“It will not pay a fortune, but enough to set up a household,” Grayson said.He gave Lucy a stern look, but she only nodded happily.
“Oh, I don’t want for much, after living here,” Lucy hastened to assure him, and for some reason, the careless remark stung Kate.
She had done her best with what little she had.Did that not count for anything?“What of our guardian?”she asked, compelled by something she could not have named.“Surely, you realize that Lucy is underage.”When she saw Lucy’s bright happiness pale, Kate wanted to take back her words, but wasn’t it best to make sure the wedding could go on?
“According to my sources, your guardian is out of the country,” Grayson said.“Post the banns.Once they are read by the local cleric for three Sundays, you may wed.I doubt if your guardian will even hear of the notice, let alone place an objection.”
And if he did, he would have the Marquess of Wroth to deal with, that much was evident in the disdainful lift of Grayson’s dark brow.He cast a glance at Kate that told her not to doubt him.
Instead of being reassured, Kate found Grayson’s confidence annoying.She turned to Lucy.“Still, I would like to make certain that this is in my sister’s best interests.Lucy, may I speak with you alone for a moment?”
Nodding reluctantly, Lucy sent Rutledge a brilliant smile and told him to meet them in the drawing room in a few minutes.“Send some tea up, will you, Meg?”she asked, waving a languid hand.
Kate wondered if Grayson’s new position came complete with cook and housemaid, but she knew the answer immediately.Servants were employed in all but the poorest of homes.And Hargate.She frowned and pulled her sister into one of the smaller rooms off the gallery.
“Are you certain that this is what you want, Lucy?”
“Yes, and I hope you are not going to spoil it for me, Kate.”
The taunt hurt, for Kate had done nothing except struggle to keep her sister content these past few years.“I only want what is best for you, and I must admit that your… gentleman seems rather young.Will you be happy with him in a smaller home, with a child to care for?”
Lucy sighed, pouting prettily.“Would you have me prefer it here, slaving like a servant to hang on to a house that means nothing to me, a legacy that has left me nothing?”
Kate flinched, startled by the vehemence in her sister’s expression, but then it softened, as if Lucy were having second thoughts.
“Katie, I know you’ve worked hard for us, but I’m not like you.You were always the smart one, the strong one, the brave one.You can ride and bake and do accounts and anything!I used to hate you for it, but now I’ve finally got something of my own.”
She paused to produce a crooked smile.“Oh, Wroth offered to arrange another marriage for me, but I’m comfortable with Archibold.He won’t tuck me away in some corner while he conducts affairs, as those arrogant lords are wont to do.He’ll pay attention to me.Me,Katie.And I won’t have to do anything except look pretty.”
Kate swallowed, her throat suddenly thick with emotion, her eyes smarting under the pressure of tears at her sister’s revelations.She had never dreamed that Lucy might be jealous of her.And for what?Kate could only blink in dismay, still disbelieving.
But Lucy was right about one thing.They had heard abouttonmarriages, in which infidelity was common for both spouses, and Kate deemed it better that her flighty sister be out of temptation’s way.
Although technically a mésalliance, her union with Mr.Rutledge was hardly lowering, considering their current circumstances.Indeed, Lucy would probably be better off than at Hargate, where every day was a struggle.
Kate choked back a sob as Lucy caught her up in a tight embrace, the first sign of affection she had received from her sister in a long time.There was so much she wanted to say, but before she could even form the words, Lucy was moving back into the gallery, just as if the poignant moment between them had never occurred.
Drawing a deep breath, Kate leaned dazedly against the doorjamb trying once more to sort out her chaotic feelings.Everything seemed to be happening so fast when only a fortnight ago her life had been quiet and predictable.What had changed?Kate wondered dizzily.The answer came all too swiftly.
Grayson had appeared, and nothing would ever be the same again.
Chapter Eleven
Grayson was disappointed.He was not sure what he had expected from Kate at the news of her sister’s nuptials, but not this calm acceptance.He received more admiration from his political opponents.Yet he had just found a husband for Lucy, salvaging both her reputation and her romantic notions of love, and what thanks did he get?
Although Grayson kept his face carefully composed, he felt the slow burn of annoyance.He did not want Kate to fall at his feet, prostrate with gratitude, but she could acknowledge his accomplishments.
He had come to respect her opinion.It mattered to him in some inexplicable way, yet she had remained silent and sullen through dinner, giving him only a brief nod, as if to say, “Fine work, my lord.Now be off with you.”
Grayson’s nostrils flared at the thought.His little poppet would not be rid of him so easily, whether she willed it or not.It was one thing for him to consider leaving and quite another for her to push him away.
He was unaccustomed to such treatment, and rebellion surged through him in a startling manner.He had always taken what he wanted.He was Wroth, and none dared gainsay him.
The doubts that had plagued him for the past few days disappeared in a rush of covetousness.He wanted this woman, not only physically, but to share with him her thoughts, her laughter, and her passion.
It was a hunger, surprising in its intensity, and when he saw her turn to go, Grayson was seized by the absurd desire to throw her over his shoulder like some primitive and carry her off to his hut.Or at least his hunting box.
“My lord, if I could have a word with you?”
