“How could it be, ma’am?”
Of course, for a viscountess.
Ruth knocked and came in. “You look lovely. And that cloak is splendid.”
“And practical. It’s very warm. You could have one.”
“A fur-lined cape for a parson’s wife?” Ruth touched the fur that was turned out along the front edges. “Is this fox?”
Kitty chuckled. “Dyed rabbit fur. The lining’s rabbit, too, so you could afford it. Here, try it on.”
Ruth did, but then gave it back. “Not suitable, not even in a sober color and economical. It looks extravagant, but that’s the right impression for you.”
“There’s a huge muff as well, also dyed rabbit.”
Ruth admired that as well, but then said, “Dauntry’s here, and Mr. Whitehall.”
Silly to be startled and newly nervous.They needed to sign the settlements and be off to the ceremony. Kitty put on the freshly trimmed bonnet. “Time to go, Sillikin.”
The dog stood, tail wagging with anticipation. She’d been lovingly combed to perfection and wore a blue ribbon over her collar, so she knew something exciting was about to happen.
Henry took Kitty’s cloak, muff, and gloves and they all went down to the parlor. The solicitor was waiting with Braydon and Andrew, and the document was laid out on the table.
Today, Braydon undoubtedly suited the name Beau. Cream pantaloons, perfectly tailored brown coat, a waistcoat of cream and brown brocade just slightly woven through with gold thread, and perfect, pristine linen. Kitty had learned how to tie a neckcloth for Marcus and could manage some complex folds, but this design was new to her. Perhaps it was known in the ton as a Braydon. It was held in place with a glittering pale yellow stone that came close to the color of his hair.
This is the man his mistress knows.Kitty pushed thatthought aside. Time to deal with it later. No, not to deal with. That was their agreement. She was to leave his Town life alone. If she couldn’t do that, she mustn’t go through with this.
She eyed the document, tempted to read it before she signed, but she’d read the draft and she didn’t think any of these men would try to trick her. In any case, it would have to be a heinous change to make her retreat now.
She signed, and then Braydon did the same in a strong, flowing script. Ruth and Andrew witnessed it. That part was done, but they still weren’t wed.
Kitty thanked the lawyer and went into the hall, where Henry stood ready. But the viscount took the cloak to put it around her shoulders. Silly to feel cherished by such a simple act of courtesy, but it was as if no man had ever assisted her before. Few had, she realized. Marcus had never been capable of doing so and she’d not encouraged his friends to, but that was no reason to be flustered.Bridal nerves,she decided as she pulled on her gloves. She’d be sane again soon, and could only hope Sillikin would be, too. She was going from person to person as if she could learn all from sniffing boots and shoes. At least she wasn’t staring at anyone. Kitty took her muff from Henry but pushed it up her arm so she could put Sillikin on the leash, and then they all left the parsonage.
There was quite a bite in the air today, and a wind to make it sharper. Kitty was grateful for her cloak and that they had no great distance to walk. They did so two by two. Kitty had decided to give a nod to the idea of the groom waiting at the church by letting the men go first and following behind with Ruth. She was glad to have Lord Dauntry in sight. She still worried that this event might evaporate.
The Whitehalls were to attend the wedding, along with the local squire and his wife, Sir Richard and Lady Green.The doctor, Lowell, who was a widower, would also be in attendance. They were the local dignitaries and were to come back to the parsonage for cake and wine.
No one from the Abbey would be there—unless Isabella stormed in to denounce the match. Perhaps Kitty should mention such a possibility to Dauntry, but then she decided he would have thought of it himself.
As they approached the church, she saw villagers gathered to watch, with the Misses Purslow in pride of place. They were the spinster daughters of the previous parson and a power in Beecham Dab. Unwise to neglect potential allies.
“We should invite the Misses Purslow in,” Kitty murmured to Ruth. Perhaps she was learning to be a chess player, too.
Ruth went over. Soon the two ladies, all aflutter, were coming to join their train.
“We had no idea,” one said to Kitty, bright-eyed.
She’d have to remember which was Miss Martha and which Miss Mary. “I didn’t wish to say anything too soon,” Kitty said modestly.
Ruth said, “My dear friend’s late husband was a military man, you know, as was Lord Dauntry.”
Ruth had agreed to support the lie that far. The two ladies seemed to find it satisfying.
They progressed up the path and into the subdued light of the church porch. Sillikin was alert with anticipation of new experiences, but behaving perfectly. Dauntry and Andrew went inside, and the Misses Purslow followed. Kitty and Ruth waited, for Andrew would need to put on his surplice and prepare. Soon the verger came to nod that all was ready, and Kitty entered the church.
Ruth had been busy. Knots of ribbons decorated the altar, each set with a white silk flower. When Kitty arrived at the altar, she gave Sillikin’s leash and her gloves andmuff to Ruth. She heard an “ooh” and “aah” from the Misses Purslow at sight of the ring.
A good move, my lord.
