Kit and Mary approached as the man left. Kit snagged a glass of champagne from a passing footman and gave it to Lady Simon. “Who was he?”
“A friend of my father’s. From his reaction, he may be expecting a match with Fee.”
“He—your father”—Mary swallowed—“could not think to see her marry a man that much older than she is.”
“He did it to me.” All the color had drained from Lady Simon’s face.
For a moment Mary also appeared as if she’d be ill. Kit hailed another footman and took a flute of champagne from his tray, pressing it into her hand. “Drink some of this.”
She stared at Lady Simon. “That’s monstrous!”
“I agree.” Kit tightened his grip on her arm. “You’re quite pale, my love. Perhaps Lady Simon would escort you to the ladies’ retiring room?”
“What a wonderful idea.” Mary took the other woman’s arm.
He walked with them to the corridor. “Take your time. When you haven’t returned in five minutes or so, I’ll tell Lady Theo you’re not feeling quite the thing, and make our excuses.” Mary frowned. “She’ll understand when I tell her Lady Simon went with you.”
Squeezing her hand, he whispered, “Go now.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The corridor was empty as Mary and Lady Simon made their way to a door leading to the servants’ area. Once there, they took the back stairs up to the first floor.
“Thank you for your help,” Morna said. “I’m afraid he’ll be watching me.”
“You’re welcome, but it was my husband’s idea. We are more than happy to aid you and your family.” After all she’d been through with her cousin, Mary was surprised she was able to keep her voice even. “I’ve had my own problems with family members.” Once they reached Lady Cavendish’s chamber, Mary took the other woman’s hands in hers. “If there is any way we can serve you, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Morna blinked several times. “Thank you. You have all been so kind to us. Perhaps we’ll see you in London?”
“I look forward to it. We’ll be there for the Little Season.”
After Mary reached her room, she tugged the bell-pull.
Several moments later, Mathers answered. “Are you all right, my lady?”
“I was a little faint, but I’m fine now. Please help me change. I have a feeling I’m going to need a walk.”
Mathers gave her a look, but did as Mary asked.
A half hour later, Kit entered the parlor. “Lord and Lady Simon are going to require a bit more help.”
“After she had that conversation with the older gentleman, I thought that might be the case. What is our role?”
“You need to take the air with your maid. I’ll join you before you reach the end of the garden. Lord Simon will be waiting in a coach right next to the garden gate.”
She donned her bonnet. “I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
Kit pulled her against him. “After looking for you for a year, finding you, then almost losing you due to our misunderstandings, I’m not taking a chance of anything happening to the only woman I could ever love.”
If it was anyone but him saying that, she would not have believed him. “The only one?”
“Yes.” His lips grazed hers. “When we return, I’ll show you how much.”
The sounds of guests leaving the party drifted back to the garden as Mary leaned slightly on Lady Simon, who wore a plain muslin cap and drab woolen cloak, as they made their way to the gate.
They’d almost arrived, when Kit joined them. “The streets leading to and from this side of the square are fouled with carriages. One more won’t be noticed in the crush.” He opened the gate and stepped out. A coach stood right where it should be. Mary bit her lip as Kit jerked the door open, then let out the breath she’d been holding, when Lord Simon appeared in the opening, holding his hand out to his wife.
“Thank you.” He nodded to them.
