Such as Rose Hill. Actually, Rosebury hadn’t felt isolated at all. Although from what she’d heard of the Highlands, one could easily be a day’s ride or more from any kind of town at all. Still, if she fell in love . . . Who was she trying to fool? She’d never be able to live in the middle of nowhere. Very well then, no Highlanders no matter how remarkable they were.
“What is your portion, my dear?”
Bother. That was the second time she’d been caught woolgathering. “Er, I believe I’d rather say moderate. Nothing to get excited about.”
Lady Theo nodded her head sagely. “Good thinking. There is no reason to encourage fortune hunters. Though in my experience, most of them go to London. How is your wardrobe?”
Thankfully Mary had been readying herself for London. “I received a package from my modiste in London before we left. All I require is a final fitting for some of the gowns.”
“Excellent.” Lady Theo tugged the bell-pull, and almost immediately a footman opened the door. “Tell Beattie to send a note round to my modiste. I expect her to attend me in the morning. The hour may be as early as she wishes. Oh, and it’s time for someone to fetch the gentlemen.”
The young man bowed. “Yes, my lady.”
Lady Theo glanced at the clock. “We shall dine in two hours. Lady Mary, I’ll advise you as to the time of the fitting.”
“Thank you, my lady.” There was, after all, nothing else she could say.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to. Please make yourselves at home.” Lady Theo sailed out of the parlor, the door snapping shut behind her.
“Well.” Mary glanced at her friends. “I didn’t expect her to take charge in such a manner.”
“I know what you mean.” Caro grimaced. “On the other hand, this is her city, and she knows it well.”
“The real question,” Phoebe said, “is whom do you wish to marry? Has Kit done anything to fix your attentions?”
Mary pulled at a curl. “He is all that is exceptional . . .”
“But?” Anna prompted.
“He is Mr. Perfect, and he doesn’t seem to feel anything particularfor me.” Mary gave an exasperated huff. “And I will not throw myself at him. I’ve given your suggestion a great deal of thought, and I cannot. I shall have to look elsewhere for a husband.”
Her friends nodded. Thankfully no one brought up her living at Rose Hill. Well, this was up to Mr. Featherton, after all. If he wished to marry her, he’d find a way to show her. Until then, she planned to enjoy her Season without Gawain trying to trap her. That at least was something to be happy about.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kit was in his chamber tying his cravat, as Piggott kept up a steady stream of conversation. Normally Kit was interested in the goings-on of the house in which he was visiting, but to-day he impatiently waited to hear what Lady Theo had planned for Mary. Kit vowed to thwart any attempt by the formidable female to match his Mary to anyone else. Yet asking his valet to just get it over with and tell him seemed a bit pathetic.
She was everything he wanted in a wife; they had never lacked for conversation, she was intelligent, resourceful, responsible, kind, and so lovely it made his heart and the rest of his body ache with longing. The depressing fact was, during the last three days of travel he’d fallen irrevocably in love with her, and she hadn’t appeared to notice. He’d never before spent so much time in one female’s company, never danced attendance on only one lady, and he’d damn sure never had to stop himself from pulling one into his arms. His fingers came close to trembling each time he touched her. Yet other than a few blushes, which were charming, she hadn’t seemed to have been affected. He would like to take his friends’ advice and kiss her, but first he must ensure she would welcome his advances.
Kit gave himself a shake, and Piggott cried out, “Sir, you’ve ruined another one.”
Hell and damnation!Kit glanced in the mirror. “Well, it’s not the Trone d’Amour, but it’s not bad. The extra two creases are even interesting. I shall leave it at that. We’ll name it ‘The Featherton.’”
His valet came around and peered at his neckcloth. “You might have something there, sir, and I defy anyone to replicate it.”
Kit doubted if he could tie it the same way again. “My jacket, please.”
Piggott assisted Kit in donning his jacket. Tucking his watch and quizzing glass in his waistcoat, he should be just in time to escort Mary to the drawing room. If only he knew what Lady Theo had planned. Leaving his chamber, he headed toward the grand staircase.
Fortune was with him. Mary turned the corner from her wing of the house. Lady Theo apparently didn’t believe single ladies and single gentlemen should sleep near each other. Any other time he would have agreed, but now he was not so sure. “Shall I escort you, my lady?”
“Oh. I didn’t see you.” She gave him a tenuous smile. “Yes, thank you. I believe the others will be along shortly.”
Something was bothering her, and he wished with all his heart she’d confide in him. “Did your meeting with Lady Theo go well?”
“Yes.” Mary’s finely arched brows drew together slightly. “She has a great many invitations all ready. To-morrow we ladies will accompany her on morning visits.”
It was time to start ensuring she would not be spending all her time without him. “When you expressed interest in seeing the city, I borrowed a guidebook. If you like, we may walk to some of the closer sights to-morrow afternoon.” She glanced up at him, confusion lurking in her lovely gray eyes. “Only if you won’t be too tired after a round of meeting new people.”
