Page 23 of Return to Satterthwaite Court

“Mr. Trumble and his family are friends of longstanding,” Jack explained, oblivious to the undercurrent passing between Kate and the lieutenant. “I’d no idea you were on terms with them.”

“Yes,” Lieutenant Heywood said dryly. “It is surprising, isn’t it?”

Kate’s smile dimmed. She clenched her teeth against a sharp retort. “May I have the pleasure of meeting your family, sir?”

“Of course.” Lieutenant Heywood’s manner was no warmer as he dispensed with the introductions. “I have the honor of presenting my parents, Captain and Mrs. Heywood, and my sister, Miss Hannah Heywood.”

“Sir. Ma’am. Miss Heywood.” Kate curtsied. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Perhaps you know my parents?” Jack inquired after sketching a bow. “My father is John Beresford, Earl of Allendale. Our family seat is at Worth House in Hertfordshire. However, my mother was formerly Margaret Honeywell of Beasley Park. We’re in residence there for the holiday.”

“Beasley Park is a distance away,” Captain Heywood said. “But the name of Honeywell isn’t wholly unfamiliar.” He gestured to the sofa. “Will you not sit down?”

“Yes, do,” Mrs. Heywood said. “I’ll order the tea tray.” She went to the tasseled bell pull by the fireplace and gave it a firm tug.

The dogs approached to sniff the flounce of Kate’s silk skirts as she took a seat. One dog in particular caught her eye⁠—a brindle mongrel pup with a velvet ribbon around his neck.

“Good gracious!” Her gaze lifted to the lieutenant’s face in astonishment. “Can this be your imported Spanish dog?”

Lieutenant Heywood remained standing. “It is,” he said stiffly. “His name is Odysseus.”

Mrs. Heywood returned to her place on the overstuffed sofa. “Spanish, did you say?”

“A poor joke,” Lieutenant Heywood replied to his mother.

Kate extended a hand to pet the little dog, only to pause. She cast another glance at the lieutenant. “Dare I risk it?”

“He’s quite gentle,” Miss Heywood volunteered, resuming her seat. It was the first she’d spoken since Kate had entered the room. She seemed a shy sort of girl, not much used to company.

Kate offered her a smile of genuine warmth. “Then his character has reformed since our last meeting.” She stroked Odysseus gently on the head. He received the tribute with every sign of enjoyment, displaying no evidence of the wild-eyed aggressiveness he’d exhibited in Bond Street. “He bit me then.”

“Did he?” Captain Heywood gave his son a measured look as he sat down beside his wife. “I begin to understand.”

There was an awkward pause.

It was interrupted by the arrival of a young maidservant at the door of the drawing room. She wore a starched apron over a plain black stuff gown. “You rang, ma’am?”

“Would you bring in the tea tray, please, Mary?” Mrs. Heywood asked.

“Yes, ma’am. At once.” With a curtsy, the maid withdrew.

Lieutenant Heywood cleared his throat. He addressed Kate: “You’ve, ah, recovered, I trust?”

“Oh yes,” Kate said. “It was only a scratch. I scarcely regard it. Isn’t that so, Jack?”

“My sister is made of stern stuff,” Jack said. “She’s always getting into scrapes with her dogs and horses. Not to mention those two cats of hers. Selfish, ill-tempered beasts. If I wasn’t so attached to them myself, I’d bar them from the house.”

“You’re fond of pets, my lady?” Miss Heywood asked.

“I couldn’t live without them,” Kate said. “No doubt it’s why I prefer the country. I had an abominable time during my come-out. Meeting your brother was the only interesting thing to happen all season.”

Lieutenant Heywood appeared unmoved by her assertion. He remained by the fire, looking as grave and implacable as a sailor standing at the prow of a 56-gun frigate.

“Hannah will be making her debut this year,” Mrs. Heywood said.

“You’re going to London?” Kate asked with interest. Perhaps Miss Heywood’s brother would be accompanying her?

Not that Kate half cared any longer.