“Did she ever write to your son?”
“If she did, he didn’t tell me of it.”
“Why didn’t he divorce her so that he could marry again?”
“I have no idea, and he can no longer satisfy your impertinent curiosity. You may go.”
Kitty considered defying the command, but it would be a meaningless skirmish and she’d be glad to escape the heat and smell. But she had one point to make first. “I’m about to speak to the cook, ma’am. I will be ordering some dishes to my and Dauntry’s taste, but I’ll make sure ones that please you are always included. Please let me know if you perceive any lack. In that, or in any other aspect of the running of the house.”
A lapdog yelped again.
Having asserted her command, Kitty rose and left. The coolness outside was a relief, but she was careful not to show any reaction as she crossed to the other side of the house. She could have grinned. She’d met the dragon and there was nothing to her but bile and bluster.
She hoped Isabella would be as easy. Surely the girl would welcome escape from the dowager, and the prospect of a normal life.
Chapter 22
Close to her door she saw Braydon coming up the stairs and turned to meet him at the top. They should have a pleasant exchange for attentive ears, so there’d be no sign of strain over the recent encounter.
“Did you enjoy your ride, husband?” she asked.
His brows twitched, but he responded, “Very much.”
They turned to walk together. “I took Sillikin out. The kitchen gardens are well kept. Yesterday I admired the flower gardens, but I saw no roses.”
“Perhaps they’re not sufficiently amenable to drill and discipline.”
“Flogging them does no good?”
“Not sure if it’s been tried. Perhaps a pagan whipping dance at the winter solstice.”
She laughed as they entered her boudoir. The laugh was spontaneous, but it would convey the right impression. A happy couple. A strong team.
He closed the door. “That is an unusual way to treat a cashmere shawl.”
“I visited the dowager.”
“Ah, armor. I see no blood.”
“We had a frank discussion.”
“I see no blood,” he said again.
“I believe we came to an understanding. Did you know she had other children that died?”
“No. That softened your heart?”
“To an extent, but she wielded the information like a battle-ax.”
“She would.”
“She also tried to claim you’d jilted Isabella. I take that as a sign of weakness—that she has no better weapon—but is it possible that Isabella truly fancies herself in love with you?”
“No.”
“Think, please. As I said to the dowager, sixteen tumbles into infatuations very easily.”
“I’ve seen no sign of that. Only of calculated acts.”
