“I allowed my maid to be stolen away by your butler.”
“I’m glad you did,” he said.
At her raised eyebrows, he added, “Because I was hoping we could speak privately. On the other hand, it worries me somewhat that you acquiesced. In fact, your contacting me and asking to visit gave me pause. I don’t think I slept last night.”
Before she could say anything more, the butler entered along with a housemaid, both carrying platters with the tea service. Besides the teapot and cups, there was also a plate of small sandwiches, another of assorted biscuits and slices of cake. There was even a bowl with apples and grapes.
“I asked for a variety,” he explained, “not knowing what you would prefer. And I made sure it was ready at the appointed time of your visit.”
She surveyed the selection, having never seen such an extensive offering for a simple visit in which the host or hostess ought to put out precisely enough to be eaten within fifteen minutes. He was trying so hard.
Purity bit her lip on saying anything apart from the kindest words.
“Everything looks perfect,” she told him, expecting him to take the other chair, but he remained standing.
It was a more egregious error than putting out too much food, for remaining on his feet made her feel ill at ease, something the host should never do.
“I believe I know why you have come,” he began.
She shook her head. “My lord—”
“I am interrupting you, which is a grievous fault. But once you stash and stow our engagement again, as I fear you are here to do, then I shall not come crawling as before. More current flaws along with the hauntings of previous missteps will undoubtedly emerge, and we shall be in the same circumstance. I have no evidence to prove my innocence for any number of things you think I have done because I am guilty of most of them.”
He paced back and forth in front of her.
“The success I had hoped for has proven to be like milking a pigeon since I have failed to win and keep you. Nonetheless, I want you to know I have tried to be a man worthy of your deep affections, and I can do no more.”
Then he came to a halt before her. “As for Diana, you have discovered her existence, and I will not apologize for her.”
“Yes, I—”
“You have often thought the worst of me with good reason,” he continued, “based upon my shady past. And no matter my efforts, I have been unable to prove to you I have changed my spots, like that fabled leopard. When word of our dissolved engagement gets around, my peers will think another one of myescapades, as you once called my ill-advised actions, has driven us apart. No blame shall fall upon you.”
With such a tantalizing opening, Purity finally was given leave to speak, but from the basket came the smallest of sounds, followed by another, and then they continued without ceasing.
“What the devil!” Foxford exclaimed, belying all his fine words of improvement by swearing in front of her.
“They were sleeping,” she said, “but apparently, they have awakened.”
Purity opened the lid. Not one but two tiny, fluffy heads, poked up and over the rim.
“Kittens!” Foxford said, and he couldn’t have sounded more surprised than if an elephant had appeared.
She laughed. “Indeed. We have been raising them, but my mother said they are ready to live independently from their mama. My younger sisters are keeping her and two of her babies. My sister, Lady Hollidge, is taking two, and I have brought these two to live with us. I thought Miss Norland would enjoy having them to cuddle and to raise.”
“I am certain she would,” Foxford agreed.
Rising, Purity lifted up a kitten and held it out to him.
“Oh, well, I ... that is ...,” he stammered.
“Come along, my lord. I thought your penchant for the word indicated a fondness for felines.”
“No, my penchant for the word only indicates my fondness for you.”
Nevertheless, he took hold of the small ball of fluff. “Are you certain it doesn’t need its mother any longer?”
“Quite. Cook has been giving them all kitchen scraps, mostly chicken and beef, for a week, and bowls of milk, too, of course.”
