“Just the usual dismal news from town.”
Lillian spoke up from across the table. “Speaking of town, do you know Lady Torrington has eschewed her London home in favor of the country? She’s asked me to tea this afternoon.” Lillian’s eyes glowed with undisguised pleasure. “I expect she’s anxious to hear all the juicy details.”
“Details?” Kitty asked.
“About the wedding. She’s well aware Claybourne and I have waited a long time to see Zeke married.”
“Indeed we have,” the earl said, not looking up from his paper.
Kitty’s cheeks radiated with instant heat. Lillian and the earl made a habit of speaking as if this betrothal were legitimate. She supposed they wanted to put on a good show for Garrick, but it made her more than a little uncomfortable.
Lillian dabbed her lips with her serviette. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some correspondence to see to before leaving.”
Garrick spoke up after Lillian left. “Kitty, I’m thinking of going to the Derby market this morning. When I went in to town last week to post my correspondence, I noticed the vendors had anassortment of eye-catching baubles, perfumes, hair ribbons, and such.”
“Nice little village, isn’t it?” the earl asked, off hand. “Been meaning to mention you have no need to venture into town to post your items, James. You can leave all correspondence with Giles in the front hall. He’ll see everything gets taken care of.”
Garrick smiled cooly. “As your butler informed me. However, documents related to important affairs in Maidstone I prefer to see to personally.”
The earl’s brows rose a fraction. “Good to know you take your responsibilities to your estate so seriously.”
“Indeed I do, my lord.” Garrick switched his attention back to Kitty. “As I was saying. Kitty, we’ve hardly had a chance to catch up since arriving to Chissington Hall. Go into town with me for lunch, and I’ll purchase you whatever little trinket you desire.” A wry smile curved his lips. “Call it a wedding gift. Lord knows I can afford it.”
Did he really think she’d go anywhere with him, willingly? Still, she found his improved attitude encouraging. “Thank you, cousin, but I already have plans for this morning.” After a moment’s pause, she added, “And this afternoon.”
Garrick’s eyes tightened at the corners. “Another time, perhaps.” He shoved back from the table and vacated the breakfast hall. “I’m off. Enjoy your day, Lord Claybourne, Kitty.”
The earl re-folded his newspaper and turned an affectionate smile on Kitty. “May I inquire as to your pressing plans? Anything to do with Zeke?”
“No, my lord. I plan to scour the library for a map of this weaving estate walk you mentioned.”
“Robert Adam’s famous rabbit trail? I wish I could join you. It’s been a long while since I ventured that path. Alas, I fear my knees are acting up. I could ask Zeke—”
She held up a hand, palm out. “Thank you, my lord, but no. If you haven’t noticed, Zeke has no desire to be in my company.” Heat snaked up her neck. She didn’t want the earl to think she minded Zeke’s paucity of attention.
“My dear girl, Ezekiel is still adjusting to”—He paused as if searching for the right words—“to being back in England. Soon enough he’ll settle in. You’ll see. Everything will work out.”
***
Kitty lifted her face to spy the shafts of sunlight stealing through the canopy of trees. What a glorious day. She grinned, silently thanking her cousin for making her solo jaunt possible. Had he not taken himself off to the village, she’d have been forced to drag a servant along. No one else was available.
An image of Zeke flashed in her mind, and she shook her head. No. She wouldn’t waste a moment of time thinking about him.
She resumed her walk. Thus far, the graveled path had woven through a myriad of flower gardens, to a pond with a burbling fountain in its center.
She crossed the pond on a wooden footbridge and stopped. The river lie ahead, in sight, with its man-made waterfall, and marked the halfway point.
Which meant, if she read the map correctly, she would find a footpath stemming off the main thoroughfare just ahead.
She spotted it, congratulating herself on her fine map reading skills. She followed the worn ground through a patch of forest, and emerged into a grassy clearing.
She found herself facing what looked to be a solid wall spanning the perimeter of the property.
She approached the fence and felt along the vine covered stone wall until she located the hidden gate. Holding her breath, she pushed. The gate opened.
Laughing with delight, she ducked inside. A real secret garden, equipped with stone bench, birdbath, fountain and all.
She settled on the slatted bench centered in the garden. Above, an open lattice-dome roof topped the enclosed space. No direct sunlight shone through the vines, leaving the secluded grounds shaded in green-tinged mystery.
