Page 63 of A Countess Never Tells

Ash wrapped it around himself and tied the silken belt, all the while wondering what to do about dinner. To see Kitty or not to see Kitty, that was the question. He was no melancholy Dane, and rarely was he wracked by indecision, but tonight he was strangely unwilling to commit. The woman had cast a spell on him, to be sure. He truly wasn’t himself anymore.

He emerged from the dressing room to find a wooden box sitting on his desk, a note beside it. Ash padded over to it, picked up the note, broke the seal, and read the single line quickly.

Ashwood,

With my compliments.

Yr servant,

Haxby

Ash chuckled. So his soon-to-be brother-in-law had come around at last. He’d suspected as much when Haxby had begun leaving them alone in the afternoons. Well, it was nice to be appreciated at last. He turned his attention to the parcel, a bottle of cognac, not quite as good as the Clos de Griffier Haxby had offered before, but still an exceptional gift.

“Thompson, have Fanshaw come open this.” He hefted the bottle and examined the label. “I think I shall celebrate with this tonight instead of going to dinner. Have the cook send up a tray please.”

“Very good, my lord.”

The valet hurried out, and Ash sat at the desk, trying not to think about how, if one looked at a bottle at just the correct angle, it resembled the figure of a woman. Or he simply wanted a woman here with him. He continued to brood until Fanshaw arrived, followed by Thompson with the supper tray. The butler opened the bottle, and Ash sniffed it, appreciating the aroma of the spices, and poured a tumbler half full.

“Thank you, Fanshaw. Thompson, that will be all for the night.”

Once they left, he lifted the glass in a salute then took a sip. Excellent vintage. All he lacked now was a companion. With a sigh, Ash pulled pen and paper forward. He took another sip, closed his eyes for a moment, then began to write.

****

Kitty sat despondent and pouting as Jolly brushed her hair in preparation for bed. After their amazing encounter this afternoon, Ash had not appeared for dinner. Perhaps he’d somehow known she’d been about to press him once more to put all propriety aside and anticipate the wedding night fully. This afternoon, while so satisfying, only made her yearn for more, for all the ‘fireworks’ of the marriage bed to be revealed. They were as good as married already. What difference did the three days remaining until the final banns were read make? They might not be legally wed, but they were in almost every other way. Why must they wait when more than anything they wanted to be together?

Jolly finished with the strokes that usually soothed her, although nothing other than Ash’s arms themselves could truly soothe her at this moment. “Will that be all, miss?”

“Yes, thank you, Jolly.” The maid left, and with a sigh, Kitty removed her robe and climbed the two steps to the bed. She was about to crawl in when a hesitant knock at the door stopped her. Wondering what her maid could have forgotten, Kitty hurried back to the door. “Did you forget—”

Kitty stopped abruptly at the sight not of Jolly but the little red-haired maid from the kitchen. “I’m sorry…Joan, isn’t it?” Completely confused, Kitty frowned. “Can I help you in some way?”

“It’s me who’s to help you, miss. This just come for you.” The girl’s eyes were sparkling with excitement.

Hope rising like a shooting star, Kitty unfolded the sheet of foolscap with trembling hands.

Darling,

Can you come to me tonight? I cannot wait any longer.

Yr devoted,

Ash

Gasping, Kitty turned to Joan. “Who brought this?”

“Lord Ashwood’s footman, miss.”

So this was why he hadn’t appeared for dinner. Thrilled right down to her toes, Kitty whirled around. “Come, Joan. You must help me dress.”

“But…I’m not a lady’s maid, miss.” The girl looked hesitant for the first time as she peeped into the room.

“You are tonight. Come.” Kitty grabbed the girl’s shoulder and dragged her into the room. She must act quickly, so she could get to Ash’s home and back before sunrise. A glance at the clock told her it was almost one o’clock. Hopefully, enough time for all the delights Ash had promised.

Kitty rushed into the dressing room, rummaging around for a serviceable gown that was easy to get into and out of. Her heart was so full of joy she couldn’t help but smile as she pulled the gowns this way and that. Ah, the blue day dress. It had long sleeves, but otherwise was perfect for the task. The bodice laced in the front, and she wouldn’t even need her corset for no one would truly see her but Ash. “Come here, Joan. Help me put this on.”

With very little assistance from the maid, Kitty managed to don the gown over her chemise and lace the front in record time. She slipped her feet into a pair of blue mules, grabbed her reticule, and she was done as far as she was concerned.