With the last button undone, she turned and faced him, still holding her bodice to her chest. “Since I have seen how much it bothers his wife.” She arched a brow. “And while we are on the subject, why did you not put a stop to his flirtations? You have eyes and could see it bothered Mrs. Kennedy.”
He folded his arms across his wide chest, drawing her attention to that specific part of his body that would now be forever branded in her memory. She lifted her gaze, and his eyes were just as earth-shatteringly effective.
“Why should I put a stop to it?” He shrugged. “Mrs. Kennedy knows about her husband’s liaisons. She is not a dimwit.”
Inwardly, Camilla groaned. Malcolm had confirmed her worst fear. But even though he knew, he apparently didn’t care. That explained why he had treated Kat so horribly.
“Believe it or not, I have changed,” she said, trying to sound convincing. “I will not be an embarrassment to you or your family any longer.”
His eyes widened and he laughed. “Oh, this is too much, Kat. First you dress differently…” He stepped closer, and her heart nearly leapt right out of her body. His gaze dipped to her bosom as he tugged at the lace handkerchief between her fingers until he’d pulled it completely out. “I do not think I have ever seen you hide yourself before.” He touched a tendril by her ear. “And now you are wearing your hair like a regal lady and acting the part in front of guests.” His finger trailed down her neck. “What strange form has moved into your body and taken over? Up until now,you have never bothered to help my children, yet this afternoon I hear you sewed a rip in James’s breeches.” He shook his head. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were an imposter.”
Her chest constricted. “What an absurd thing to say, Mr. Worthington. Who else could I be?”
“Who indeed?” The corners of his mouth lifted. “But I didn’t come to discuss your scheming heart. I came to thank you for a pleasant evening.” He nodded and turned to leave, but before reaching the door, he peered at her over his shoulder. “Have a good rest, Mrs. Worthington.”
She smiled, though her knees quaked so badly they threatened to topple her. “And the same to you.”
After he left, her breathing evened out, but she doubted rest would come easily this night.
*
A new dawncrept through the partially opened drapes of Malcolm’s room, touching and stirring him from the depths of a dream he didn’t want to remember. Last night’s events had kept his mind awake into the wee hours of the morning. Despite his sluggish body, he pulled himself from his exhausted state and climbed out of bed. The refreshingly cool air stroked his skin, awakening him even more. With half-closed eyes he slid into his robe, before ringing for his manservant.
His servant carried up buckets of water and filled the copper tub. Once he was relaxed in the liquid comfort, Malcolm’s foggy memory of the previous evening claimed thoughts. His wife had been stunning, and her charming personality made a better impression than normal on his guests, yet nothing about her was normal.
Why had she acted so different last night?
Although she still paraded around in clothes unbefitting the mold he’d wanted for his wife, something strange had happened in the way she carried herself. Her words were polite, respectful, and she spoke in quieter tones. Kat hadn’t even wanted to stand by Kennedy, let alone flirt with him. It also surprised Malcolm to discover she had an intelligent mind. Since they had married, he thought of her as a brainless henwit, but last night she’d presented herself in a new light. Not only did she have a head for business, but her political views had also changed.
Her actions confirmed his suspicions, and he needed to maintain his guard. He couldn’t allow himself to soften toward her. With one little snap of her fingers, she could have him in front of the firing squad or a hangman’s noose. He had to do what she wanted, if just for a few months longer.
After his bath, he dressed his best for the important meeting this morning. Colonel Burwell had scheduled an appointment to consider the sketches Malcolm had drawn for the new vessels the prince regent’s navy were interested in purchasing. And, if all went according to plan, Malcolm would find himself a guest at the colonel’s weekend party in a couple of weeks.
Exactly what he wanted in order to spy on the man.
He studied his reflection in the mirror as he tied his cravat and grinned. One way or another, he’d find not only the person responsible for stealing the drawings Malcolm had been working on for the prince’s navy, but he would find the person responsible for trying to ruin his life. He knew they were two separate people, and he had to keep searching for more clues.
However, he had to do this alone. Mr. Kennedy and the other partner, Mr. Joseph Crowley, couldn’t suspect what Malcolm was trying to accomplish—just in case they were involved, too. Under no circumstances would he allow someone to ruin his good name… even if it meant doing things that may not be legal in order to make justice prevail.
For the past twelve months, he’d secretly been soliciting himself and his drawings to the neighboring towns and farther out. He absolutely hated working with Brandon Kennedy, and he wanted to be on his own once more. But in order to make the money he was accustomed to, he must sneak around without anyone knowing. Especially Kat. If his wife knew, she’d run to Kennedy, and the man would drop Malcolm as a partner. Until he had enough clients on his own, he had to stay with Kennedy and Crawley.
Sadly, he suspected Kat was behind the stolen drawings, but he couldn’t figure out how or why.
His upcoming meeting with the highly decorated prince regent’s soldier was very important, and he couldn’t let Kat sabotage this deal. But could the colonel have reasons for contacting Malcolm other than to draw plans for the vessels?
Malcolm shook his head, trying to force the questions to leave. He couldn’t think of that. Right now, Kat’s return would be of the utmost importance. Her strange behavior made him more prudent.
Slipping on his waistcoat, he strode out of the room. Halfway down the stairs, voices of his wife and one of the servants lifted, echoing in the corridor. He stopped, wondering why Kat was awake at this hour. And why were she and the cook discussing the shopping list? Kat had never once acted the part of his wife, especially when it came to household duties.
Quiet as possible, he stepped softly into the corridor. Kat’s back faced him, and the schoolmarm’s knot of hair on her head made him pause. What happened to the wild, untamed mass of curls she always wore? And why was she wearing a conservative dress? The straight lines of the high-waisted yellow and dark brown gown flattened over her back yet accentuated her slender neck. She looked very regal, and very fitting as his wife. Finally.
If only she was the woman he’d always wanted, instead of one that didn’t keep to her marriage vows.
Clearing his throat, he forced his thoughts in a different direction. When she turned and he caught the full effect of the modest dress, his interest in her grew. Why did she look prettier than he’d ever seen her? Anger boiled inside him, and he clenched his fists. That was something he shouldnotthink about her.
He narrowed his eyes. “Good morning, Mrs. Worthington. You are up early this morning.”
She smiled, and for the first time he could remember, it looked genuine. She stepped toward him as Horace moved into the kitchen.
