“Does he?” Even though Kendra had come to accept her life here at Amberley, the anger rushed back. “What possible excuse could he have for deceiving me the way he did? Not even telling me Trick was a duke, for heaven’s sake!”
“I asked him the same thing myself after the whole story came out. He claims you would never have married Trick if you’d known he was a duke.”
She gritted her teeth. “I hate it when he’s right.”
“He also said catching you two in a compromising position was a godsend, because Trick would never have consented to court you even if Jason had suggested it. He claimed not to want a wife.”
“Not in the near future,” Kendra admitted darkly.
“Jason told me his hand was forced, because he knew you two suited perfectly.”
“Well, there’s where he was wrong.” Trick might be a good kisser and tolerant of her non-traditional interests, but a man who refused to share his true self would never suit her perfectly. Regardless of whether they might fit in bed.
For a long moment, Caithren was silent. “You must give Trick another chance in your bed,” she finally said. “And I hope you’ll forgive Jase. He loves you. He’s been watching you. He’d never forgive himself if it turned out you were unhappy.”
Kendra’s jaw went slack. She didn’t know whether to feel outraged or touched. “What do you mean, he’s been watching me?”
“Nothing as sinister as you’re imagining.” Cait laid a hand on her arm. “He asked Jane to let him know if anything seems awry. And every day, he sends a messenger to check with her.” She offered a tentative smile. “He cares, Kendra.”
That explained why every day, sure as the sun rose and set, Jane had been asking if she was happy here at Amberley House. Kendra released a long, slow breath. “Were you sent here as a peacemaker?”
“Aye,” Cait admitted, a faint pink coloring her cheeks. “More or less. But I wanted to see you, anyway. I have news, and no one else to share it with.”
“News?” Kendra seated herself on a carved stone bench. “What sort of news?”
Cait sat beside her, lacing her fingers protectively over her middle. “I’m with child.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Kendra grabbed her hands and squeezed tightly. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine.” Caithren laughed. “Motherhood agrees with me.”
“Jason must be thrilled.”
“He doesn’t know.”
“He—what?” Kendra dropped Cait’s hands. “You haven’t told him?”
“Nay, and you mustn’t, either. Not until we’ve gone and returned from Scotland. I don’t want to miss my visit home, and I’m afraid Jase wouldn’t want me to travel.”
“You’re right,” Kendra said slowly, staring at Caithren’s still-flat abdomen. “But won’t he be furious when he finds out?”
“I’ll tell him I just then discovered it. I’ve never been pregnant before, so how should I know the signs?” She flashed a conspiratorial smile. “You won’t tell him, will you?”
“Of course not. I’m not speaking to him, remember?” Kendra returned Cait’s grin. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow. That’s another reason I wanted to visit. To say farewell for a while.”
“For a month, do you think? Trick said he’d be gone a month, up and back and with time spent there.”
Cait nodded. “Aye, for a month.” She looked around the enormous, quiet estate. “Maybe you would like to go stay with Ford? Or with Colin and Amy?”
“I’m not speaking to Ford or Colin, either.” Kendra’s grin went flat. “Anyway, I’ve much to learn around here. By the time Trick returns, I expect to have this place running like clockwork. It’s been missing a good financial manager, not to mention a woman’s touch. Trick said his father built it, and so far as I can tell, there’s never been a mistress here at all.” She took Cait’s hand and rose. “Come, let’s have an early supper together. I’ve taught Mrs. Chauncey some new recipes, and you can help me see how she did with them.”
Their footsteps crunched on the gravel as they crossed the privy garden. They went through the back entrance to the house.
“A letter, your grace.” Just as he’d done for Trick two days ago, Compton held out a silver tray. “It’s addressed to his grace, but since he is gone…”
“Thank you, Compton.” She took the letter and turned it in her hands. Trick’s name was written on the back, but not in his mother’s beautiful writing, or anyone else’s she recognized.
