. “As the male, I think I would keep them in line much better. Will you not sit back down?”

“No, I will not.” She yelled for a servant, making all on the blanket jump in surprise. “I believe we should return home. Pack all of this up, now!” No one would gainsay Charity, so they did as she wished.

Kathryn had heard his laughter only moments ago with Charity, and she found herself very close to tears. They had shared laughter easily years ago, and even here, before he knew who she really was. She thought if she had many more days like this, she could easily fall out of love with the Lord Dalton of London days.

And without that, she would shrivel up and die inside.

Chapter Nine

T
he next day Kathryn avoided Lord Dalton any way she could. Fortunately, the work on the party became increasingly more taxing and could always be used as an excuse. How he filled his time, she did not know.

Had she been able to go to the bridge, to be free just for an hour, she would have gone. But Lord Dalton was so angry at her, she would not be in the least surprised if he actually went every night in the hopes of another opportunity to pull her down.

Instead, she ensconced herself in the large dining room, where the party would move after dinner. The affair had increased significantly in size over a few days, and had now turned into a full-blown ball. Or as much of a ball as you could have with fewer than thirty people. No one ever used that word, but that is what it had become.

Kathryn had been called upon to pick a theme and order the decorations accordingly. She had been thinking of the many balls she had attended in London, looking for one memorable enough to help her decide.

Suddenly, she remembered. There was only one event that she could recall in minute detail, and it had not been a ball at all. It had been a night at Vauxhall Gardens.

Lord Dalton had asked her father’s permission to take her, as both men knew there was much that went on there that was not suitable for a young girl. But he had promised to make up his own party of guests and rent one of the private boxes so they would all be safely situated there. He even guaranteed her father that his parents would be with them, as well.

Kathryn remembered it now as one of the most amazing nights of her life.

When Dalton told her they were to go, she had hugged him with pleasure. He had been startled, but she remembered he certainly returned it. They both pretended it had not happened. She knew her father would not let her go in the care of anyone other than Lord Dalton, and she did not wish to experience it with anyone else.

He had picked her up in full evening wear, and his handsomeness nearly took her breath away. She sometimes wondered if her bearing and taste in clothes could live up to his standard, but either way she thanked God for him. She began to love him in earnest.

His parents were in Town, and with the two other couples Lord Dalton had chosen, she was so very excited.

They had to take a barge on the Thames River to get there, and it was all so new and exciting. They arrived to twinkling lights strung throughout the trees, a private box with wonderful food and music that filled the air.

“May I have this dance, Lady Kathryn?” She heard the strains of the waltz, and she gave him a dazzling smile.

“You may, Lord Dalton.”

She excused herself to his mother, and walked on his arm to the dance floor. Between the lights and the stars above, everything seemed to sparkle.

“Are you having a good time, my sweet?”

“Must you even ask? It is magical.”

“I believe it is only magical when you are here with the right person.” He looked into her eyes as they danced. “I find it quite magical myself.”

She blushed at the compliment, and could not stop smiling.

“I think your mother very dear, Dalton.”

“She is that, and I am so glad you like her. Actually, coming here was her idea. It seems she and my father came two years ago and thought it a romantic night.”