Perhaps she had mistaken the look he’d given her. “I was thinking about that before you knocked. Other than love, what are the right reasons?”
Caro smiled softly. “Well, in my case it was to protect me not only from being abducted but from scandal, much as in your situation. Though I had neither the time nor any choice. You, my dear friend, at least have some time. Allow him to woo you. Mayhap being in Edinburgh will be easier. No one will know you are supposed to be married, and there will be no pretense to maintain.”
Exactly what Mary had hoped. “I want it to be easier. I do realize that even if no one knows who I am, word will eventually get out that Mr. Featherton is married.”
Caro gave Mary a knowing look. “Back to Mr. Featherton, are you?”
She felt the heat rising in her face and took a sip of wine. “It seemed better to keep a distance.”
Despite being several months’ pregnant, Caro rose with all the grace she had before, crossed to Mary, bent down, and kissed her cheek. “Kit has a very mild manner, but do not mistake that for weakness. I shall leave you now, or Gervais will come looking for me.”
Once the door closed, Mary considered what her friend had said. Was that part of the problem? Aside from the gentlemen of theton, who had offered her empty flattery, she was used to large, physically powerful, bluff men, such as her father and brothers, who were Corinthians who engaged in every sport.
Could someone like Kit, the perfect gentleman—her cheeks warmed again—be as strong? What kind of man did it take to hold thetonin one’s palm? And what would he do to obtain what he wanted?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Kit poured a glass of brandy. He should probably be in bed trying to sleep, but the Featherton estate waited for no one, and he’d been slacking on his work since arriving at Rose Hill. He’d have to have the mail forwarded to him in Scotland. Shuffling through the letters, he found one from his father.
K,
I have contacted Lord B with a proposal but have not heard from him yet. I shall give him two more days before seeking him out.
Your grandmother has absconded with the Dowager Duchess of Bridgewater to parts unknown. I assume they are traveling in your direction.
The only good news concerns the court case. There will be a hearing next week. I shall keep you advised of the out-come and inform Lord B. That, if nothing else, should bring him to Town.
Keep me apprised.
F
Kit blew out a large breath. Thank God for his father. Mary having control of her own funds would make her feel better, more powerful. He picked up his quill, dipping it in the ink.
F,
Please offer to place LM’s funds in a trust for her use only.
By the time you receive this, or near to it, I will be inthe other capital at the home of Lord Titus Grantham. I trust you to find his direction.
Yr Servant,
K
Kit addressed the missive, then pressed his signet ring into the hot wax of the seal. Dent would be able to take it to the mail and meet up with them on the road to-morrow.
Placing his elbows on the desk, Kit formed a temple with his fingers. Unlike every other woman he had ever met, Mary had not responded as he’d wished. It was becoming clear she wanted something more, but what? Were his friends right? Did she wish to be more aggressively courted? Even kissed before she decided to marry him? If that was so, he’d have to readdress his methods. He rubbed his hands over his face. How would he even know? He might end up giving her a disgust of him.
By his estimate, he had two to three days until they reached Edinburgh. He’d have to plan his siege on Mary. With any luck at all, he’d have her promise to wed before they reached Lord Grantham’s house, and he wouldn’t have to worry about Lady Theo’s potential schemes to find a husband for Mary.
Kit strolled out of the house the next morning. The sun was barely above the horizon as he stared at the mass of vehicles. He didn’t know why the addition of two extra coaches and his curricle made the cavalcade seem so much larger than when his friends had arrived, yet they did.
Mary stood by the other ladies, who were checking items off their lists as they sent the coaches holding their personal servants and luggage ahead. Huntley’s inestimable valet, Maufe, assured his master all would be ready at their first stage of their journey.
The cerulean-blue carriage gown Mary wore caused her eyes to appear even more silver than usual. The garment was topped by a spencer which enhanced the finest bosom Kit had ever seen. Somehow he had to ensure she rode with him for as long as possible.
He was barely able to drag his eyes from her when Rutherford sauntered up. “Reminds me of our travel in France when we helped Serena escape Beaumont. That actually worked out well for both ofthem. Perhaps this trip to Edinburgh will have the desired results for you and Lady Mary.”
Kit refused to equate his situation with Beaumont’s. Mary was not fleeing Kit. He took out his quizzing glass, affecting to survey the seeming chaos, yet found himself focusing on Mary again. “I’m beginning to think wearegoing abroad and for an extended period.” Phoebe and Anna fussed with something in the coach that would carry their children. “We’re missing something or someone.” Mary went back into the house, and he glanced around. “Where is the groom?”
