Page 28 of A Countess Never Tells

“Beg pardon, my lord?” Ash frowned. “We’d be married. I would keep her safe from everyone and everything.”

“Lord Ashwood, you must be aware of the many colorful activities that have given you your very impressive reputation as a rake. I daresay you have even surpassed the epic exploits of the Marquess of Dalbury now he’s a married man. Why do you think I would allow you to marry my sister, make her come to genuinely care for you, perhaps, then abandon her to continue your rakish ways and break her heart?”

“But I wouldn’t do that, my lord.” Ash hadn’t contemplated the situation until recently, but he knew instinctively that when he married, he would willingly forfeit all his amorous adventures. That was the very reason he’d eschewed marriage all this time and not planned to don the leg shackle until his dotage. Now, however, the situation had changed. That was what he was going to tell Kitty on their ride this afternoon. “A bachelor can sow his wild oats until he marries. Once he assumes the role of husband, he must be faithful to his wife above all else.”

“Very pretty words, Ashwood. Too bad I cannot believe them.” Haxby strode over to the sideboard. “Brandy?”

Stunned that his suit was being denied—and so cavalierly into the bargain—Ash nodded without conscious thought. He was still trying to understand how his offer of marriage—long sought after by so many members of the ton—was once more being waved away like an unwanted piece of fruit. Especially after he’d confessed all his deepest feelings about Kitty to her brother. How the hell had this gone so bloody wrong again? “But my lord, Kitty—Miss Tate needs protection from Lord Baltimore. You said you know his reputation. What he cannot seduce from a woman he will simply take.”

“I do know that, Ashwood.” Haxby handed him a tumbler of brandy. “And I am genuinely touched that you have come to value my sister’s sterling qualities. However, I am afraid there are simply too many years of unwholesome behavior on your part to give me any confidence that you mean to change your ways.”

Ash took a sizeable gulp. The burn all the way to his stomach steadied him.

“Although I feel this matter with Baltimore warrants concern, you say the wager is only for a week. I will be able to keep her safe for that long, I assure you. But I will also make arrangements for my sister to marry immediately. That was the purpose of her Season in any case. And as you say, it will likely be enough to deter Baltimore in the future.” The earl sipped his brandy, savoring it.

“So you will not allow her to marry me?” Ash still couldn’t quite take it in. He was to lose Kitty once and for all by offering to marry her.

“If you were in my shoes, Ashwood, would you approve of you?” Haxby tossed the rest of his drink down his throat. “I’d also request that you cease to pay your attentions to my sister, should you meet in public. No need to muddy the waters, you know.” Haxby raised the decanter of brandy. “Would you like another?”

****

Engrossed in volume two of Clarissa, Kitty didn’t hear the knocking on her door until it became a great, booming noise. She jerked her head up, annoyed at being pulled out of the book at such an exciting point. Of course, she would need to put it down shortly as Ash would be calling for her any time now. In her excitement at the prospect of her drive with Ash—she was truly sorry to have to refuse him, but perhaps he’d accept some kisses by way of consolation—Kitty’d had Jolly dress her too early. As a result, she’d paced and paced until she feared she’d wear herself out, so she’d grabbed Clarissa and tried to take her mind off this momentous occasion. “Come in.”

The door opened, admitting her brother, which was more than a little odd. Whenever he wished to speak to her, he usually summoned her to one of the drawing rooms or his study. “Good afternoon, John. What brings you here?” Ash. Her body prickled all over, and she stood up quickly. “Has Lord Ashwood arrived to take me on our drive?”

Her brother shook his head, and Kitty slumped back down into the chair. “Well, then have a seat, John. He may arrive at any minute. What is it you wish to tell me?”

Instead of sitting, John stood in front of her, arms crossed over his chest, a peculiar look on his face. “Lord Ashwood sends his regrets that he will not be able to take you on your drive this afternoon.”

“What?” Kitty bounded back up, shaking her head. Why would Ash cancel their drive? “Why?” She narrowed her eyes as she peered at her brother. “What did the note say?”

“There was no note. He came to see me with some rather unsettling news.”

“What news?” Oh, Lord, had he gone on and offered for her? Without talking to her about it as he’d promised?

“He came to inform me that he overheard Lord Baltimore making a wager with another man that he could seduce you by the end of the week.”

“What?” Kitty frowned. “I barely know the man. Why would he think I would do such a thing with him? I’ve been introduced to him, but we’ve never even danced together. Why would he wish to seduce me?”

“Huh.” John snorted. “Gentlemen rarely need a reason past their own base desires and their love of a wager. I tell you this, Kitty, not so much to alarm you as to put you on your guard against Baltimore. If he approaches you, even to ask for a dance, refuse him and come find me or Judith. We will make certain you are safe until you marry.”

“That won’t be until the end of the Season, John. I’m not sure I’ve found the gentleman I want to marry yet.” She sighed. Perhaps after she turned down Ash, she could think more clearly about whether it should actually be Lord Quatford she should marry or not.

“Actually, Kitty, I think it best if you marry quite soon. It will discourage Baltimore and enable you to begin a new life sooner rather than later.”

Panic rose in Kitty. She wasn’t ready to abandon her dalliance with Ash quite yet. “Do I really need to rush, John?”

John began to pace, a sure sign he was unhappy. “I do think it best, Kitty. For your sake. I’ve sent a message around to Lord Quatford, asking if he would be open to such an arrangement.”

Kitty pursed her mouth in annoyance, but she couldn’t say that was unexpected. And if she truly thought about it, perhaps it was for the best. Although she longed for more kisses from Ash, she’d hated to see the hurt look on his face when she’d been about to refuse his suit. To continue their flirtation would likely prove painful for them both. If only Ash hadn’t been such a horrid rake, she’d have accepted him on the spot. But his past couldn’t be changed, could it? Such a pity.

“He is an eminently suitable match, Kitty.” John spoke in a reasonable voice, trying to make Lord Quatford as palatable as possible. “You’ve known him for some time, you seem to suit rather well. There’s certainly no impediment in his character.”

“I do know Lord Quatford’s excellent qualities, John.” Kitty sighed. “And I respect him very much. I simply do not have any great affection for him.”

“Kitty, you must marry as soon as possible. For your own sake and safety.” John had put on his best “head of the family” face, part loving concern, part iron will. “Love has never been the sole reason for a marriage. If the couple has mutual respect, the desire to produce children, and a firm financial footing, they can consider their marriage a success.”

That seemed rather disingenuous, considering how much love she saw displayed daily between John and Judith. “Do you count your first marriage a success then, John?