Mary was with Kit and their friends, on the terrace discussing possible entertainments in Edinburgh. Huntley knew there was a theater, and she hoped they could attend a performance. It had been so terribly long since she had been.
The weather had warmed nicely, and the stones of the house radiated the sun’s heat. She sipped a glass of chilled champagne, the first she’d had in ages. This was a celebration of sorts. It was time for her to move on with her life.
Kit hovered near her, as if he knew her plans might not include him.
Eunice strolled out through the French windows holding hands with Mr. Doust, who snatched two glasses from the footman, handing one to her aunt.
He cleared his throat. “We have an announcement. Lady Eunice has done me the great honor of agreeing to be my wife.”
A cheer went up from the men, who descended on Mr. Doust, congratulating him on his lucky catch. The ladies joined Mary in hugging her aunt.
“Oh, I’m so glad for you.” Mary kissed Eunice’s cheek. “You’ve never looked happier.”
“I never thought to be this blissful again.” Eunice returned Mary’s embrace, blinking back tears of joy. “You will be shocked, but we plan to leave in the morning, and wed in Scotland. I don’t think it is appropriate for me to remain here alone with you away. You have your friends; you don’t need me. As luck would have it, when we stopped in at the rectory, a friend of Brian’s, who is also a clergyman, had arrived begging a place to stay. If not for that, we would have had to wait a few days longer.”
“I shall miss you, but I don’t want you to delay your happinessbecause of me.” The one thing she couldn’t see was her aunt residing in the rectory. It was much too small. “But where will you live?”
Eunice’s smile grew larger. “We’ve only just come from viewing a house for sale not far from town. Mr. Doust has already made an offer for it. Although he didn’t tell me that until after I threatened to buy it if he didn’t.”
Kit was again next to Mary, handing her another glass of champagne as he addressed the rector. “If Mary agrees, until the property transfer is complete, you may both stay here. No one will think that at all improper.”
Mr. Doust inclined his head. “Thank you. We’ll take you up on your very kind offer. I don’t know what they were thinking when the rectory was built. The residence is more suited to an office than a home for a couple.”
“How soon will you depart?” Kit asked.
“To-morrow.” Mr. Doust raised Eunice’s hand to his lips. “I’ll see you at dawn. It will take the better part of the day to reach Coldstream.”
“Is that the closest border town?” Mary asked.
“Indeed.” His eyes never left Eunice’s face as he continued. “The road going there is not as good as the North Road, but it’s ten miles closer, and there is a decent inn.”
“Unless you’ll upset your cook,” Kit said, “you are invited to dine with us this evening.”
“Yes, please do,” Mary added.
Mr. Doust still held Eunice’s hands and gazed at her face as if she were the most important thing in his life. If only a gentleman would look at her in that way.
Finally he glanced at Mary and Kit. “As I’ve no cook to offend, I’d be pleased to join you. My housekeeper makes meals for me a few days a week, and that keeps me for several days.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll tell Simons to set another place.” She signaled to the footman, giving him the message.
Kit poured more champagne for everyone. He stared at her, and his brows quirked as he raised his glass. “To marriage and new beginnings.”
Was something wrong with her? When he turned to Mr. Doust, Mary surreptitiously ran her hand down her bodice, making sure she hadn’t spilled any of the wine. It was dry. How very strange. Whatcould he have been looking at? How could she think of seducing him, when he peered at her as if she had something between her teeth?
Rutherford held up his glass. “Here’s to the parson being caught in the mousetrap.”
Kit’s fingers curled into a fist. He’d attempted to catch Mary’s gaze so that she’d know he meant to include them in his toast as well, but she acted as if there was something amiss. This wooing wasn’t going at all as he’d intended. Instead of becoming closer, she was slipping away from him. Somehow he had to find a way to stop her from getting away.
He sidled next to her. “Is everything all right?”
Her startled gaze flew to his. “Yes, of course. I’m very happy for Eunice. It is what she wanted.”
He bent his head so only Mary could hear. “Would you like to be there when she marries?”
Her shoulders drooped. “I would. Though I understand her desire to wed as soon as possible. If only we would hear from Huntley’s aunt, but that’s impossible.”
Receiving an answer so quickly would be impossible, yet he’d do everything in his power to make this right for her. There had to be a way. “If your aunt and Doust could put off the trip for a day or so, we could all travel together. In fact, now that I think about it, we’d be much better off departing before Sunday. Otherwise we shall be expected in church. Your aunt said you attend services regularly.”
