“Indeed, that is the reason.”
“Well, I hope ye regain yer quick wit soon. I’d hate for Mr. Worthington to yell at ye again, although ye’ve handled his temper before. T’night, one of his business partners, Mr. Kennedy, and his wife are yer guests. Ye know how fidgety the master gets whenever Mr. Kennedy comes to dine.”
Camilla assessed the maid. “I wonder why Mr. Worthington acts in such a manner?”
“I couldn’t guess. Probably ’cause Mr. Kennedy owns most of the business and can drop Mr. Worthington like a boulder in the ocean if he doesn’t approve of his work ethic.”
Tilting her head, Camilla narrowed her eyes at the maid. “How do you know so much about Mr. Worthington and Mr. Kennedy?”
Another giggle. “Ye have left yer memory in Preston, to be sure. Do ye not remember teachin’ me how to listen to their conversations without bein’ seen?”
Shock vibrated through Camilla, and despite her effort to hide it, her jaw dropped. She closed her mouth and smiled. Apparently, Kat had had assistance in her search for answers about Malcolm. “And you are doing exceptionally well, Beth.” She paused. “Is there any more you want to tell me?”
Beth’s forehead crinkled, as if she were searching her mind for answers. “I don’t think so.” Then her eyes widened. “But Mr. Worthington kept attendin’ those secret meetings after ye left. I know he promised ye he wouldn’t go, but after ye left, I think he just didn’t care.”
Secret meetings?This was the very thing Camilla needed to know. She wanted to ask the maid but didn’t want to look foolish, either. Watching Malcolm closely was the key to finding what she wanted. “I understand. I suppose I will have to talk to him about that.”
“Just as I knew ye would.” Beth took a step back and glanced over Camilla’s attire again. “Ye look mighty fine, Mrs. Worthington. It will please Mr. Kennedy, that’s for certain.”
Camilla gasped, placing her hand on her neck. “Why should I want to please Mr. Kennedy?”
Beth’s brows pulled together. “Because ye’re the reason he made Mr. Worthington a partner, which, by the way, doubledyer husband’s wealth. Do ye not remember? If not for yer influence, he would still be workin’ his fingers to the bone at that small company he owned. Oh, for certain he made good money, but it was pure genius to have Mr. Kennedy bring on Mr. Worthington as a partner.”
Camilla recovered, dropping her hand and squaring her shoulders. So that was why Malcolm was so wealthy. “Well, I only wanted what was best for my husband. What I meant to say was that I do not want Mr. Kennedy to think I dress this way to please him.” She gave an uneasy laugh. “I would hate to distress Mrs. Kennedy.”
Beth’s sudden bark of laughter surprised Camilla yet again. She anxiously awaited the maid’s response.
“Ye must be jestin’. Ye have seen how unattractive his wife is. I think Mr. Kennedy would be happy for yer attention, especially when we all know he can’t stop from feastin’ his eyes upon yer loveliness.”
Camilla cleared her throat and turned toward the mirror. “Whomever I impress tonight, I better hurry so I do not miss the dinner party.” She glanced down at her bosom again and frowned. “Beth? Can you locate a scarf that matches this dress?”
“Whatever for?”
“To hide the most daring décolletage I have ever seen.”
Beth laughed again. “Ye’re actin’ strangely, Mrs. Worthington. Besides, I think Mr. Kennedy prefers ye in less, if’n ye knows what I mean.”
Camilla’s legs weakened, and she grasped the chair next to her to steady herself. Could she have heard wrong? Oh, please, say Katherine wasn’t involved in a love tryst. She squeezed her eyes closed.Somebody please tell me something good about my sister.
Camilla composed herself and stood straight, meeting the maid’s gaze. “Nonetheless, I would like something to place inmy bodice to help me feel a little more covered. This sheer fichu tucked around the edges will not suffice.”
Beth shrugged and moved into the next room to look through Katherine’s accessories. Within minutes, she came back with a white lace handkerchief and gently stuffed it in the bodice.
“I think that is better, don’t you?” Camilla studied her reflection in the mirror.
“Ye’re just lovely, Mrs. Worthington.”
Although the handkerchief hid a lot of her cleavage, it still didn’t hide her bare shoulders. She shrugged. She couldn’t have everything perfect. After all, tonight she was Kat.
She exhaled and gave the maid a nod. “I think I am presentable now.”
Wringing her hands, Camilla made her way downstairs to Malcolm’s guests. Her legs wobbled like a newborn calf’s, but she forced herself to stay strong. Voices floated from the sitting room. She took a fortifying breath and entered. All eyes turned her way, and she feared her legs would collapse.
She must stay strong and make them believe she was Kat.
Chapter Three
The other manin the room gazed at Camilla in a leisurely fashion, making her stomach roll. She took a calming breath to keep from embarrassing herself and retching in front of Malcolm’s guests.
