They were almost through the picturesque village when he saw the hotel set back from the road. Now he knew the answer.
The Collingswood Arms, built of stone the color of sand, stood in its own park. Perfect for the children and their two-day stay, as they would not travel on Sunday. Liveried footmen were with Maufe as they came to a stop in front of the hotel.
Mary clasped her hands together. “How lovely. Maufe is truly a gem.”
Kit grimaced. “If there was any way to hire him away from Huntley, I would.”
“Perhaps a better idea is to allow him to train your Piggott.”
When Kit turned to Mary, her eyes were full of mirth. A look he’d seen more to-day than in the past week they’d been together. “I might just do that.”
Before Dent could reach the curricle, Kit hopped down and lifted Mary from the carriage. Even though he held her so that no part of her touched him, his blood heated. The moment her feet touched the ground she gazed up at him, her startled eyes deepening in color to pewter. What he wouldn’t give to know what she felt at that moment.
“My lady,” Maufe said. “Your dresser is waiting for you just inside the door. A bath is being prepared.”
Mary gave an imperceptible shake of her head as if to clear it. “Yes, of course. I’ll come directly.” She turned back to Kit. “Shall I see you before dinner?”
“Yes.” He took her hand, bringing it to his lips. “Perhaps another stroll?”
She stilled, like a deer uncertain of her surroundings. “I—I would like that.”
Slowly, he let go of her fingers. “Send word when you are ready.”
“I shall.” She made her way into the hotel.
Though she hadn’t looked back—and he really had not expected her to, she was too much of a lady—he’d made progress. Almost as much, if not more, than the day he’d first suggested a courtship. Now if only he could convince her to marry him.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“The weather is being particularly fine for this time of year, don’t you agree?”
Mary grinned at Eunice, who had been pacing the floor of Mary’s chamber for the past twenty minutes at least.
“What in heaven’s name could be taking so long?”
Eunice was as jumpy as a cat. Mary had never seen her aunt so nervous before. “You did say Mr. Doust had to track down the rector in Coldstream.”
“Yes, but how hard can that be?” Eunice’s arms flew up, then dropped again. “The town is not that big.”
“Have some tea.” Mary handed a cup to her aunt. “I’m sure he’ll return soon.”
Finally, Eunice sank onto the chair facing the fireplace. “Thank you. It is probably only nerves.”
“What is there to be anxious about? You two have been smelling of April and May for the better part of a year, and you’ve been married before. It’s not as if you do not know what to expect.”
“Yes, but I was younger then, and my betrothed had the blessing of my family.” Eunice screwed up her face. “This decision feels so much more important for some reason.”
Well, she had a point. Mary took her aunt’s hand. It must have been much easier to have had an arranged marriage with a man one already loved. “Perhaps because you are the one making the decision.”
“You may be right.” Eunice gave a tight smile. “If it goes wrong, I’ll have only myself to blame.”
“Come now.” Mary used her most bracing tone. “That is quite enough of that sort of talk. At this rate, you’ll convince yourself notto marry him at all.” The sounds of horses and men rose from the front of the hotel. “That may be him now.”
A few moments later, a knock sounded on the door. “Come.”
The door swung open. Mr. Doust clutched his hat in his hands and fixed his gaze on Eunice. “If we’re to be wed by a clergyman before next Wednesday, we must go immediately.”
Her eyes widened as she rose. “Now? But why?”
