by Vikki Vaught
“We can do it. Make sure you follow my lead. In fact, it would go a long way if she arrived to find me kissing you. Let’s hope she comes down to dinner before Their Graces do.” He lowered his voice. “I hear footsteps.”
He pulled her into his arms and gave her a passionate kiss. As soon as his lips touched hers, marvelous sensations coursed through her veins. She became so lost in his kiss, she never heard anyone enter until she heard a gasp. Andrew released her, but kept his arm around her waist. Kathleen saw her mother. Her cheeks grew hot.
Embarrassed, she said, “Mama, I didn’t hear you come in. Umm, you remember Lord Billingsley—.”
Georgia gave them the evil eye. “Harrumph. I’m sorry to interrupt your tender moment. It’s a good thing I witnessed this instead of the duke and duchess. I can see I need to make sure you’re never left alone between now and the weddin’.”
Keeping his arm around her waist, Andrew faced her mother. “I’m sorry you caught me stealing a kiss, but I love your daughter very much.”
Georgia raised her brow. “That may well be the case, if that kiss is any indication. We will have no more behavior of this nature until after the weddin’.”
Looking contrite, he told her, “I promise to be more circumspect in the future. It’s good to see you again. Kathleen has told me so much about you. I want to thank you for raising such a charming and beautiful daughter. I can see where she gets her beauty, Mrs. Hawks.”
Still far from pleased, she declared, “Don’t think you can win me over with your charms and pretty manners. I wasn’t born under a rock.” Then her expression softened as she said, “So, my lord, you’re in love with each other. While that relieves my mind, I’m surprised. Considering how much she seemed to hold you in disdain when she met you last fall.”
Andrew looked over at Kathleen as he said, “When I met your daughter before, I was not at my best. I was attracted to her from the first moment I saw her. Even more so, when I ran into her right after she returned to London. She gave me a dressing down I richly deserved, and I realized at that moment, I had to win her as my own. Thank goodness, she gave me a chance to redeem myself.”
The duchess entered the drawing room in a rush. “I am sorry I am late. Robert has a tummy ache. Poor darling, he did not want me to leave him. His Grace will join us momentarily. He is finishing up a meeting with his secretary.”
Georgia smiled. “Nothing for you to be concerned over, Your Grace. I remember what it is like to have a sick child. This gave me an opportunity to talk with my future son-in-law.”
Her grace moved to take her seat on the sofa. “Please, sit while we wait for my husband to join us. Now, Georgia, I insist you call me Sylvia when we are not in company. We are going to be working together closely over the next few weeks getting everything ready for the wedding. Remember, we were on first name basis last fall.”
Georgia sat next to Her Grace. “Certainly, Sylvia. It would be my pleasure. I want to let you know how much I appreciate you offering your home for the wedding breakfast. It’s very kind of you.”
While the duchess and her mother talked, Kathleen whispered, “What perfect timing.”
Andrew chuckled. “Any time, my dear. Believe me, I do not find it onerous to kiss you. In fact, quite the opposite.”
Once the duke joined them, Collins announced dinner, and everyone went into the dining room. The meal tasted excellent as usual, and conversation centered on the wedding. After everyone finished eating, the duchess led the ladies to the drawing room so they could leave the men to their port and cigars.
The men didn’t linger long, and when they joined the ladies, the duchess entertained them at the pianoforte. When she found out Andrew sang, she found some sheet music they both knew. Kathleen enjoyed hearing her intended. He had more than a passable baritone voice. Obviously, he’d studied extensively under a voice coach.
When Andrew took his leave, she walked him to the door. “You misled me, my lord. Your voice is much better than you led me to believe.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I look forward to hearing you play the violin. I suppose you didn’t bring it with you. Perhaps we can find one you can borrow.” The clock chimed ten times. “Ah, it is getting late. I shall come tomorrow at four, if you’re still able to go for our drive.”
“I’m sure I can. I missed our drive today.” Then she rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I will see you tomorrow.” He smiled and bowed, then went out the door. Things were definitely looking up. They were becoming friends.
With a smile on her face, she returned to the drawing room to say goodnight. Since Mama was tired from her long journey, she went with Kathleen. When they reached her mother’s door, they embraced. “I still want to have a long talk with you, but I’m too exhausted tonight. We can talk tomorrow after breakfast, before we start working on the invitations. Goodnight, darlin’.”
“Goodnight, Mama. I’ll see you in the morning.”
The next day, Kathleen arose early. Louise helped her dress, and then she went downstairs for breakfast. She hoped her mother had been convinced last night by their performance. Her walking in on their passionate kiss would surely go a long way in getting her to believe they were in love.
As she went downstairs, a rush of pleasure raced through her as she remembered their kiss. She realized she didn’t feel guilty for enjoying it. That relieved her mind quite a bit. While she would always remember William with fondness, she now realized she had not been in love with him. While not in love with Andrew either, there was no denying the strong attraction she felt. There was no doubt their embrace had been a passionate one.
When she entered the breakfast room, she went to the sideboard and filled her plate with coddled eggs, bacon, and fried potatoes, along with one of those delicious crescent rolls, oozing with butter, just the way she liked them.
After she took her seat, the footman poured her a cup of hot chocolate. She still missed her coffee, no matter how good the hot chocolate tasted. As she began to eat, her mother came in and joined her at the table after she filled her plate. “Good morning, Mama. You look well rested.”
“Mornin’, darlin’. I feel much better after a good night’s sleep. Even in a well sprung coach, travel is still tiring.”
“I’m pleased you’ve come. I know your help will be invaluable as we finalize the arrangements for the wedding. Oh, Mama, I can’t wait until you see my bridal gown. It’s so beautiful.”
Kathleen described the gown, and they discussed some of the other arrangements that were already made. As they left the breakfast room, the footman handed her a sealed note. She slipped her fingernail under the wax with the Billingsley family crest imprinted on it.
Dear Kathleen,
Unfortunately, I shall not be able to make it for our drive this afternoon. I received word from my mother’s steward. A fire has occurred at her estate in Kent, so I need to go there and inspect the damage. I will be gone for at least five days.
I am sure you shall be extremely busy with the wedding plans. I enjoyed seeing your mother last night. Please tell her I look forward to spending more time with her when I return from Kent.
I wish you well, and I will see you next week when I return.
Respectfully yours,
Billingsley
Kathleen frowned as she looked at her mother. “Oh, dear. Lord Billingsley has to go to Kent. His mother’s family seat is there, and there has been a fire. He writes he will be gone for almost a week. I hope the fire didn’t do too much damage.”
“I will pray the damage is minimal. I know you will miss him, but it will give us more time to make the rest of the arrangements for the weddin’. Kathleen, when I first saw you yesterday, I feared something was forcing you into this marriage. After witnessing that kiss last night, any doubts I had were laid to rest.” Then putting her hands on her hips, she admonished, “But just because you love him doesn’t mean I want you kissin’ before you marry him. It may be better that he will
be gone for a while.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, you’re so old-fashioned. A little kissing never hurt anyone. After all, in a month we will be husband and wife. Mama—” she paused, “now that I’m getting married, I hope you will finally tell me what goes on in the marriage bed. I want to be prepared for my wedding night.”
“Do not roll your eyes at me, young lady.” She threw her a you know better than that look, while tapping her foot. “You know I hate it when you do that. I already planned to talk to you about the birds and the bees. I would never want you to go to your wedding night unprepared. However, I think I’ll wait until the night before. I don’t want to give you any knowledge you might decide to use before that. Come, let us go join Her Grace in her sitting room. I understand there are a great many invitations to address.”
****
Andrew hated to leave town at this crucial moment. Kathleen was beginning to warm up to him. Without their daily outings, she might close herself off again. They had worked together to convince her mother they were in love, and he didn’t want her to pull away.
Kathleen’s astonishing beauty and vivacious attitude had gone a long way in helping him feel much better regarding their marriage. Every time he spent time with her, he had a difficult time pushing away his need to claim her as his own. His desire raged hot in his veins. They would be more than compatible in bed, going by that kiss the night before, and that was a good place to start, in his mind.
While the rake in him wanted to still kick and scream at the injustice of curtailing his amorous pursuits, his responsible side remained in control. Each time his alter ego raised its ugly head—which happened more often then he liked—he firmly shut his mind to the devil on his shoulder. He forced himself to remember the harm his dissolute father caused his mother. His future bride deserved his fidelity.
By the time he arrived at his club, his conviction was strong. He would not let anything destroy his determination to be a faithful husband. He entered the establishment to find his friends. They had plans to go to a cock fight that night, and he needed to let them know he would be unable to attend.
After he located his friends and told them about the fire, Effie interjected, “What a coincidence, my friend. I need to go to my estate as well. I was getting ready to leave. Since your mother’s estate borders mine, if you want, we can ride together.”
“Excellent,” Andrew replied, “as long as we ride swiftly. I’m anxious to see how much damage occurred. I’m all saddled and ready to go. Artemis is out front. I asked one of the young lads who are always gathered around to hold him for me. You know how temperamental he can be.”
“Ah, yes, but my mount is more than up to the challenge. I shall have no trouble keeping up. Well, gentlemen, we shall see you next week when we return.” Effinger moved toward the door. “Come, my friend. If we want to arrive before dark, we must be on our way.”
They made good time, only stopping once for their noon meal. Since his friend’s estate lay closer, they stopped there first. Effie invited him in, but impatient to see how much damage the fire had caused, he declined.
“I shall come over tomorrow,” Effinger assured him. “I’ll be happy to help any way I can.”
“I appreciate that, old friend. I shall see you in the morning.”
When Andrew arrived at Hatton Manor and surveyed the damage, a rock as big as a bolder settled in his stomach. The entire left wing was destroyed. At least the main part of the house remained standing. His steward met him at the door.
“Do we know what caused the fire?” he asked.
Halsey nervously twisted the brim of his hat as he explained, “We know it started in the kitchen. One of the housemaids failed to bank the fire in the hearth properly. The fire had a good start before I saw flames from my cottage. We formed a bucket brigade, but the storm is what really saved the house. The rain helped put out the blaze before it had a chance to move into the rest of the residence. I’m sorry, my lord.”
Andrew ran his hands through his hair. “At least no one was injured. The stone walls are not damaged, however, the inside is gutted. I’ll go to the village and hire some workers to help us. My mother is going to be devastated when she sees the damage, especially to the formal rooms. The priceless pieces of artwork that hung in the drawing room are a total loss. I sent her a letter. She’s at a house party in Surrey. I expect she’ll arrive in the next couple of days.”
“I’m sure her ladyship will be distressed,” Halsey replied, “After all, it’s her family home. At least, her bedchamber wasn’t touched since it’s in the right wing.”
“That’s one small favor. I appreciate you contacting me right away. I’ll take another look around. We’ll meet again in an hour.” Bowing, Halsey went around the side of the house.
Deuce take it!
This is going to take weeks to set straight.
I’ll be lucky to make it back for the wedding.
He needed to send Kathleen a letter, letting her know it was worse than he had anticipated. This would not help his courtship. He hoped she would still be comfortable enough to consummate the marriage, even if he didn’t make it back until the wedding. He could write her letters every day. Women liked that sort of thing.
The next morning, Effinger arrived as he prepared to go to the village. He offered to go with him, and since his estate was larger, he also offered to send over some of his workers.
“Thank you,” Andrew replied. “Any help will be greatly appreciated. I hate that this is going to keep me from town for weeks. My wedding is less than a month away.”
Effinger glanced over at him. “I still find it hard to believe you’re getting married. It sounds as if you are resigned to it anyway. At least Miss Hawks is beautiful.”
“Oh, I’m more than resigned.” He gave his friend a knowing grin. “I actually like Miss Hawks, and I find her vastly attractive. The problem is, she doesn’t have a high opinion of aristocrats. She thinks we’re lazy and live a decadent lifestyle. She ran into me one morning when I was on my way home from that mill we went to back in March. Of course I wasn’t at my best, to say the least.”
He raised a brow. “What are you doing to overcome it?”
“I told her we needed to become friends if we were going to enjoy a congenial marriage. We’ve been going for drives almost every day, and I’ve escorted her to several parties in the evenings. I passed her brother’s interrogation, and I’ve convinced her mother I love her.”
Now his friend looked utterly baffled. “But, Billingsley, you don’t love her, do you? The reason you’re marrying her is because you were caught in that compromising situation, is it not?”
“That’s certainly how it started,” he explained. “The reason I need to convince her family we’re in love is because she doesn’t want them to know the real reason we’re marrying. She’s asked me to pretend we have a love match for her family’s sake, and I agreed.”
God, it felt good to share this with someone. He’d known Effie since Eton. He could trust the man to keep his confidences.
He blurted out, “I greatly fear I’m falling in love with her, and it scares the hell out of me. I never expected to marry so young. I don’t think I’m ready to settle down, and I know she’s going to want me to put my wild ways behind me. The three of you have been my best friends since our schooldays. None of you are married or even thinking about it. The camaraderie between us is going to change once I’m a husband.”
“We’re not going to stop being your friend because you marry,” he assured him. “You’re right, some things are bound to change, but you’re not going to stop fencing or boxing, are you? I’m sure you can still occasionally go to a gaming hell or a mill with us. The only thing I can think of that you may not want to do, at least for a while, would be going to Madame Fontaine’s.”
Relief flooded his body, glad he’d opened up and shared his concerns. “Thank God, Effie. I needed to hear you say that.”
“You can always
count on me, Billingsley.” His friend threw his arm over his shoulder. “All right, let us go to the village and find your workers so you can return to your lovely fiancée.”
Andrew hired the workers needed and then went to Maidstone. He found an architect to manage the job, and they ordered the supplies needed to do the repairs. By the time he made it to bed that evening, he immediately fell into an exhausted sleep.
When he awoke the next morning he remembered he had not written to Kathleen yet. He hurriedly dressed and went to the study, found a piece of foolscap and a quill, then sat down to write. He hesitated. Normally he signed his personal correspondence with Billingsley. Since he wanted her to feel closer to him, possibly he should sign his letter with his given name to help build intimacy between them. Yes, that would be wise.
Dear Kathleen,
I hope all is well with you, and this correspondence finds you in good health. I am sure you enjoy having your mother with you. I am glad I got to see her before I left town and look forward to getting to know her better when I return.
I arrived yesterday afternoon, and the damage is much more extensive than I had originally thought. The entire left wing is destroyed, which is where the formal rooms were. Unfortunately, I shall not be back in London next week.
My friend, Mr. Effinger, came with me. His estate borders my mother’s, and thank goodness he did. He is lending me several of his workers, and I have hired the rest in the village nearby. I also found an architect to manage the repairs, and the supplies were available in Maidstone.
I am sorry I must be away in these weeks prior to our wedding. I trust you understand this is not something I can control. Please know I already miss our afternoon outings. I will try to write you every day, and I hope you will write back.
I must end this letter because Effinger will be arriving momentarily. I promise to ensure the repairs are finished as quickly as possible.