Chapter Five
Robert paused outsideKate’s door. He’d hastily washed and slipped into a silk banyan wishing to set things straight between them. Once done, he could then concentrate on other matters and need only visit her on the odd occasion until she was with child.
The prospect of Kate all sleepy and sweet smelling with her hair down, stirred his loins. He raised his hand to knock, then paused. It was late and waking her would not be polite. And the fact that she was an innocent deterred him. She was not like his mistress. She would need more wooing than that.
While he deliberated, he saw that no light shone from beneath the door. He most likely needed a thorough soaking in the hipbath after the dubious company he’d kept at the boxing bout tonight. He dropped his hand and returned to his bedchamber.
*
The next morning,the first of Kate’s gowns arrived. The modiste must have had her underlings working all through the night to complete it. Robert had paid the woman well and with the promise of more, she’d excelled at the task. Kate’s new French maid, Brigitte who had arrived yesterday, assisted her into it. Kate paraded before the mirror. It was so flattering she couldn’t wait for Robert to see it.
Kate swept confidently into the breakfast room, her new gown of a heavily quilted sage green silk with its ivory satin petticoat swishing about her elegant buckled shoes. Seated at the breakfast table, Robert glanced up from his newspaper and eyed her approvingly. His gaze traveled to her hair, which Brigitte, exhibiting great skill, had artfully tumbled into a pile of curls she calledà la grecque.
He smiled. “You look charming.”
His smile warmed her as she took her seat. “Thank you, Robert.”
He returned to his newspaper as if he’d done what was required of him. “I do like that color on you,” he remarked as he turned the page. “My aunt has done well.”
“I chose this color.” Kate had hoped for a little praise. She wasn’t unreasonable, but really!
“Then I commend your taste.” Choosing not to react or either completely unaware of her annoyance, he took up his knife and fork and attacked his breakfast, thePublic Advertiserpropped up on the table in front of him.
The footman came forward with the coffee pot and poured her a cup. “Thank you, Soames. It is a lovely morning, isn’t it?”
Robert lowered his page and raised an eyebrow at her, which she ignored.
“I love autumn. I should like to visit Hyde Park. The trees are beginning to turn their glorious colors.”
“Yes, my lady,” Soames said. “Cook has put up some new preserves. The strawberry is especially good.” The footman’s ears reddened. “So I’m told.”
“Then I must try it. I’m very fond of strawberry jam. Thank you, Soames.”
After the footman left the room, Robert sighed and picked up his coffee cup. “I suppose reminding you not to chat with the staff will fall on deaf ears?”
She nodded. Robert had become quite stuffy since they’d reached London. Her fault perhaps. She pushed the thought away. It was a perfectly beautiful day, and she loved her new gown.
“When will your ball gown arrive?” he asked.
“Madame said within a few days.”
“We are to attend a ball on Saturday. I expect the king and queen to be there.”
Kate gasped. “My goodness!”
“I gather you have never seen them?”
She released an exasperated breath. “Actually, they came to tea one summer.”
He glanced up from his newspaper with a grin. “They did?”
“Of course, they didn’t. What should I do when I’m presented?”
He wiped his mouth with a linen napkin. “Smile and make sure you curtsey low.”
Her cheeks grew hot. “Of course, but what else is expected of me?”
“They will have been told about our marriage. My uncle was a royal envoy and quite close to the royal family. They may wish to know more about you. Just answer their questions. It won’t be too difficult.”
