Page 17 of Truly, Madly, Daring

At seventeen, he was a lanky boy with the air of a fellow who thought himself worldly wise. Cat bit back the comment brewing on her tongue as she was in enough trouble and contented herself with glowering at him.

“Oh, really, Jacob. That’s just what she wants to hear. A fine comfort you are,” Peregrine said crossly. He shook his head and went to sit down beside Cat, a familiarity she allowed because they’d known each other since they were in leading strings.

“As if I’d want any comfort from him,” she said in disgust.

“We are sorry, though, Cat, truly. Awfully bad luck. That Miss Hatchet, of all people….” Perry sighed, shaking his head. “Wretched bad luck. Must you really marry him?”

Cat nodded, touched by his sincerity. “Yes, I must.”

“You know, if it would help, I’d marry you, if you rather not marry Kilbane,” he added generously, his expression filled with concern. He was a handsome fellow, sweet-natured and grave, but with a twinkle in his eye. He would make any girl a fine husband.

Cat smiled, knowing it was a genuine offer given from kindness, and not any desire to advance himself or get his hands on her dowry, or her person. “You’re sweet, Perry, but no. I got myself into this, and there’s no reason you should suffer. Besides, I do not believe Kilbane is half so bad as everyone makes out.”

Jacob made a scathing sound, so they both glared at him until he stalked off to stare out of the window.

“I’ve thought much the same,” Perry confided quietly. “Though he scares me half to death. Dreadfully intimidating fellow, but I know what gossip does to a fellow, and… well, his family.” Perry sucked in air through his teeth, shaking his head, and Cat looked at him with dawning respect.

“Exactly,” she said eagerly. “He never stood a chance.”

“A snowball in hell had better odds,” Perry added to illustrate his point.

Cat nodded, regarding Perry in a new light. She’d always liked him, finding they had a deal in common, though Perry was a much quieter, more peaceful soul. He always dressed beautifully, being something of a young dandy. Perhaps two years older than Jacob, he was turning into quite the catch. She wondered if Jacob’s sister, Rose, had a tendre for him. At the age of fourteen, she was ripe to fall desperately in love with such a nice young man.

“If you ever have need of me, Cat, I’d be honoured to help you,” he said, keeping his voice low so Jacob couldn’t hear. “Just as a friend, you understand, and I know you have plenty of those, but… well, I’m here.”

“Thank you, Perry,” she said, smiling at him warmly. “Why you put up with Jacob is beyond me, but you are a dear fellow and I thank you.”

Perry grew a little pink and nodded, but then the door burst open, and Lady Helena rushed in, stopping in her tracks as she realised Cat had company.

“Oh. Cat, dear,” she said, her lovely complexion ashen. “Might I have a word in private?”

“Oh, of course,” Perry said at once, leaping to his feet. “We were just leaving, weren’t we, Jacob? Lady Catherine, Lady Helena, a pleasure. Good afternoon to you.”

Perry hurried out, with Jacob sauntering along behind him.

“Helena?” Cat said, getting to her feet and rushing to her. “Whatever is the matter? Come and sit down, you look like you’re about to faint.”

Helena sat, her limbs stiff, and Cat noticed there was a letter crumpled in her hand.

“Have you received bad news?” Cat asked tentatively.

Helena gave a soft laugh and handed her the letter. “Only this. Did you know?” she demanded.

“Know?” Cat repeated, perplexed, as she turned her attention to the letter.

Dearest Mama and Papa,

Please forgive me. I am so dreadfully sorry for the hurt and worry I know I am causing you, and I know you will not understand why I have done this, but I beg you to trust me, to believe in me. I have good reasons for my actions.

Do not come after me, or make a fuss, for you will only risk causing a scandal. We will be back with you very soon, I promise.

When I return, I shall be the Marchioness of Wrexham. I know this will come as an awful shock to you, but I promise you I did not do this on a whim. I know you would have allowed the match if I were certain, but the situation is more complicated than you can know, and time is of the essence. We must be married before his family can discover us and stop it.

I can only imagine how angry and upset you are, but at the risk of making things worse, I beg you will have my belongings forwarded to Cawston Hall. As you may imagine, I packed in haste and took little with me. Wrexham believes his father will come for him, will try to annul the marriage by whatever means possible. If I must stand up to a bully, I should much rather do it properly dressed. Mama, I know you will understand.

Now you know Norfolk is our destination, I don’t doubt your instinct is to be there waiting for us. I beg you to give us a day or two before you come so that I may be prepared to greet you properly. I know I need not ask, but I beg you to keep this information to yourselves and tell no one.

I am sorry, so sorry, for any anxiety I am causing. I will write again as soon as I may.