Kit gazed at her steadily as if he too knew something was wrong. “Tell me more about your uncle.”
The line creasing Lady Mary’s forehead deepened, and Kit wanted nothing more than to smooth it. Truth be told, he’d just as soon take her in his arms and kiss her witless.
“He was always very kind, but absent-minded. His primary love is for rocks, the large ones that one finds in circles. He’s a well-known petrologist, but he is also extremely good with numbers and investing.Papa told Barham that our fortune would not be nearly so large if it weren’t for Uncle Hector. I do not understand what has changed him so.”
Kit wondered if his father knew Hector Tolliver; at least having the uncle’s name and interests would aid in finding the man. “It does sound as if something is not right. I understand Barham has not spoken to him?”
She shook her head. “Uncle Hector is never available. All communication is through letters. Although I’m quite sure he is the one egging Gawain on. Who else could it be? My cousin didn’t pay the slightest bit of attention to me until after Papa died.”
That’s the other thing Kit must do: find this Gawain and put an end to his persecution of Mary. “If you will tell me what your cousin looks like, I shall ensure he can no longer bother you.”
She stared at Kit for several moments. “How canyoustop him? No one else has been able to.”
“Believe me, I have my ways.” He tried but failed to keep his tone light.
Lady Eunice and Doust entered the drawing room just ahead of Simons. She had the look of a well-kissed woman, if Kit knew anything about it, and he did. The urge to pull Mary into his arms, taste her lips, and kiss them until they were plump surged through him again. How long would he have to wait before Mary had the same appearance?
During dinner it appeared as if they were all focused on keeping the conversation light. Doust was encouraged by the ladies to tell them about Ireland and the horses.
“Mr. Featherton had already guessed who you are.” Mary smiled shyly. “I think it was clever of him.”
“Indeed it was.” Doust saluted Kit. “It has been a very long time since anyone put two and two together.”
Kit smiled and accepted the compliments. He was more interested in knowing if Mary’s accolade meant that she was softening to him. He hoped so. They could not go the way they had been much longer. To-morrow, on the picnic, he’d make his first concerted effort to claim her affections and her hand.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The next morning, wanting to ensure all was perfect for his outing with Mary, Kit awoke as the sun crested the tree tops. Not a half hour later, he strode to the stables on the other side of a macadam courtyard. Even here he could see Mary’s handiwork. The semi-hard finished surface had not been there previously. The last time he was at Rose Hill, it was mostly dirt and mud. Roses that must have been replanted from another location, scrambled up the wall, creating the impression the stables were part and parcel of the house. The roof and outside of the building were in pristine condition. A low “moo” drew his attention to the other end of the long structure that now stretched to a stone barrier, incorporating what had once been separate smaller stables. All in all it was a vast improvement, and she’d only been here a few months.
Damn, the woman was a wonder. Exactly the sort of wife he needed. He must take care not to step over the line and frighten her away. He would not make the same mistakes some of his friends had.
Last evening, he had found himself touching her whenever possible. Kit would have to keep his growing attraction for her under control. To do otherwise would dishonor her. Marriage before lust.
All he’d have to do is keep repeating that mantra.
Dent called a greeting. “Looky what I found. Two of the most beautiful steppers I ever seen.”
Kit ran his hand over one of the matched, dark-bay geldings harnessed to his carriage. “What handsome gentlemen. They must be out of Lord Marnly’s stables in Ireland.”
“Ain’t no doubting it. Her ladyship’s groom told me they got them from the rector.” Dent scratched his head. “Found two good hacks as well. Someone other than the rector has a good eye for horseflesh.Don’t suppose you got a hankering to add to the stables? We got plenty of empty stalls.” Dent gestured with his chin in the direction of the stone wall. “Dairy and buttery’s down that way, and the coach house is now the first building ye come to from the drive.”
The whole arrangement was pleasing to the eye as well as sensible. “I just may discuss additional cattle with the rector, but for the time being, I should inspect the estate. Did you get the hamper from the cook?”
He pointed under the curricle’s seat. “Right there. I was just gettin’ ready to bring it around.”
“I’ll go back in the house and fetch her ladyship.”
“Ah, sir?”
Kit turned to his groom. “Yes?”
“It would mean a lot if you kept on her ladyship’s good side. Mrs. Gregson, the cook, keeps a fine table, but our fortunes are tied to yours.”
Wonderful. All Kit needed was more pressure. After having met the woman, he could see her attempting to get back at him through his servants. “I’ll do my best. By the way, make some inquiries about a Mr. Gawain Tolliver. He is a sort of relation to Lady Mary. I want to ensure he’s not been around.”
“And if he has?”
“We’ll find another place for him to be.” Kit would not tolerate the scoundrel’s harassment of Mary. How no one else could get rid of the man was beyond him. Barham might not want to be ruthless with Tolliver, but Kit had no such compunctions.
