Chapter Twenty-Five
“Ahh, my dear Matilda. As lovely as ever. You put the Incomparables to shame, as always.”
Mrs. Cornwell was everything Kitty expected from a notorious gossip. Pleasingly plump and well into middle age, she had launched three daughters successfully, and was now enjoying the chance to meddle in everyone else’s lives. And she was blushing like a debutante as Max elegantly saluted her hand.
“Why you charming devil, Max Seton-Mowbray. Now why was I not the first to hear of your marriage? So sudden too?”
Kitty wasn’t surprised to intercept a sharp glance directed at her midsection. After all, an unexpected wedding was often preceded by the news of an impending birth. Instinctively, she stood straighter, knowing the lines of her gown would betray her slim waist and total lack of any kind of upcoming happy event.
“When the heart is involved, dear Matilda, the results are often rapid and impetuous.” Max reached out for Kitty’s hand and drew her to his side. “Once seen, is she not unforgettable? Once kissed…well, she could not remain unwed.”
“Ohhh,” sighed Mrs. Cornwell, as did several other women leaning toward the little group in order to catch some of the conversation. “A true romance. How wonderful.”
“Indeed, Ma’am,” smiled Kitty. “Max swept me off my feet.” She moved a little closer to Matilda’s ear. “And I can’t wait for him to sweep me out of my slippers.”
Matilda’s gaze raked Max from head to foot. “Mmm. I can see why.”
Max cleared his throat. “I must ask…have you seen Lady Weston this evening? We’d like to offer her our sympathies on the loss of our mutual friend, Dancey Miller-James. Such a tragedy.”
Matilda looked suitably downcast. “Wasn’t it, though? So young to be cut down like that in his prime.” She frowned slightly, turning to Kitty. “Wasn’t it your sister who was with him in the coach? Such a sweet and charming gel…”
Kitty nodded. “It was, Ma’am. We have yet to learn the details of that sad evening. Hecate sustained some serious injuries to her leg, but I’m happy to say she is slowly recovering at home in Ridlington Chase. We’re not sure if she will remember what happened though.”
Matilda tsked her teeth and looked sad. “Do wish her well next time you see her.” She paused. “I suppose you’ll be visiting your brother the Baron, soon? He wasn’t at the wedding?”
Fully anticipating the prying questions, Kitty gave a serene smile. “Sadly, no, it was a most informal affair. But we were happy to have the company of Mrs. Grace Chaney, my husband’s sister, and Sir Peregrine Hawkesbury. They kindly supported us during the ceremony.” She slipped her arm through Max’s as he stood listening. “My family has known Max for some little time. And they know me, of course.” She managed a small, embarrassed smile. “Thus this marriage will come as no surprise to them, given Max’s affections and my impetuous nature.”
“Delightful, my dears.” She eagerly devoured Kitty’s words and doubtless would regurgitate them, with suitable embellishments, for quite some time to come. “Now, dear Dorothea was headed toward the dining room earlier, I believe. If you were wanting to speak with her, you might try there?”
They made the appropriate farewells and moved away, Kitty blowing a breath quietly through her lips.
“Agreed,” said Max. “She has a good heart, unlike some of her cronies, but yes, we’ll be the romantic wedding of the year by the time she’s done with us.”
“Do you mind?”
Max snorted. “I couldn’t care less about such things, Kitty. You know that.”
“Yes, I do. And it means nothing to me either.” She looked around at a room filled with people she didn’t know. “But one thing, Max, we should go to Ridlington soon. I don’t want my family thinking I’ve shut them out of my life…” She glanced up at him.
He nodded. “Yes. Very soon, love. That is on my list.”
“Thank you.” She breathed a little easier. “Oh look. Is that Lady Weston? Over by the bookcase. Yellow hair…” Although the word ‘yellow’ could best be applied loosely, realized Kitty. It was a great deal more brassy than one might expect of human hair.
“Yes, that’s her.” Max led them that way, into an area that was less well-populated.
Lady Weston was apparently concluding a disagreement with another lady, who spun on her heel and walked off with an angry expression her face.
“Stupid cat,” said Lady Weston under her breath. “Hullo Max.” She looked at Kitty. “This is the one you bedded and wedded, is it?” She smirked. “Supposed to do it t’other way around, you cad.” She nudged him with what looked like a sharp elbow.
Seeing a look of impending displeasure on her new husband’s face, Kitty stepped in. “I am indeed the one, Lady Weston. We’ve met once before I believe, and have a shared sadness today.” She managed to look suitably saddened. “The loss of Mr. Miller-James is a terribly tragedy. Both Max and I would like to extend our sincere sympathies.”
Lady Weston’s expression changed. “I miss him.” The words were hushed and spoken with what seemed to Kitty like a very real emotion. “He was…he was a special man.”
“So I’ve heard,” said Max. “I knew him, of course, clubs and so on. But I am sorry to say I did not know him as well as I should have.”
“Damned carriages,” she muttered. “Damnedbloodycarriages.”
Kitty made a snap decision. “Come, Ma’am, let’s sit over here for a bit. It’s quiet and you can compose yourself. Such times are hard, and keeping them private can be even harder.”
