Chapter Two
Kate woke asRebecca entered the bedchamber bearing a cup of steaming hot chocolate. She sipped it while the maid drew back the draperies and threw open the window. The sun streamed in, the breeze carrying with it the strong briny smell of the sea. From her bed, Kate viewed the blue sky beyond the window, and heard the cries of the sea birds. Invigorated, she was ready to tackle whatever the day had in store. Perhaps it was best not to examine too closely what that might be, having in mind the strange events of yesterday.
“I’ll wear the green damask, Rebecca.”
Kate left the bed and went to perch on the window seat, gazing out. An area of clipped grass bordered the rocky foreshore. The sea was so different today, the deep violet-blue, rolling waves sparkled in the sunlight. A man astride a black stallion appeared below with Felix following, tongue lolling. Robert. A strange nervous tension settled low in her stomach. Perhaps she needed breakfast.
Flicking her plait over her shoulder, Kate began to unravel her hair, fearing it was too long to be stylish. “Can you put up my hair, Rebecca?”
“Yes, miss. I’ve quite a way with hair, I’m told.”
Seated before the mirror, the maid brushed Kate’s waist-length locks. Her father had disliked the fashions in her mother’s magazines. He preferred women to be without artifice. Tucked away in their small community, Kate had little interest in following the fashion trends. Even at the Oxford assemblies, neatness was favored over high fashion. Now it became a source of anxiety. She wasn’t at all sure what a lady should wear on any given occasion. Her eyes went owlish in the mirror. She was sure to make a faux pas and embarrass herself and Robert.
Ifhe became her husband.
An hour later, a little more confident, Kate entered the breakfast room, patting her hair, braided and pinned close to her head. Robert sat at the table reading theGentleman’s Magazinewith bacon and eggs, and a cup of coffee before him. He rose and bowed. “Good morning, Kate.”
“Good morning.” The footman held out a chair for her and she sat, nodding her thanks when he poured her coffee. “After breakfast, I should like to see my godfather’s will, if I may.”
His dark brows arched. “You are questioning my interpretation of the will?”
“No, of course not. But it would be foolish of me not to read it, don’t you think?”
His astounded gaze searched hers. Yes, she had been right, his eyes were more blue than green. It pleased her that she’d surprised him. Perhaps he would not be so quick to take her for granted. She wiggled slightly in her chair, very happy with herself.
A servant carried in a tray and unloaded it before her. Warm rolls, scrambled eggs, and ham, a pot of marmalade, and a small jug of buttery-colored cream.
Kate helped herself to the eggs and ham, and ate quickly, while Robert talked of how they might spend the day.
She reached for a roll. “Mm. What lovely thick cream.” She spread it and the jam liberally over the bread.
Robert observed her with a faint smile. “You have a hearty appetite.”
“It’s pleasant to discover different foods than those one is used to.” She took a bite of the roll, savoring it. “As the day is fine, I should like to see more of St. Malin.”
“Then we must make the most of it. The weather can change swiftly here. Storms roll in across the ocean.”
“I trust you enjoyed your morning ride?”
“You saw me?”
“From my window. I was admiring the view.” She added the last, not wishing him to think she’d spied on him. It occurred to her that he was part of that view, and she had been admiring him. She lowered her head over her plate.
When she looked up, a spark of interest had brightened his eyes. “Do you ride, Kate?”
“Of course. You would ask a country girl that?”
“Then I’ll show you over the St. Malin lands after you’ve read the will.” He dropped his gaze to her gown. “I gather you brought a riding habit?”
“I did.” She doubted he would approve of it, though, as it was a style from several seasons ago. She glanced at his immaculate blue coat. He was even more unnerving this morning in riding clothes. Last night, the marquess had seemed like a peacock in his silk taffeta coat. He’d made her a little apprehensive, but she’d felt reasonably capable of standing up to him. He was different today, the rightful lord of the manor, his clothes emphasizing his narrow waist and broad shoulders. In a way, he was closer to her vision of a knight of old. One of King Arthur’s court. His carefully constructed wall still in place to fend off trespassers. Amused at her woolgathering, Kate smiled.
“What’s amusing?”
He’d taken to reading his paper again, and she hadn’t realized he was watching her. “Just a thought.”
“Care to tell me?”
Her cheeks grew warm. “You wouldn’t find it amusing.”
