Page 144 of Kathryn

“I was beginning to think you were a figment of our neighbors’ imagination.”

Katie blushed at the well-deserved chiding. Once again, she opened her mouth, this time to apologize for failing to pay a call.

But again, the countess was not finished. “I understand you are already acquainted with the guest of honor, my grandson Lord Jasper.”

“We are old friends,” Jasper said, smiling broadly as he came toward her. “Aren’t we, Katie?”

The dowager clucked her tongue. “Such a casual attitude young people take today. In my day, one would never greet a married lady so informally.”

“I may call you Katie, mayn’t I?” Jasper said, his caressing tone scraping like needles on her skin. “I hope we will not stand on ceremony now that you are a married lady.”

Before she could contrive an answer, Lady Grimsby resumed the monologue that Jasper had interrupted. “I’m sure you are aware that my poor Judith—Jasper’s wife and my dearest friend Lady Tinsley’s granddaughter—passed away last year.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Katie said.

It wasn’t clear if the countess heard her, but Jasper inclined his head. “Thank you,” he said, assuming the sorrowful expression of a bereaved widower.

“What are you saying, Jasper?” the countess bellowed, raising an ear horn to her head.

“Her Grace was offering her condolences,” Jasper said in a raised voice.

The countess waved a dismissive hand. “Yes, yes. Sit here, Your Grace. This is the seat of honor.”

Katie found herself seated right beside the old lady, who preferred to make a long string of declarations rather than engage in conversation. That was just as well as Katie’s brain was addled, so she gratefully settled in to listen.

While the rest of the guests played croquet, rowed on the tiny lake, and mingled with each other, Katie listened to the countess tell her, at exhausting length, about Jasper’s marriage. “The match was arranged when Lord Jasper was just a boy and Judith was still in her cradle.”

Katie knew that Jasper had married to please his grandmother and ensure his inheritance, but Jasper had never confessed that the union had been of such long-standing. The lying, manipulative swine.

According to the countess, Judith had given birth a scant eight months after their marriage. So, Katie had not been the only one Jasper had seduced that summer.

By the time an hour and a half had passed, Katie was ready to scream.

When the garrulous squire’s wife, Lady Staniforth, came to take her leave of the countess, Katie leapt up from her seat. “Yes, I’m afraid I must be going as well, my lady.”

The countess frowned and opened her mouth. Katie knew she was going to come up with an excuse to keep her longer, but then Jasper—of all people—came to her rescue.

“Lady Grimsby and I are grateful for your company today, Your Grace,” he said, insinuating his body between Katie and his gaping grandmother. “Allow me to walk you two ladies to your carriages.”

“My, my! What an honor to have such an escort,” Lady Staniforth burbled, giddy with pleasure.

The two chattered as Katie followed along silently, willing the nightmare afternoon to be over.

Lady Staniforth’s carriage was the only one out front.

“Oh, dear me, Duchess. Where is your carriage?” Lady Staniforth dithered. “Do you need a ride home?”

“No, no. It will be along presently,” Jasper assured her as he handed her into her carriage. “Good day to you, Lady Staniforth.” He firmly shut the door on further conversation and the squire’s ancient coach rumbled off down the drive.

Thankfully, the sound of more wheels came from the drive leading to the stables.

“That will be me,” Katie said, relieved. “Thank you for your escort, Jasper, but you should get back to your party.”

But it was not the Dulverton barouche that came around the corner but some other vehicle. She turned back to Jasper. “Where is my carriage?”

“I sent it home earlier.”

“You did what?”