A look of realization crossed Eliza’s face. “You met the earl?”
Catherine blinked several times. “How—?”
“Your father told me. Only early this morning, though. He… well, it seems he met with that matchmaker we talked about on your behalf,” she stammered. “Please don’t be angry with him. He merely wants you married, and, well, I do, too. If only because I wish for you to be happy and….” She paused when tears dripped down Catherine’s cheeks. “Oh, dear. What’s happened?”
Catherine pulled a hanky from her pocket and wiped her nose. “I think I’ve fallen in love with him,” she admitted in a whisper.
Eliza’s eyes once again rounded, but she was obviously struggling to hide a grin. “Well, isn’t that… isn’t that agoodthing?” she asked.
Catherine sniffled. “It would be if he weren’t anearl,” she replied.
“Oh, Cathy,” Eliza sighed. “You would hold a title against a man you love?”
Scrunching her eyes closed, Catherine nodded. “Can’t you see how hypocritical it would be? For me to marry a peer of the realm when I’ve been so vocal against the aristocracy?”
Eliza waved a dismissive hand at the same moment Johnson appeared with a tea tray. She busied herself with preparing the cups. “If you’re concerned about those people who attend the literary events your father is always hosting—”
“I am.”
“—you needn’t be. You knowdamned wellevery one of them would choose the life of a blue blood if it was offered,” she claimed, whispering the curse word.
Catherine’s mouth dropped open, but no sound came out.
“Is your earl even one of those who has a seat in the House of Lords?”
“He is.”
“Does he attend Parliament when it’s in session?”
“He does.”
“Oh.” The word carried the hint of disappointment. “So I suppose he’s perfectly suited to being an aristocrat,” Eliza said on a long sigh.
Shaking her head, Catherine was quick to defend Matthew. “Actually, he’s not. He would prefer there only be a House of Commons,” she countered. “And no monarchy,” she added in a whisper.
Eliza blinked several times and poured herself another cup of tea after refilling Catherine’s cup. “Well, it seems you have found a manworthyof you,” she said brightly.
“Ididn’t find him,” Catherine argued. “Mrs. Dove-Lyon…” She swallowed the rest of what she was about to say. “Oh, dear.”
“What is it?”
Tears once again collected in the corners of her eyes, and Catherine lifted the hanky to her face. “I was so angry with her. Iwas ready to… to pay a call on her today and… andscoldher for matching me to Matthew.”
“Matthew?” Eliza straightened, her face displaying a brilliant smile. “The earl, you mean?”
Catherine nodded. “Matthew Higby. He’s the Earl of Wingfield,” she said. “His farmlands are in Berkshire.”
Frowning so a fold of skin appeared between her dark brows, Eliza said, “I suppose this means you won’t be in London very often.”
“We’re getting a bit ahead of ourselves,” Catherine cautioned. “I’m afraid I left him with the impression I could not marry him.”
“Did he already ask?” Once again, Eliza’s face brightened. “Because you’re always supposed to say ‘no’ at least once before you agree to marriage,” she claimed.
“Is that what you did with my father?” Catherine asked in surprise.
Eliza immediately sobered. “Actually, I accepted his offer quite heartily. I did not with Mr. Buxton, however. He had to ask methreetimes.” She held up three fingers to emphasize her claim.
Catherine rolled her eyes. “I think I hurt him. Especially after he was so generous about… about everything.”
