Chapter Seven
Kathryn dressed carefully for dinner, choosing her loveliest gown in an attempt to bolster her courage. She’d need every possible advantage to get through a meal with Sutcliffe, Daniel and Talon.
The earl had returned nearly an hour ago, and Kathryn had been on pins and needles ever since. Even though there had been very few members of the staff on duty last night, Kathryn was terrified one of her father-in-law’s lackeys had witnessed her late-night journey. If Sutcliff found out she’d gone to her father for help, or that Talon had gone with her…
Well, hopefully he’d never find out.
Unfortunately, the earl was only the tip of her troubles. She didn’t know how she was going to look her husband in the eyes after what she’d witnessed last night. Her stomach turned at the very thought. But even worse was the memory of falling apart in Talon’s arms.
She shuddered to imagine what her brother-in-law must think of her. Somehow his opinion had become very important. She couldn’t bear to lose his kind regard. Not now. Not on top of everything else.
“You look lovely, milady.” Betsy fastened a heavy emerald necklace around Kathryn’s neck and stood back to admire her work. “Your husband will be most pleased.”
“I doubt it.” Kathryn gave her reflection a wry glance. She did look her best. The emeralds complemented her eyes and the forest-green gown accentuated her figure in a very pleasing way, but the effect would be lost on Daniel.
Betsy sniffed and handed over Kathryn’s favorite bottle of perfume. “Well, then, beggin’ your pardon, miss, but he’s a fool.”
Kathryn laughed at her maid’s impertinence. “Oh, Betsy. I’ll miss you when I’m gone.”
Betsy frowned as Kathryn applied the scent of roses to her wrists. “I wish I could go with you. I would, if not for my poor ailin’ mother. America sounds like a grand place.”
“Yes,” Kathryn mused, turning away from the mirror. “That’s what my new brother-in-law says.”
“Ah.” Betsy somehow managed to put a wealth of meaning into the simple word. “And what else did the handsome bloke have to say during that long, unchaperoned ride?”
Kathryn blushed. “He’s been very kind.”
Betsy shook her head and patted Kathryn on the shoulder. “I know what you’re thinkin’, sweet. And mark my words, it will only bring heartache.”
Heartache.Kathryn closed her eyes, letting herself imagine, just for a second, how wonderful the events leading up to that heartache might be. Images of Talon flooded her memory. His warmth, his lean strength, his beautiful, haunted eyes…
She blinked, dispelling the dangerous thoughts. “I’m not a fool, Betsy. Daniel is my lot in life. I’ll not look elsewhere.”
Betsy nodded. “A woman’s life is seldom easy, sweetheart.”
Kathryn gave her maid an impulsive hug and then hurried out of the room before more foolish tears could fall. She’d allowed herself to shed far too many in the last twenty-four hours.
By the time she entered the dining room, the men were already there. She stood in the doorway for a moment, staring. All three were breathtaking, yet her brother-in-law still managed to stand out.
Talon stood before the fire, idly swirling his drink as he stared into the flames. His beautiful face was turned in profile, and she thought his mother had named him well. He was as graceful and wild as the gyrfalcon her father kept for his hunts.
“You’re late.” Sutcliffe glared at her over the rim of his brandy glass.
“She looks ravishing, so it was well worth the wait.” Daniel hurried forward and took her arm, guiding her toward the table. Kathryn tensed at his touch and gave him a suspicious glance. It was the first time he’d ever stood up to his father on her behalf.
“I agree.” Talon’s deep voice chased away any further contemplation of Daniel’s motives.
She let Daniel pull out her chair, but all her senses were attuned to the man who stood across from her. He wore a black dinner jacket with a snowy white cravat, and his blue eyes glittered with appreciation as he returned her stare.
“Good evening, Talon.”
“Lady Kate.” His reassuring smile gave her courage.
Lean on me.The words he’d spoken last night came rushing back, and she clung to them with a sense of wonder. How had this man sprung from such tainted seed?
The three men took their places, Sutcliffe at the head of the table, with Daniel to his right and Talon to his left. She sat next to Daniel, which gave her an unobstructed view of her brother-in-law. Flushing, she dropped her gaze and took a sip of wine. This had to stop. No matter how Daniel had wronged her, she was still a married woman.
The servants brought out the first course. When they withdrew, Sutcliffe let the weight of his gaze fall upon each of them. “This is certainly a first. All my dutiful children sitting down to supper together. Of course, you’ll be leaving soon, so we won’t have to make a habit of it.”
