Willa let out a sigh. “Perhaps you should ask the duke if he has a residence we can go to until the scandal dies down.”
Katherine swallowed. “I won’t be a burden to him. I have to manage this on my own. Otherwise, the scandal will never die, and both Christian and I are ruined. If you want to stay with Constance and Beth, I would encourage you to do so. I’m certain Morgan would love—”
“Not another word,” Willa scolded. “Where you go, I go.”
Her breath halted in her chest. How lucky she was to have this woman in her life. “Thank you.” Katherine kissed her on the cheek. “Shall we?”
Willa nodded.
Katherine knocked on the door, then entered.
Beth sat next to Constance in her bed.
“You’re home early.” Beth stood at her entrance.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Constance said. “Mr. Hanes came to see me.”
Desperate to keep her ire at Skeats in check, Katherine tried to sound calm. “Are you all right, darling?”
Constance nodded but kept her gaze glued to her clasped hands.
Willa arranged chairs on the other side of the bed so Katherine could face the other wives. Her loyal Willa sat in one, then patted the seat beside her for Katherine.
Katherine made her way to the chair. She arranged her skirts, then looked to her friends. Besides her time with Christian, one good thing had come from this fiasco. She had family whom she could trust. After a weighted silence, she smiled. “Constance, I’m truly happy that you’re Meriwether’s … wife.”
Her friend let out a shallow breath. “I have no idea what to say.” A tear trailed down her cheek and, immediately, Beth took her hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be apologetic about. Your baby will be born legitimate,” Katherine soothed. “It’s no one’s fault except—”
“Except the sorry excuse for a vicar who performed the service and the rakehell that married you,” Willa announced.
Beth nodded in agreement. “Hear. Hear.”
“Whatever you need from me, consider it done,” Constance whispered as she wiped the tear away.
Katherine leaned over Constance to kiss her on the cheek. “Don’t cry. I’ll not have you upset by my change in circumstances.”
“I’m sorry too,” Beth said. Her eyes welled with tears. “But you still have the duke.”
If there was a God in heaven, she would still have him in her life. “Thank you, dearest. You’re both so kind to me. But there’s more that I need to tell you.”
“What else could there possibly be?” Constance asked.
Damnable tears. It they’d only leave her be until she got through this. “I’m leaving for York immediately. I’ve written a letter of instruction that all my funds be transferred to both of you.” She turned her attention to Beth. “I’ve addressed a letter to the Secretary of the First Lady of the Bedchamber. In it, I’ve said that I want to rescind the contract because it’s too much of a financial burden on me.” Beth was about to argue, but Kat held up her hand.
Constance struggled to sit. Beth immediately leaned over and helped her up and arranged the mountain of pillows behind her. Katherine closed her eyes as numbers swam like a school of fish attempting to evade the wrath of a shark. Financially, she had enough to take care of Constance, Beth, and her employees for at least six months if her plans didn’t work. The remaining amount, a paltry sum by any measure, would have to be stretched for her and Willa until she could think of another way to make a living.
“I’ve paid the rent on the town house for the next six months. You’re both welcome to stay here.”
“I don’t understand,” Beth said softly.
Constance’s forehead rippled into concern. “What’s this about?”
“Skeats demanded that I write the letter or he would drag both me and Christian through the mud and destroy Christian’s charity.”
“How can he do that?” Beth’s cheeks bloomed with heat. “The bloody bastard.”
“Basically, he discovered I was a convicted thief.” Amazing that ever since she’d told Christian what had happened, it was becoming easier to talk about it.
Both Constance’s and Beth’s eyes widened.
Immediately, Willa came to her defense. “She was innocent.”
Kat patted her arm gently. “It’s all right. I’m going to tell them the whole story.”
Willa’s eyes grew as round as Constance’s and Beth’s. “You are?”
Kat nodded. “I’m tired of living my life in fear.” She glanced at her hands and smiled. She wasn’t twisting her fingers. If she wanted to have a life with Christian, then she had to take the steps necessary to ensure that she was free from the fears and threats that had haunted her for the last ten years. Their love for each other deserved that, and if she didn’t try to rectify the damage, then she didn’t see how she could marry him. It wouldn’t be fair to him, her, or their marriage.
She turned to her two friends and told them everything. When she finished, Kat took a deep, steadying breath. “I’ve been living with the conviction for the last ten years. I’m going to York to see if Mr. FitzWilliam might help me.”
“I can’t imagine the burden you carried, living with that accusation.” Beth leaned over Constance and squeezed Kat’s hand. “But why did you write the letter that you’ll give up the contract if you’re going to York?”
“To give me time to see if I can fix this mess and keep the contract. I signed the letter to the secretary as Lady Meriwether,” Kat said triumphantly.
“But I’m Lady Meriwether,” Constance said.
“Exactly,” Kat answered. “It was a stroke of luck that I signed the contract under my company’s name instead of my title.”
Beth grinned. “That’s brilliant, Kat.”
“I don’t understand.” Constance looked between Kat and Beth.
“Kat signed the contract as Greer’s Emporium. Not Lady Meriwether.” Beth nodded with a sly grin.
“But whether you call yourself Katherine Greer, Greer’s Emporium, or Lady Meriwether, won’t they know it’s you?” Constance asked.
Kat nodded. “But you see, I’m planning on selling Greer’s Emporium to Beth for one guinea right now. It doesn’t make any difference how it was signed.” She winked at Beth. “I won’t own it anymore if Beth buys it right now before I send the letter to Skeats. Only Beth will be able to rescind the contract.”
“Oh, that’s wickedly sneaky.” Constance nodded in approval.
“Of course, I’ll buy it from you for a guinea,” Beth announced, then furrowed her brow. “I actually know the magistrate in York. He’s name is Mr. George Dane-Fox. His sister is a dear friend of mine from finishing school. I could write you a letter of introduction.”
“That would be perfect.” The longer she sat with her friends, the more confident she became that her plan would work.
A faint sound, much like a knock on the front door, drifted into the room. Beth stood and looked out the window, then let out a gasp.
“Who is it?” Willa asked.
Beth’s hand flew to her heart. “It’s the Marquess of Grayson.” She bit her lip as if unsure what to do. “I wonder why he’s here.”
“I’ll go down and see what he wants.” Willa stood.
“Let me.” Beth smoothed her dress. It was the first time she’d been out of sorts since they’d met at Mr. Hanes’s office. “He’s an old friend of my family. I’d like to see him.”
“Don’t mention me,” Kat instructed. “I don’t want Christian to find me.”
“But he could help you.” Constance said.
“I have no doubt he’d move heaven and earth to help me. But I must do this myself. Otherwise, people will believe that he sought favors of my behalf.” He couldn’t help. The best way to put a stop to Skeats was to tell the truth about her birth and her time in York before it was all over the gossip rags.
Today, she learned a valuable lesson. Even
the proud and proper Duke of Randford was powerless to change her situation. Only she could.
She vowed then and there that Skeats would not win. Which led her to another valuable lesson. All’s fair in love and war.
Especially when one loved a duke.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Christian propped his elbows on his desk and rested his face in his hands. “Katherine is gone.” He rose from his desk and tended to the fire. Though it didn’t need another log, he threw another one in the blazing hearth for something to do. “Things became so hectic last night, we never had a chance to chat. I went by her home this morning and discovered she’s vanished.”
Grayson poured himself another cup of tea, then refilled Christian’s cup. “Beth wouldn’t tell me much. What about her workshop or the Beltic Arcade store? Someone must know where she’s gone.”
Christian turned and started to pace. It was the only thing he could control in his life right now. “Hanes was here before the crack of dawn. The staff hadn’t even finished cleaning the ballroom yet. Katherine’s marriage to Meriwether was a sham. The vicar who married them was thrown out of the church for some indiscretion.” Would his half brother ever quit making such a shamble of everyone’s lives? With this latest news, Meriwether had punched Katherine in the gut—from the grave.
“Do you think that’s why she left?” Grayson asked.
“I don’t know,” he mused. “Katherine is worried my reputation will be ruined if her past comes to light.”
“Well, she has a point.”
Christian stopped midstep and glared at his friend.
Grayson raised both hands in surrender. “Hear me out. What Katherine says is typically true of society. However, in your case, we both know that you don’t care.”
“Maybe it was the final straw, and she wants to be done with the Vareck family. Who could blame her?”
“Nonsense.” Grayson took a sip of coffee. The wisps of steam rising above the cup disappeared into thin air.
Much like Katherine.
“One thing I’ve discovered from this last Meriwether mess, I’m just like my father. He didn’t care what people thought of his wife and favorite son. I don’t care what people say about Katherine and me.”
Never in his life did he ever imagine claiming anything so foul as his father. Truth was, Christian was as selfish as his father ever had been.
For Christian wanted it all. He wanted Kat in his bed every night, serenading him with her sweet moans and quick intakes of breath as she reached her climax. When he kissed her, he wanted them to lose themselves in each other’s arms as their passion turned playful and slow and tender.
He ground his teeth as the truth pounded into him. He was exactly like his father—not in the lewd, perverse proclivities the previous duke had embraced. It was something more fundamental.
Katherine had taught him the importance of family and how to craft one from the friends who truly cared. She taught him where to find a place to belong. “She is more important than the duchy, my charity work, or even my reputation. She’s everything.”
If he hadn’t fallen in love with her, he’d still be trying to outrun his family and their past. He was free now to start his own future. He’d accomplish so much with Katherine by his side, and he couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead of them as they started their lives together. Today it was a distant dream. Why did she leave him without a word?
“Even the Prince Regent didn’t care after I shared that Meriwether had married three women.” Christian pointed to his desk, where a pile of papers littered the surface. “It’s all over London that he increased his linen order last night with Katherine’s emporium. When I went to introduce her, that’s when I discovered she was ‘ill.’” He rested one arm against the mantle and stared into the fire, hoping for additional inspiration. He had to find her. “I want to respect Katherine’s wishes, but…”
“Your heart won’t let you?” Grayson answered.
Christian’s heart ached. Hell, everything inside ached for her. “Indeed. I wish I were with her. I want to know that she’s safe. Why couldn’t she tell me?”
Grayson stood and came to Christian’s side. “You could send your reconnaissance-trained footmen to find her. Perhaps hire an investigator.”
“I’m not certain that would be a wise decision.”
“Probably.” Grayson nodded in agreement. “I don’t know much about love, but I do know something rare when I see it. I’ve never seen you so alive as when she was in your life. You became another person, one who found delight in ordinary things. If you feel this way, chances are she does also. I don’t think her leaving London means she’s leaving you.” He took his time piece from his pocket. “I must go. I’m meeting with several colleagues to discuss a new idea that’s being proposed by some French scientists. They think there might be a way to harness the sun’s energy. I’ll be back this evening to see if you’ve made any progress.”
“Until then,” Christian said.
The marquess headed toward the door, then turned around. “Where’s the portrait? The one you use for keeping track of things?”
“I found someone to restore it.” Christian walked to his friend’s side. “Or I should say, Katherine did.”
“Remarkable,” the marquess exclaimed softly. “So, I take it you’re going to hang it again in the library?”
“No. It has a permanent place in the attic. As Shakespeare once said, ‘An ill-favored thing, sir, but mine own.’” Christian shrugged.
“Good decision.” Grayson squeezed Christian’s shoulder in affection then left.
Afterward, Christian strolled to the window overlooking the courtyard. Whatever Katherine was doing must be something she felt she had to see to. He ran his hands through his hair. The feeling of helplessness was foreign to him. For God’s sake, he didn’t even know if she was in London or not. The only thing he knew was that she’d taken Willa with her.
All of it left a hole in his gut. His heart seemed to trip in its beat as if its rhythm was off. For a million times that morning, he wished he would have told her he loved her just one more time.
Wheatley stood at the door. “Your Grace, a young lad by the name of Rodney is here to see you. Miss Greer sent him.”
“Send him in.” Christian rushed forward, ready to greet the young lad, who worked in Katherine’s workshop.
Wheatley waved a boy of about ten years into his study. “Your Grace, this is Mr. Rodney…”
The boy fidgeted slightly as if shy. “Smith. My name is Rodney Smith.”
“Come in, Rodney,” Christian offered.
“I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a tray of sweets that you might share with the young man,” Wheatley said.
“I can’t stay for that. I need to get back to my work.” The longing on the boy’s face at the mention of sweets reminded Christian of himself as a lad.
“Wheatley, would you ask the cook to wrap them up so Rodney can take them with him?”
“Of course.” Wheatley softly closed the door behind him.
Christian studied Rodney as Rodney studied him. Tall for his age, the boy looked to be mostly arms and legs.
“Come in.” Christian escorted the boy to a chair in front of his desk, then took his own seat. “How long have you worked for Miss Greer?”
“Ever since she found me begging on the street,” he murmured.
Christian closed his eyes briefly. That was Katherine. Always concerned for others.
“She’s paying me extra to come here.” Rodney reached into his cloth bag and pulled out a package wrapped with one of Kat’s linen samples and tied with a ribbon. “I’m supposed to give you this.”
Christian took the bundle from the boy. Kat’s violet scent drifted around him as if embracing him.
“Miss Greer told me to wait until daybreak.” Rodney nodded. “I must get back to work.”
“Wait, please.” Christian would do anything to keep him here a little longer. He wanted
to know everything the boy could impart about Katherine. “Did you see her this morning?”
A sad smile lit his face. “Bright and early, like the sun rising. Brought me some iced biscuits. She said she was going on a trip.”
“Did she say where?” Christian tightened his grip on the package. “Or for what purpose?”
“No.” The boy tilted his head in contemplation. “But she did say she had sold the business and I had a new employer.” He let out a sigh. “She told me she didn’t know when she was coming back.”
The hot stab in Christian’s chest made him gasp for air. She sold the business? A sudden vision of his future without Katherine flashed before him. He should have followed his instincts and gone to see her as soon as he’d discovered she’d left the soiree. But last night, Willa had made him believe that Kat’s sudden illness was inconsequential. She’d said it was Kat’s wishes that he stay with his guests and not worry on her behalf. It had to have been the news about her marriage to Meri. Before Christian could inquire more, Wheatley stepped into his study with a box of treats for the lad, and immediately, Rodney stood.
“It was nice meeting you.” The boy nodded politely.
Christian rounded the desk. “If you remember or hear anything else, I’d appreciate it if you stopped by again.”
The boy nodded, then turned. When he took the box from Wheatley, he thanked him politely.
“I’ll see Mr. Smith to the door, Your Grace,” Wheatley said, then closed the door behind them.
For privacy sake, Christian took the package to a window seat at the far end of the room. He sat, then swung his legs onto the thick cushion. The recess was large enough that he could lean back against the wall without having to bend his legs. He studied the package in his hands. Gently, he squeezed the linen covering. The contents gave way to his fingertips.
The embroidery on the linen piece matched the set in his bedroom. As he untied the ribbon, his gaze fixated on the edge of the piece. The figure of a C and K were entwined in a bold red script. Gently, he traced the stitches that Kat had made before he unfolded the cloth. Inside was a letter and a small pillow.
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 30