She dropped her pen, and her eyes widened. “Whatever for?”
When had he become such a dolt? She hadn’t agreed to have him yet. He picked the pen up and mended it for her. “If you decide we should wed, we can’t have anyone here know we are not already man and wife.”
She bit her bottom lip. “My grandmother has a lot to answer for.”
He wasn’t going to argue that. So did his grandmother. “Parricide.”
“What?”
“The killing of a close family member. That’s the best I can do.”
“I like the sound of that word.” She gave a curt nod and went back to her lists.
Murder was looking better every minute. “It is almost time to change for dinner. Unless you wish to deal with the servants this evening, I propose you wait until morning before you advise the staff what is coming. In the meantime, we can take ourselves off for a tour of the estate and a picnic.”
“You might have a point.” She passed the feather end of the pen over her lips, and he found himself envying the pen. He’d much rather have his mouth in its place.
“The staff,” she continued, “has not had guests here since before your aunt died. There will be a great deal to do. I am more than happy to have a good night’s sleep instead of remaining up late to answer questions concerning beds and the like. I’ll tell them I want an accounting of items we must have and menu suggestions prepared for when we return.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Where are your aunt and the rector?”
“They must be playing least in sight.” Mary giggled, and Kit hoped it was a good omen. “You do know he is courting her?”
“I was made aware of that fact.” Kit drank the rest of his tea. “Shall I see you in the drawing room?”
She slid a look at him. “Yes. I promise not to run off again.”
Thank God for that. “I know you won’t.” He placed a kiss on her palm, then closed her fingers around it. “We will make this work. I promise.”
A small sigh escaped Mary, and she gave him a tremulous smile. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
This must be more difficult for her than for me.He already knew what he wanted. He’d just have to bring her round.
If only he knew how to court a lady. Kit gave himself a shake. He was bound to come up with something, and it had better be soon.
CHAPTER TEN
Kit closed the door to Mary’s parlor. The picnic was a start. Ladies loved eating out of doors. Being alone with her in a romantic spot would be the perfect way to begin their courtship.
He made his way down the stairs, opened the green baize door, then descended to the lower level. Simons and the housekeeper were sitting around a long dining table in close conversation. The cook supervised a kitchen maid turning meat on a spit in the fireplace, while keeping her attention on numerous pots on the stove.
“Excuse me for disturbing you.” The housekeeper’s eyes grew wide and she shot out of her seat. Though the butler’s expression didn’t change, he was standing before the housekeeper. Kit waited for the woman to compose herself, then said, “I have planned an outing for her ladyship to-morrow.” He focused on the cook, who stood arms akimbo with a wooden spoon in her hand, glaring at him. He eyed the spoon warily, remembering exactly what it felt like to have his knuckles whacked with one of those, and he didn’t wish to repeat the experience. Not that the cook would. He was the master here . . . Still, it didn’t hurt to tread lightly. “If you could make up a picnic basket to be ready in the morning, I would be in your debt.”
The woman’s countenance softened a bit. “Yes, sir. I know just what her ladyship likes.”
He noticed the cook didn’t ask whatheliked. Ah well. As far as the staff was concerned, he was the errant husband and Mary a paragon. “Simons, send a message to the stables to have my curricle ready after breakfast.”
The butler bowed. “Yes, sir.”
Kit inclined his head slightly before retracing his steps and reaching his bedchamber. Hopefully Piggott had had the forethought tohave a bottle of brandy ready. Nevertheless, considering how it could have gone, it had been a successful day, and he was looking forward to spending time alone with Mary.
“Sir.” The valet handed Kit his letters. “You left these in her ladyship’s parlor.”
“Thank you.” He opened the letter from home.
My darling Son,
Your father told meall. I have never been so shocked in my life. Your grandmother is completely unrepentant, and I have suggested that if she wishes to organize the lives of others, there are several very good charities who would appreciate her efforts. I sincerely hope she does not attempt to arrange marriages for your sisters or brother. They would not take it nearly as well as I know you are.
