“There you are, Kat.” Willa met her at the door with a loving smile. “Your guests are in the sitting room enjoying a little something before dinner.”
Katherine took a deep breath. “The house smells wonderful. What are we having?”
At that particular moment, her stomach rumbled with the intensity of a small earthquake.
Willa narrowed her eyes. “You missed luncheon again, didn’t you, lass?” She shook her head as she hung up Katherine’s pelisse. “I’m serving chicken curry soup, breaded sole with capers, and a lovely raisin rum pudding.”
“I’m lucky to have you.” Katherine kissed Willa on the cheek quickly. “Not only are you a brilliant medicine woman, but a superb chef. I mustn’t let the duke know about your hidden talents or he’ll steal you away.”
Willa laughed slightly. “His performance with Poison Blossom made me take notice. But never fear losing me to him. His valet is more to my taste. He came over for me to check his healing.”
“How is Mr. Morgan today?” Katherine asked as she untied her bonnet, then hung it on the rack.
“I swear that young man has a lightheartedness in his step that was missing two days ago.” Willa took Katherine’s arm as she escorted her down the hall. “But he has trouble at night. The war haunts him.” She shook her head, then smiled gently. “If I were a few years younger, I’d go after the lad myself,” she whispered as they arrived at the sitting room.
“What does age have anything to do with soul mates?” Katherine teased.
“Don’t tempt me, lass,” Willa answered.
Constance and Beth looked up at the same time.
“Katherine, you’re home.” Constance tried to push herself off the low-seated sofa.
“Don’t bother,” Katherine answered as she waved her to stay put. “I’ll come to you.” She took the seat opposite the other wives.
Beth shut the book she’d been reading, then scooted to the edge of her chair. “How was your day?”
“Lovely and busy.” Katherine picked up a biscuit that was a leftover from the earlier tea the two women had shared. She finished the delicious treat in two bites then wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Where is your aunt?”
Constance pursed her lips slightly. “Upstairs resting.”
Katherine nodded as she brushed the crumbs from her hands.
Beth turned her green-eyed gaze to Katherine’s. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did the duke want a private conversation with you?”
“Of course, and I don’t think he’d object if I shared it with you. He wanted my help with establishing a business for out-of-work soldiers. He offered to pay me a handsome sum that would help me prepare for when the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber comes to inspect my shop and factory.” She blew out a breath, upsetting a loose piece of hair across her face. “I could use the money, but I don’t have the time to devote to his project.”
“Will you refuse the offer?” Constance asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
Beth leaned against the sofa and regarded Kat. “What would you need to say yes to him?”
“What I need is someone who will oversee shipments and ensure my employees have everything they need as they work.” She couldn’t trust just anyone with that position.
“I was thinking about my circumstances today.” Beth folded her hands in her lap and sat sideways like a proper lady, making the move elegant. “I want to stay hidden for a while, but I need something productive to do. What if I helped you, and then you could help the duke?”
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Constance offered. “Aunt Vee and I are self-sufficient here, and if anything arises, Willa could help us.”
Beth nodded enthusiastically. “Kat, before you say yes or no, you should know that I managed my brother’s house, including the staff. I even helped him with his horseracing hobby, overseeing the stables and purchasing the proper feed for the animals. I could do this for you.” The pleading in her voice was unmistakable. “Please, let me help?”
This was a gift from heaven. It would free up so much of Kat’s time. “Are you sure you want to do it? I could only pay you a small sum, say ten shillings a week.”
“No money necessary. You’re giving me room and board.” Beth nodded decisively. “I’d be honored to work for you.”
“Really? I couldn’t allow you to work for free.” Kat’s smile grew. She loved to negotiate. “What if I forgave the debt you owe me for the linens?”
“Done!” Beth announced. “Let me start tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” Kat agreed. “Then I can help the duke. Now, I have a favor to ask you both. I have a good friend, Lady Woodhaven, who has invited me to a small dinner party tomorrow in honor of the duke. I need a dress for the occasion. I have nothing that would be suitable for such an event.”
Constance’s brow drew together in subtle lines. “I’d loan you one of mine, but I left my regular gowns back in Portsmouth.”
Katherine shook her head. “I can wear one of my mother’s dresses. They’re old-fashioned, but I think I could make it into something presentable if you’d help me.”
While Constance nodded her agreement, Beth slowly stood, then walked to the window. Her expression was perfectly stoic, but her eyes reflected a world of worry. “I’ve been to several of Lady Woodhaven’s dinner parties. They’re lovely affairs, and the highest levels of government will have representatives there. Woodhaven has high political aspirations within the House of Lords.” Finally, she turned back in their direction. “You won’t be able to make a dress grand enough in a day’s time for tomorrow’s event. You must borrow one of mine, and I’ll help you alter it.”
“I’ll help too,” Constance volunteered.
Beth gracefully walked back to them but didn’t sit down. “Do you think it’s safe to attend such an affair?”
“Meaning?” Katherine tilted her head. “Are you talking about observing the mourning customs?”
Beth shook her head. “We shouldn’t have to mourn what’s happened to us. I meant, what if it becomes common knowledge that we’re staying here with you? Katherine, you might face horrific questions.”
She stood and crossed the short distance between them. “Beth”—she took her friend’s hands—“it’s perfectly safe. Helen wouldn’t allow anything like that to happen to me.” She lowered her voice. “She’s trying to help and believes if I attend more functions, I’ll grow my business and build my name. It’s wise advice.” She squeezed Beth’s hands gently. “Helen would be proud to be a part of our group and would welcome your friendships. She’s the type of person who would defend us against anyone who would think less of us because of our circumstances.”
“Does she know about us?” Constance asked. Lines of worry creased her forehead.
“No, she doesn’t know about any of it because you asked me not to tell her. However, she’d come to me if she’d heard a whiff of any rumor. If anyone has their pulse on the gossip, it’s Helen. She’s highly respected. And discreet,” Katherine added softly.
Beth stared at their clasped hands. “You’ll have a lovely time.” A melancholy seemed to have shrouded her friend in a pensive mood.
“I’m not really attending for the enjoyment of the event. Things will change for the better. I’m sure of it. Sooner rather than later, you’ll be able to go back to your old life,” Katherine offered.
Beth squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “I don’t want to go back. I’m done with that life.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “Don’t mind me. Now, let’s get you ready for that party.”
Katherine’s eyes blurred with tears as her gaze swept from one to the other in gratitude. “This means everything. I want to win that contract.”
“I think it’s a brilliant idea if you go to the event.” Constance stood slowly, then joined them, putting an arm around Kat. “Go forth and find new customers!” she declared, laughing.
“Indeed.” Beth nodded. “Plus you’ll be on the front lines
of society to see what is happening in the war of rumors.”
If Katherine was attending the “front lines” tomorrow, she would be in full battle regalia. She vowed to be the most ravishing woman there.
“Come, let’s eat,” Katherine said when her stomach started to protest the lack of food. “I’m starving.”
“Then, shall we see what I might have that would be perfect for you to wear tomorrow?” Beth hooked her arm around Katherine’s.
Constance hooked her arm around Katherine’s other one just as they had when they left Mr. Hanes’s offices.
Three women determined to fight for their own futures.
Tomorrow, Katherine would tell the duke she’d work with him. An image of him on his knees in gratitude popped into her thoughts. Perhaps a kiss or two might be required when she accepted his thanks.
Oh heavens, where had that thought come from?
Chapter Eight
“Woodhaven!” Christian accepted his friend’s hand in welcome as he stepped into the brilliantly lit entry of the earl’s home. A footman stood by to take his greatcoat and beaver hat.
Christian hadn’t seen the Earl of Woodhaven since the day before he bought his commission. He and Woodhaven were close since they had started Eton the same year. But their bond had become unbreakable when they were both bullied by older boys. Christian constantly received harassment for his father’s choice of a wife, and Benjamin was tyrannized because he was on the small side. Whereas Christian always fought his way out of a situation, the earl preferred to talk his way out of a confrontation.
By Christian’s way of thinking, his method succeeded whereas Benjamin’s usually ended with either a bloody nose or a black eye since the earl became tongue-tied when the bullies descended on him. During those harrowing times, they’d become allies, and more importantly, friends.
Now, Benjamin was only a couple of inches shy of Christian’s height of six feet three inches, proving that fate always had the last word.
“Randford, welcome.” Benjamin pulled Christian close and pounded him on his back. “It’s good to see you in one piece.” The earl’s gaze swept down the length of Christian’s form. “No injuries?”
“None to speak of,” he answered with a slight smile.
“Come. I want you to meet my wife, Helen.” The earl turned toward the massive staircase that led to the family quarters.
A lovely blonde dressed in a yellow evening gown stood on the last step talking to a woman with her back to the room. The woman beside her was dressed in an ethereal blue silk gown that mimicked a clear summer sky, a vision of all the wonderful things he had to look forward to now that he was back in London.
Christian’s gaze slowly swept upward from the back of her dark blue satin slippers. Her legs gracefully flowed upward into perfectly shaped hips and a narrow waist. He’d always been a man who appreciated the unique curves of a woman whether full or slight. She turned in profile. The style of her hair swept forward to hide her face. But he had a clear view of her bodice. Her breasts were pushed together by the engineering marvel of a perfect set of stays. They resembled pillows.
How fortuitous that he’d accepted Woodhaven’s invitation.
As his gaze caressed the long line of her neck, Christian held his breath hoping—praying—that her face would be as bewitching as her body. He held his breath as she finally faced him.
Then silently exhaled her name, Katherine.
And she was coming his way with Woodhaven’s wife.
Christian tried to compose his expression into one that showed he was unaffected by such a display of feminine beauty.
“Randford, my wife, Helen. She’s a thief.” The earl’s smile clearly indicated his devotion.
“Oh, you.” Helen playfully batted at her husband’s arm. “You really shouldn’t say such things. People will start suspecting me if their jewelry is missing.”
Benjamin bent down slightly and pressed a kiss against his wife’s cheek. “I’m telling the truth. You stole my heart.” He took her gloved hand in his and pressed another kiss atop her hand.
“You say the sweetest things,” Helen whispered softly, then turned her attention to Christian. “Welcome, Your Grace. We’re honored you’re here this evening.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” he answered with a slight smile. Almost immediately, his traitorous attention drifted to Katherine.
She looked away and silently blew out a breath, then adjusted her stance. An enigmatic smile spread across her lips. But the twisting of her fingers betrayed her anxiousness.
Like her, Christian felt every nerve on edge. It wasn’t akin to the awareness he always experienced when a battle loomed before him, but something more primitive—more primeval. It was more like a surge of desire.
He shook his head slightly at such a reaction. Perhaps he and Katherine were a little out of practice at attending social events. It was certainly true on his part. He leaned toward her. “Are you nervous?” he whispered.
“A little.”
“Me too.” He glanced at Benjamin, but the effort offered little help. The man was completely besotted by his own wife and looked as if he were about to throw her over his shoulder and cart her upstairs for a long bout of lovemaking.
Katherine dipped a slight but perfect curtsey before him. “Your Grace, I’m delighted to see you here.”
“Lady Meriwether,” he answered. “The same for me.” He took her hand and bowed. “You look lovely this evening,” he said softly, then cleared his throat.
Completely unaware of Christian’s disquiet, Benjamin and Helen were in a discussion over the seating arrangements for dinner. But Katherine tilted her head and regarded him. The woman was too discerning for his tastes, but Christian held her gaze.
“Are you not observing the formal dressing constraints of a widow’s mourning?” Immediately, he regretted asking such an asinine question.
Her eyes widened before she laughed softly. The sweet sound did nothing to calm his senses. If anything, it whipped his discomfort into the stratosphere. The woman before him was Meriwether’s wife. He shouldn’t be attracted to her.
“Your Grace.” She leaned forward slightly, the movement giving him an excellent view of her bodice. She arched that infuriating perfect eyebrow in challenge. “How you honor your brother is an inspiration to us all.” Then as if she knew his inner turmoil, she smiled.
Christian leaned forward, matching her movement until there was barely six inches between them. “An excellent play, my lady.” He delivered a charming smile. Keeping his voice low, he continued, “I’ll accept my due, my just desserts, for such a question.”
The enchanting minx teased him with no hesitation. It felt wonderful. Perhaps she had an answer for him about his proposal. He prayed that it was a yes. Otherwise, he didn’t know where to turn for help.
But they shouldn’t talk business tonight. Not with this crowd of distinguished gentlemen. He should spend his time getting to know his fellow peers better, so he could garner their support for his new endeavor.
That meant he should treat Katherine as he’d treat any other lady of quality.
He’d ignore her all night.
Like that was going to happen.
“Do you know many of the guests?” he asked.
“No, but I look forward to meeting them.” Then, she did the unthinkable and wrapped her arm around his as Benjamin and Helen led them into the salon to meet the other guests. “Honestly, I’m hoping we’ll sit together at dinner. I have so much I want to discuss with you.”
As soon as they entered the intimate room, several of his old friends approached. Soon a snifter of brandy was in his hand. Christian held it but didn’t imbibe. Tonight, for some reason, the smell reminded him of France, and he couldn’t stomach even a sip.
Throughout the various conversations he was engaged in, he found his gaze skating the room, seeking out Katherine. She was a vision in that dress. The bodice was cut in such a way that it accentuated he
r perfect skin, while the flow of the garment enhanced her lissome form. She and Helen were the only ladies present in a room of five men. The rest of the gentlemen in attendance seemed to swarm about Katherine. None of them were married.
He forced himself to look away and took a deep breath. Such a casual study was to be expected. He’d been trained in the army to take note of situations and scrutinize people. Look at the stance of their bodies and watch their behavior, particularly on the battlefield.
Christian fisted his hands. He’d never been trained to make observations about flirting, however.
Though the men present seemed to be upstanding members of society, in his opinion, they were vultures ready to offer all sorts of comfort to a grieving widow.
What was the matter with him tonight? Katherine had proven she was entirely capable of looking after herself. He couldn’t forget that some of the men were powerful members of the House of Lords who could help his business for displaced soldiers. He might convince them that a separate charity needed to be formed for housing the men too. That was the ultimate goal of attending the dinner party.
A gentle peal of laughter rang through the room. Instinctively, his gaze found hers. Her amusement at the quip slowly faded. She blinked, then a smile slowly bloomed across her face.
He smiled, but by then, her interest had been drawn to one of the gentlemen by her side.
Without her attention, Christian felt empty.
He dismissed such an outlandish thought. The reason for such hollowness had to be the simple fact he was hungry. Without thinking, he took a sip from his glass, then coughed.
The stuff tasted foul.
Benjamin rushed to his side and pounded on his back. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” Christian sniffed and blinked to clear his eyes. “Do you, by chance, happen to have some whisky?”
Before the earl could answer, his wife slipped next to his side, her attention devoted to Christian. “Your Grace, perhaps now would be the perfect time for you to escort me into dinner.”
“Of course,” he replied. It was always mandatory for the highest-ranking peer to escort the hostess into the dining room. Momentarily, he forgot that he was that person at tonight’s gathering.
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 9