GypsyDukeEpub (3 page)

"I'm glad." She grinned at him with a challenging glint in her eye. "Then let us ride."

She took off at a gallop, and he rode after her. As they raced along the wooded paths, John marveled at the maturity in her. In appearance, she resembled any girl of five and ten years, but in thought and speech, she always seemed able to converse with John as an adult.

No doubt, a result of her secluded upbringing. She was surrounded by adults, and saw very few young ladies. Which was a relief. The few times John had traveled to London and mixed with the ton, he had been appalled at the simpering young women and their calculating mamas.

At the end of their ride, they lingered at their meeting place. The massive oak tree was shelter from wind, rain, or sun, and the abundant foliage lent a shimmering green luminescence to their private world.

She tilted her head and offered him a coquettish glance.

He blinked several times then stared hard at her. That was a new look for his little Kitty.

"John, do you have a note for me?"

He hung his head, chagrined. With all the upset of his uncle's arrival and his father's unsettling news, he had forgotten. "Alas, Mistress Kitty, I fear I was overset with family cares. I have failed you sadly. Please, accept my apologies."

"Very nicely done; you are forgiven. But there is some way you could make it up to me."

"And pray, what is that, fair maiden?"

She tipped her head up, but let her lashes hide her eyes a moment longer, then she fluttered them open, gazing at John with undisguised longing. "You have never yet written me a love note. Do you not think I am old enough to receive a token of your affection?"

John's mouth fell open. What was happening to his child-bride? Was she developing those alarming tendencies to flirt? She had no need of that with him. His affections and their betrothal were fixed. "I am what I am, Kitty. Just a simple landowner with nary a romantic thought."

She pouted up at him, and he relented. There was power in that small female's glances.

"But I will do my utmost to attend you, you winsome chit."

"Such praise will go to my head. I must needs retreat to my room and contemplate your pledge."

He shook his head, laughing then reached up to tweak her nose. "Until tomorrow. I shall not disappoint you."

Chapter 2

Kitty laughed as she rode back to the stables, remembering the look on John's face when she requested a love note. The poor man hadn't known what to do with her.

Thought she was a child, did he? She would change that. Just because their betrothal was fixed, didn't mean she didn't want romance. She would have to help him along, it seemed.

With raven black hair and blue eyes bright enough to make a girl swoon, especially when he smiled, John was every maiden's prayer for a
suitor. And that cleft in his chin…If he ever stayed in London to enjoy the season, he might realize what a catch he was.

It wouldn't matter that he was already betrothed. All the scheming mamas and their daughters would flock to him. He was a duke. Or soon would be, but that was a depressing thought she did not wish to consider just now. Later, when she was in her room, she would pray about it.

She sighed. What would show him that she'd grown up? She needed a plan, but it wasn't something she could discuss with Mama. She would probably be shocked. Perhaps the maid. Kitty could listen the next time Amy talked about one of her beaux. That way, she wouldn't have to ask anyone how to catch a man's attentions. She smiled. An excellent decision.

The countess planned to retire after tea to attend some correspondence and suggested Kitty do the same.

Kitty stuck out her tongue. "Is it an order, Mama, dear?"

"Does it have to be? You know your cousins would feel injured if you did not return their felicitations."

"If not for you and Aunt forcing our hand, we would be blissfully correspondence-free."

The countess chuckled. "Oh, Kitty. Do you really see Gertrude standing over the girls, instructing them in every swirl of their nib? And surely your mama is not that stringent."

"There is no better mama, and I am blessed to have you. If you need me, I shall be in my room, slaving beside a hot candle, penning cheery tomes to my dull cousins."

"There is no need for the hot candle. Have Amy move your writing desk near the window. It's lightweight, but if she encounters difficulty, call for a footman."

"Yes, Mama."

Minutes later, she and Amy were ensconced in her room. While Amy slid the desk closer to the open window, Kitty flopped on the bed.

"You will never guess who I saw the other day."

"And who is that, mi'lady?" Amy asked with an abstracted air as she rearranged Kitty's writing utensils.

"Tad…at the Somerset estate, working the fields."

"That layabout? I can scarce credit it. Not with his mum making free with the blunt." A dreamy look settled on her face, and she stared out the window. "Did you see my Ray when he come to pick me up yesterday?"

"He seemed a most earnest young man. I don't see how you ever got him to look your direction. Even as pretty as you are.

"I could tell you tales…"

"Tell me." Kitty sat up and patted her bed.

Amy eyed the pink satin counterpane. Kitty could practically hear her thoughts. It wasn't proper to have cozies on the bed with Kitty. Sometimes, Amy could be such a snob.

Kitty tipped her head, flashing her most beguiling smile. "It has been such a while since we had a long chat. You could marry soon, and I'll have no one."

Amy hesitated only a moment then plopped on the bed beside Kitty.

"Now, tell me how you caught Ray."

"'Tweren't easy, I can tell you. Many's the village girl who threw their eyes his way. He's a hard worker, makes a decent living, and he won't knock a girl about."

"Never say...gentlemen strike you?"

Amy's eyes shuttered, and she shook her head. "Never you mind, sweet. Master John would never hurt you. Anyway," she got that dreamy look again, eyes soft and staring into space. "One evenin' after I'd broke with Tad...he was still after me for a bit o' coin. Thinks I'm bacon-brained, he does. Lays hisself up in the pub most nights. I can't believe Master John's steward took him on."

"Ray…you were saying."

"Right. My Ray. Well, Tad would have had my reticule if Ray hadn't come upon us. He may be quiet, but it don't mean he's a coward," she said with a fierce bob to her head. "He stepped right up to Tad all stiff and tall-oh, you should have seen him, miss." Kitty smiled to encourage the story along. "Then he says, 'I think the lady asked you to unhand her.' Well, Tad, he gets off all cocky and bluff, but Ray seen it for what it was and dinna back down. So Tad comes at him all out. Could 'ave really hurt him if he caught him, but Ray stepped to the side then knocked him on the ear. Tad dropped like a stone. What a lightweight!"

In a way, it was a touching story. All it had taken for Amy to lose her heart was one quiet hero. All it had taken for Ray was one woman who saw him that way. Could it be that simple? But John had no one from which to defend Kitty.

"What happened after? Ray didn't leave you standing there, did he?"

Amy waved her hand like an imperious duchess. "Course not. He walked me home with nary a word. Though I thanked him and begged him to come in and meet me Mum, he just wouldn't do it. Still, every time I saw him 'round the village, I could see his eyes a followin' me."

Now they were getting somewhere. Anticipation curled in Kitty's stomach like a cup of warm cocoa, and she leaned closer. "So, what did
you do?"

"When I was afeared he'd no more 'n look 'til I was an old maid, I winked at him."

"You didn't!"

"I did." Amy giggled. "He was leaning against the rail, front of the smithy's place. You know the one."

"Of course."

"I walked past like no one was there, and then...right when I reached him, I looked over and winked bold as you please."

Kitty gasped. "You didn't."

"I really did."

"And that worked? He came and asked for you?"

"Not right away. He looked all in a brown study for a minute, like he was thinkin' on what to do. So I dug in my reticule like I was searchin' for somethin' then peeked at him again, and the man grinned and winked at me. And that was the start."

"The start of what?"

Amy considered with a finger to the side of her mouth. "Well, he sort o' made sure he was always leanin' there waitin' when I left ye, and I made sure I always had a wink for him. In less than a week, the man was holding my arm as he escorted me home."

Kitty sighed. "A wonderful story, Amy. I am so happy for you."

"Yes, that's all there was to it. Just had to let him know I was thinkin' of him." She stood and rubbed her hands on her skirt. "Now, I guess you best write your letters. Do you need anythin' else, sweet?"

Kitty jumped off her bed and gave Amy an impulsive hug. "Nothing, you are the best abigail a girl could have."

"Oh, go on, you." Amy blushed, slipping out of Kitty's arms. "Call if you need anything, m'lady."

Kitty's thoughts remained a jumble. All she needed was a wink for John to know she was flirting. Was she bold enough to do such a thing? She could scarcely wait to see his reaction.

John returned Renegade to the stable then climbed the stairs to his room to change. He entered with Grayson hard on his heels.

"Did you enjoy your ride, milord? Was Lady Katherine well?"

"Yes, fine, Grayson. Where is my mother?"

The valet knelt and yanked at John's boots. "I believe your mother
retreated to the conservatory. The solicitor and your uncle are sequestered with your father." He set the boots aside then reached for John's riding jacket. "I mentioned to Cook you'd returned. She's making a tea tray. Should I send it along to the conservatory?"

John had more important things to think about than food, but if he didn't agree to eat, his servants would continue to pester him. "That will be fine."

As the door closed, John considered Kitty's request for a love note. Would it be proper for one so young? Could he write such a thing? He loved Kitty, but it was more the affection of knowing she was his family than any great passion.

But that bewitching look she gave him. He couldn't get it out of his mind. He tried to think of something else, but there it was. Numerous girls had tried such tactics on him before to no avail, but with Kitty it was different. He felt a longing to write her a sonnet or some such nonsense, just to see that beguiling look of hers again. Thinking of it made him feel queer in the stomach.

He shook his head. Women were perplexing. Even his own mother confused him at times. He hurried downstairs to seek her company. For now, she was the one voice of reason in the house.

Warm, moist air and bright sunlight from the many floor-to-ceiling windows hit John when he opened the door. Several different fragrances, humid earth and something floral, maybe jasmine, wafted past his nose as he advanced into the room.

His mother raised her head and smiled. Her yellow muslin day gown stood out in the midst of the green palms leaning over her wicker chaise. She always chose this warm, airy atmosphere, with its vibrant assortment of growing plants and flowers, to lift her spirits.

He bent and kissed her cheek. "You look lovely in this room, Mother. It suits you."

Her eyes widened at this uncharacteristic comment. He should compliment her more often.

"Why, thank you, John. Is there something you needed?"

A maid came in, bearing the tea tray, which she set beside the duchess. She looked at the tray in confusion. "I did not order tea, Frances, and I surely do not require such a substantial offering when I do."

"Beggin' your pardon, your Grace. Cook said I was t' fetch it for the young master. He didn't take his breakfast."

The duchess nodded, and the maid curtsied and left the conservatory. Teresa poured out. "You did not breakfast this morning, son? Are you not well? Does something trouble you?"

He sat in the wicker chair closest to her and accepted a cup. "Only what concerns you." A brief picture of Kitty's pleading face reared in
his mind. "Except…" No, he could not speak of romance with his mother. He took a sip of tea.

She poured a cup for herself, but the glint in her eye did not bode well for his private thoughts. "How was your ride with Kitty this morning? Was she bright and cheerful?"

Could she read his mind?

"Kitty is ever cheerful. She asked after you and Father, of course. I admonished her not to visit without her parents."

"Surely you did not speak of…"

"Of course not. Kitty is but five and ten. I would never burden her innocent mind with Uncle's decadence."

"John…"

His eyes locked on hers. "You cannot deny it, Mother. I may not have always understood you and father's veiled comments about Uncle, but I can see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears. He is a licentious drunk with an aberration for young ladies."