“Any idea what fish is most prevalent here?”
“Mostly trout,” Kit said over his shoulder as he fixed a hook to one of the lines.
“I don’t suppose you’ve spoken with Lady Mary this morning?”
He turned. When he’d received the message the ladies were breaking their fast in the nursery, he’d not thought it strange, yet now . . . was something wrong? “No, I have not. If you have something to say, open your budget.”
“Caro wrote to my aunt yesterday. She and I were already going to Edinburgh. Now there’s a plan afoot for all of us to visit the city for a few weeks.”
Which meant Mary wasn’t bolting to the Continent, at least not yet. “Indeed.”
Huntley lounged against a wall, swinging his quizzing glass. “You’re invited as well. It might be to your benefit. No one can deny you show to advantage at entertainments. She’d see you at your best.”
As if Kit was a horse on sale at Tattersall’s. “You might have something there.” Mary was an Incomparable, and Kit had no doubt the Scottish men would be all over her. Competition, but nothing he couldn’t handle. Surely she wouldn’t actually want one of them as a husband. In any event, he’d make sure none of them got too close to her. “When do we depart?”
“I expect an answer by late to-morrow. I’m sure the ladies will wish to leave a day or so afterward.”
“Is there a possibility your aunt will not be able to accommodate us?”
His friend grinned. “Not a chance in the world. Uncle Titus has had her trooping all over ‘those blasted rock sites,’ as she calls them. Although she enjoys it immensely, she’s more than ready for female companionship and parties.” Huntley stopped playing with his glass. “Aunt Theo will also be extremely happy to try to find a match for Lady Mary.”
Kit wasn’t aware he’d clenched his jaw until a dull ache began. “Your aunt needn’t bother. Mary will wed me.”
Huntley grabbed three of the fishing rods and strode to the door. “Naturally. Just like the biddable lady she is.”
Kit slammed his fist on the table. “Hell and damnation!”
Huntley’s laughter floated down the corridor. Lady Mary Tolliver would marry Kit no matter what. She cared for him, and he more than cared for her. Somehow he’d bring her up to scratch.
Eunice tripped lightly down the steps to the hall where Brian awaited her. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that Mary’s friends are here. It relieves me of all my chaperone responsibilities.”
Her heart fluttered as he smiled down at her, placing her hand on his arm after he’d slowly kissed each finger.
“I share your joy.” They walked out to the drive where his curricle stood.
She could scarcely breathe, her heart was galloping so wildly. She wanted him to kiss her lips and so much more. Oh my. Imagine being affected like this at her age. She was sure someone would say it was inappropriate. “Where are you taking me?”
“I thought you might like to see the property I mentioned.” He helped her into the carriage, climbing in the other side. “Unless it is too soon for you, that is?”
“No, your timing is perfect.” Having her niece’s friends here andwatching how happy they all were had given Eunice time to think of hers and Brian’s marriage. She really did not wish to wait much longer.
They were half-way down the drive when he asked, “Have Mr. Featherton and your niece decided when the marriage will be?”
She tried to stifle the sigh but was unable to. “No. The truth is, Mary says she will not wed if she’s not sure she is in love.”
“It creates a problem, but I can’t say that I blame her. I’m surprised Featherton hasn’t been able to get her to agree.” Brian was still for several moments as he feathered the turn onto the road toward Rosebury. “Didn’t you tell me you and your husband had a love match?”
“Indeed we did. Yet unbeknownst to us, the marriage had been arranged.” Eunice thought back ruefully to the day she had confronted her parents. “I was young and very rebellious. When I discovered there was a plan afoot to marry me off, I was certain my father had chosen another gentleman. Someone the very opposite of me, who would try to tame my spirit.” She couldn’t help grinning at the memory of her young self. “Consequently, I very dramatically stormed into his study and announced I would wed Roger or no one. Papa nodded calmly and said that was a fortunate circumstance as he’d signed the betrothal agreement the previous day.”
Brian let out a bark of laughter. “That took the wind out of your sails.”
“It did, rather.” She smiled. “I’m not sure I ever remembered to thank him.”
“Did their other matches turn out as well?”
She thought back to her other brothers and sisters. “Yes. Those who are alive are still very happy. I believe Mama had something to do with Barham’s marriage, as well as the eldest girl’s. Still, she’s never been this obvious before. The only reason I can think of for her behavior is that the cousin must be a much more serious threat than we’d previously thought.”
A comfortable silence fell, until Brian turned into a well-maintained drive lined with hedgerows. “Here we are.”
