Christian nodded and bowed over Constance’s hand. He then repeated the same for Beth. “I’ve come today with hopefully happy news.”
Beth had moved to the other side of Constance’s bed. Her brow wrinkled slightly, but she didn’t say anything.
“What is that, Your Grace?” Constance spread her hands over the bedcovering, smoothing out the wrinkles.
Christian’s gaze focused on Constance. “The Earl of Sykeston has agreed to marry you.”
Constance’s dark eyelashes flew open, but she didn’t utter a peep. Instead, she simply stared.
“Have you changed your mind?” Kat asked.
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s been years since we’ve seen each other. I can’t believe he said yes.” Her voice trembled slightly. “How is he?”
“As well as can be expected.” Christian smiled slightly. “He came home with a severely damaged leg. He has trouble walking at times.”
Constance’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, God. Poor Jonathan. I haven’t had a chance to see him. He was never home in Portsmouth when I tried to call on him.”
Christian leaned a little closer. “He’s willing to marry you before the baby is born. He said he didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl.”
Constance dipped her head. “Really?”
“Really,” Christian said softly. “He had to travel to Portsmouth but will be back in London as quickly as he can.”
“I can’t tell you how relieved I am at the news.” Constance stared out the window with a winsome smile before turning back to Christian. “Thank you for all your help, Your Grace.”
“You’re welcome,” he answered.
Beth stood and clasped Constance’s hand. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Beth.”
Affection swelled in Kat’s chest for her friends. She leaned over Constance and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so happy for you and your baby.”
Kat wasn’t the only one affected as Constance’s eyes grew bright with tears. “Thank you, Kat, for everything.”
Christian turned to Beth. “I must leave shortly, but I wanted to ask if you’ve given any more thought to your future?”
“I’m happy as I am. Don’t think for a second that I want to marry,” Beth said with a sure nod and radiant smile. “But there is something I think we should address.”
Constance nodded. “Beth and I would like to ask about Katherine?”
“Me?” What were her friends up to?
Christian leaned back in his chair with a grin. “I’m all ears.”
“Marriage is what we want to discuss, but only if she wants to,” Beth said earnestly. “But if and when she does, Constance and I believe he should be a man of the highest caliber with a generous spirit.” Beth looked at Constance, then turned back to Christian. “She’s been incredibly kind and has welcomed both of us into her home as if we were family.”
“We are family,” Kat corrected.
“I’m thinking of perhaps a man who will love her and care for her as deeply as she cares for all the others in her life,” Constance offered, then smiled at Kat. “I want her to have someone who sees how truly special she is. She deserves love and so much more.”
“That’s perfect,” Beth whispered.
Kat wiped her eyes at the kindness and love expressed on her behalf. “I can’t believe you’ve thought about that for me.”
Christian’s gaze met Kat’s. The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. “I believe it, and I’m in agreement with you. I might have a man in mind, but I don’t know how perfect he is. However, I can recommend him as he loves her madly.”
In that moment, she fell in love with him all over again.
“Do tell us.” Beth laughed.
Christian pressed a kiss on Kat’s hand. “Will I do?”
Everything within her tingled. She had little doubt he’d always affect her that way. She turned to her friends. “It’s true. We’re to marry.”
Constance clapped her hands as a shout of joy erupted.
“I knew it!” Beth exclaimed.
Kat’s heart swelled at the scene. This was her new family, where hugs and congratulations were freely given. Now she knew what it was like to have sisters.
And a future husband who truly loved her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Christian’s dream of launching his charity to potential benefactors would culminate tonight in a successful rout that the ton would be discussing for months on end. Kat was honored to be a part of it. Not only that, but she would celebrate beside him when their betrothal was announced.
She caressed the ensemble that Christian had purchased for her to wear this evening. The white silk gown was covered with a lace overlay decorated with small crystals and seed pearls. The bodice neckline was trimmed in crimson ribbon, reminding her of the Portland rose he loved to grow. The shoes matched the deep red trim with crystals sewn in the pattern of the rose on the front. Even the intimate apparel, the stays, chemise, and stockings, were embroidered with tiny dark red roses.
Ever thoughtful, Christian had sent Willa an exquisite gown in a shade of orange that reminded Kat of autumn leaves. Willa had looked ravishing in it with her red hair. Excited for the event, she’d even mentioned she planned to dance with Morgan tonight.
For the first time in her life, Kat felt like Cinderella finding her true prince.
The previous two weeks, whenever they’d been together setting up the displays for tonight’s event at Rand House, Christian had found a way to sneak them away for a few stolen moments. Sometimes it was for kisses, other times more intimate expressions of love.
He’d been so sweet and passionate in his lovemaking yesterday. The memories were like gentle caresses, each touching an intimate part of her. Immediately, she thought of his hands holding her, stroking her skin, and sweeping across her face. Heat crept across her cheeks as she recalled the tender whispers of love he’d shared with her yesterday.
“Kat?” Willa popped her head around the door. “Mr. Hanes is downstairs and asked to see you. He says it’s an urgent matter.”
She laid the dress carefully across her bed. “Did he say what he wanted?”
“No. He dinnae look happy, lass,” Willa answered.
Her earlier happiness evaporated. “Come with me?” Katherine took her hand and squeezed.
In answer, the woman squeezed Kat’s. “Lead the way.”
Holding hands, they walked down the stairway together. No matter the circumstances, Katherine could always rely on Willa. She’d been Katherine’s confidant, friend, and most important of all, her family. In seconds, they arrived in the front sitting room closest to the stairs.
Katherine turned to Willa with a tentative smile. “I can’t imagine why he would want to see me today of all days. The soiree is in hours.”
“Perhaps it has something to do with your engagement to the duke. You know how those solicitors are. They take delight in making matters complicated.”
Kat nodded distractedly. “What if it’s bad news?”
“If it is, we’ll find a way to deal with it.” Willa squeezed her hand again. “That’s what we do.”
“We persist. That’s how we survive.” Katherine leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Don’t be thinking negative thoughts, my miss. Tonight is your night to shine next to your duke.”
“That’s good advice.” Kat said a silent prayer then opened the door. “Welcome, Mr. Hanes.”
The solicitor turned from the window, and Katherine immediately stopped. The solicitor’s face resembled the first snow of a long winter. There was no color in his cheeks, and his eyes were sunken as if he hadn’t any sleep over the past several days.
“Thank you for seeing me. Under normal circumstances, I would never dare interrupt such an important evening. But this is dire.” The solicitor shook his head slowly.
“Of course. Let’s sit down.” Katherine sat first on the floral brocade sofa where Willa joined
her. Mr. Hanes chose an ornate scrolled-back chair that faced them.
Everything within the room grew quiet. The fire didn’t spark, and the wind battering the window died.
An ominous sign.
Katherine tried to swallow her unease, but her heart pounded in her chest. If anything had happened to Christian, she didn’t think she could bear it. Finally, she broke the silence. “Is it the duke? Is he well?”
“His Grace is fine.” Mr. Hanes released a pained breath, then rubbed his knee repeatedly. It was a rather shocking sight to see him so unnerved. It reminded Katherine of the day when she found out there were two other wives besides herself.
The solicitor stared at the floor as if struggling with what to do.
Katherine motioned to Willa. Immediately, she went to Mr. Hanes’s side.
“Do you need anything, sir?” Willa asked in her gentle way, as if tending a patient. “Perhaps tea?”
“No, thank you,” the solicitor answered before turning to Katherine. “You may want to have privacy for this conversation,” he said softly.
Katherine lengthened her spine and tightened her stomach in defense, as if preparing for a fist in the gut. The normal creaking of the wooden sofa legs and the floorboard underneath were remarkably hushed, as if not wanting to break the solemn silence that filled the room. “Willa is my family.”
He nodded once. “I’m afraid I have some very distressing news for you.”
“The dowries are gone, I presume?” Katherine waited for him to nod.
“That’s not why I’m here.” Mr. Hanes’s gaze never strayed from hers.
Katherine refused to blink. “Go on.”
“I’m afraid there’s no easy way to introduce what I have to say. Pardon me for being frank, but your marriage is void. Miss Constance Lysander is the legitimate wife of Lord Meriwether.”
Katherine didn’t react. She sat frozen with every muscle tight like a spring, ready to unleash all the energy it had stored within it.
“What?” Willa jumped out of her seat. “What kind of nonsense is this?” She closed the distance between her and the solicitor, then leaned across his chair.
Instead of the solicitor being intimated by Willa’s stance, he straightened in his seat. No more than three inches separated their faces. “I assure you that I have had all three marriages validated, and Miss Greer’s and Miss Howell’s are void.”
“How can that be? She was the first one married.” Willa sniffed. “Void. Pfft.”
“Void as in phony, a sham, madame,” Mr. Hanes answered, as if Willa need clarification.
Katherine’s heart faltered in its beat. Or perhaps it was her lungs struggling for air. Within a span of five seconds, her entire world had shattered. She was no longer titled. With such scandal, she might never be welcomed within the ton—even with her marriage to Christian.
She could lose the royal contract with any hint of dishonor swirling around her. As important, Christian’s charity could be in peril. She blinked, desperate to keep her bearings and find a way out of this.
“Mr. Hanes.” She cleared her throat. “Could you explain it to me?”
“Aye,” Willa urged. By now, she’d claimed her seat next to Katherine again. She’d taken ahold of Katherine’s hand in her tight, warm grip. “I was a witness. There was another witness. There was a vicar. It was all legal.” She spoke louder, as if the increase in volume would make it more real. “They signed the register.”
“I’m aware of that,” Mr. Hanes said calmly. “The reason the marriage is void is a little more complicated than that. The vicar, a Mr. Lawrence Foulkes, had been defrocked the previous month for stealing from the weekly collection and taking more of the monthly tithe than what he was entitled to.”
A sneer creased Willa’s lip. “I don’t believe any of it. Of all the despicable things—”
Katherine quieted her by holding up her hand. “Please, Willa.” She turned her attention to Mr. Hanes. “We were married in a church. Why would he still be in his position if he’d been defrocked?”
As soon as she asked the question, Mr. Hanes’s Adam’s apple moved up and down like a bobber on a choppy lake. He swallowed before he continued, “Well, you see … the man owed a gambling debt to Lord Meriwether. Apparently, Mr. Foulkes and Lord Meriwether had quite a past together. After Mr. Foulkes was relieved of his position, he found a secluded church without much activity. Any weekly tithes, he collected for his own pocket. The elderly vicar assigned to the parish had recently retired. No one had taken his place as the congregation was so small.”
“But Katherine and I were there every Sunday when the banns were called,” Willa challenged.
“I’m sorry, but it makes no difference,” Mr. Hanes said to Katherine. “It wasn’t his church. He wasn’t a clergyman. When the banns were called, there was no one else in the church, no one else around to notice the … um … unusual activity.”
“Typical English,” Willa spat. “Should have had a handfasting. That would’ve made it legal.”
Mr. Hanes ignored the outburst. “Truly, I’m as devastated as you are.”
“I doubt that,” Willa muttered under her breath.
Katherine ignored the remark. “So, Mr. Hanes, you’re telling me that my husband arranged for this sham marriage?”
“Lord Meriwether was not your husband,” Mr. Hanes corrected.
“Pardon me. You mean there’s evidence to suggest the loathsome and irresponsible trigamist arranged such a sham marriage?”
Another awkward silence ensued.
“Mr. Hanes?” Katherine’s voice grew sharper as her anger began to boil. “Is that what you’re telling me?”
“Miss James…”
The sound of her real name felt like a slap across her face. But she held herself straight. “It’s Greer.”
The solicitor’s face froze. For an eternity, he didn’t say a word. “Another reason your marriage is invalid. You signed the license and the register as Katherine Elise Greer. But you’re Katherine Elise James from York.”
Willa moved to stand, but Kat stayed her with her hand. “How did you discover that?”
“The duke told me as we prepared the marriage settlement documents. You must use your legal name.” He shrugged. “The duke has secured a special license for your wedding. I really can’t say more as he wants to discuss the marriage ceremony in more detail with you.”
Somehow, Katherine found the fortitude to stand. “Does Christian know my marriage is invalid?”
“I wanted to see you first. You’re owed that much.” He picked up his leather pocket satchel where he kept his papers. “I’m off to see him now, then I’ll be telling Lady Meriwether the news as soon as I inform the duke. Such a shame that I have to tell him about this complication before the charity soiree.” He shook his head, his worry clear in his wrinkled brow. “His Grace has been a new man these last several weeks.” He pushed his eyeglasses up the bridge of his nose. “Actually taking an active interest in the duchy and its inner workings more than usual.”
Katherine stayed him with her hand. “Wait, Mr. Hanes. Tonight means a great deal to him. It’s everything he’s been working toward since he returned home. Could … you not wait to tell him until tomorrow?”
“I suppose,” he said, rubbing his chin. “I could see Lady Meriwether then as long as I’m here.”
She cringed at the title of Lady Meriwether. “She’s not been well.”
“I understand, Miss James.” He straightened the brim of his beaver hat. “But she needs to know straightaway. You see, if Lady Meriwether has a son, then under the duchy’s charter, the boy would be the duke’s heir. I need to tell her what has happened.” He headed toward the door. With his hand on the knob, he turned to Katherine. “I’m truly sorry for these upsetting circumstances. But this means your marriage to the duke can’t be challenged.”
She was afraid to ask the next question, but she had to know. “Will your staff keep their silence about this?”
“Of course. Never fear that, Miss James. Good day.” He nodded to Willa, then walked out the door.
Numb, Kat slumped in her chair. She wasn’t married to a duke’s son. She’d never been married at all. If she had the ability, she’d laugh at this cruel farce, but she was still trying to grapple with it all. Meri had said he shouldn’t have married her, and as fate would have it, his wish had come true. A little late for him to enjoy but, nevertheless, he wasn’t married to her and never had been.
One hot tear fell down her cheek.
Suddenly, Kat had a handkerchief in her palm. Her loyal Willa stood beside her, trying to comfort her.
“Lord Meriwether is not worth your precious tears, lass,” Willa crooned gently.
“No, but Christian is.” She wiped her tears and gently blew her nose. It didn’t alleviate the hollowness she felt inside her chest. “If word leaks that I was not Meri’s true wife, I shudder to think what will happen. Chances are the contract will be rescinded. How long do you suppose before the truth of my past life is exposed? It would hurt Christian and his charity.”
“Kat, you’ve had a spell of bad luck. It doesn’t mean everything will fall to shambles,” Willa rationalized. “You need to leave the past where it belongs. Behind you.”
She nodded. “I don’t want him to have to bear another scandal tonight. Truth is, I don’t want him hurt tomorrow or next week.” Katherine put her hands over her face to compose herself, then took a deep breath to hold in her sobs. “Perhaps I inherited a little of my mother’s theatrical talents.”
Willa sat beside Katherine with an arm around her shoulders. “Your mother, God rest her soul, would have been thrilled with you, and she’d have been so proud of your accomplishments. She loved you like no other. She always told me you had talent, my lass. But it didn’t take talent to be Lady Meriwether. Whether you believe it or not, you’ve always been quality.”
“The truth is, I quite liked being Lady Meriwether. It helped my business succeed so I could hire real employees.” She pursed her lips to keep the tears from falling once again. “Helen and I became best friends. I’d never had one before, you know.”
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 28