Simon fought the urge to run a hand over his face. “As am I. I’d forgotten how much I missed it.”
“When do we leave for England, my lord?”
“As soon as I finish my business. I’ll not stay a moment longer. The ship should be waiting in the Edinburgh harbor to take us to Hull when we arrive.”
True to the coaching company’s promise, two days later, as dusk was beginning to fall, they arrived on the outskirts of Edinburgh. He took out the most recent letter he’d received from his sister before his departure. “Tell the driver we’re going to Charlotte Square. Wherever the hell that is.”
He hoped Theo was home, and trusted that she’d be so happy to see her youngest brother she’d forgive him for failing to tell her he was arriving. Nevertheless, she’d know what was going on and where he could find Morna and their children. And this time, he’d take what was his.
CHAPTER TWENTY
“My lady, stop fidgeting.”
Mary took a deep breath. It had been so long since she’d attended a ball. She felt the tug of the last tape of her gown being tied. Why was this taking so long? Mathers hadn’t even got to her hair yet. “What time is it?”
“Time for you to sit at the dressing table so I can finish you up.”
“What did Madame Lisette say the color of this gown was? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I don’t know, my lady. It reminds me of a periwinkle.”
Mary managed, just barely, to remain still as Mathers threaded a strand of pearls through her hair. She wore the pearl and sapphire necklace she had loaned Aunt Eunice for her wedding, and pearl earrings hung on gold wires that swung when Mary moved her head. Mathers handed Mary a lovely delicate brisé fan painted with gold and a shade of blue that matched the gown she wore. “I don’t remember purchasing this.”
“You didn’t. Mr. Featherton sent it.”
Mary slanted her dresser a look. “It’s amazing how he knew the perfect colors.”
Without batting an eye, Mathers nodded. “It is. He’s an astute gentleman.”
Pulling on her long kid gloves, Mary then added two bracelets as she thought about the trouble he must have gone to in order to have the fan painted. “You may very well be right.”
“I usually am, my lady. You have fun this evening, and be careful not to let any gentlemen take advantage of you.”
Mary kissed Mathers’s cheek. “I will.”
“I’ve told you before, my lady. You shouldn’t be doing that.”
“And I’ve told you that no one takes care of me the way you do. You’ve been the one constant in my life.”
“You go now. That nice Mr. Featherton is waiting for you.”
Not only Kit, whose capital had just risen vastly, but many other men as well. She frowned as she thought about the ladies who had set their caps for him. Harrumph. What exactly would this evening entail? She opened the door and ran straight into the gentleman in question.
For a bare moment they stood, bodies touching. Her errant senses went wild with longing and desire. She could do it now. Reach up and kiss him.
Then he moved back a half step, and cool air replaced his heat.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Breathe. “Yes. It was just a shock to find you here.” That didn’t sound good. “I mean, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be right outside my door—”
His warm voice washed over her. “I’ve missed you to-day.”
Her heart thudded harder. “I felt the same.” A footman rushed by carrying a bowl of water. Why were servants always around when she didn’t want them to be? “We’d better go to the drawing room.”
Kit didn’t move. “I wish to request the first waltz, and the supper dance. Will you grant them to me?”
Was he finally going to do something to the purpose? She bit her lips to keep herself from saying something stupid. “Yes, gladly.”
