“Didn’t the previous viscount die in August?”
“But no one knew who the heir was, least of all Dauntry. He came here as soon as the inheritance was confirmed, but he describes it as learning a new trade.”
Kitty remembered his talking about being a plaything of the gods. “But all the same, why the rush? And why me? He could easily marry a grand lady.”
“He made it clear he wanted to marry quickly and without fuss.”
“And I was waiting to be plucked. Like a goose.” Kitty removed some berries too forcefully, breaking a stem.
Ruth shook her head. “Isn’t it more a case of your finding a goose that lays golden eggs?”
“Geese can be very unpleasant. We had some at CaterilManor that would chase away intruders and didn’t always distinguish between us and thieves.”
“Are you seeing Dauntry as an angry goose?”
Kitty chuckled. “Neck stretched out and hissing? Oh, what would you do in my situation, Ruth?”
Ruth had finished her basket of stems and she began to measure out vinegar into a pan. “I was a good governess in a kind family, but I was delighted to leave to marry.”
“To marry a man you love.”
“Yes.” Ruth turned to her. “Oh, Kitty, I never thought! You’ll be giving up all chance to love again.”
“I’ll be content with a tranquil marriage.” It wasn’t quite true, but it was more true than any other reaction.
“Perhaps Dauntry was wise to go away. To give you this time to think.”
“I didn’t want time tothink. I wanted time to get to know him. He wanted to marry immediately, and when I refused, he ran away.”
“Oh, dear. You’re going to kick against the shafts, aren’t you?”
“I’m not a horse, but if anyone tries to put me in harness, I’ll most certainly kick.”
“I don’t know how you survived your marriage.”
“Are you in harness?”
“Andrew and I are in harness together.”
“A perfectly matched team.” Kitty watched Ruth’s reaction to that and didn’t see any doubt, thank heavens. Perhaps there was a problem in the parish. “I don’t imagine that will ever be the case with me and Lord Dauntry. We have very different paces. Oh, I’m out of sorts!”
“Why don’t you take Sillikin for a long walk? I’m nearly finished here, and fresh air will do you good.”
“I don’t know what good means anymore,” Kitty said, but she washed her hands in the bowl of water. “When I think back, I can’t remember a time when I’ve not been inharness. My parents, school, and then I was swept into marriage to Marcus. Now here I am, approaching thirty years of age and still without free choice.”
“Employment is a choice,” Ruth pointed out. “You want comfortable choices.”
Kitty was in danger of making a snappish retort, so she went to dress for the outdoors, called Sillikin, and headed out. She walked away from the village along worn pathways, keeping a close eye on the dog. Perhaps Sillikin had learned her lesson, for she didn’t go far in her excited explorations.
Kitty paused on a rise to look around the countryside. It was a gently rolling and orderly patchwork of farmland, but no material for bucolic poetry in its gray, wintry shades.
She’d never enjoyed winter in the countryside. Life was so much better in Town then, with gas-lit streets, shops, theaters, and amusements in all directions. The coal fires could cloak everything in a pall of smog, but that hadn’t killed the pleasure.
“Oh, Hades. Spring will come.”
The dismal scene would burst from half mourning into vivid life. Daffodils, green leaves, frolicking lambs. She’d feel more in harmony with the area then. As for the present, she’d learn no more about Dauntry until he returned. Sunday should give her a glimpse, at least, of the Braydon family at church, and she might learn something from that. She looked forward to that, but on the day, the large box pew at the front stayed empty.
As she and Ruth walked back to the parsonage with the children and servants, Kitty asked, “Does the Braydon family often stay away on Sunday?”
