Christian’s gaze darted to Kat’s, and she shrugged slightly. She had no idea what her friend was about to say.
He turned back to Constance. “I do. I consider him a friend.”
“Thank heavens,” she exclaimed. “I consider him one as well.” Her pleasant alto voice deepened slightly. “Will you reach out and ask him to come to London at his earliest convenience? I want to marry him.”
They all fell silent.
“Constance?” Kat asked. “This is the first you’ve mentioned him.”
Beth picked up an iced biscuit from the tray. “He is a renowned marksman, a trained killer for the army.”
“Was,” Constance corrected. “I’ve followed the stories about him. He’s from Portsmouth also, and a hero. He once told me if I ever needed him, he’d be there … for me.”
Beth put the uneaten biscuit down on her plate. “He’s become a recluse since he’s come home.”
“It doesn’t make a difference to me,” Constance said with her sweet tone, but her steadfast decision was clear. “He’s the one. I want to marry him.” She turned her attention back to Christian. “That’s my solution. Katherine has generously invited me to stay. I’ll wait for his reply here.”
Christian’s eyes widened. “Of … course. I’ll write him immediately and ask him to travel to London.” He took a sip of tea as if to wash away his astonishment. “I’ll talk to him and deliver your proposal.”
Constance relaxed against the sofa. “Thank you.”
After a moment, everyone’s gaze turned to Beth.
“My turn,” Beth announced. “Let’s talk about my fortune. I have no concern for my brother’s money, but my dowry is something I’d like returned.”
“Agreed,” Christian said. “Would you like to go home to Cumberland?”
She tilted her chin an inch. “Absolutely not. Like Constance, everyone near my home believes I’m Lady Meriwether. Unlike Constance, I’m not certain what I’ll do.” She lifted her chin an inch. “It’s best if I stay here until … until everything is resolved.” Her gaze flew to Katherine’s. “If it’s still acceptable with you.”
Katherine leaned in Beth’s direction. “You can stay with me and Willa for as long as you like.”
Beth smiled, and the relief on her face was palpable.
Christian nodded solemnly. “I’d best be on my way.” He stood and waved. “Please don’t get up on my account. I’ll be in contact soon.” His gaze locked with Katherine’s. “Will you see me to the door?”
“Of course.” Kat stood while the other two women remained sitting. They all said their goodbyes to the duke.
As soon as they were in the hallway, Christian leaned close. “Is there someplace we could talk privately for a moment?”
“Follow me.” A chill skated down her spine. She quickly chastised herself as she escorted him into an empty music room save for a piano covered in a Holland cloth. She shouldn’t worry. There was no indication that Christian had discovered anything about her true identity.
He softly shut the door behind him. “Well? How do you think it went?” His mouth twisted wryly as if he was pleased with himself. “I think it went as best as it could under the circumstances.”
She examined him for a few moments without cracking a smile. “Do you really want to know my opinion?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.” His brow creased into neat little lines.
“I don’t give praise easily, you understand,” she teased.
His face fell a little.
“But I think it went very well, indeed.” She smiled, and a matching one appeared on his face in return.
“I can’t tell you how relieved I am.” He paused, then looked around the barren room. “I take it you haven’t had a chance to decorate this room?”
“No. I didn’t want to waste the funds. I need it for my shop.” She shrugged. “Besides, Willa and I don’t play any instruments.”
His gaze swept across the room again until it landed on hers. “I have a proposition for you.”
Kat clasped her hands in front of her. “What kind?”
“I want to start a charity of sorts, but I want it to make a profit,” he answered. “I’ll pay you double your dowry amount if you’ll help me.”
“Why do you need one?” Now, she was intrigued.
“I want to start a business for the soldiers in my regiment who’ve come home. Most have lost their jobs, many have lost their families, not to mention their pride. Some are homeless.”
“I don’t have much experience with soldiers.” Yet she’d seen the homeless men roaming the streets during the day. The sight never ceased to pull at her heartstrings. Anytime one had approached her, she’d given them a coin or two. It always reminded her of when she’d been in the same position, standing on a corner, scared but hungry, struggling to raise her hand to ask for a pence.
Never should anyone have to do that to survive.
“I’ve heard you’re excellent in creating a thriving business. That’s what I want.” Christian’s brown eyes swept over her face as if memorizing her features. “And you’re the person I want.”
Her body stood at attention while little sparks of something exploded inside her at the rumble in his whisky-dark voice. Much like she’d experienced when a fireworks display ignited over Vauxhall. When he lowered his voice like that, it sounded like a man telling secrets to his lover.
She shook her head slightly to lift the sensual fog surrounding her. He wanted her for her commercial acumen, not kisses.
He frowned slightly. “I beg of you, don’t say no, yet. They’re good men who deserve a new beginning. You can help provide that. You’re the person I need,” he whispered. “If you’ll say yes right now, I’ll pay you triple.”
Now, he was using his Poison Blossom voice on her. She had to put a stop to this immediately.
“I can’t answer now. You have to let me think about the offer.” This was madness to even consider such a thing. She was inundated with orders and had to prepare for the Secretary of the First Lady of the Bedchamber’s visit. He would be the one to recommend the linen supplier to the Prince Regent’s Royal Pavilion. But four hundred pounds would ease the business’s financial strain. “I have a lot of work ahead of me in the next several weeks.” She paused for a moment. “I don’t help just anyone.”
“Good thing I’m not just anybody.” His smile sent her pulse racing. Then the crafty, dastardly, not to mention charming, man laughed aloud, the rich sound bringing a vibrancy to the room. “Will you at least give it serious thought?”
“When do you need an answer?” Her voice was steady in contrast to the millions of butterflies flittering around in her stomach.
He took her hand and pressed his warm lips against her knuckles, never letting his gaze stray from hers.
She bunched her other hand by her side into a fist to keep some semblance of control.
“When you’re ready.” He bowed deeply. “Madame, your servant.” He turned for the door, then stopped. “I consider it a good sign that you haven’t said no. But I beg of you, don’t keep me in suspense.”
When the coast was clear, Kat let out a sigh. Whether in relief or disappointment, she couldn’t determine. If this was the real Duke of Randford, then he had nothing whatsoever in common with a rat.
And that made him all the more treacherous.
Chapter Seven
Katherine never felt so alive as when she was at work. It was what she loved best. Looking around the elegant floor of her shop made her giddy.
Greer’s Emporium offered luxury home furnishings from draperies, pillows, and china to her own extensive collection of linens. Everything needed to outfit a bed and an intimate boudoir could be found here. The down was imported from Sweden, the linen from Ireland, and the finest silk available from Lyon. The embroidery on the bedcoverings was a work of art.
Indeed, her store was just as she envisioned it. Decorated in dusky pinks, Wedgewood blues,
ivory, with accents of gold leaf, the shop catered to feminine tastes.
Immediately, she wondered what Christian would think of such an endeavor. Would he approve of it as he’d done with her modest home? “Christian,” she said aloud. The sound rolled over her tongue like a rich, decadent dessert. He was certainly that and more. A little too much of such richness, a person might become ill.
But it would be heaven to imbibe, she was certain of it.
She twirled a pencil between her fingers. His offer of four hundred pounds was tempting. With that money, she could hire more employees, train them, and purchase enough inventory to outfit the Prince Regent’s home along with the increase of business that would surely occur with the royal appointment. It would allow all that without the worry of juggling finances. But with that money came extra responsibilities, namely helping him establish a business for soldiers that would be profitable enough that they could become self-sufficient.
It wasn’t an easy feat, nor did she really have any time in her day for anything extra. She sighed softly. The truth was she had to turn the offer down.
But it left a bad taste in her mouth. She’d dearly love to help him.
A dangerous proposition on so many levels. She shook her head slightly at the thought. She was merely feeling gratitude for what he’d done for Constance, Beth, and herself.
After the morning’s first rush of customers, she sat down to her daily bookkeeping. A hopeless cause. She pushed it aside as she couldn’t concentrate.
The duke wouldn’t leave her be—at least her thoughts of him. He’d presented a side to her that was sweet and everything charming. She could easily see him captivating not only the Prince Regent, but the entire country. At their first meeting, she thought him grumpy and cold, but how wrong she’d been. Undoubtedly, his earlier aloofness could be attributed to the shock he encountered coming home to such a mess, but that was life. Fate had dealt Katherine several surprises just as staggering.
Even dukes weren’t immune to destiny’s power.
“Good morning, darling.” A beautiful blond woman exquisitely dressed swept into the emporium like a welcome ray of sunshine. Her favorite customer, Helen, the Countess of Woodhaven, entered. She wasn’t simply a customer, but one of Katherine’s dearest friends after she married Meri. She’d met Helen when the countess had walked into the shop without an appointment. Immediately, they’d hit it off and had become fast friends.
A smile escaped when Katherine leaned back against her chair. Whereas Kat had a slight build, Helen was tall, a perfect English beauty with a rosy complexion and bright blue eyes. But it wasn’t her height or features that made people take notice and seek her company. It was her welcoming personality and charisma.
“Good morning, Helen,” Katherine called in answer and pushed away from her bookkeeping. “What do I owe for the pleasure of your company?”
Helen swatted her hand in the air in a show of genuine affection. “You charmer. You know I’m here to place another order for your sumptuous linens. Remember?”
“For your brother, Lord Abbott.” It was bloody difficult to keep up with anything right now, when one’s life teetered on the brink of disaster. She winced slightly at the foul thought.
Helen glided to Katherine’s desk. “I’ve decided on the linen you showed me the last time I was in.” She waggled her eyebrows. “The one in ivory and the most expensive.” She turned her head to see if anyone was around, then lowered her voice. “I heard Father telling Miles that he had to start taking his responsibilities as heir more seriously. He wants him to marry.” She leaned closer. “The sooner the better. When are you out of mourning?”
“Helen.” Katherine sighed. “Please. You and I have discussed this before. I am not interested in marriage. At least not now.”
“That gives me hope you’ll consider it,” Helen pushed.
“You know my circumstances. I’m a bastard masquerading as a member of society. I don’t even know who my father is. What if my father was or is a swindler or charlatan?” If her father were such a man, it might explain how Kat had built a superficial persona that had everyone fooled. “I would be a horrible match for your brother.”
“It makes no difference to me.” At Kat’s huff of exasperation, Helen continued, “Come now, my dear. It wouldn’t make any difference to Miles either. He’s handsome, wealthy, and a happy sort of fellow. If you marry him, then we’re family. He’d make a marvelous husband to a woman. Why can’t that woman be you?” Helen pushed away from the desk and walked over to a set of samples that Katherine had pulled from storage for another customer. “I don’t want you to have to work. I want you to be as happy as me.”
“I enjoy my work,” Katherine protested. “There are people who have a way to earn their keep because of me. Other vendors, my own staff, and even the farmers in Sweden who send me their feathers. If I play the part of a spoiled widow, what will they do?” She shook her head vigorously. “I wouldn’t be happy not working.”
“Spoilsport,” Helen playfully chided. “I know you thrive here. I can see it in your face. But can I help it if I want you to have more time for yourself? Then we could see each other more.”
Katherine walked to her side, then lightly fingered the linens edged in lace. “I’m lucky to have your friendship.”
Helen smiled that incandescent smile again and squeezed Kat’s hand. “I’m lucky too. I meant to ask how your visit with the Randford solicitor went?”
Kat wanted to tell Helen the truth, but she’d promised the other wives that she’d keep their secrets. “Oh, you know how solicitors are.”
“Boring.” Like a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower, her friend’s attention was drawn to the samples before her. “Are these new?”
“Yesterday, I received that Belgium lace. One of my York suppliers imported it. Do you like it?”
“I adore it. I want a set of linens made with it for my husband and me.” Helen turned to face her. “Speaking of Benjamin, we’re hosting a small dinner party tomorrow in honor of the Duke of Randford’s return. He’s accepted the invitation. What do you think of him?”
“I think he’s a … very special man.”
A crease formed between Helen’s brows. “What do you mean?”
“He’s courageous and fearless, as a war hero should be.” If anyone would interest Kat in marriage, it would be him … or at least, someone like him. Heat, the kind that told too much, bludgeoned her cheeks.
“Are you smitten?” Helen asked.
“Of course not,” Kat answered curtly.
Liar.
“Good.” Her friend nodded in approval. “Miles will be there,” she said in a singsong voice.
“Helen,” Kat protested.
“Give him a chance. Please say you’ll come,” Helen begged. “I want to show you off to all the eligible bachelors sitting around the table.”
“I’m not certain.”
“Katherine, it’s very informal. Only Benjamin’s closest friends will be in attendance.”
“Who did you invite?” Kat asked. As Helen rattled off the names, Kat quickly calculated if anyone attending could possibly be from York and might recognize her. It was silly, but she always did that before attending an event.
“If you’re worried what others might say for you attending an event during your mourning period, don’t be.” Helen put down a piece of lace she’d been holding. “Randford is attending, and no one will say a peep against him. Nor will they do so to you. My family’s friends are not so high in the instep that they subscribe to the endless rules and dictates that the ton tries to force on everyone. Besides, you might meet others interested in what you’ve built around here. You need to attend more social gatherings and let yourself be known to a wider group of people.” She waved her arm around the room. “You might meet potential customers.”
Helen had a point. For heaven’s sake, she’d been in her husband’s company for only six hours when he left her. Why should she have t
o mourn? Plus, Christian would attend, which meant she’d be able to see him again.
“I don’t have anything to wear.” She smoothed a hand down her dress. “This is the type of dress I have in my wardrobe. Sensible working clothes. I don’t even own an evening gown.”
Helen narrowed her eyes as her gaze swept over Katherine’s simple muslin dress. “You’re about the same size as me. I could loan you a dress.” Helen nodded confidently.
“You’re at least a foot taller than I am. One of your dresses would never fit me.”
“I’ll send over my lady’s maid. She can shorten the hem,” Helen argued, then her voice softened. “I really want you to attend. For me? Will you consider it?”
“No, I’d feel like a poor relation. It’s impossible.” But suddenly, an idea took root. Kat could put together an ensemble that would be appropriate for such a dinner party hosted by the Earl and Countess of Woodhaven. With her inventory of lace, velvet, and brocades for the custom pillows and bolsters she made, one of her mother’s old dresses could easily be transformed into an appropriate evening gown. Her employees were too busy with the shop’s orders to help. But if Constance and Beth could sew, it would make the impossible easily conceivable.
Such logic made the decision easy.
“On second thought, I’ll come,” she said decisively.
“Marvelous, darling.” Helen took both of Kat’s hands in hers and smiled.
“Besides, it’s only fair. If the duke doesn’t follow the strictures of mourning, then why should I?” Kat declared with a nod.
* * *
“What’s good enough for the Duke of Randford is good enough for me,” Katherine murmured to herself as she carefully wiped the mud off her shoes after she entered the door to her home. Repeating the phrase one hundred times on her walk home was slowly helping convince her of that fact.
Yet the truth niggled deep down inside. She was still a bastard and he was still a duke. Worse, she was still a fraud, a woman pretending to be a lady, and he was still a duke.
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 8