The Engagement - Regency Brides 02

by Kimberley Comeaux

  “Weʼd all thought her as ʻon the shelf,ʼ an old maid, forever without a hus---“

  “I think he understands your meaning, Lucy. Now, please-“

  Katherine tried to silence her again, even attempting to reach across Thomas to give her a pinch of warning, but it did no good. Thomas merely plucked her hand and folded it into his own and encouraged Lucy to continue.

  Ignoring Katherineʼs outraged gasp, Lucy did as he asked.

  ʻʼAs I was saying, we thought her doomed to a life alone until, of course, you came along, Dear sir.” She gave him another smile, and Katherine thought she might have even winked at him, but she could not be sure.

  ʻʼAh! Just like a fairytale, wouldnʼt you say, Katherine?”

  Thomas teased, smiling into her perturbed stare, holding fast to her hand when she tried to pull away.

  “Yes, that is exactly what Mama said. She also said she hoped you wouldnʼt wait long to propose, since you were Kateʼs only chance for matrimony and she did not want anything to happen to run you off.”

  This time Katherine managed to pull free of Thomasʼs hold. Leaping to her feet, she shook her finger at Lucy, who was now trying to scoot behind Thomas for protection. ʻʼYou will end up in the same situation, Sister dear, if you donʼt act in a more ladylike manner!” Katherine shrieked.

  By now Katherine was so angry, she forgot to mind her own behavior. All she could think of was getting her hands on her big-mouthed sibling. Twice she circled around the man as her sister kept scrambling away from her.

  Then, in a moment of triumph, Katherine caught her. “Ha!

  Iʼve got you. Now what are you going to do?” she growled as she tugged her sister by the arm and glared down into her panicked face.

  But then the panic turned to glee as Lucy focused on something beyond Katherine. “Mama! Papa! Help me!” she yelled in a pitiful voice. “Katherine was angry because I caught the two of them in a kiss, and now she is trying to harm me!”

  Katherine knew sheʼd been bested. But it wasnʼt the fact that her parents were there to witness her unladylike behavior-theyʼd seen her and Lucy get into tussles before. No, it was because she suddenly noticed Thomas watching her, doing all he could to hold back his laughter! .

  “Katherine! I say, Daughter, your behavior is not at all befitting your station!” her father scolded in his booming voice as he kept glancing with apprehension to Thomas.

  “Uh, yes, dear! We donʼt want to give anyone the wrong impression, do we?” her mother seconded, emphasizing each word in her last sentence while motioning toward Thomas with a non-subtle movement of her head.

  Thomas chose to rise at that moment, giving her parents a brief bow. “Your graces,” he greeted them with a dashing smile. “Trust me when I say there is nothing Katherine could do to change my good opinion of her.” Thomas turned his gaze to her, and she felt the power of his tender smile all the way to her toes. “I think she is the most beautiful, most fascinating woman I have ever met.”

  Katherine was barely aware of her parents crowing with approval and flattery aimed at Thomas, for she was momentarily struck blind and deaf from all else in the world except Thomas Thornton-a man Katherine was beginning to realize was a most extraordinary man, indeed. A fact she wished with all her heart sheʼd known before making her ill-fated plans.

  What would it be like, she wondered, if he were to be herʼs in truth? What would it be like to make plans for the future with this man in it?

  “Did anyone hear me when I said I caught them kissing?”

  Lucy called out, breaking the connection that had been flowing between them.

  Katherine opened her mouth to defend herself when Thomas spoke. “I beg your pardon, your graces, but I was only kissing Katherineʼs hand.” He smiled a charming smile at her mother. “Her gloved hand, at that.”

  Katherine watched her mother gush with glee. “Of course, we suspected nothing else,” Lady Montbatten assured him, waving her lacy handkerchief in his direction. “But I was young once, Mr. Thornton, and I do know what itʼs like when you are”—she paused for effect—“in love?”

  Katherine watched in wonder as Thomas handled her prying with cunning. “Your grace, one would only have to gaze upon your fair skin to suppose those memories were not so long ago,” he told her smoothly.

  Lady Montbatten giggled into her handkerchief like a schoolgirl, and Katherine realized she was actually feeling jealous of her mother!

  It was at that moment Theodora arrived, followed by North.

  “Cousin.” Theodora spoke first. “Weʼve been all over the church grounds trying to locate you,” she told Katherine. “Is everything all right?”

  Katherine resented Theodoraʼs prying question and curious expression. In fact, Katherine was beginning to wonder how she could convince Theodora they should not go through with their plan.

  But even if she did achieve that difficult task, how would she ever convince her cousin she might just want Thomas to ask her to marry him? She might just want everything about their relationship to be-real.

  Katherine sighed. That line of thought would require more reflection, however. Now she would just pretend to go along with Theodora.

  “Of course, everything is all right,” Katherine answered.

  “We were just about to come and find you.”

  “Actually,” Thomas inserted, causing all eyes to turn toward him, “I thought perhaps youʼd like to join me for a picnic in my garden. It is so beautiful this time of year, and the roses are beginning to bloom.” He nodded toward her parents to make sure they knew they were to be included.

  “What a delightful suggestion!” Lady Montbatten crooned, clapping her hands together. “We would be honored, wouldnʼt we, Raven?” she spoke to her husband using his nickname from his title of Ravenhurst.

  “Capital idea!” the duke seconded with a satisfied smile.

  “Iʼll send a servant to inform Cameron of our plans, and we will meet you at the noon hour.”

  Thomas nodded. “Your brother is, of course, invited, also.”

  The Montbattens all exchanged uneasy glances. “I think we shall wait until another day to include our son,”

  Montbatten finally answered.

  “If you think it best.”

  The duke frowned. “Trust me-it is best.”

  “On second thought, my dear, why donʼt we send Theodora to give Rogers the message?” Lady Montbatten chimed in, referring to their footman waiting for them at the abbey.

  “Rosehaven is not too far, and it will give us a chance to talk more, donʼt you agree?”

  Katherine saw her mother send her father a significant look, and he was a little slow at catching its meaning but soon did.

  “Well, I had not wanted to walk—uh-but, of course-I think the walk would be a wonderful idea,” he answered slowly and carefully. “Run along, Theodora, and see to Rogers, will you?”

  Katherine knew Theodora did not like being treated like the poor relative she was. Though she was treated better and more equal than most, she was still Katherineʼs companion, totally dependent on the generosity of the duke and duchess.

  With her pinched lips and pointy chin thrust high in the air, Theodora stalked away, but her displeasure had not gone unnoticed. Katherine saw her father frowning after her, so she turned his attention elsewhere.

  “What about your son?” she asked Thomas brightly.

  It was North who answered. “I sent them along in the carriage.

  They should be waiting for us at Rosehaven.”

  Thomas nodded, motioning ahead on the path. “Then letʼs meet them, shall we?”

  As they began to walk, Katherine found herself walking in front with Thomas, Lucy was paired with North, and her mother and father brought up the rear. The silence between them all was quite comfortable as they strolled along the tree lined path with the sweet smell of the spring flowers drifting upon the light breeze.

  Lucy apparently didnʼt think so, though. As usual, she
spoke exactly what was on her mind. “It is really quite odd to be walking with you, Mr. Thornton, when just last year we were attending your funeral,” she commented, referring to the time when his ship had gone down during the war and heʼd been declared dead.

  Both Katherine and her parents scolded the girl at one time. “Lucinda! Do not say another word!” “Please be quiet!”

  “Hush-“

  “It is quite all right,” Thomas interrupted, turning slightly to smile at the precocious girl. “Of course, it must seem odd to her.”

  Katherine turned to see her mother dabbing frantically at .

  her forehead with her handkerchief. ʻʼYes, but she should not say so aloud. It is quite unbecoming! Quite!” her mother emphasized, her voice shaking with embarrassment.

  “Why shouldnʼt I say so aloud? He is alive, isnʼt he? I should think he would be glad to talk about it,” Lucy insisted. ʻWhat do you think about it, North?” she directed her question to her walking companion.

  “Your grace, Lucy. You must address him as ʻyour graceʼ!”

  Lady Montbatten admonished.

  Lucy let out a sound of disgust and rolled her eyes. “What do you think about it---your grace!”

  North chuckled. “I think we are blessed to have Thomas among us. Our sorrow was turned to great gladness when he came home to us.”

  “I know my parents are glad about it. At least they are now since heʼs been courting my sister!”

  More instantaneous scolding came from Katherine and her parents. But Thomasʼs laugh interrupted them all with surprise.

  “Was there much crying at the memorial service, Lucy?

  Were pretty words spoken on my behalf?” he asked in a teasing voice.

  Lucy nodded seriously. “Oh, yes. And Iʼm sure I would have cried over you, too, had I known you better then.”

  Thomasʼs laughter again stopped Lucy from being scolded too much, but Katherine knew she must have a talk with her sister as soon as possible on proper conversation etiquette.

  Katherine felt compelled to put an end to their talk of death and funerals. “I am sure you will not have to worry about crying over Thomas for a great many years. I am sure God will see fit to give him a long life after all he has been through.”

  She peered up at Thomas to give him a quick smile, but when she found him looking back at her with such a tender expression, she nearly stumbled with its impact.

  “Indeed, I pray you are correct. I have a whole life I want to experience before I enter heaven—one that includes my son and a very beautiful, very special lady,” he told her in a low, intense voice.

  He took her hand and tucked it into his arm as they continued on their path to his estate.

  Katherine had not been sure his words were loud enough to reach her parents behind them, but obviously they had. “Did you hear that, Raven? I believe he was referring to our daughter,”

  her mother whispered to the duke but not low enough to keep everyone from hearing.

  Katherine wondered if sheʼd spend the entire courtship in a constant state of humiliation.

  Then again, perhaps it was the least she would deserve.

  While his servants were preparing the garden for their picnic, Thomas took the opportunity to show the Montbattens around the manor. He was proud of the large estate that had been in his motherʼs family for three hundred years. His late wife, Anne, had started renovations on it, but he had not done anything else to it since his return. He was now glad he had not, since he had an idea ofletting Katherine do the honors.

  But, as it was, Rosehaven was beautiful with its old family paintings and crystal chandeliers.

  His pride and joy, however, were the sixteenth-century tapestries that hung in what used to be the great hall of the manor and was now his drawing room. When the workers had begun cleaning the attics, theyʼd found the pieces of art still intact and well preserved.

  “It is wonderful how they could depict the various aspects of their lives with only a needle and thread,” Katherine commented, as she studied one of the larger tapestries about the large room. Heʼd been thrilled to learn she was interested in history as much as he.

  “I donʼt see what all this fuss is about. Theyʼre just musty old cloths with funny-looking pictures nobody cares about. Didnʼt they have anything else to do with their time?” Lucy plopped down on one of the cushioned chairs in the center of the room, a bored expression clearly marked on her pert features.

  “Lucy, if youʼd turn your attentions to acting more like a lady, youʼd know all accomplished ladies do needlework, play the pianoforte, and follow all manner of other pursuits,” Lady Montbatten said. “Take your sister for an example. She does some of the finest needlework Iʼve ever seen.”

  Upon hearing more praise about her older sibling, Lucy threw back her head and groaned. It was all Thomas could do not to laugh at her antics, but he contained himself when he saw the frown of disapproval Katherine shot her sister.

  “Mother, you cannot compare my little needlework to these great works of art. It is like comparing apples to oranges.”

  “Speaking of fruit,” Thomas said when he saw his butler, Mcinnes, nod at him from the doorway, “I believe our luncheon is ready for us in the garden. Shall we?”

  Thomas offered his arm to Katherine, and with Lucy trailing behind them, they followed the duke and duchess out into the garden. Before they reached their table, Thomas took the opportunity to irstr to Katherine, “Mter we dine, perhaps youʼd like to see my stables. I have been told you are a great admirer of Arabians, and Iʼve just purchased two.”

  Katherineʼs eyes lit up, causing Thomasʼs insides to do a strange little flip-flop. “I would, indeed, like to see them!”

  “Me, too!” Lucy broke in. “I absolutely love horses!”

  Katherine and Thomas glanced back to find the girl imploring them with hopeful eyes. Thomas then shared a helpless look with Katherine. “Of course, you may come, too.”

  “She is quite the clever girl, isnʼt she?” Thomas whispered with a chuckle once theyʼd continued to walk in the garden.

  “If you want to call being a troublemaker and eavesdropper clever,” Katherine returned with a sigh. “I keep waiting for her to grow up and out of her directness and become more ladylike. I fear I shall not survive it if she does not do it soon!”

  Thomas shrugged. “When you are living apart from her, you will be able to appreciate her more.”

  “When would I-?” Katherine froze in midsentence.

  Thomas smiled, thinking she must have contented herself with the notion she would probably never leave her parents before he came along. “When you marry, of course,” he finished smoothly, giving her a significant glance.

  He watched her blush and look away.

  North was already waiting for them, as well as Mrs.

  Sanborne with Ty. Theodora, Thomas noticed with dissatisfaction, had also returned. An uneasiness stirred inside him.

  He still had not figured out how much influence the woman, who appeared to be in her mid-thirties, had on Katherine.

  But something was there, for Katherine was constantly looking to her cousin when she was around.

  As she was doing now, he observed. The minute she realized Theodora was present, she left his side and went to greet her. They shared a few whispers between them, and Theodora seemed to be arguing with Katherine about something. She was frowning at first, but when he started toward her to direct her to her seat, she was all smiles.

  “Is everything all right?” he asked in a low voice as he held out her chair.

  “Of course!” she exclaimed, her expression questioning.

  He stared at her a moment, trying to see behind the I sheʼd suddenly put on, but he could decipher nothing. With a silent sigh, he gave her a small smile and went to his seat at the head of the table, where she sat on his right and her mother on his left. Theodora was seated well away from them-he made sure of it.

  As they partook of the delicious chicken
his cook had prepared, conversation flowed easily between Thomas, North, and the elder Montbattens. Katherine was noticeably quiet during the meal, a problem Thomas hoped to question her about once they were at the stables later.

  At one point, his son became cranky as he usually did around his noon naptime, but when Mrs. Sanborne got up to take him inside the manor, Katherine surprised him by stopping her and asking if she could hold him for a while.

  Thomas tried to pay attention to the conversations around him after that, but his gaze was drawn to the interaction between Katherine and Ty. Heʼd immediately quieted when she took him, and as she carried him about the garden, singing softly to him, heʼd slowly begun to nod off. He was surprised she could handle carrying him about like that, since he was over a year now and getting fairly heavy. After that, sheʼd sat down on one of the iron benches and leaned back so the toddler was straddling her waist with his chubby legs and resting his head under her chin.