by Vikki Vaught
Over the next couple of days, Kathleen stayed busy between fittings for her wedding gown and nightly entertainments. When she returned from the modiste on Friday, Alex, Anissa, and the children had arrived.
When she entered the drawing room, she gave her sister-in-law a hug. “Oh, it’s so good to see you. You look marvelous. If I didn’t know you’d given birth six weeks ago, I would never have guessed it. I’m dying to see Anthony.”
Anissa settled against the cushions of the sofa. “It’s wonderful to see you as well. I’m completely recovered from Anthony’s birth. He’s asleep in the nursery. We shall go see him in a bit. Now, tell me about your wedding.”
Kathleen proceeded to tell her the arrangements. After talking for several minutes, she added, “I can’t wait for you to see my dress. I never dreamed I would have such an elegant bridal gown. Madame Clarisse’s creation is perfect.”
“I look forward to seeing it. I must say, you’re glowing.” Anissa gave her an appraising glance. “I thought you were attracted to Lord Billingsley. I remember you talked of him shortly before you came to London. You were quite vehement when you told me how much you disliked him. I suspected you were smitten. You just didn’t want to believe it because of Mr. Jones.”
This was easier than she had expected. Anissa already believed she’d had feelings for Andrew. “It doesn’t matter what I thought before. What matters now is how I feel today, and I’m quite in love with my scandalous baron. He has a marvelous sense of humor, and he makes me laugh all the time. And, we have much in common. He’s out of town at the moment, but he should return tomorrow. Now, may we please go see Anthony?”
When Kathleen entered the nursery, Melanie flew to her and threw herself in her arms. “Aunt Kathleen. I’ve missed you so much. Mama told me you’re getting married. Did Mr. Jones come to England so you could get married here?”
Oh, dear Lord.
How do I explain this so Melanie understands?
“Umm, no, darling, he didn’t. I’ve had a change of heart. I’m not marrying Mr. Jones. I’m marrying Lord Billingsley instead. You’ll meet him tomorrow. I promise you will like him.” Wanting to distract Melanie from her upcoming marriage, she looked over at Harry and directed her attention to him. “Well, Harry, did you miss me? Come give your favorite aunt a hug.”
Melanie screwed up her dainty nose. “Harry thinks he’s too big for hugs. He says it’s for girls. Mama told him that wasn’t true, but he still won’t do it anymore.”
Kathleen laughed. She grabbed Harry’s hand and gave him a hug anyway. “Harry, you might not want to hug me, but I can still hug you. Now, why don’t you show me your new baby brother?”
Both children grabbed her hands and led her over to the crib. She looked at Anthony. His eyes were open, so she reached into the crib and picked him up. “Oh, Anissa, he’s beautiful. He looks so much like Alex, does he not? He’s got his deep brown eyes and chestnut hair.”
“There’s no doubt he has your brother’s coloring. I do think he may have my nose and mouth. He’s such a good baby too. He only cries if he is hungry.” Looking at the front of Kathleen’s gown, Anissa laughed. “Oh, dear, I guess I better change him.”
Glancing at her dress, she discovered a large wet spot where Anthony had lain against her breast. “Oh, my, I better go change as well.”
Harry and Melanie giggled when they looked at her. Harry rolled his eyes and sighed. “That’s the problem with babies, no control. I shall be glad when he gets big enough to play. For now, I don’t want anything to do with him.”
Kathleen looked at Harry and grinned. “Well I do, even if Anthony did wet my gown. It’s time for me to change anyway, since we’re having dinner shortly. Children, I will come back after I dress and read you a story before you go to bed.”
Since Alex and Anissa had arrived from their long journey, everyone stayed in that night. It was so nice to have them here. Alex had said he would be extraordinarily busy getting the shipping office ready to turn over to his assistant, Phillips. He also expected his ships, the Intrepid and the Renegade, to dock any day. She could not wait for the Renegade to arrive, since several months had passed since she’d seen her other brother. Alex’s family, and sadly enough her mother, would be returning to Baltimore with John at the end of the month. She would hate to see them leave.
She wished they could stay, but her mother was anxious to return home. She’d been away for a long time and missed her friends. She would definitely want to show off her new grandchild. Mama would also enjoy spending time with John, she was sure. After all, they’d only had him back since October when they found him here in London. And what a surprise that was. John had disappeared seven years ago, shortly after he turned eighteen. He’d taken off for parts unknown, and they had believed him dead. It was good to know he was alive and well.
It pleased Kathleen that John would arrive in time to attend her wedding. He would be shocked when he learned she would be marrying Andrew when he expected her to marry Mr. Jones. She still felt a twinge of sadness when she thought of William, but things had worked out for the best. Looking back on everything, he was much too serious for her. She would have lived such a staid life with him. With Andrew, she suspected she would never grow bored.
He was so fun-loving and carefree. Even though he had several estates and many investments to manage, when it came to spending time with her, he never let them get in the way. William’s main concern was always the bank. It was the most important thing in his life. Kathleen realized she would have always come in second place with him. She believed she could be first in Andrew’s life. William had only visited her once a week. That had been all the time he felt he could spare. Looking at it through new eyes, so to speak, Andrew would be a much better match for her than Mr. Jones could ever have been.
Once Anissa finished playing, everyone retired for the night. She found herself woolgathering through most of the evening. So unusual for her, albeit she did have a lot on her mind. After Louise helped her change into her night rail, she crawled into bed and snuggled against her pillows, letting sleep carry her away to visions of her future husband.
Andrew arrived the next afternoon at four o’clock, but instead of taking a drive, they spent time with Alex and Anissa. Since her fiancé had decided to invest in Hawks Shipping, they had much to discuss. Kathleen hated to miss their drive to the park. However, she was pleased to see them getting along so well. After tea, Andrew left to go home and dress for the evening. They were attending Lord and Lady Slayden’s ball that night.
She actually found herself looking forward to it. With Andrew as her escort, she always seemed to have a better time. She did have some concerns that the Duchess of Brentwood would be there and say something to Alex and Anissa, but the duchess had relieved her mind. She had heard that the pesky busybody had left town to visit her daughter. The daughter had recently given birth to a new son, and the duchess wasn’t expected back in London until the latter part of the month.
The evening was unseasonably warm, and after dancing with Andrew, he took her out to the terrace to recover from the stifling heat. Kathleen leaned against the balustrade and breathed deeply of the floral scented air. Gazing at the star-filled night, she pointed toward the sky. “Oh, look, isn’t that the constellation Centaurus?”
Placing his arm around her waist, he glanced in the direction she pointed. “I do believe you’re correct. I didn’t realize you were a stargazer. You know, this is the best time of the year to see this constellation. I find astronomy fascinating. I own a telescope. Presently, it’s set up on the rooftop of my townhouse, and I often go there to look at the stars.”
She lowered her arm, met Andrew’s gaze, and immediately became lost in the blue depths of his eyes. He pulled her close and kissed her. At the feel of his warm lips on hers, she sighed as his tongue found its way into her mouth. He tasted of champagne and something uniquely Andrew. Her heart fluttered like the wings of a bird. Breathing became difficult as desir
e shot to the core of her womanhood.
His lips blazed a fiery path across her cheek to that ultra-sensitive spot right below her ear. A thousand needle pricks spread across her already sensitized skin. Kathleen felt his hand upon the swell of her breast. Then he slid it beneath the top of her gown. Her heart thundered so hard he had to feel it. He captured her lips again in a kiss filled with passion.
After several heated kisses, he groaned, and then slowly released her. “Ah, my sweet, what you do to me. Can you feel how you affect me?”
She immediately felt his hard manhood probing her belly. It sent a thrill through her to know she had such an effect on him. Embarrassed, she murmured, “Umm, we shouldn’t—”
“Every time I’m with you,” he whispered, “The rake in me fights the urge to make you my own. Our wedding night can’t come soon enough.” Raising her hands to his lips, he kissed the back of both of them through her gloves. “I need to take you back inside, before I get carried away. I’m sure your brother would not appreciate me ravishing you in this garden. Come. Let us join the others before they realize how long we’ve been gone.”
Although polite society considered it unfashionable to spend so much time with one’s intended, she didn’t care. She spent the rest of the evening with Andrew. He must have felt the same, because he never left her side.
Later, as she lay in bed, Kathleen relived the moments on the terrace. When he’d touched her breast, desire had pooled in that place between her thighs. While their relationship started out filled with animosity, those feelings were long gone. Love began to blossom in her heart. She now knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, Andrew desired her passionately, but had she engaged his heart? Surely, he must have some feelings for her. There were times she would catch him watching her, and he had such a tender look in his eyes.
With a pleased smile on her face, she snuggled deep into her pillows, closed her eyes, and fell fast asleep.
On the sixteenth, Andrew went back to Kent to do the final inspection. Mr. Herron had promised him the work would be completed that day, having missed the earlier proposed date due to weather.
Kathleen went for her final fitting. Her bridal gown was as lovely as she had anticipated. While this engagement might not have had an auspicious start, now that the wedding was upon her, she was more than ready to be Andrew’s bride. All her feelings had changed dramatically since that fateful night of her ruination. The good Lord had a way of making everything come out in the end.
After she changed back into her day dress, the duchess suggested they go to Gunter’s for ices. The merry group made their way to an empty table. Once they were seated, her grace smiled over at Kathleen. “My dear, you will be the most beautiful bride to walk down the aisle at St. George’s this year. I’m so happy for you. Your joy radiates every time you look at Billingsley.”
She could see the relief in her friend’s eyes. After all, she’d been the one to insist she marry Andrew. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I’m marrying a wonderful man. Thank you for your advice and direction. Without it, I would have made a grave mistake and allowed guilt over Mr. Jones keep me from accepting Lord Billingsley’s proposal. You encouraged me to follow my heart.”
Anissa spoke up. “Kathleen. Am I missing something here? Did you consider refusing the baron’s proposal?”
“For a brief moment. I hated to hurt Mr. Jones, but I knew marrying Andrew was the right decision. We are much more suited for one another than William and I ever were.”
Then Georgia smiled over at Kathleen and added her opinion. “I could not agree with you more. Your young man is desperately in love with you in a way I don’t believe Mr. Jones could have ever been. That’s why Alex and I didn’t want you to marry him. I can go back to Baltimore, knowing I’m leaving you with a man who can truly make you happy.”
“Oh, Mama, I’m going to miss you so much, but you need not worry. We’re going to have a wonderful life.”
“I know you will, darlin’. Now here comes the waiter with our delicious ices. I adore the lemon.” Everyone laughed and talked as they enjoyed their refreshing desserts. She spent the rest of the day enjoying her mother’s company. When they returned to Chilton House, Kathleen took Melanie and Harry to the park.
Once the children had their kites launched, she watched her exuberant niece and nephew race across the lawn. Her heart ached when she remembered Harry and Melanie would leave the following week. She would not be there to see them off, since Andrew was taking her to Grainger Hall, instead of the traditional Bridal tour. After all, she didn’t know many people in England to visit anyway.
As she continued to watch the children, a small, bedraggled, gray kitten with white paws crept from the bushes behind her bench and sniffed around her skirts. Soft meows came from the animal’s throat. It sounded like a call of distress. She murmured, “Aren’t you a pretty darlin’. Can I pick you up?”
Using care to not startle the kitten, she reached down and ran her hand over its matted fur, feeling a lump on its hindquarters. “How did you get hurt, little one? Let me take a look.” She slowly picked up the cat and placed it in her lap. The poor animal was covered in fleas, along with the wound on its rear. She discovered the kitten was a male. Before she could continue her exploration, the children ran to her.
“Aunt Kathleen,” Melanie cried, “Where did you find the kitty?”
Harry joined in, “It looks like my cat, Barney, except with white paws.”
Kathleen gently stroked the animal while crooning to him. “I believe he is a stray. Shall we take him home with us? We’ll ask the duchess if she’ll mind having another pet in the house for a few days. Come, let us go find out.”
As she made her way to Chilton House, she decided she would keep the cat for her own. Andrew had told her she could own as many pets as she wanted. Once he returned from Kent, she would tell him she had acquired her first one. She felt sure he would not mind.
Hope surged through her. While she would miss her family when they left, she realized she could not wait to be Andrew’s wife. This might have begun as a pretense, but now, not only did she desire her intended…she actually liked him. She wasn’t ready to admit to stronger feelings yet, but she now believed she could fall in love with him. Everything she’d told her mother at Gunter’s was true. Her confidence grew each day that the two of them would enjoy a happy life.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The duchess welcomed her pet and told Kathleen the animal could stay until her marriage. Once the kitten’s injuries were cared for and he’d had a bath, his coat felt as soft and smooth as silk, so she named him Silky. The servants prepared a sand box to keep in her room, and he followed her everywhere she went and slept in her bed at night. She loved to watch him play with a ball of yarn she’d given him. It felt good to have an animal of her own again.
The next three days sped by with the speed of lightning. Andrew returned from Kent on Thursday and told her Mr. Herron had completed the repairs and Hatton Manor looked even better than it had before. When she told him she’d found the kitten, he told her he was glad she wanted to give Silky a home.
The only shadow on the horizon was Andrew’s mother. She had returned and would be at the wedding. It would be the first time she would see Lady Billingsley since the previous fall. He’d told her not to worry, but she could not help feeling apprehensive over seeing her again.
Kathleen was well aware Lady Billingsley thought she was beneath her son and that she’d trapped him into marriage. She hoped the baroness would keep her opinions to herself. At least until her family left for Baltimore. It would be a disaster if Alex discovered what had really happened the night of her come-out ball. Fortunately, her family hadn’t heard a whisper of the incident, and she wanted to keep it that way. When her family left next week, she wanted them to leave believing she loved Andrew and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
Friday afternoon, Kathleen went with Andrew to St. George’s to go over the final detai
ls for the wedding. They had already met with the rector who would perform the ceremony several times, so this was only a formality.
That evening, her family surrounded her with a blanket of love and affection, including her brother, John. A boisterous crowd sat around the table because they allowed the children to join them for her last meal before her wedding. After the youngsters went upstairs, Andrew departed. Then everyone said their good nights and retired to their rooms.
Once she’d dressed for the night, Louise left her alone. She heard a knock on her door and she called out, “Who is it?”
Her mother’s voice came through the door. “It’s me, Kathleen. I wanted to see you before you go to sleep.”
She opened the door. “Please, come in.”
Once Georgia entered, she drew her close. “Oh, darlin’. I can’t believe this day has finally arrived. It seems like yesterday you were only concerned for your horse and that silly goat, Bluebell. Now you’re all grown up.”
Kathleen kissed her cheek. “Oh, Mama. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother. I do realize I’m very blessed. Poor Andrew’s mother is horrible. I advise you give her a wide berth tomorrow and don’t believe anything she tells you. She doesn’t feel I’m good enough for her son.”
“Well, if she says anything derogatory to me, I will set her straight. Your young man is getting a gem, and he knows it. With a mother like her, it’s a wonder he turned out so well.” Then looking embarrassed, she said, “Umm, honey, that isn’t why I wanted to talk to you tonight. I promised to tell you what to expect tomorrow evening.”
“Oh, I thought you’d forgotten.” She looked away, not wanting to meet her mother’s eyes. “Uh, Mama…I talked to Anissa this morning. She told me what to expect. I’m well prepared for my wedding night.”
Georgia wiped a tear from her eye. “Ah, honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put our discussion off until the last minute. It was my place to tell you.”