“Victory!” she declared.
Teapot jibbed at the sharp voice, but Baker was already at the horse’s head.
Ruth came out and stared. “Kitty! What on earth are you up to now?”
Kitty managed to climb down without assistance and lifted Sillikin down. “Driving lessons.”
“But it’s the day after your wedding.”
“Braydon’s out riding, and I want to be independent.”
“Without a bonnet?”
Kitty put a hand to her head. She’d completely forgotten that. “Don’t fuss. No one saw me.”
Ruth shook her head and asked, “Have you come for any particular reason?” Then, “Is something the matter?”
“No, not at all. I merely needed a destination. Oh, there goes Sillikin, in search of friends.” The dog had shot into the parsonage. Kitty turned back to the groom. “Can Teapot stand for a short while?”
“Yes, milady. And if you’re longer, I’ll walk her around a bit.”
Kitty went into the house with Ruth. “No need for alarm. I simply took the impulse to learn to drive. It’s quite easy.”
“Not necessarily.”
“Oh, very well. It’s easy on a quiet road with a groom at my side. But it will be delightful once I’m more experienced. It’s also delightful to speak without wondering who’s listening.”
“What do you mean? Come into the parlor. This might not be the Abbey, but do you want everyone here hearing everything?”
Kitty went in, but she was feeling scolded and wondered if it was justified. She certainly shouldn’t have gone driving without a bonnet. “I’m not intending to share scandals,” she said when the door was shut. “But when you visited the Abbey, did you notice how the entrance hall is like a theater stage, with the upstairs galleries seeing and hearing everything?”
“No, but I can see what you mean. Oh, Kitty. Are you unhappy?”
“No! Not at all. The place is a challenge, but I expected that. Dauntry and I are coming to understand each other quite well. I came here simply to practice driving, andbecause I wanted to see you. But I do have a few questions.”
“About what? Sit down.”
Kitty did so. “About the fifth viscount and his wife.”
“Oh. Why?”
“Because I sense a mystery. Diane Dauntry left before you came here, but does anyone ever mention the event? She can’t have simply disappeared.”
Ruth shrugged. “It’s one of those subjects that people don’t talk about, and as you know, the Abbey keeps its distance.”
“But some of the servants come from local families, and I’m sure the Misses Purslow will know what’s to be known. People gossip.”
“And shouldn’t. Why are you poking into it?”
“Don’t make a prune face at me. Dauntry pointed out that ignorance is weakness. He’s trying to understand everything about the Abbey and the family there, and I want to help him.” Kitty thought of a nobler motive. “In addition, Isabella might want to know about her mother.”
“Ah. I’m sorry if I was sharp. What of the lady’s family? They must know where she went. Probably abroad, you know.”
“Yes. It just seems odd that the fifth viscount didn’t divorce her. It’s as if he and everyone simply said ‘good riddance’ and went on with life.”
“They must have said something to Isabella. Have you asked her?”
“I haven’t met her there yet. Or the dowager.”
