Kit remained where he was for several moments before Mathers returned. “Her ladyship says her headache is going away.”
He waited for the woman to continue, but it became clear that he wasn’t going to get anything more out of her unless he asked a great many important, not to mention impertinent, questions. “Thank you.”
Mathers bobbed a curtsey. “Good-night, sir.”
Every instinct he had urged him to go to Mary; instead he turned on his heel and stalked off to his own room. To-morrow, while the ladies were making morning calls, he’d scour the town for the best of the sights for him and Mary to visit. Together. Somehow he’d have to find a way to continue to court her and remain near her for the duration of their stay.
Kit woke early the next morning, arriving in the breakfast room moments before Mary entered. Covered dishes lined the sideboard, and sun streamed in through the east-facing windows. He held out a chair for her. “I’d be honored if you’d allow me to fetch your breakfast.”
The butler set a tea-pot on the table in front of Mary.
“Thank you. I’ll pour.”
A footman brought in bannocks, which apparently took the place of toast here.
He smiled. “Excellent.”
Surveying the offerings, he found salted herring, smoked salmon, beef, bacon, black pudding, and porridge, but no eggs. He filled two plates and two bowls, giving them both a little of everything. The servants were still adding to the dishes.
How were they supposed to discuss anything with footmen running in and out and the butler standing at the door? He almost wished they were still traveling. Well, he’d better do something fast, before the others got here.
He set her plate on the table, taking the chair next to her. “This afternoon, would you like to discover some of Edinburgh’s sights with me?”
She spread butter and jam on a piece of the bannock she’d broken off. “What did you have in mind?”
“I thought we’d start with Holyrood Palace, unless you’d rather see something else.” Kit had never felt so out of control of a situation in his life. Everything depended on Mary, and he never knew what she’d decide.
She chewed her bread as if she had something on her mind. If only he could get her to open up to him. “No. I’d like that extremely. The palace is said to be lovely.”
He slowly let his breath out. “I’ll order the carriage for after luncheon.”
Lady Theo entered the room. “Lady Mary, I’m glad to see you are feeling better. We have quite a schedule this morning.”
Mary hesitated the slightest bit before she smiled and greeted their hostess. “Thank you, my lady. I am much improved. I think all the travel finally caught up with me. I look forward to the visits.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Lady Theo called for more tea before taking her place at the foot of the table. “We cannot have you looking poorly while showing you off to potential suitors.”
“Like a blasted horse at auction,” Mary muttered to herself.
Kit put his cup down with a snap and held the serviette to his lips. Mary quickly raised her cup to hide her smile before she broke out laughing.
“May I know what I said that was so funny?” Lady Theo asked.
“I’m sorry, my lady. It was not you. There is a”—Mary had to think quickly—“a couple of birds bickering outside in the tree. It reminded me of something my—my brother told me.”
Lady Theo looked out the window just as a bird flew by. “I see.”
When she went back to her tea, Mary slid a glance at Kit. That was the first time he had laughed since they’d arrived. Come to think of it, it was the first time she’d wanted to laugh as well. How had she not noticed before how they always found humor in the same things?
She hated not being in control of her life, and it had been going onmuch too long. Caro was right. Mary must do something if she wanted a happy ending. All she had to do was think of a plan, just as she had done to increase the profits at Rose Hill. Rather than telling herself she didn’t care about Kit, it was time to admit she was falling in love with him. All she had to do was concoct a scheme that would make him fall in love with her as well. She gazed down at her plate and was surprised to find it empty. She had even eaten the black pudding albeit without tasting it.
Placing her serviette on the table, she rose. “If I’m to be ready, I must change now.”
“No wish to desert you, my lady.” Kit inclined his head to Lady Theo. “But I have arrangements to make.”
“Go on with you, Mr. Featherton. My husband will be down shortly. I believe he is taking you gentlemen to one of his clubs or to a coffeehouse.”
He bowed. “Lady Mary, may I escort you?”
