“As you wish,” the baroness said, “but do not leave your sister stranded for long.”
Frederick nodded and set off winding round people toward his friend.
“Ah,” the baroness said, “there is Penny. She brings somebody with her.”
Kitty looked in the direction of her mother’s gaze. Penny, now Lady Cabot, smiled and waved as she made her way over. Her looks were blooming, her cheeks pink, and Kitty thought only her happiness with Lord Cabot could account for it. Following Penny was a tall and serious-looking gentleman in rather somber-looking attire.
Penny kissed Kitty and said, “We have been parted too long, I am determined to come and see you on the morrow. However, just now, I would like to introduce you to Sir John Kullehamnd.”
Kitty curtsied and the serious man bowed.
“Sir John is a fellow of the Royal Society, Kitty,” Penny said with a twinkle in her eye.
Kitty was momentarily taken aback. The Royal Society! This gentleman must be exceedingly learned.
She suppressed a smile to note in herself a higher estimation of his looks than she had initially experienced. He was not dandified, he was not a Lord Grayson with the remarkably tied neckcloth. In truth, his neckcloth might have been tied by himself and possibly in a hurry. But a member of the Royal Society? Suddenly, his simple dress seemed far more attractive than any expensive coat could ever be.
“Delighted, Miss Dell,” he said, in a deep voice devoid of cheerfulness.
“And this is Lady Penderton,” Penny said.
Lady Penderton regarded the gentleman quizzically, though not unfriendly.
“Kitty,” Lady Cabot said, “I have taken the liberty of mentioning your proclivity for books and your recent conclusions about…” Penny paused, as if searching her mind for information. “Well, it was a plant, or two plants, I remember that much.”
Kitty smiled. “You refer to my study of the hemi-parasitic properties of Cornish eyebright,” she said.
Sir John nodded. “On gorse, I presume,” he said.
Kitty nodded, fascinated by this person.
Penny looked back and forth between them indulgently. “So,” she said, “as I think you will have much to discuss…Sir John? Perhaps you might take supper?”
Sir John nodded, as grave as a vicar, and put his name down. He bowed and walked away.
“What do you think, Kitty?” Penny asked. “Have I not done a bit of brilliant matchmaking? I met him at a dinner a few nights ago and did not understand half of what he said. I instantly thought of you. What Lord Cabot is to my love of horses, he is to your love of books.”
“It is far too early to speak of matchmaking, Penny,” Kitty scolded. She relented and said, “Though I will be most interested in a conversation with the gentleman.”
Penny smiled knowingly and then said, “What say you, Lady Penderton?”
The baroness smiled. “I’ve not much to say this moment. I have seen him last year at some rout or other, though did not know anything of him before then. I believe his title and his money spring from the continent. Somewhere north, Denmark, perhaps? Though his accent would point to his being born here.”
“Not a ringing endorsement,” Penny said laughing, “but not a condemnation either. I suppose we may count on the Royal Society to be his primary recommendation.”
Before the baroness could answer, Lord Grayson had pushed his way into their circle.
“Miss Dell, Lady Penderton, Lady Cabot,” he said bowing. “May I, Miss Dell?” he asked, holding his hand out for her card.
Kitty could not help but note the difference between gay Lord Grayson and the serious gentleman who had just departed. And, though she thought she ought to disdain it entirely, she could not help but appreciate his careful dress. He always looked so…wonderful. It was a pity that she could not wave a wand and put Sir John’s intellect into Lord Grayson’s person or vice versa.
She handed over her card.
Lord Grayson peered at it. “Alas, you are already engaged for supper. Sir John…” Lord Grayson trailed off and then his head snapped up. “Sir John? Sir John Kullehamnd?”
“The very one,” Penny said. “Are you acquainted with our new friend?”
“I certainly am not,” Lord Grayson said stiffly.
