Simons entered, placed the tea tray in front of her, left, and closed the door behind him.
“I don’t know how much time we’ll have before the gentlemen join us.” Anna chose a chair and settled her skirts. “I realize you do not know me that well, but it would help if you told us everything from start to finish.”
Phoebe and Caro’s trust in Anna made Mary resolve to ask for the help she needed. Taking a breath, she straightened her shoulders. “Caro, you know when my cousin began to bother me?” Her friend nodded. “Barham’s first child had just been born, and he didn’t wish to remain in London but would not leave me alone. I went back to the estate with him, but Gawain followed.” She told them about each time she’d thought she had escaped him, only to discover he’d found her and tried to bribe the servants and others in the area. “Finally we let him think he had, and the maid gave him false information. That was when I came to Rose Hill.”
Caro shifted her position so that she faced Mary. “I wish I had known. But you have been safe and contented here?”
“I’ve been happier than I’ve been in a very long time.” She was so thankful to be able to unburden herself. “As all of us were, I was raised to run a great estate. Rose Hill is not quite that, but it gave me an occupation.” Yet another reason Papa would not have betrothed her to Gawain. Uncle Hector did not have a large holding for his son to inherit. She told her friends about her early fears and doubts about the name Featherton, and what occurred when Kit arrived. “He was enraged, as he well should have been, and I was devastated. He was the last person I wanted to see.”
And it didn’t make it easier when he said Rose Hill was her house. He, of all people, knew how untrue that was.
Caro took Mary’s hands. “I remember how you seemed drawn to each other and I was surprised nothing came of it.”
“I had no idea I was so obvious.” Her grandmother had been in London then. Had she noticed Mary’s attraction as well? “I did try to hide it.”
“It was not just you,” Caro said, squeezing Mary’s hand. “He could barely keep his eyes off you.”
That she had not expected to hear. After he ignored her she’d thought him indifferent. “But what am I to do?”
“We know the match was planned by your grandmothers.” Phoebe’s lips formed a thin line. “I do not agree with how they went about it; nevertheless, we must work with what we have.”
Mary pleated and unpleated her skirts, praying that her friends would agree with her plan to avoid an unwanted match. “At first I thought there was no way out of it, but if we find we do not suit, which is beginning to look like the case, I have hit upon a scheme to avoid marrying him.”
The ladies exchanged glances; finally Caro asked, “What is your idea?”
Mary glanced down at the hand Kit had kissed. “I have decided to go abroad to live for a few years. In the event some man attempts to force me to marry him, I’ve instructed my brother and his man of business to draft documents not allowing my husband to have access to any of my property for the duration of his life. Barham has permission to act for me. I realize that is premature, but I would rather have the provisions put in place as soon as I inherit.”
For several moments, the room was so quiet the sound of the clock on the mantel ticking sounded as loud as church bells.
Caro’s brow creased as she pressed gently on Mary’s hand. “Living abroad is not always the answer.”
“Nor is running away,” Phoebe added.
“I must agree.” Anna nodded. “Your best course of action is to confront him with your doubts.” She cocked her head for a moment. “I believe the gentlemen are coming. Let us continue this conversation in the garden.”
Thank God for Anna’s hearing. Mary did not wish to see Kit before she knew what she would do.
Kit opened the door to the drawing room. The tea service was on the table, untouched. Where the devil had the ladies got to? He strode to the window seat and looked out. The women were strolling the garden, two by two, their arms linked.
Huntley came up beside Kit. “Must be a serious discussion if they’ve left without drinking a cup of tea.”
His friend was right. He caught a glimpse of their profiles as they turned a corner. None of them were smiling. “I honestly do not know what I have done.”
“Do you mind if I pour?” Rutherford asked. “I’m a bit peckish.”
Kit shook his head. “Not at all. Once we’ve finished what is on the tray, I’ll ring for something more sustaining.”
“Why not call for it now?” Marcus asked, filling his plate.
“I don’t want the servants to know the ladies did not partake.”
Huntley pushed Kit down onto the window seat. “Give over, man. What the hell is going on here?”
The others pulled up chairs, until they were seated in a semicircle.
Marcus sat. “That’s what I’d like to know as well.”
Taking out his quizzing glass, Rutherford went to the French window. “Agreed. The sooner we know what the problem is, the sooner we can be with our wives.”
