She had explored Mowbray House, finding it a tidy and well-organized home, though lacking in what she might well have called the “feminine” touch. There were more leather chairs than upholstered ones, but since it was a man’s estate, she acknowledged that the man himself was permitted his choice of furnishings.
The gardens might be interesting, but the inclement weather kept her indoors. Indeed, she was glad of the fires the efficient servants kept burning in the main rooms downstairs.
The library turned out to be a wonderland of books, and for the first time in many years, Kitty was able to browse, select, put back and then finally decide on some reading material. She’d formed the habit at Ridlington, having little else to occupy her time between her lessons. Friends were not an option for the Ridlington children, since their father’s attitude toward the local gentry was not conducive to more than one visit.
She knew Letitia was a frequent visitor, and Hecate was known to wander with armfuls of books from a young age. Governesses and tutors came and went—no illiterate offspring for Baron Ridlington—but the books were permanent fixtures, and became friends for lonely children.
Deep into a delightful novel by “A Lady”, Kitty had been startled by a knock at the door.
“A message, Miss Ridlington.” Deery came in with a note on a tray. “I knew you’d want it immediately. It is from your brother.”
She sprang from her snug corner of the couch and hurried to him. “You’re absolutely right, Deery. Thank you.”
With shaking hands, she eased away the seal and read the short note, a smile bursting through.
“Is it good news about your sister, Miss?”
“It is, Deery. Oh it is.” She wanted to dance and hug the man. He seemed to sense it, and stepped back a little. “They arrived safely at home, and Hecate is none the worse. She has actually woken for a few minutes, consumed a little broth, and is now settled with them.”
Kitty let her arms fall to her sides, the letter clasped in one of them. She closed her eyes and gave a brief prayer of thanks.
“Here, now, Miss, don’t you faint.” Deery sounded quite worried.
She opened her eyes again. “I won’t. I promise. I am just so relieved that it quite took my breath away.”
“’Tis good news indeed, I’m happy to say. All of us have been hoping for the best. Such a lovely young lady and such a terrible accident. In a Seton-Mowbray vehicle…it is intolerable.” Deery shook his head.
Kitty half-sat on the back of the couch. “Deery,” she said, drawing his attention. “I have to ask. Why are you all so kind to me?”
“Whatever do you mean, Miss?”
She bit her lip, trying to find the best way to ask the question. “I’m sure it is no secret as to why I am here, or how this situation came to pass. I would have expected disapproval, some condemnation perhaps? And yet I have received nothing but kindness and polite deference. Everyone has been helpful and pleasant.” She frowned. “I don’t understand it.”
Deery nodded. “I am most gratified by your comments, Miss Ridlington. That you have had such attentions from our staff reflects well on our housekeeper.”
“And yourself, Deery. Don’t be modest.”
He bowed in silence.
“You haven’t answered my question, though,” she admonished.
“Well, Miss, can we just say that any guest of the Master’s is always welcome here at Mowbray House?”
“You can say that, by all means. But my circumstances hardly fall under the heading ofguest…”
“Close acquaintance?”
She raised an eyebrow at the man.
He sighed. “Truth is, Miss Ridlington, in all the years we’ve been in residence at Mowbray, Mr. Max has never brought a woman here. Ever.”
She blinked. “Never?”
He shook his head. “Never. So when he comes through the door with you behind him, we all knew that was it.”
“It? Whatit?”
“My dear girl, your grammar is quite appalling. You should say whatisit, if you are posing a question.” Max swept into the room before Deery could answer.
