“You know why. He needs a wife. You’re a completely different picture now. And only think of the prize.”
The hope in Ruth’s eyes stifled further protests. Meanwhile, Ruth had been deftly forming smaller plaits. Soon a confection of them was pinned in place at the back of Kitty’s head.
“You don’t look a day older than when you left school,” Ruth said.
Kitty laughed. “That would be an odd thing after six years a wife and nearly two a widow. I won’t try to pretend to be anything other.”
“It wouldn’t be pretense. Oh, very well. I know that face.”
“And I know that one. You think you know best.”
“Because I probably do.” Suddenly they were both smiling, carried back into the past. “We were so keen to leave school, but we had good times, didn’t we?”
“We did,” Kitty admitted, “and we didn’t realize how leaving would separate us.”
“But now we can be together again.”
Kitty turned to face her. “Ruth, don’t hope too much. Please. Oh, now we’re both crying.” She took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “I won’t have it. We’ll enjoy the time we have.”
“And you’ll go without a cap?”
“It won’t matter. I’m sure I ruined my chances yesterday. Oh, isn’t it time? I want this done!”
At that moment, the clock in the hall began to strike ten. A moment later, Kitty heard the jangle of the bell that hung outside the front door. The precision of the timing struck her with sudden panic. It seemed unnatural.
He’d come, but had he come only to berate her for not being the lady he’d been told she was?
She didn’t like anger, but if faced with it, she might fire back. It had probably been the best approach with Marcus, who could be shouted into reason. If she fell into an argument with Lord Dauntry, however, Ruth and her husband might have to take sides. She could cause discord that could last for years.
“Don’t look so apprehensive,” Ruth begged.
Kitty forced a smile. “I’m just a knot of nerves, but I need a cap for courage. I’ve not gone without one for so long, my head feels naked.” She picked up the white oneshe’d worn yesterday and settled it on her head, tying the ribbons beneath her chin. “There, see? It doesn’t make me a complete antidote.”
“Nothing could,” Ruth said, but adjusted it backward so it released more of the curls around Kitty’s face. “Ready?”
Kitty stood. “Ready.”
As she went with Ruth, Kitty prepared herself. No matter what she faced, she must not fight back. She would be meek, calm, and dignified, beginning to end.
Chapter 7
Alas for dignity—she’d forgotten Sillikin. Sensing her, the dog hurtled out of the kitchen area, a wriggling bundle of delighted greeting.
She crouched down. “Yes, I’m perfectly safe, but I have an important meeting.” She could almost imagine a smile of anticipation.Meeting? Yes! New friends!“Well, why not? He’s already encountered you at your worst. Do try to show at your best.”
She rose and turned toward the parlor, to realize that the door stood ajar. Lord Dauntry would have heard that. In addition to being a wretched hoyden, she was now the sort of madwoman who conversed with her dog. She blew out a breath and walked in.
He should have seemed less formidable than he had on horseback, but she found him more so. He wasn’t as broad a man as Marcus, but his elegant clothing didn’t disguise the same sense of muscular power that her husband had retained even in his ruined state. Dauntry was perhaps taller.
Then she wondered why she’d thought his clothing elegant. He was wearing a brown jacket, buff riding breeches, and top boots, as most men did in the country But in some way his garments warranted the tag “beau.” With his clean-cut features, fashionably dressed blond hair, and cool expression, the word that came to mind was “sleek.”
Somewhere in the distance, Ruth was making introductions, but Sillikin disregarded formalities to trot forward and stare. That wasn’t a good sign.
“Sillikin, heel,” Kitty commanded, and, thank heaven, her dog obligingly trotted back to her side. Kitty dipped a curtsy. “Good morning, Lord Dauntry.”
He bowed. “A pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”
Kitty heard a silentagain.
