Her wide-brimmed, flower-laden bonnet was perched at an enchanting angle on her head and a honeyed curl rested on a shoulder.
He dismounted and kissed Kate’s fingers encased in York tan gloves. “Where’s your maid?”
Her smile faltered. “I missed you at breakfast. I thought I’d come to see you. I sent Brigitte on an errand. I don’t see why she must accompany me everywhere.”
He wished she wouldn’t look at him like that and clamped down his jaw. She had no knowledge of how he spent last night. “Weren’t you taught anything about the ways of the world in that country village you grew up in?” He knew his annoyance was unreasonable and could almost see his uncle shaking his head in disappointment.
But there were pickpockets and loose screws to be found everywhere. A woman as deuced appealing as Kate wasn’t safe walking about alone.
His horse whinnied at the approach of his friend, Southmore.
“Damnation! It’s dangerous for you to go rambling about town,” he said heatedly. “I must insist you do not do it again.”
Robert turned to the man waiting politely, mounted on his gray, silently witnessing what transpired between them.
“Kate, I’d like to introduce Lord Southmore to you. Southmore, my wife, Lady St. Malin.”
“Lord Southmore,” Kate murmured. She curtsied, her cheeks pink.
Robert observed his friend. Southmore smiled sympathetically at Kate, damn his eyes. He took off his hat and bowed from the saddle. “Lady St. Malin. I’ve looked forward to meeting you. Such a pleasant day for a stroll. Are you enjoying city life?”
She made an enticing moue with her full lips and Robert was struck again by how natural and unaffected she was compared to most women he knew. “It’s busy and noisy. People are not overall as friendly as in the country.” She flicked a reproving glance in Robert’s direction. “But despite its failings, I confess I do find it entertaining.”
“I am totally in agreement with you,” Southmore replaced his hat with a warm smile. “I trust we can speak more on it this evening,”
“I shall look forward to it, Lord Southmore.” Kate seemed too friendly for Robert’s liking. And he was suspicious of Southmore’s effusive attitude. The man’s cozy invitation rankled. Southmore looked far too elegant and polished on his gelding. In his dedicated pursuit of pleasure, Southmore was known for fancying married women, but he would not enjoy a dalliance with Kate.
“I’ll accompany you home,” Robert said.
They left Southmore, and leading his horse, Robert walked with Kate to the park gates. He tried to ignore Kate’s wounded expression. He did wish to make amends for his outburst. But would Kate believe him? There was so much he found difficult to explain. And he certainly wouldn’t attempt it here in the street.
And she wasn’t about to make it any easier. Wouldn’t even look at him, dammit. When she was a few steps from the corner of their street, he said. “I must return my horse to the stables. Go on home. I’ll speak to you there.”
At the lane leading to the mews, he stood and watched her enter the house, then turned away.
A half hour later, Robert returned from the stables. Hove took his hat and crop and Robert quickly climbed the stairs. In his suite he called for a bath. He’d had time to order his thoughts, which he found easier when she wasn’t with him. He’d been grappling to bring these changes in his life under some sort of control. Difficult with the responsibilities which now rested on his shoulders. He was slowly getting on top of the business problems, but he would have to make a better fist of it with his wife. It was time to smooth things over. What better way than by making love? Once he and Kate were man and wife in the biblical sense, things would settle into their proper order. He hurriedly bathed and changed, then made his way to her chamber. It was empty. He descended the stairs, running his hands through his still damp hair.
“Where is Lady St. Malin, Hove?”
“In the salon, milord. It was very thoughtful what my lady did for our footman, Barker, was it not?”
Robert paused, a foot on the bottom step, not entirely sure who Barker was. “What was that, Hove?”
“Her ladyship personally purchased a powder at the store for his ailment.”
“She did? That was kind.”
Hove’s face cracked into a rare smile. “Very kind indeed.”
Robert headed for the salon. His fascinating little lady wife proved to be thoughtful and kind as well as provocative and damned stubborn. She’d shopped for a servant? If it got around, he’d be a laughingstock, but he found he didn’t care. Perhaps she was teaching him how thetonshould behave. He’d been brought up not to give a thought beyond his own comfort.
Kate stood by the tall arched window, the light turning her hair gold as she swung round to frown at him.
“Well, here you are.”
“Yes, I’d like us to talk, Robert. You had no call to speak to me like that in front of Lord Southmore.”
“Southmore is not a man to be trusted.”
