by Vikki Vaught
“That’s my grandfather’s name,” she replied, excitement radiating in her voice. Could this be the right branch of our family? It certainly sounded as if it could be. “If I recall, my father mentioned the family resided in northern England. I’m not familiar with the geography of your country. Would the Lake District be in the north?”
“Actually, it is close to the Scottish border. I would assume your grandfather is no longer living. Do you remember him?”
“No, I don’t.” She sighed. “He died while I was still a very young child. I do have memories of my grandmother. She died when I turned fourteen. It’s amazing a book exists with so much information in it.”
“Debrett’s,” he explained, “lists all the old families of the aristocracy. Would you be interested in getting in touch with your English cousins? I could have my solicitor research to see if this is indeed your grandfather’s family.”
Do I want to meet them? That would depend on what the solicitor found out, and of course she would want to talk to her brothers before taking any action.
“I’m not sure. I suppose it would not hurt to at least discover if this is the right family. I would want to include my brothers in the decision to contact them, if your solicitor discovers a connection.”
“That makes sense. I will give my solicitor the information so he can look into it for you. Now, shall we eat the fruit my chef packed for us?”
Kathleen bit into a strawberry and the flavor burst in her mouth as the sweetness of the fruit titillated her taste buds. Andrew dipped another strawberry in the clotted cream, then moved closer to her. “Why don’t you try this one.” He held it to her lips and she hesitantly bit into the fruit. Some of the juice ran down her chin. Andrew gently drew his finger across the area, wiping it off. Then his eyes turned a deeper blue as he sucked the nectar off his finger. “Delicious.”
Her spine tingled and her breath quickened. His actions caused moisture in her lower regions. She had never experienced this before, and it bewildered her. Andrew continued offering her more strawberries. After a few more, she had no doubt of his powers of seduction.
After they finished eating, Andrew stood, offered her his hand, and pulled her up. He pulled a bit too hard, and she stumbled against him. Strange pinpricks of sensations shot through her body as he pulled her close to keep her from falling. His smoldering gaze held her in a trance as he lowered his head and kissed her. At first it was a gentle, exploratory kiss. Then he licked at her lips, setting them on fire. She gasped and he took advantage and slipped his tongue into her mouth. This sent a frisson—of what must be desire—racing through her veins.
Reluctantly, he broke the kiss and released her. “You have the sweetest lips I’ve ever tasted. I couldn’t resist the temptation. I think a kiss now and then is appropriate, don’t you? After all, we shall soon be wed.”
Knowing he found her attractive, pleased her. It still troubled her that she responded to Andrew, when such a short time ago, she despised him. Nonetheless, she took comfort in the knowledge she didn’t feel repulsed by him. In fact, if she were honest with herself, this thrilled her. It would be hard to keep from being attracted to his extraordinary good looks and charm. While she may be naïve, she wasn’t blind.
Andrew offered her his arm. “Come. Let me show you something.”
He led her along the path next to the stream. After a short distance, they came upon a waterfall surrounded by dozens of honeysuckle vines. The glorious scent filled the air and teased her senses. “How amazing! I never expected to see anything like this here. I’ve always loved honeysuckle. It reminds me of home.”
“I’m glad you like it here. It’s one of my favorite spots. Whenever I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I come here.” After drinking in the beauty of her surroundings, she sighed. He murmured, “I know. I always hate to leave here after I visit, but if I’m going to return you to Chilton House by four, we need to be on our way.” Clasping her hand, he led her back to the phaeton.
On the way back to the city, Andrew told her about his three friends and the mischief they used to get into while still in school. Kathleen shared stories about her friend Regina. Overall, it was a pleasant afternoon, and she enjoyed the time they had spent together.
On the last leg of their trip, they both fell silent, and she went back over what he had told her he might have discovered regarding her grandfather’s family. She should write Alex and ask him what he thought. After all, this would affect both her brothers if the solicitor discovered it was indeed the right family. It would be wonderful if it turned out to be true, as long as the family was nice, that is.
After Andrew dropped her off, she went to her room. As she dressed for dinner, she looked back on the afternoon and hope blossomed in her heart. Maybe this would not be as bad as she had thought. With all she had learned of her fiancé’s character in the past couple of days, the vise-like grip on her heart eased a bit. He seemed to be much more responsible than she had originally thought, and after all, he was amusing. He certainly looked handsome with his red-gold hair and brilliant blue eyes. Yes, things definitely looked more positive after their delightful afternoon.
On Monday morning, Kathleen and the duchess went to Madame Clarisse’s to select her wedding gown. After going through dozens of fashion plates, she found one she loved. The gown of striped French gauze had an empire waist with Brussels lace covering the bodice, which would enhance her modest bosom. The palest sea foam green, satin trim added a nice touch. The under slip was pale ivory. A gorgeous long train fell from the back with more lace cascading down. People would look at the beautiful train instead of her more than generous hips. Her grace agreed with her selection and told her the green trim brought out the color of her eyes.
After Madame Clarisse finished taking her measurements, the duchess convinced her to order several more gowns to round out her wardrobe, also a beautiful dressing gown with a matching night rail so sheer it looked transparent. While Kathleen wasn’t sure about the enticing lingerie, it was so beautiful she could not resist. Pretty undergarments had always appealed to her. She loved the way silk caressed her skin. In the end, she selected several other pretty sets as well.
After they left the modiste, they strolled along Bond Street, window shopping and occasionally entering some of the other shops. She found a delightful new bonnet in one of them.
When they exited the haberdashery, Her Grace suggested, “Shall we go to Garrard’s? You might want to choose a wedding gift for Lord Billingsley. Garrard’s has the finest jewelry. They have some very unusual snuff boxes and other items to choose from as well.”
“Oh, thank you for mentioning this. I would never have remembered to get him anything. That would be terrible.” After perusing the glass display case, Kathleen selected a gold pocket watch and left it with the jeweler so their wedding date could be engraved, arranging to pick it up the following week. She had not seen Andrew with a watch, and she hoped he didn’t have one.
As they made their way to the duchess’ carriage, a man brushed against Kathleen and feeling a slight push, she found herself in the street with a huge wagon coming toward her.
She froze and her life flashed before her.
If she didn’t act fast, she would surely die.
Her knees locked, refusing to work.
Her heart thundered and she couldn’t draw a breath.
The hooves of the horses vibrated the ground under her feet.
As she closed her eyes to the inevitable, a powerful arm reached around her, then pulled her against a hard male body and out of harm’s way.
She looked around and met Andrew’s pale face, fright radiating in his eyes. He hugged her close before releasing her. “Thank God, you’re all right. I happened to be coming out of the bookseller’s when I saw you standing in the way of that dray wagon. How did you end up in the street?”
She inhaled and air filled her lungs, calming her racing pulse. Had that man deliberately pushed h
er? Surely not. In his haste, he accidentally knocked her into the street.
“Someone jostled me, and the next thing I knew, I was in front of those horses, and they were bearing down on me. I froze, couldn’t move.” Throwing her arms around him, she buried her head against his chest. “Andrew. You saved my life.”
“It’s all right, sweetheart,” he replied. “I have you safe.”
The duchess interjected, “One minute Kathleen was beside me and the next—” she took a shaky breath. “Your quick action saved her life. Thank you, Billingsley.”
“I’m just glad I was here. When I saw Kathleen, my heart stopped.” Then glancing down at Kathleen, he asked, “Did you see who did this to you?”
Kathleen shook her head. “I never saw his face. I do know he was a great bear of a man though.”
“A bear?” he mused. “That’s an odd turn of phrase. England has no bears, not since the beginning of the eleventh century. I had heard there were those kind of animals in America. I take it the man must be huge.”
She shuddered. “He must have been to knock me into the street.”
“After this excitement,” the duchess stated, “we need to return to Chilton House. I’m sure you would like to rest, my dear.”
“I would rather not, if you don’t mind,” she replied, “I’m fine now that the danger has passed. Could we go to Gunter’s? I could do with some food to settle my stomach.”
Looking askance, she asked, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go to the house?”
Andrew spoke up. “I think you need to lie down and rest after your ordeal.”
She gave him a tremulous smile. “Please, I want to put this behind me, and a normal activity is what I need.”
“I suppose we could go,” the duchess said. “I am feeling a bit peckish and would enjoy one of their tasty cucumber sandwiches and of course, an ice. Billingsley, can you come with us?”
“It would be my pleasure,” he replied. “I shall follow you in my curricle. Your Grace, may Miss Hawks ride with me?”
She inclined her head. “Certainly.”
He turned to Kathleen. “Are you sure you would not rather go rest?”
“I promise,” she replied. “I’m fine. Don’t worry. Food is what I most need at the moment.”
“Well, if you’re sure.” After he helped the duchess into her carriage, he offered her his arm, and she slipped her hand in the crook as he led her to his vehicle.
When they arrived at Gunter’s they found a table and quickly ordered some refreshment. While waiting for their food, Lady Mary and her pompous aunt approached. Her friend curtsied to her grace. “Good day, Duchess, Miss Hawks, you too, Lord Billingsley. It’s delightful to see you again.”
Poor Lady Mary. Her aunt constantly belittled her. Even now the woman had a most unpleasant expression on her face. “So nice to see you as well,” Kathleen replied. After several minutes of convivial conversation, Lady Mildred haughtily explained that they needed to leave as she had plans with one of her friends.
They moved away and the servant brought them their sandwiches. As they ate, Andrew asked, “Are you up to attending Lord Tranthem’s musicale this evening as we had planned, or would you rather stay in after your harrowing experience, Miss Hawks?”
“Of course I want to attend,” she replied. “I’ve been looking forward to it. I understand she has a renowned concert violinist performing.” While she still felt the effects from the incident, she would not want to miss this opportunity to listen to a true master of the instrument she loved so much.
He smiled. “As you wish, my dear. It will be my pleasure to escort you.” Once they finished their ices, Andrew helped them into the duchess’ carriage. As the conveyance pulled away, she watched her betrothed turn and climb into his curricle. Now she owed her very life to Andrew. The scandalous baron had risked his life to save her from a horrid death.
Once they returned to Chilton House, Kathleen went to her bedchamber. As her maid prepared her for that night’s event, what happened earlier flashed before her eyes. The feel of the man knocking her out of his way sent prickles across her shoulders. She never wanted to experience anything like that again. She could not help wondering if it could have been on purpose, but why would it? She shook these feeling of foreboding off and turned her mind toward the much more pleasant thoughts of the performance she would get to hear later in the evening.
The next week went swiftly by as she attended some type of entertainment each evening, went for fittings for her bridal gown, and rides in the afternoons with Andrew. By Sunday, Kathleen desperately needed a day to herself. After church, she went to her room and spent the rest of the day reading a novel by Mrs. Radcliffe called The Confessional of the Black Penitent, a fascinating read. So absorbed in the book, she ordered a tray instead of going downstairs to dinner.
Kathleen awoke the next morning feeling restored to her usual vitality. Of course, this week would be similar to the past couple of weeks. How the ton did this for months at a time baffled her. She had barely been in town a month, and she had already grown weary from the fast pace. While she enjoyed dancing, it was a bit much to do it several times a week. Not to mention the garden parties and musicales they attended.
Remembering what Alex had said, Kathleen anticipated her mother’s arrival any day. Once her mama got there, she hoped she could miss a few parties, so she could spend time with her. While she still had a great many concerns over her upcoming wedding—to the point that her heart seemed to continuously beat at twice its normal rhythm—it would happen regardless of her trepidation. She tried not the dwell on it, and having her mother with her to plan the details would help to distract her from her anxiety.
After her fitting on Wednesday, Kathleen went to Garrard’s and picked up Andrew’s wedding gift. Their rides each afternoon and the parties she had attended with him had helped to alleviate some of her anxiety over marrying him. At least she’d become resigned, if nothing else.
There was one thing she kept putting off. To date, she had not written William to break their betrothal. She needed to do it. Although, she had not heard from him since the beginning of January, and it was the only letter she’d received since she left Baltimore last fall. Evidently, men were not good correspondents.
It had been over two weeks since she’d last written him. Every time she sat down to pen the letter, words failed her. How could she tell him she would be marrying another? While William had always behaved very circumspect when professing his feelings, she believed he cared for her deeply. She hated to hurt him, but she could not avoid it any longer. If her feelings had truly been engaged, she would never have been able to agree to marry Andrew, even if it did cause a scandal.
Obviously, her love for her brother and Anissa was much more important to her than her feelings for William. Alex must have been right. She’d been too young to know her own mind. That bothered her because she had always seen herself as a strong, determined young woman and had never questioned her decisions before. No more putting it off, as soon as she returned to the mansion, she would write the letter.
When the carriage pulled in front of Chilton House, Kathleen saw her mother exiting a coach. As soon as her carriage pulled to a halt, she jumped out and ran to her mother. “Mama, oh, Mama, you’ve finally arrived.”
She wanted to break down, throw herself in her mother’s arms, and tell her all her troubles. She couldn’t do that. Her mother must never know she didn’t love Andrew.
Georgia pulled her close. “Ah, honey, it’s good to see you. Let me look at you.” She stepped back and her gaze took her in. “You look tired. Are you taking care of yourself? I expected to find you glowing.” Her mother had a knowing look in her eyes. “We need to have a long talk, young lady. You may have fooled your brother, but you cannot fool me.”
She should have known she would have a harder time with her mother. She had always seen right through her. “Mama, I’m fine. The baron is a good man and a true gentleman. I
know you’re going to like him. Let’s get you into the house and settled in. Then we can talk.”
Her mother looked as if she would say more, but then she acquiesced. “As you wish, but I will not be put off for long. When will this young man be coming over?”
Her Grace stepped forward. Kathleen hoped she would intervene. “Mrs. Hawks, it is a pleasure to see you again. I had your rooms prepared in anticipation of your arrival. You are in the same chamber you used before.”
Georgia curtsied, “Thank you, Your Grace, I would like that. It’s nice to see you again. I appreciate your hospitality, and I’m sure I will be quite comfortable.”
“Shall we go to the drawing room and have tea, while the footman carries your trunks in? It will give us a chance to discuss the wedding arrangements. I shall send a message ’round to Billingsley asking him to join us for dinner. You can meet him then.”
The duchess led them into the house. Thank goodness Her Grace had changed the course of the conversation. She would have a hard time convincing her mother she loved Andrew. If she could avoid discussing it until after Mama met him, she would have a better chance.
Tea went well. Her Grace kept her mother’s attention on the wedding. By the time they finished their discussion, it barely gave them enough time to freshen up and dress for dinner. Kathleen was grateful her kind friend had deflected the chance for her mother to get her alone. Once she met Andrew, he would win her over. Even her mother would have a hard time resisting his charm.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Kathleen dressed quickly, ensuring that she made it downstairs well before her mother to give her an opportunity to warn Andrew. That way, he would be ready to charm the skirts off her suspicious parent.
He arrived a few minutes before seven. Fortunately, no one else had come down yet. “Thank goodness you came early. My mother arrived this afternoon, and I don’t think she believes I’m in love with you. I never could fool Mama. We must put our best acting skills to good use, so we can convince her.”
