A reel was not the most challenging of dances, for the steps and movements were simple, and many despised it for that reason. Only one other group joined them in the dance. From the side of the room, Aveline glared angrily at her, but Katherine did not care. She could not remember a time, even in Branton, when she had been happier, and she could not suppress her own joyful smile as she wove in and out, spun and turned, savouring every second of the experience.
Whatever happened after, this moment was one she would never, ever forget.
11: An Unexpected Move
Itwasnottobe supposed that Katherine’s dance would be allowed to pass without comment, and Aveline began as soon as they were seated in the carriage.
“Mama, I hope you will give Katherine a little hint that a reel is not a ladylike dance. I trust I should never make such a spectacle of myself.”
“What is this?” Uncle Cathcart said, rousing from a half-dozing state. “Katherine dancing? I am sorry now that I was tucked away in the library, for I should dearly have liked to see such a thing.”
“It was areel, Papa,” Aveline said. “Mama always tells us that we should never participate in such an uncouth dance.”
“If it is danced at Corland Castle, there cannot be anything wrong with it. Was your partner agreeable, Katherine?”
“Oh yes, sir. Most agreeable.”
“And who was he?”
“Mr Kent Atherton, sir.” And then, because she did not wish to make too much of Kent’s participation, she added, “We danced with Miss Emily Atherton and Mr Lucas Atherton, and Lady Olivia played the music.”
“There you are then, Aveline,” Uncle Cathcart said. “If the Athertons approve the reel, who are we to imagine we know better? Is that not so, my dear? For you always tell me that the earl and his family are the epitome of good breeding in this neighbourhood, at least.”
“But surely Lady Esther Franklyn is better bred than any of the Athertons,” Aveline said robustly, “andshedid not approve of the reel, I am sure, nor Lady Alice. They are both so correct, and Mama was sitting between them while Katherine was making a spectacle of herself.”
“We shall speak more of this in the morning,” Aunt Cathcart said, sounding tired. “It is late, and we are all ready for our beds. At least I am, and my head has been aching this past hour or more.”
“Why did you not mention it sooner, my dear,” Uncle Cathcart said gently. “We could have left earlier if I had known.”
“It is of no consequence, but perhaps we may refrain from talking any more?”
“Of course, my dear.”
They drove the rest of the way in silence.
***
Kentfoundhisfatherstill in the library, sitting at one of the abandoned card tables, a glass of brandy in his hand.
“Father? Are you quite well?”
“Hmm? Oh, Kent… yes, yes, I am well enough. Did you enjoy the dancing?”
“Very much. I finally persuaded Miss Parish to stand up with me.” A hesitation, but now was as good a time as ever. “What did you think of her, now that you have had a chance to get to know her better? Is she not perfectly conversable?”
His father gave a wan smile. “With you, perhaps. She grew quite animated at times. But I still could not get more than two words together from her.”
“You will when you get to know her better, I am certain of it.”
“Perhaps. Are you quite set on this? She is a meek little creature… is that truly what you want? You will always have the mastery of her, but for myself I should prefer a girl with more spirit.”
“I am not sure what I want, to be honest,” Kent said. “All I know is that I like her and enjoy her company. Beyond that… I cannot yet say, but I would not pursue the matter if you were to disapprove.”
“Kent, it is for you to decide what sort of woman would suit you best,” the earl said tiredly. “I know of nothing against Miss Parish. She is not of our class, and she has no dowry to speak of, but that is of no consequence if she is the woman who can make you happy. I should be delighted to see you settled and the nursery put to its proper use, but do not rush into anything unless you are quite sure. You are young yet, and have not yet spent a full season in town, and you may find that Miss Parish shows to less advantage when you move more widely in society. I recommend you to take a little time to get to know her better before you take an irrevocable step, but I shall support you whatever you decide to do.”
“Thank you, Father.”
It was not quite the ringing endorsement he had hoped for, and his father’s support did not extend to allowing him to take up a career, but it was approval of a sort. All that remained was for Kent to decide whether Miss Parish was indeed the woman who could make him happy, not just in casual rides on the moor or during an energetic reel, but for the rest of his life. It was a heavy decision indeed, and he had no idea how he would reach a conclusion.
