“Where?”
“In her garden.”
“For how long?”
“About twenty minutes or so.”
“And before that?”
Catherine looked at Winnie who was studying the tips of her shoes. Did she always go through this inquisition?
“We stopped by to visit with the Countess of Chesney. After our visit, she invited us to join her at Lady Charlotte’s.”
“And before that?” he asked again.
“Would you like me to provide you with a written schedule?”
He grinned, more like one who was irritated than amused. “No need. You don’t like being challenged, do you?”
“No, Your Grace, I do not, but then name me one person who does.”
“I’m afraid I can’t.”
Winnie cleared her throat. “Did you have a need of me?”
He slid his gaze back to her and Catherine was aware of her shrinking.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. My boots were not polished to my satisfaction. I took a strap to the lad. I think he’ll do a much better job in the morning, but will you please inspect them before I have need of them?”
“Yes, of course.”
“You took a strap to the boy who polishes your boots because they weren’t shiny enough?” Catherine asked.
“Are you questioning me in my home, Lady Catherine?”
“Yes, I rather think I am.”
He snorted. “You need a man to put you in your place.”
She felt fingers digging into her arm. She knew Winnie was warning her. Do not poke a stick at a tiger. Oh, but it was tempting, so very tempting.
“It’s rather late, my father’s expecting me. I should go”—without seeing Whit. But she knew she was in danger of saying something she shouldn’t.
“I’ll see you out,” Avendale said.
He followed her out to where her carriage waited. Catherine forced herself to place her hand in his when he offered to assist her. His fingers closed painfully around hers.
“I believe you’re a rather bad influence on my wife,” he said in a low voice.
Catherine’s heart thudded against her chest. “Are you threatening me?”
“Of course not, but I’m not certain you understand a wife’s place in the world.”
She met and held his gaze. “On the contrary, Your Grace, I fear it is you who doesn’t understand a woman’s place.”
Before he could say anything further, she stepped up and into the carriage. She tugged her hand free of his.
“Take care, Lady Catherine. You never know what dangers are about.”
