by Claudy Conn
She found this impossible to believe, and yet she had once seen them together, and when they looked at one another …? Probably just her imagination, fueled by gossip.
Her thoughts were stuck in this mode when suddenly the onslaught of a small whirlwind exploded into the room.
Kitty rushed in upon her to exclaim in robust accents, “There you are, Ree! Oh, I am so glad you are at home. Well, he has arrived, and it is as I feared—a horrible situation.” Kitty paced, clasped her hands, and unclasped them.
Henrietta said, “Take off your cloak and bonnet … that’s it … come sit by me and tell me everything, Kitty.”
Kitty flung those objects onto a nearby chair and plopped with gusto beside her friend. She took Henrietta’s hands in hers and said, “Ree, it is just as your father said. The earl has arrived … at Wharton Place. I am here to tell you that he is the most insufferable man, so much worse than I imagined he might be. You thought my concerns were fanciful, but they are not. He has spent only one night at Wharton, and I am itching, just itching, to land him a facer!”
“Kit!” Ree objected on a laugh. “You must learn to curb your tongue. Mama would have been greatly shocked to hear such language from you.” Henrietta smiled fondly at Kitty as she took away her hands, lifted the leather-bound volume from her lap, and put it down on a nearby table. “Now, start at the beginning and tell me what he has done to displease.”
“Yes, your mama would be shocked, so it is a fortunate thing she isn’t here, for I don’t seem to have any control. My mind has been barraged with fury, with—” Kitty said and then laughed as Henrietta put a hand over her mouth.
“Stop, Kit. Stop. I have never seen you quite like this. Now calm yourself and tell me what has happened,” Henrietta said soothingly.
Kitty swallowed. “Very well.”
“That’s it, just like that. You do conduct yourself with outstanding decorum when you wish to. So now … go on.”
Kitty adored Ree, who was a good year plus older. Henrietta had a pleasant way of settling her frazzled mind. “Ah, as always you are quite right. I shall calm myself.”
“I must say, Kit, I am impressed that you did not choose to come over in one of you old school gowns. This riding habit of sorts … is almost passable,” Henrietta said, eyeing Kitty before taking one of Kit’s golden curls. “Why, you have even brushed your hair.”
Kitty laughed. “Horrid thing, and you call yourself my friend.” She removed her riding gloves, placed them on the sofa beside herself, and took another breath before adding, “Yes, and I rode sidesaddle here as well—all to please your mother, just in case she was about.” She smoothed her black riding habit, which although dated was, as her friend had said, ‘passable’.
Kitty took a moment and gave Henrietta a look. “Ree, you look absolutely beautiful in that shade of dark green. Indeed, you do have an eye for elegance. I wish I was tall and stately like you … ethereal and graceful … with all that dark, rich chestnut hair. You are quite, quite lovely.”
Henrietta blushed under Kitty’s appraisal and said, “Well … I am no beauty, so I make up for it with style. Now, what is all this fuss?”
“Not beautiful?” Kitty was diverted. “Where did you get the notion that you aren’t beautiful? Ree, your eyes alone are alive with amber lights … your skin is like that poem says, alabaster—”
“Nonsense,” Ree said and laughed with a shake of her head. “Now, tell me.”
“He is rude, conceited, overbearing, and thinks me a country dowd!” Kitty said indignantly.
“Ah, but in truth, you are a country dowd and one that is so from choice,” Ree pointed out.
“Well, that was … unkind,” Kitty said and then grinned. “True … but unkind.”
Ree waved her hand over Kitty’s appearance and merely said, “Ahem.”
Kitty put on a shocked countenance. “But you said this is passable, you wretch!”
Ree laughed. “It is … but not for London.”
“Cruel girl, what should you have me do?”
“Alter your situation,” Ree answered. “It matters now. You do see that, don’t you?”
“It is a sad state of affairs when one is judged by the cut of one’s clothes,” Kitty complained.
“Perhaps that is not what his lordship was doing … judging you? Perhaps he was merely making some constructive … criticisms?”
Kitty eyed her. “He was rude and arrogant. How is that constructive?”
“Well, it certainly wasn’t wise of him,” Ree conceded.
“That is not all, Ree!” Kit got up and moved about in a frenzied pattern before she plopped back down.
“Is it not? What more is there? I must say, the earl has certainly been very busy floundering about, hasn’t he?” Ree’s eyes were alight with mischief.
“He says he is now my guardian, which he is not, and he says he will be my guardian till I marry.”
“Well, I don’t know about that. Papa did not say that he was appointed your guardian, did he? You told me he was merely supposed to launch you for a Season.”
“Quite right. No, he is not my guardian.” Kitty’s fist came down in her lap with vehemence.
“Right, then, nothing to worry yourself about,” Ree answered. “Although he may be considered one if he has control over your purse strings until you are one and twenty. Does he?”
“No, well, I am not sure.”
“Ah,” Ree answered.
“Ah? What do you mean, ah?” Kitty’s eyes narrowed. “When your father read the will, he never said a word about the earl or his grandmother being appointed my guardians, and he never said a word about me not having control over my own part of the inheritance.”
“Well then, go and see Papa at his office and get it all straightened out,” Ree suggested reasonably.
“Indeed.” Kitty sighed. “I am supposed to accompany the earl there today at three. We were to ride together.” Kitty made a most unladylike face and then stopped as a sudden thought came to mind. A sure light glistened in her eyes, and she said, “But … I have another notion, Ree. Indeed, I have an idea, and it is a famously good one!”
“Oh, Kitty, your ideas have a habit of going awry,” Ree said, giving her a ‘look.’
To which, Kitty giggled and said, “Not this one, goose, not this one!”
* * *
Clayton Bickwerth counted the mound of bills in his hands and grinned broadly, well pleased with himself. Luckily he had managed to discover when Smilin’ Jack would be taking his practice bout and had quietly stood at a rip in the tent and watched him. He had gone through several moves with his boxing partner during that practice, and Clayton had decided the newcomer had both speed and youth on his side.
High odds were being given on the excited crowd’s older favorite, Big Tom Brody, but Clayton had decided to go the other route. Having had the opportunity to observe the strong newcomer’s skills, Clayton placed a hefty sum in favor of Smilin’ Jack over Big Tom.
The boxing match had been touted all over the county, and there had been a large and eager betting crowd gathering for days. Thus it was, when the match was at an end, Clayton found his winnings had made him ‘plump in the pocket’. Yes, but for how long, he worried silently.
“Well done!” Harry said, a jovial smile lighting his face as he came up to give Clayton’s shoulder a shake. “I had my money on Big Tom, but I’ll say this, it was a good match and well worth the little loss I took to see those two up against one another.” He eyed Clayton speculatively. “Come on, I’ll stand you a tanker of ale over at the Bull, and you will tell me what you saw in Smilin’ Jack that I missed.”
Clayton liked Harry well enough, but he had other plans.
He had received a serious blow. He had thought he was well on his way to securing Kitty’s hand in marriage. She, he had believed, was an heiress with a fortune to set him up in the lifestyle he wished to live.
Kitty was a beauty, and although he wasn’t in love, he di
d like the chit, and it would have been easy enough to call her wife.
He would, of course, have to curb her wildness and prepare her for the position he meant for them to have in society, but it would have been worth the effort. He had almost glowed when he thought of her fortune. Now, that hope had been dashed and he would have to cast out his lures elsewhere. Luckily, he knew just where to look.
Henrietta Harkins.
She was tall, and some, he believed, might even call her lovely, but she wasn’t his style. Her mother was an heiress, yes, but she had no lineage, and Henrietta’s father, though respectable, was a solicitor who was the second son of a squire.
Clayton had hoped to marry higher. Ah well, he didn’t have a choice, did he?
He was in debt. Serious debt, and if he didn’t marry soon, he would lose everything he had hoped to hold onto. His family estate, his London townhouse—everything.
Thus, with no time to spare, he set his sights.
He knew he had a charming smile and that his disposition was considered amiable. He was, he believed, quite good-looking as well.
Right. He clicked his tongue and gave Harry a regretful eye. “Sorry, ol’ boy, can’t. Another time.”
“Can’t? Why?” Harry was surprised.
Clayton saw the curiosity in his friend’s eyes, so he added, “Not today.”
“Why so secretive, Clay? What the devil are you at?”
“Ah … look there, is that Kitty?” Clay pointed out, hoping to divert Harry’s mind. “Yes, by Jove, that is, Kitty! My word, I have never seen her looking so fetching.”
Harry turned and exclaimed, “Aye, but look at that stunning lovely with her. Henrietta is absolutely lovely!”
“Henrietta, stunning?” Clay said on a frown. “Do you think so?”
“I do, but damn, if they aren’t both dressed to the nines. Wherever are they going?” Harry exclaimed as he went forward, waving.
* * *
Kitty had dragged her friend to town and went to the only dress shop housed in the village, Mrs. Sarah’s Emporium.
It didn’t take much time for Henrietta to choose just what she thought would suit Kitty, and before long Mrs. Sarah went to work to hem up the skirt.
The riding ensemble of royal blue with black frogging was not only fashionable, it was absolutely lovely on Kitty. In fact, Henrietta told her, the ensemble looked as though it had been designed for her. Its fit was excellent, but it did hang a few inches too long on Kitty’s petite frame.
While the hem was being altered by Mrs. Sarah, her helper, Gladys, went to work on Kitty’s long golden hair. Kitty watched as both Gladys and Ree fussed over her hair, and when they picked up the scissors and trimmed a few locks over her ears, Kitty laughed and said, “Why, I like that.”
“Yes, they will curl and bounce beneath the ensemble’s matching top hat,” Henrietta said, clapping her hands together before placing the hat on top of Kitty’s head.
Henrietta stood back and said, “Wait … it needs something …”
Mrs. Sarah came forward with a soft, sheer piece of black material, tied a band around the hat, and set a bow at its back.
“Perfect,” Henrietta said with a satisfied smile. “Just perfect.”
Kitty was, for a moment, speechless. She stared at herself in disbelief, amazed that clothes could make such a difference.
When she and Henrietta finally stepped out of the shop, they were in high spirits, jesting and laughing happily, well pleased with one another.
“KIT!” Harry shouted from across the avenue. “Zounds, Kit …” He went forward, weaving between a farmer’s wagon and a high-stepping pair of horses pulling a cumbersome coach. He arrived to look over the ladies with obvious admiration. “Miss Henrietta?” He tipped his hat to her, and for a moment their gazes met.
Clayton smiled and greeted the ladies warmly, and as he engaged Kitty in conversation, Kitty idly watched Harry and Henrietta.
The two seemed ‘taken’ with one another. She had seen this happen between the two once before, and this now confirmed in her mind that her two dearest friends seemed to ‘like’ each other. She was well pleased and smiled widely.
“Were you and Harry at the boxing match?” Kitty asked as she continued to watch Harry and Henrietta.
“Yes, yes, but dash it, girl … look at you!” Clayton said. “Where has our lovely hoyden vanished to? What have you done with her?”
Harry chimed in, “Aye … but I have never seen two more lovely women.”
“Why? Do you prefer the hoyden to this …?” Kitty’s banter was glittering in her eyes.
“In truth, I like both, my hoyden and this … but, Miss Henrietta, may I say, it has been too long since I saw you last,” Clayton said.
Kitty saw Harry frown.
“Has it?” Ree said demurely.
Kitty’s brow went up. She had never seen her Ree ever behave so shyly.
Then Harry said, “Indeed, and I have been wanting to call … but did not wish to appear too forward.”
“Oh no, sir, I would find that … friendly, not forward,” Henrietta said, lifting her lashes and once again meeting Harry’s eyes.
Kitty, watching the two, was fascinated. She saw Clayton’s expression and was surprised by it. Did Clay have an interest in Henrietta?
He confirmed this by stepping forward, bowing to her friend, and saying, “Miss Henrietta. How wonderful to see you again. I was just now on my way to call on you.”
Kitty remembered that Henrietta had told her Clayton Bickwerth had met her on the road only yesterday and engaged her in what Ree thought was a most pointed conversation. She had been surprised by his flirtation, as he had never shown an interest in her before. Kitty saw Henrietta’s cheeks go pink and nearly burst out laughing as she silently nudged her friend.
Henrietta said, “How lovely, Mr. Bickwerth.”
“Clay … please. We are not, I hope, so formal here in the country,” Clayton said.
Harry frowned for a moment but then in his usual good-natured manner said to Henrietta, “I suppose we have you to thank for our Kitty’s metamorphosis?”
Kitty put her hands on her hips and wagged a finger. “Scoundrel! You compliment Ree but hand me an injury with the same hand.” She was in high spirits and a playful mood and eyed him to add, “Tread carefully, lad.”
He laughed and said, “Did I do that? What a paltry fellow I am.”
Kitty laughed and lifted onto her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. “No, you could never be that. You are the best of good fellows.”
It was Clayton’s turn to frown, and he did, Kitty noticed, nearly laughing out loud. What nonsense is going on here? But then something else got her attention, and she exclaimed with exasperation, “Oh no … he is early.”
“He? Who is early?” Harry said.
“The earl … oh, you don’t know what I have suffered since his arrival yesterday. We were supposed to ride here together for an appointment with Ree’s father at three, but I didn’t see the sense in riding home only to ride into town once more with him, so I had the groom at the livery take him a message that I would meet him at Mr. Harkins at three … and here he is already.”
All eyes turned to look at the rider on a handsome snowy gray gelding. The horse was prancing, restless, and clearly frightened by the new sounds and activity in the village. The rider’s hands, however, were quiet as he brought the spirited animal under him and managed him down the wide, sandy road towards the livery just down the avenue.
Kitty could not help but admire his horseman’s skills, and silently he took a step up in her estimation. Very few riders had that level of patience and skill combined. It took a very talented equestrian to manage a young and spirited horse with the sort of quiet finesse he had just displayed.
Harry released a low whistle. “Prime animal, and I suppose that is your Earl of Halloway on him?”
“Yes,” Kitty answered still staring at the earl in spite of the fact that she told herself
to look away.
Henrietta made an unintelligible sound under her breath, and Kitty rounded on her. “What?”
“Er … um … only that he is quite good-looking,” Ree said, her hazel eyes bright.
“You know, if you dress like you are now, and have the earl to show you about, you will take on the London ton with style,” Harry said.
“Oh … fie on you! I don’t need the earl to take me about,” snapped Kitty.
“Oh take a damper,” Harry said on a laugh. “I only meant that if you could see your way to behaving yourself—”
“Behaving myself?” Kitty rounded on her friend playfully. “Miserable dolt!”
“Shhh … Kit … you wretched girl, remember you are in public, and Harry … you goaded her on purpose.”
“Did I?”
“I think you did,” Clayton said on a chuckle and inched closer to Henrietta.
“Well, I feel for the old gent having to deal with this headstrong chit,” Harry continued to tease.
Kitty said, “The earl isn’t old.”
“Is he not?” Clayton asked curiously. “Well … I can see from here he is not at all as old as I imagined he would be.”
“I think Nanny told me he was no more than twenty-seven or eight,” Kitty added thoughtfully. “That is not old at all.”
“Well, as your guardian, I thought he must be older,” Clayton said.
“Well, as to that, he is not my guardian, as Ree’s father shall soon point out to him,” Kitty said with a sniff. She turned to hug Henrietta. “I suppose I shall have to go up to your father’s offices now. Thank you … thank you so much for all your help. Will you be all right with these puppies?”
Ree laughed, and Harry said, “Go on. I’ll see to it she gets home safely. Clayton here has some appointment or other, but I am free to attend to the lady.” He smiled warmly at Henrietta, who blushed.
“Well, as to that,” Clayton interjected, “as I said, I was on my way to call on Miss Henrietta and should be delighted to escort her home.”
