He grinned. “And I never repeat what I’ve heard.”
She paused, regarding him quizzically. “What a marvelous trait.”
“And?”
“This is from the horse’s mouth, as it were.” She told him about the MacDiarmid ladies arriving and what Lady Theo said afterward.
“I am amazed she would confide in people she’d just met.”
“As was I.” Mary glanced over his shoulder. “Then she told us about her brother . . .”
“If they are all at the ball together, there may be fireworks.” Normally he did not look forward to the sort of drama incidents like this caused, but for the first time since he had arrived at Rose Hill, Mary was thinking of something other than him and her. He could only pray it would ease the tension that still existed between them.
“Indeed. Lady Theo is coming.” Mary fanned herself as her hostess strolled up.
“Lady Mary, Mr. Featherton.” One of Lady Theo’s brows rose. “You seem to be having an interesting conversation.”
“We are,” Kit answered. “We’re discussing the sites we wish to see while we’re in your lovely city.”
Thankfully, Mary smiled brightly and nodded. It occurred to him that, other than when she’d had to make up the story about the birds, he’d never heard her prevaricate.
“Well then. You must let me know when you wish to trek around Edinburgh, and I’ll arrange to have Lady Mary home in time for an excursion.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Kit inclined his head.
“Yes. Thank you,” Mary said.
Once Lady Theo ambled away, Mary gave a sigh. “I’m glad you’re quick on your feet. I never have been, except in the literal sense, that is.”
That didn’t surprise him, and he found it refreshing. “Mary, I—”
“My lords, ladies, and sir, dinner is served.”
From the corner of his eye, he saw Lord Titus approach, and quickly said, “May I escort you to the dining room?”
“I’d like nothing better.”
Kit tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. He almost laughed as Lord Titus quickly reversed direction, making his way back to his own lady.
All was right with the world. Now they had only to get through the rest of this evening. He didn’t like the idea of Mary dancing with other men, but there was nothing he could do about it. If he stood next to her and refused to leave her side, as Marcus had done with Phoebe, Kit would only cause talk.
Two hours later when they arrived at the ball, his worst fears were confirmed. It was as if everyone present moved en masse toward them. He did his best to keep Mary with him without creating a scene, but was all too soon separated from her as the Scotsmen clamored for an introduction to her and a place on her dance card. Kit congratulated himself on his forethought in securing his sets.
Before he knew it, he was surrounded by ladies as he had never been before. He bowed and smiled as his hostess introduced him to the young women.
“Oh, Mr. Featherton,” Miss Macintyre said, fluttering her eyelashes, “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”
He bowed, taking her proffered fingers in his hand. “Entirely my pleasure.”
A tall, striking lady whom he’d already been introduced to edged her out. “Mr. Featherton, I wanted you to know I have some sets free—”
Kit struggled to keep his jaw from dropping. Dear God. Was she actually going to ask him to dance?
“Kenna,” Miss Macintyre said sharply, “Mr. Featherton was speaking with me.”
Someone needed to take these young ladies in hand.
“Mr. Featherton?”
