‘If you think that,’ Dan said coolly, ‘then why did you approve of those outings I took her on?’
‘The concert and the lecture, you mean? I approved because I thought she needed to have more belief in herself and quite possibly attract some suitable admirers. But I suspect matters between you and her are now going too far.’
What could Dan say? He knew his brother was right. His own self-control was growing weaker by the day and it was up to him to call a halt.
‘Anyway,’ Oliver was saying, ‘what about Cecily? Why on earth did you go rushing off to London, only to come back after just one night?’
‘Cecily wrote to me to say she had news about our mother. That’s why I raced to see her. The news was not good. She told me that our mother died in France, in poverty, many years ago.’
Then Oliver just about knocked Dan sideways by saying, ‘Well, of course. I knew that.’
‘For God’s sake,’ said Dan. ‘How?’
‘I heard it years ago from a French prisoner of war who was originally from Le Havre—which was where our poor mother ended her days.’
Dan’s heart was pounding. ‘And you didn’t think to tell me?’
‘When I next saw you, you were so busy quaffing champagne and bedding beautiful women that I wasn’t sure you wanted to know. And of course, it was only hearsay. There was always the possibility that what I’d heard might not be true.’
Dan rubbed the back of one hand wearily across his eyes. Oliver watched him then said, ‘By the way, I’ve decided I shall be leaving tomorrow. There’s a reunion of my regiment, in London.’
Dan looked up sharply. ‘Are you sure you’re well enough?’
‘Quite sure. I told you, didn’t I, that I was on the mend? And I’ve spent enough time lounging around here watching you dig yourself into holes.’
‘I take it you won’t be coming back?’
‘No. You’ll remember I’ve been offered a job at the War Office? I’ve decided to accept. And Dan, this is my final warning. You should treat Miss Summerby with care because she deserves better than what you’re offering her at the moment. By the way—you know that emerald gown you described to me? I suggested it. I told her to buy something new for the party, because I hoped you’d realise how special she was. I thought she might even be your redemption and bring you to your senses over your determination to waste your life.’ Oliver sighed a little. ‘Believe me, brother, I still hold you in the deepest regard. But I suspect she’s too good for you, and if you’re not serious about her, you should let her go. She deserves someone who is willing to love her. Now, I’m going to prepare for my journey tomorrow.’
Oliver left and Dan leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He was remembering the night he danced in the moonlight with Kate. He was recalling the lightness of her as he guided her through the steps and the way that her eyes had sparkled with the sheer delight of the moment. He remembered how since then he had tutored her in different kinds of delight—and damn it, he needed to watch himself for her sake and for his, because the defences he had built to guard his own emotions were in danger of crumbling into tiny pieces.
She deserves someone who is willing to love her, Oliver had said. Dan knew it. And how could that be him, when his heart was hopelessly embittered by his past?
By the evening of the Prince’s party, the long-suffering Hamley had resigned himself to Dan’s red velvet coat and was handinghim a pristine white cravat when a footman entered the dressing room. ‘My lord,’ he said, ‘a messenger has arrived from Clematis Villa.’
Dan, frowning, returned the cravat to Hamley and followed the footman downstairs to find Joseph, who bowed and held out a folded note. ‘Miss Summerby wished you to receive this as soon as possible, my lord.’
Dan read it in disbelief and growing anger.
Lord Rivington. My sister and her children have been here this afternoon and I let the children explore the house. Unfortunately, I left the emerald gown I was to wear tonight lying on my bed, and my niece Rosie put it on then tripped down the stairs. She is unhurt, but the dress is badly torn. As I have nothing else suitable to wear, I am sending my sincere apologies. I hope you enjoy your evening.
Dan was livid. Her family. Her hellish family.
He clenched his fists, remembering Oliver’s lecture. ‘Joseph,’ he said at last, ‘do you think Miss Summerby actually wants to attend the Prince’s party tonight?’
‘I saw her in tears over that ruined dress, my lord. In tears—and I’ve never seen her cry before.’
Dan felt himself physically hurting for her. ‘Is there no chance the dress can be repaired?’
‘The dress shops are all closed by this time, and though Harriet is quite good at sewing, she’s not good enough for such a task. Besides, at the moment she’s at my house helping Tilly to care for our two poorly grandchildren.’
‘Nothing serious, I hope?’
‘Just minor colds, my lord, thank goodness.’
Dan said, ‘Wait there while I write a message for Miss Summerby, will you?’
He went to his study and penned a swift note to Kate.
