“I know, love.” Willa patted her hand.
The act was so familiar. Willa had been there throughout Katherine’s life, helping her lick the wounds inflicted by careless louts who thought themselves superior to her. Katherine placed her hand over Willa’s and squeezed.
“Being Lady Meriwether brought me so many gifts,” Katherine murmured. “I have Christian.”
“And your mother would have adored him,” Willa said. The tick-tock of the clock was the only sound in the room for a minute, then Willa released her breath. “Come, Kat,” Willa said softly. “A spot o’ whisky will help.”
Without any protest, Kat followed her until they stood outside the kitchen, where an animated conversation was taking place.
“Are you the husband for the third Lady Meriwether?” Aunt Vee asked. “My niece is wife number two. She’s marrying an earl. The first wife is marrying the duke. Isn’t that romantic?”
Katherine turned to Willa and signaled for quiet by putting her finger to her mouth.
As they reached the door to enter the kitchen, Aunt Vee chuckled. “How many you ask? Only three. Lord Meriwether liked to collect them. The duke knows all about his brother’s antics.”
Aunt Vee stood directly in front of Katherine, blocking her view of the gentleman. A chill skated down her spine. What kind of gentleman came to the back door of a house if he were calling on a person?
Aunt Vee turned and smiled at Katherine. “You’re in luck. Here is wife number one. Katherine, I’d like for you to meet…” Aunt Vee stepped out of the way. “Who did you say you…”
There was no one there.
“Who were you talking to?” Willa asked while peeking out into the back courtyard.
“A nice young man who was looking for a wife. I told him that Beth was available, but that you and Constance are spoken for.” Aunt Vee crowded next to Willa. “He can’t have just disappeared.”
“He’s nowhere in sight,” Willa said.
“What did he look like?” Kat asked.
“Handsome in a ruddy way.” Aunt Vee turned to Kat. “Tall, but not as tall as your duke.”
“Could you have imagined him?” Willa asked gently.
Aunt Vee shook her head vehemently. “He was as real as my husband and I having tea every month.” She took another look outside. “Perhaps he was blond? It’s hard to tell in this light.”
A log fell in the massive kitchen fireplace and crumbled into sparks of fire. Almost instantaneously, the embers burned to nothing.
It was a harbinger of her future. Kat was certain of it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Christian stood before the fire, sipping the whisky. For once in his life, he was looking forward to an event. What was equally surprising? He was hosting it.
A knock sounded on the door. “Captain?” Morgan called out.
Christian looked up and discovered his valet giving him the once-over. “What do you think?” He waved a hand down the front of his eveningwear. His formal evening coat and britches were black brocade, but the crowning glory was his waistcoat. It matched the trim on Katherine’s dress and her shoes.
Morgan lifted an appraising eyebrow, then grinned. “I couldn’t have done a better job myself, sir. Tonight will mark the end of the handkerchief-throwing parades.”
Christian grinned in return. “It’s not every night a man announces his betrothal to the loveliest and kindest woman in all of England.”
“She’ll be delighted,” his valet answered. “And so will you.”
Christian waved toward the door. “Shall we wait for Lady Meri and Willa in the ballroom?”
They turned left in the hallway, the shortest route to the stairs that led to the ballroom balcony. Once they arrived, the sound of the orchestra warming up and the low chatter of his men filled the room with a strange cacophony of comforting noise. The men were putting the finishing touches to the linens and lap desks on display. Roses from the conservatory provided a riot of color to the room while his servants stood ready to serve the guests that would soon arrive. Wheatley stood at attention by the main doors.
His charity would be the talk of the ton tomorrow, and tonight, he’d finally put the shame of his family behind him with Kat by his side.
Christian couldn’t wait to see Kat. Perhaps it would be best if they married tomorrow. Inside his desk was a special license he’d acquired at Doctors’ Common. Taking Grayson’s advice to heart, he would give the ton another on-dit to fill their heads with.
“There she is.” Morgan’s voice deepened in awe. “She’s beautiful.”
Expecting to see Kat, Christian turned to see that Willa had just entered the ballroom by herself, looking splendid in her finery.
“If it’s all right, I’m going to greet her.” The endearing regard on Morgan’s face for the woman was undeniable. It was heartwarming that those two had grown so close. It boded well for when he and Kat joined their households together.
“Please do,” Christian answered as his own anticipation mounted. He scanned the room, looking for Kat. His gaze tracked every door in the ballroom looking for her entrance. By then, Morgan had reached Willa. Clasping her hands in his, his valet was saying something in her ear. A beautiful blush colored her cheeks.
The incessant pounding of his own heart urged Christian forward. Where was Kat? He turned to make his way down the steps when a vision of ethereal radiance stood not more than five yards away.
“Looking for me?” Kat’s dulcet voice soothed his restlessness immediately.
He released a breath and took in the vision before him. The gown flowed over her body in a perfect fit. When the pearls and crystals caught the light, she resembled a fairy queen ready to command her subjects. Whatever she decreed, he’d gladly obey as long as she allowed him to be by her side for the rest of eternity.
His gaze locked with hers. “You are beautiful,” he said softly.
Her eyes twinkled. “So are you.”
Without hesitating, he closed the distance between them and took her hands in his. “I can’t find the words to do you justice. But stunning comes to mind.”
“Thank you.” She ran a hand down his waistcoat. “This is perfect.” She leaned close and whispered, “But not anywhere near as exquisite as the man wearing it.”
He took her in his arms, careful not to wrinkle her gown. With the gentlest of touches, he pressed his lips against hers in the most reverent of kisses he’d ever given her. He pulled away and memorized her face. Tonight would represent their future, and he’d make certain she knew how much he loved her every day.
He pressed a kiss against her cheek then took her gloved hand with his. “Perhaps we should marry sooner rather than later.”
“We have much to discuss,” she said. “Perhaps we could find a moment or two this evening to talk in private?”
Before he could answer, Morgan strolled toward them and bowed before Katherine. He turned back to Christian. “Captain and Lady Meri, your guests are arriving.”
He smiled regrettably. “After our first dance, you and I will sneak away. You have my promise.” He offered Kat his arm, and without hesitation, she wrapped hers around his.
As they walked down the main staircase, hearty laughter erupted. The Earl and Countess of Woodhaven had arrived.
“Katherine,” Helen called out.
Kat waved in answer and smiled brightly.
Soon, Benjamin and Helen stood before them. Other guests took their place in line to greet Christian and Katherine. Already, the ballroom was crowded and promised to be a rout. Yet, no matter how long they stood there, Kat welcomed each person with a brilliant smile and thanked them for attending. She shimmered with a joie de vivre that made her irresistible to the crowd.
Every so often he would capture her gaze. She gave him the same smile she delivered to their guests, but the brightness in her eyes reached deep within him, illuminating everything he’d attained since she’d come into his life.
He’d found his calling, his hom
e, and his heart because of her.
* * *
Katherine slipped outside onto a side balcony, desperate for air. Minutes before, Willa had danced with Phillip Reed, and Kat had danced with Morgan. All during the set, Morgan kept glancing Willa’s way. Her Willa had an admirer. If the looks Willa stole at Morgan were any indication, she returned his regard.
She fanned herself and looked out over the courtyard. Couples had escaped the crowded ballroom for a respite in the cool night air. Lanterns had been hung from every conceivable tree branch, making it look like an enchanted forest. Christian’s charity was a full-blown success if the orders for lap desks and her linens were any indication. Mr. Reed had been thrilled, but the look of accomplishment and pride on Christian’s face had made her heart melt.
Thankfully, Meri’s latest mischief hadn’t put a damper on this night. She took a deep breath. The cool air washed away her earlier unease. As Willa had said, there was no use in courting bad luck. Unfortunately, she and Christian had never had a chance to slip away and chat. Every time they came together, another guest had claimed his attention. In high demand tonight, he seemed to enjoy every minute of it. The smile on his face could have lit the entire ballroom. It had been the right decision not to have told him what Mr. Hanes had discovered about Meriwether. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
“Miss Greer?”
At the sound of her name, she froze. Slowly, she turned to find Marlen Skeats directly behind her.
“Or is it Miss James?” He laughed slightly, but the mocking sound echoed around her. “We know it’s not Lady Meriwether, don’t we?”
“I don’t recall you being on the guest list,” she answered in her haughtiest voice.
He looked over his shoulder at the crowded ballroom. “With this crowd, anyone could make an appearance, and no one would object. The nobs are mingling with the commoners. Soldiers dancing with ‘soon-to-be-duchesses.’ You’re no longer Lady Meriwether. It’s as if the whole world has turned upside down.”
“Where did you hear that?” Her voice trembled slightly.
“After Mrs. Hopkins shared the news of the three wives, I discovered that the duke’s solicitor employs a few loose lips that get downright chatty if you supply them with an ale or two or three after a long day at the office.” He leaned one elbow against the marble railing and regarded her. “But I digress. Remember that day when you allowed me to look at your handkerchief?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “I don’t normally carry tales, but I saw you in the duke’s embrace.” He tapped his chin. “Funny that, as a widow, you were already dallying with your husband’s brother. Such scandalous behavior.”
“You seemed to be overly preoccupied with my whereabouts, Mr. Skeats.” She took a step back but stopped herself from taking any more. Some of her anger evaporated, but she held what remained close inside. She would not be fearful.
“I decided I needed to find more out more about Lady Meriwether, a woman who appeared from nowhere to make her mark on London. The pattern on your handkerchief gave me a hint. The Belgium lace you used on your fine linens? That was the second hint. I know of only one person who imports that specific design. I’ve been writing to him for years, asking for him to supply to me. He always refused. So, I went to York to see him in person.”
“You went to see Mr. FitzWilliam?” Kat bit the inside of her cheek hard enough she could taste blood.
“Yes.” Skeats nodded with a smile that reminded her of a hyena. “He told me all about you. How you’re a convicted thief.”
Kat shook her head. “I’m innocent. He told you that.”
Skeats lifted a brow. “Isn’t that what all thieves say? ‘I’m innocent,’” he mocked, then straightened and clasped his hands behind his back. “Whether FitzWilliam supported your story or not, it makes little difference.” His cold gaze nailed her in place. “You were convicted.”
“It was an apple.” Kat sucked in a silent breath. “I’m going to call a footman and have you escorted off the premises.”
“Don’t do that,” he warned. “If I leave tonight, I’ll just send letters tomorrow, and that’ll make it worse for the duke and the other wives. Come. I want to show you something.”
Kat didn’t move, but Skeats walked around her. The balcony extended into the courtyard, giving a wide view of the ballroom below.
“See there?” He pointed to the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber. “You know Mr. Sherman. But the man he’s speaking with? The Prince Regent. Next to him is your duke.” He shook his head slightly and smiled. “Randford is the belle of the ball, as one might say. Everyone wants to be near the war hero duke and bask in the glory of his success. He’s practically as famous as Wellington and as well-loved as Nelson. The Prince Regent is thrilled with the idea of outfitting the Royal Pavilion bedrooms with lap desks and small tables that would benefit the duke’s charity. I expect he’ll place a rather large order.”
“That’s the Prince Regent?” Her own voice sounded weak to her ears.
“Chubby fellow, isn’t he?” Skeats turned to face her.
“How did you find out about the orders?” she asked.
“I spoke with Mr. Sherman before I found you. Does the duke know the truth about you, Miss James?”
“That’s none of your business,” she snapped.
“Imagine his horror to discover that his future wife is a pilferer. Mr. FitzWilliam said you were sentenced to the pillory for a day and night. Imagine being pelted with rotten food and manure. Humiliating, not to mention filthy.” He scrunched his nose. “Society will be outraged if they hear the Duke of Randford started a charity with a convicted thief and planned to marry her. Where is the money they’ve contributed going? Was it actually provided to the brave men who came home from war? Or was it being siphoned off by the thief?” He tsked. “You know how rumors start,” he said.
She could barely control her anger at such lies. Heat bludgeoned her cheeks. “He knows and still wants to marry me. You can take your threats—”
“And what?” He had the audacity to laugh. “If the duke knows about your criminal past, that makes it all the juicier, doesn’t it? Like father, like son. He doesn’t care what you do as long as you’re in his bed. It makes no difference if you’ve slept with his late brother. His father was the same way, I’ve heard.” He tapped the side of his face. “I can imagine the print caricatures that will be posted tomorrow. He’ll be ruined, not to mention a laughingstock.”
She turned to where Christian stood. Indeed, she had never seen him so happy and carefree. He seemed to have come alive under the attention he was receiving. Soon, several of his men along with Lord Woodhaven had joined him.
“All those men he wanted to help will be left standing in the cold,” Skeats whispered beside her. “Such a tragedy.”
The love she and Christian had shared over the last several weeks possessed a power that was unique and special. It had its own strength. But even she feared that it couldn’t endure a scandal of this nature. Thoughts of Christian laughing with her, sharing a part of himself, roared to life. She couldn’t bear to think of him hurt over the lies this man threatened to announce to anyone who would listen.
If she didn’t do something, she would destroy Christian and all he’d created here tonight. All because of an apple she’d taken in her hand over ten years ago. It was unfair. But, when had life ever treated her any differently?
“You can stop it from happening,” he added.
“What do you want?” Kat whirled to face him and straightened her spine, every nerve firing.
Slowly, he strolled to her other side and viewed the courtyard. “I want you to write a letter to the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber saying you can’t fulfill the contract. It’s too much of a burden for you. Then, I want you to leave London for good.” His eyes narrowed. “Tonight would not be soon enough.”
Kat locked her knees to keep them from knocking together. “Why would I do that?”
�
��Mr. Sherman told me I was next in line for the contract. I’ll be out of business if I don’t receive it. I can’t compete with your goods. However, my grandfather started this business fifty years ago. It won’t fail under my watch.” His face reddened as if in distress. “All you have to do to save your duke’s charity and his reputation is to leave.”
A slight sneer tugged at her lips that Skeats was threating her livelihood and her employees. A vision of Beth in the workshop skated through her thoughts. Kat had never seen her so happy. But what made the blood race through her veins was the insidious threat to ruin her beloved.
Kat stole a glance at Christian once more. He stood tall while speaking with the Prince Regent. His tall stature gave her hope and comfort, a steady mast in this tempest created by Skeats. God, she loved Christian more than life itself. If he was hurt because of her past actions, then her future meant nothing.
She’d faced challenges before and failed. It was part of life. There was only one decision to make. “I’ll agree to it under one condition.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“You never threaten the duke or his family again.”
“Done,” he said with a smile.
“I’ll be leaving immediately and will send the letter to you this evening.” Without waiting for his answer, Kat returned to the ballroom.
It was no wonder Skeats was losing his business. The man had little negotiation skills.
She nodded and smiled at the soiree attendees as she went to find Willa. One thought kept her on a clear path. Nothing would stop her from protecting Christian.
* * *
Within the hour, Katherine stood outside of Constance’s bedroom with Willa by her side. “What did you tell the duke?”
Willa shrugged. “I told him you’d taken ill. Lass, I hated to lie to him.”
“You didn’t lie. I’m sick of having this burden hang over my head. Are you ready?”
Willa nodded. “You should be prepared to tell them when you’ll return.”
“How can I? If my plan doesn’t work, I may never return.” Katherine squeezed Willa’s hand. “If that’s the case, I have no idea where you and I will settle. It certainly won’t be London.”
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 29