Rutherford pointed to the end of the row of coaches, where a brown-and-gold painted curricle had just pulled up behind the last coach.
A few moments later, Doust strode up. “I’m glad I’m not late. I had an emergency with a parishioner. Fortunately, I was able to hand it over to my rector friend who is standing in for me.” He grinned. “He even made a point of telling me to take a few days for a honeymoon.”
Kit hadn’t even thought of his own wedding trip. He supposed he had better come up with something, and Mary might have ideas as well. “Let’s see if the ladies are ready.”
After Lady Eunice settled in with her betrothed, Kit turned to Mary, who was now standing with Caro and Phoebe. “I would be honored if you rode with me until we get to the Great North Road.”
Her eyes widened as if his offer was the last thing she expected.
“What a splendid idea.” Caro beamed. “Phoebe was just saying that little Arthur was a bit out of sorts and wished to travel with his mama. It will be much more comfortable for Mary to be in the curricle.”
Mary stared at Caro for several moments, as if she was holding back a retort, before facing him, her countenance schooled into a polite smile. “I’d like that extremely. Thank you for offering.”
“If you wish, you may drive.” Without waiting for her answer, he lifted her up, trying to ignore the urge to pull her against him. He satisfied his desire to touch more of her by settling the rug over her lap and legs. “Let’s be off so that we’re not catching the dust from the coaches.”
“That’s a good idea. The road will be bad enough without that.” She took the ribbons, threading them expertly through her fingers. “Thank you.”
Laying one hand on her arm, he leaned closer to her. “You never have to thank me. I enjoy seeing your happiness.” She blushed charmingly. When Kit straightened, he added, “And I have every expectation you will do an excellent job.”
Suddenly she stiffened. “I’m glad you have confidence in my skill.”
What the hell had happened? One moment Mary had been happy and smiling, and the next she froze again. If only he knew what he had said. Was he not supposed to compliment her skill at all? She’d been happy the last time he’d done it. Then again, he had failed to tell her she looked pretty.
She gave the horses their office and off they went, tooling down the drive toward Rosebury.
Skills!Mary thought. All he could ever think to compliment her on were her skills. All the other men had praised their wives’ beauty this morning, even when they were yawning, but other than greeting her, Mr. Featherton had said nothing. Even after she’d taken such care to look particularly attractive, all he could say was she drove well.
Caro’s words came back to Mary. Perhaps he was afraid of offending her. If only she knew what to do. Unfortunately she couldn’t think of the problem now. They were entering the town, and she had to attend to the team. She inclined her head to people as they waved. Her throat tightened. No. She would not think of this being the last time she would be here.
When they’d reached the road toward Alnwick, Kit said, “I had a letter from my father. Your case to terminate the trust will come up next week.”
Her heart stopped, and she dropped her hands, almost losing her hold on the horses. Finally she remembered to breathe again. “How? I mean, I’ve been waiting for so long.”
She slid a quick look at him, and his lips had curved up in a smug smile. “My father has some influence, and I asked him to use it on your behalf.”
Mr. Featherton took her breath away. He had done what her brother had not been able to accomplish in two years, and in such a short time. “But why? I do not understand.”
“Because you wanted it. I could see the restraint chafed you.”
Oh my goodness. What did one say to that? “You have my deepest appreciation.”
“I’d rather have your trust.”
Unable to think of a response, or do more than give him a quick glance, she applied herself to the pair.
“Would you agree to start anew?” he asked.
Her heart thudded against her chest as she fought to keep her voice from trembling. “What exactly do you mean?”
“I believe we have both found it difficult to enter into a courtship in the presence of those who thought us already married. In Edinburgh you will be known as Lady Mary Tolliver and be properly chaperoned. I would like you to allow me to be your suitor, as if the deception had never occurred.”
She couldn’t believe they were having this conversation now. Right when she dare not take her attention off the team. Still, that was what she had wanted, to be wooed and not trapped into marriage, but could it work? Thus far it had not. Was he right? Would things change between them in Edinburgh? Her friends’ conviction that he loved her flitted through her mind, and she had to admit, even when she was angry with him, she was still very much attracted to him. “Very well,” she said evenly, trying not to appear too eager. “Let us proceed as you suggest.”
“Thank you.” He sounded relieved; if only she could see his expression she’d know whether she had made the right decision.
At least in Edinburgh, if they truly did not suit, she would have other choices. The chance that it might get out that someone had posed as his wife nagged at her. She didn’t want either of them hurt. Perhaps Caro was correct, and Mary’s behavior was making the courtship more difficult. She was still so angry with her grandmother, was she truly not giving Kit a chance? It really wasn’t fair to take her fury out on him. If that was indeed what she was doing.
Marcus rode up next to them. “Doust suggests we take the route he mentioned before. Going north through Coldstream, and from there on to Edinburgh. He says it will cut twenty miles from our journey. The road might not be as good, but it won’t be as crowded either. I’ve already sent a rider ahead to notify the baggage coach. We’ll stop at Wooler, about ten miles or so from the crossroad.”
