“For what?” she asked as the pair watched the frenzied antics of the gathering. For all that poise and gentility were prized behavior, such decorum was immediately forgotten when it came to parlor games. An oddity, that.
“For everything you have done for my family. Introducing my sisters to yours, keeping my mother company, being a friend to them all.”
She gave a little shrug. “I have little to offer them, but your sisters are just the sort of young ladies Rosanna enjoys assisting. An introduction and a few minutes of my time are not such mighty things.”
“They are to them,” he said, nodding at his sister and mother, who stood at Rosanna’s elbow, gazing up at her with such adoration. It was the sort of expression that Rosanna had earned every day of her life. A simple smile and everyone was entranced.
“I am glad to be of assistance,” murmured Katherine whilst sending a scowl inward. Jealousy truly was a wicked thing. It wasn’t Rosanna’s fault that she’d garnered all attention from the moment of her birth. But Katherine couldn’t help but wish that she had just a touch of that radiance; being raised next to such perfection had only made her flaws stand out in stark contrast.
Good gracious, she was maudlin tonight.
Mr. Archer stood at her side, silently sipping his cider as they watched the antics, though Katherine’s mind was far from the goings-on of the Breadmores’ party. And she suspected from his heavy silence that Mr. Archer’s thoughts were just as distant.
“Are you going to return to the games?” It was a silly question to ask, for Katherine wasn’t interested in chasing him away, but she required a distraction, and a conversation was just the ticket.
“I am not in the mood for it tonight,” said Mr. Archer, slanting her a glance. “You?”
Katherine scoffed, drawing forth a knowing smile from his lips.
“I didn’t think so,” he replied before nodding at the door. “Would you join me for a round of whist? I heard Mr. Davis bragging about his prowess, and I would love to see you trounce him.”
The corners of her lips tipped upwards. “That does sound amusing.”
Taking her empty glass from her hand, Mr. Archer placed their two glasses on the side table and motioned towards the door with a solicitous grin. “After you, my lady.”
“Certainly, my good sir,” she said, lifting her chin with a smile.
They fell into step, and Katherine longed to take his arm. Sadly, the floor was devoid of holes and uneven bits, and she required no assistance. As they weren’t courting, there was no need to take hold of Mr. Archer, but she couldn’t help but wish it all the same.
Shaking free of that thought, she sent another scowl inward. There was no good to be had in such musings. Mr. Archer was her friend, and that was a fine blessing to have. Hoping for anything more was a fool’s errand—especially when he’d made his feelings clear on the matter. Katherine had enough dignity not to chase after a man who didn’t desire her.
And so, she straightened and glided out of the room at his side, content to spend a few hours trouncing him at cards. Mr. Archer did not love her, but he desired her company, which was far more than many of the ladies in this room could say of their husbands.
“Come now, Mr. Archer,” called Miss Breadmore. “Do not think you can slip away without paying your forfeits!”
“Rum business, man,” called Mr. Leggatt. “A gentleman always pays his debts.”
Mr. Archer paused and turned back to the room with hands held up in surrender. “And I fully intend to. However, I wasn’t certain we would have time to see to mine when your list of forfeits is so very long, sir.”
Holding a hand to his chest, Mr. Leggatt glanced at his wife. “Do you hear how the fellow maligns me?”
“It isn’t maligning if it is true, my darling,” she replied with a pretty bat of her lashes.
“Such treachery, woman!” he said, clutching his heart once more. “My list is only long because you always have me pay yours.”
“Hush, you blowhard,” said Mrs. Leggatt before nodding for Miss Breadmore to continue.
“Now, what shall his punishment be?” she asked, glancing down at her tally sheet. “It seems you owe four forfeits—”
“Might I pay them all at once?” asked Mr. Archer, glancing at Mr. Leggatt. “I can only stand so much of his antics, and I find I have reached my limits for the evening—”
“For shame!” cried the maligned man, though he looked undisturbed by the accusation.
“—And I promised Miss Leigh I would play a few rounds of cards with her,” finished Mr. Archer.
But before he finished speaking, Katherine spied Benjamin sneaking up next to Miss Breadmore. Leaning in close, he whispered into the lady’s ear, and Katherine’s eyes narrowed as her heart sank. She couldn’t say what worried her so, but instinct sent a flush of gooseflesh across her arms as she watched Miss Breadmore beam.
“Brilliant, Mr. Leigh!” she said, turning a bright grin at her intended victim. That dread grew as the young lady’s gaze flicked between Mr. Archer and Katherine. “Mr. Archer, to repay your forfeits, you must kiss Miss Leigh!”
