“Less of your nonsense, Cully,” Kitty said, laughing. Debenham was blond, connected to a dukedom, and far too handsome for his own good. “And, in truth, my blue cloak seems too lively.”
Cully pulled a face. “Good to be in uniform and spared that dilemma. Present Captain Barlow. Barlow, Mrs. Cateril.”
Kitty acknowledged the other young man, but said, “It’s Lady Dauntry now. A recent event.”
“Congratulations! Wasn’t Dauntry Beau Braydon? He’ll keep you up to style.”
“Are you saying I’m wanting in that department?” Kitty teased, turning to stroll with the men, enjoying the lighthearted exchange.
“Never,” Cully said.
She let the officers take turns throwing for Sillikin. The dog would be ready for a long nap after all this.
“It is good to see you back in Town, Kitty,” Cully said. “The Kit Kat Club is missed.”
“Someone else will have to offer a gathering space.”
“No easy matter. It’s a rum old world these days. We soldiers had a purpose once. Defeat Napoleon. Save the world. But now it’s all riots and mayhem. We’re more likely to be ordered out to fight Englishmen.”
Another officer joined them. Kitty greeted lanky Captain Edison, who’d given her Sillikin.
“I see she’s in good form,” he said, hunkering down to make a fuss of the dog. “Thought of breeding her?”
“I’d be too softhearted to take her babies away.”
He shook his head as he rose. “Typical Kit Kat.” The look in his eyes was too warm.
“Did you hear my good news?” she said brightly. “I’ve been elevated to the peerage!”
“What?”
“By marriage. I’m Viscountess Dauntry.”
He congratulated her, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You married from Cateril Manor, I suppose.”
“No, I met Dauntry when visiting a friend near his seat in Gloucestershire.” She remembered the story they’d concocted. “Re-met, for we had known each other in the past. We married in a nearby village. Now tell me all your news.”
But Edison demanded, “When was this?”
Damn his eyes.What business was it of his? But the only way was lightly. “A mere few days ago. We’re honeymooning in Town.”
“Then he’s neglecting you shamefully.”
Cully Debenham intervened and talk became general again, but Kitty was aware of Edison fuming at her side. She knew he’d been overly fond of her, but she was surprised his feelings had lasted. Even if they had, there was no reason for outrage. He’d had nearly two years to pursue her if he’d cared.
What would have happened then? If he’d visited Cateril Manor once her mourning year was over, she might have grasped the chance to escape. As matters had turned out, that would have been unfortunate.
Other officers joined them, again greeting Kit Kat and seeming truly delighted to see her. She hadn’t known how much she’d missed being called by that cheery name. They came to a halt, sharing news, one man or another throwing the ball for Sillikin as required. Kitty teased one on his promotion and another on the news that he was a married man. She commiserated with a third on his difficult wooing.
Then Cully said, “Here’s your husband.”
Kitty turned to see Braydon approaching, escorted by Sillikin, ball in mouth, who seemed to be saying,Look what I found!Braydon’s expression was less readable. Kitty suddenly became aware of being the hub of a group of seven officers.
Chapter 30
Two of her coterie knew him, and they all congratulated him on his title and his marriage. He was amiable, but Kitty wasn’t surprised when the others took their leave. Perhaps she shouldn’t have encouraged such a cluster in public, but she hoped he wasn’t going to be tiresome.
“Are you here for a walk?” she said. “I think Sillikin and I are ready for home.”
