The following morning,Kate ran her hand across the bed sheets, feeling for her husband’s warmth.
“Oliver,” she murmured, still half asleep. “Oliver,” she repeated, opening her eyes.
The bed was empty. Had she slept late? She had no recollection of Oliver coming to bed, but perhaps she’d been in a deep sleep. Kate reached for the small bell beside her bed and rang for her lady’s maid.
“My lady, you’re awake?” Elspeth said as she entered a few seconds later.
“Why? What time is it?”
“Past noon. You must have been exhausted, my lady.”
“And where is Lord Knox?”
“In his study, my lady. He rose early and breakfasted with Miss Harrington. Then they went out for a ride together. He left instructions not to wake you.”
“Oh,” Kate said. “And where is Miss Harrington now?”
“Downstairs, preparing everything for the dinner party tonight.”
“What?”
“The dinner party. Miss Harrington has given the servants a menu and a host of instructions. She said you’re not to be disturbed.”
Kate blinked.But the dinner party is in three weeks. What on earth is going on?
“Is everything quite all right, my lady?” Elspeth asked. “Shall I fetch you some tea?”
Kate shook her head. “I must have forgotten about the party. It’s a good thing Miss Harrington has taken charge.” Kate forced a smile, but a chill ran through her. Something wasn’t quite right, she thought as she made her way downstairs. The trouble was, she didn’t know if the problem was with her, or with Emilia, and there was no one who she could ask. Not after last night when Oliver seemed to be sympathetic to Emilia in spite of her odd behavior.
“Not over there. I want them on the table,” Emilia instructed a footman, holding a vase of freshly cut flowers as Kate walked into the room. She wore a vibrant green dress that Kate recognized as one of her own.
“What are you doing?” Kate asked, coming up behind her.
Emilia spun around. “Oh, Kate, are you sure you should be up and about in your condition?”
“I’m fine.” She eyed the green dress. “What happened to your mourning attire?”
“I took your advice. It’s time to put the past behind me. Theo would have wanted me to be happy.”
“I never said you should—” Kate began.
“Doesn’t the room look fabulous?” Emilia spread out her arms. “I just love flowers.”
“Yes, it looks marvelous. But why didn’t you ask me before arranging a dinner party for tonight? I need to be ready to receive guests.”
“Really, Kate. You said last night that if I wanted to go ahead with the dinner party, I could.”
“I know that, but I didn’t think it would betonight.It’s supposed to be three weeks from now.”
“Oliver thinks it’s a marvelous idea. And honestly, Kate, if it’s too much for you, then Oliver and I will understand if you need to stay in bed.”
Oliver and me?“Since when do you refer to my husband as—” Kate started when Emilia swooped forward and embraced her.
“Oh, Kate, darling, you are the greatest friend I will ever have. Organizing this dinner party has taken my mind off Theo and greatly reduced my suffering. I cannot thank you enough.”
Kate’s heart constricted as she melted into Emilia’s embrace. She hated feeling suspicious of her friend. All she wanted was for Emilia to be happy.
“Come with me upstairs and help me find something pretty for tonight since my new dresses won’t be ready for several days yet.”
