by Fiona Miers
You, Kitty.
I have spent the past ten years searching and yearning for someone who would take my breath away in the manner in which you did, but none came close. I have loved and adored you from the moment I saw you all those years ago.
It was a moment I could never forget. I still think of you every time I see a yellow flower or smell the aroma of freshly baked bread.
I hope you have not forgotten about me.
Sincerely Yours
Edward Walsh
Kitty lowered the letter, her jaw dropping from reading the words meant for her. Edward Walsh, who was most certainly the Marquess of Windham at this moment in time, had been her childhood friend for many years, until his mother passed and his father remarried.
Soon after his second marriage, Edward’s father relocated to the north, and despite writing one another letters, their friendship had faded over time. Kitty recalled the times he spoke of, their excursions to the river, and the fields through which they had run. She had known the young lord since she was five years of age, and their friendship was the one thing she had once treasured more than her horses.
Tears blurred her vision as she lowered the letter written with Edward’s perfect penmanship. Why would her mother have the letter in her possession? And why had she thought it appropriate to hide it from her? As Kitty turned around, she saw her mother standing in the doorway.
“You kept this from me,” Kitty said, her voice raw and hoarse, filled with her heartbroken emotions.
“I had no choice, my dear,” Her mother answered.
“What does that even mean?” Kitty said, her heart thumping harder against her ribs as she struggled to keep her voice down. “How long have you had this?”
“Does it matter?”
Kitty gasped, swallowing hard against the lump that had risen in her throat. “Of course, it matters! I missed him every second he was gone. How dare you keep this from me, Mother?” Kitty asked.
How could her mother not understand how she felt?
“I did it for your own good, Kitty,” her mother answered and stepped inside, closing the door of the bedchamber behind her. “Can you imagine what James would think if he were to find out about this? He would most certainly not follow through with the marriage knowing another man longs for his betrothed.”
“That was not your decision to make, Mother,” Kitty argued.
“It most certainly was,” Lady Dunne hissed and approached Kitty. “You are well aware of what is at stake. This marriage must happen, for the sake of our family’s survival. Do you wish me to work as a seamstress, our fine belongings sold at auctions?”
Why did everything always come back to this same argument? “Mother, please dispense with the drama—”
“It is not theatrics, Kitty. This is our life, and that letter puts everything we have worked for at risk. I will most certainly not allow it,” Lady Dunne said firmly and snatched the letter from Kitty’s hand.
“Mother—”
“I will not allow this to affect the arrangement with the duke, and neither should you allow this to have any effect on you,” her mother hissed once more.
Kitty was well aware it was pointless to even attempt any form of defiance. Her mother’s mind had been made up, and that was the end of it. Her opinion or thoughts did not matter.
Kitty left her mother’s chambers without a word, and without her letter.
6
James glanced down at the book resting in his hands and his brow furrowed deeply. He’d spent the better part of the morning and afternoon in the library reading about horses, and how to properly ride them to refresh his memory.
He wanted to improve his chances of winning the race he had arranged with Kitty, but he soon became aware that he didn’t stand a chance of victory. Kitty had been riding most of her life, and she even recognized the signs of an ill horse, which meant he was doomed.
In a sudden explosion of sounds that cut through the silence in which he’d immersed himself, the doors of the library burst open and William entered. James glanced up from his book.
“Our sister has lost her mind,” William announced with great theatrics and exaggerated arm movements.
James simply stared at him for a moment and rolled his eyes. “This is not exactly anything new, William.”
“You don’t understand, James. This is rather serious.”
“It always is,” James said, and turned his attention back to his book.
“What on earth are you reading?” William asked as he approached. “Equestrian Etiquette? You are as crazy as Elizabeth.”
“I do not appreciate those words, William,” Lizzie said with disgust as she entered through the doors as well.
“I speak only the truth,” William countered.
Lizzie rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t know the truth if it landed a facer on you.”
“You are a fine one to speak, sister!”
“Oh, go ring a peal over someone else. I am not in the mood,” Lizzie said.
James, who realized his solitude was now gone, closed the book and placed it on the table beside the window to his left. “What are you two arguing about?”
“I saw Elizabeth engage in a rather intimate conversation with Lord Dorset,” William answered.
James glanced at Lizzie, who rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
“It was not an intimate conversation,” Lizzie insisted.
“He was standing rather close to you, sister, and his hand coincidentally brushed your arm and shoulder on more than one occasion,” William scoffed.
“Purely unintentional, I assure you,” Lizzie said and glanced at James, where he saw more than a little guilt.
It was time to step in.
“Lord Dorset is known for being a rake, sister. I wouldn’t want you to be associated with a man like him,” James pointed out.
“Precisely what I told her,” William scoffed once more. “She certainly does not listen when I speak.”
Lizzie sighed in annoyance and shook her head. “James, William is blowing this entirely out of proportion. Lord Dorset is a charming man who—”
“Who will ruin you without a moment’s hesitation, and then we will be stuck looking after you when you become a social outcast,” William exclaimed.
“That is quite enough, William. You do not speak to our sister in such a disrespectful manner,” James said.
“Thank you, dearest James,” Lizzie pouted.
“But,” James continued and turned to Lizzie. “William does indeed carry a valid point. Lord Dorset is notorious for being a rake and has ruined many young women—”
“Presumably,” Lizzie interrupted. “James, you and I are aware of how rumours can rage out of control. Need I remind you of the rumour of you and Lady Whitmore—”
“There is no need to bring that up,” James interjected.
“Precisely. The rumour mill churns out all kinds of untruths. Perhaps Lord Dorset is not as infamous as he is said to be,” Lizzie pointed out.
“Are you willing to take such a chance?” James inquired.
A few moments of silence filled the library, but the atmosphere was not as calm as it was prior to his siblings’ arrival. Lizzie inhaled deeply and approached James. She cocked her head briefly but did not mention the book, or its subject.
She sighed and turned to both her brothers. “I understand you both feel the need to protect me, and I am flattered that you would go to such extremes, but I am a grown woman. I can make my own decisions, especially ones related to men.”
“You see, that is where you are wrong, sister.” William shook his head and glanced at James. “Tell her, James.”
If there was one thing James despised more than anything, it was being thrown in the middle of his siblings’ arguments as the mediator. As the eldest, he was often forced to choose sides between the two, and he’d had enough.
James wished for his brother and sister to have the best in life, and to make sound decisions, but
he could not force them to choose differently, nor negate their opinions as invalid, or unimportant. At most times, his sister was not the rebellious one, but this time he had to admit that she was not making sound decisions.
Lord Dorset was indeed a rake, and the tales that had spread through the county were not mere rumours. James had heard stories first-hand, from the marquess himself.
It was not something to boast about, but Lord Dorset possessed not even an inkling of remorse for what he had done to those women. There had been several occasions where James was forced to hold his tongue while listening to Lord Dorset boast, as James did not wish to cause a scene, but he would most certainly have much to say when it involved his sister.
“I will not try to persuade you in your decision, as I see in your eyes, sister, you have already made up your mind,” James finally answered, speaking slowly to allow Lizzie to fully grasp his words. “But I am still your brother, and it is only natural for William and me to caution you with regards to Lord Dorset. He is a notorious rake—”
“Allegedly.”
James paused as Lizzie interrupted and exhaled slowly and wearily. “And I would not wish any harm upon you from his hand, or anyone else’s for that matter.”
Lizzie’s eyes softened and she approached James, taking his hands in hers. “I value your opinion most in this world, James, and I love you with all my heart. I understand that you are concerned about my well-being, and I cannot express how appreciative I am. But my choice is still mine, and I am mature enough to deal with the consequences. Knowing you are there for me when I need you is enough. More than enough.”
William stepped forward and warned, “If he touches a single hair—”
“He will, William,” Lizzie said as she turned towards him, releasing James’s hand. “And I will more than likely allow him to do many more things to me, but that is for me to control, not you. Is that clear?”
James exchanged a worried glance with William, but instead of uttering anything that might lead to another rift, or even cause Lizzie to rebel, he turned to his sister. “As clear as the sky was the day you were born, sister.”
A satisfied smile formed momentarily on her lips and she nodded at James. “Now, why on earth were you reading a book on equestrian etiquette?”
James gazed briefly at the book and shrugged his shoulders. “A bit of light reading.”
“I hardly find that believable,” Lizzie scoffed. “Why the sudden interest?”
“Perhaps it has something to do with his new wife,” William suggested.
A twinkle of intrigue appeared in Lizzie’s eyes and she smiled happily. “Of course. Tell us everything.”
“There is not much to say, Elizabeth.”
“Nonsense, James. You have clearly gone to great lengths to read about what she is interested in. Is that usually a good sign, William?” Lizzie inquired.
“Either that or James simply wishes to sharpen his equestrian knowledge,” William answered as he scanned the shelves of books, not particularly focused on a single one.
James turned his attention from the book to Lizzie and pursed his lips briefly. He was well aware that resistance was futile and his siblings—especially Lizzie—would not leave him be until he answered her honestly. “Lady Kitty adores horses, and her father taught her everything about them. How to care for them, how to ride them—everything. I offered to take her for a ride in the meadow at dawn, and I thought it would be prudent for me to read through the books here in the library in order for me to not seem…”
“Inadequate?” William shot at him.
Lizzie cocked her head at him. “Your knowledge of horses is rather questionable, James. You do not even like them.”
James couldn’t stop the sigh that emerged. “I am aware, Elizabeth.”
“But clearly it does not matter,” William pointed out with a grin. “Look at him. He is practically changing himself for this woman.”
Lizzie smiled sweetly and glanced at James. “Is this true, James? Did you fall in love with her the instant you met her?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” James scoffed.
“Tell me, truthfully, James. Is she beautiful?” Lizzie inquired.
Another sigh escaped him and he couldn’t lie. Not to his sister. “More beautiful than I ever imagined she would be,” James answered. “But Kitty is unlike any other woman I’ve ever met. She is not afraid to be herself. She speaks her mind, and even though she tries very hard to please her mother and father, she is still true to herself. Also, she is witty and kind. Elizabeth, you should have seen the manner in which she spoke to the horses. Soft and kind—maternal even.”
Lizzie and William exchanged intrigued glances and Lizzie chuckled. “It seems as though our brother might be marrying for love after all, William.”
James glanced at Lizzie, her words resonating in his mind, and despite knowing Kitty would not reciprocate his feelings of intensity, he remained hopeful. At least Kitty would know what life would be like being married to a man who loved her.
7
As she had done the previous morning, Kitty woke before dawn. But on this day, excitement flowed through her veins instead of dread.
She stood in front of the mirror studying her reflection, and bit her lip in worry.
Yesterday the duke had met her when she was dressed in a beautiful gown, her hair clean and perfectly braided and pinned on the crown of her head. This morn she was dressed in a pale green riding habit. While she knew the duke was intrigued by more than merely her attractive features, Kitty certainly hoped he would not think any less of her.
Admittedly, she was also filled with excitement for their race, as well as their ride to the meadow. She had not informed her mother and father of the race between her and the duke, as her mother would not have allowed it. Kitty had promised her parents she would be on her best behaviour, but what they were not aware of would not harm them.
Kitty took one last glance at her reflection and nodded to herself in encouragement, before she snuck out of her chamber. The hallways were still dark, the thick drapes tightly closed, smothering out any signs of daylight, allowing the guests to enjoy their peaceful slumber as long as they wished.
Kitty passed the paintings in the hallways, a glint of excitement manifesting its way to her lips. She passed several maidservants, greeting them happily until she descended the main stairwell. The great hall was ominously dark as she passed through it, the eyes of the portraits following her eerily. Kitty did not, however, allow their eyes to deter her from her goal.
A maidservant noticed her approach the door to the terrace and she hurriedly opened it. “Have a pleasant ride, my lady. The meadow is beautiful this time of the year.”
“Thank you. I will indeed,” Kitty answered.
Kitty stepped out onto the terrace and made her way down the stone steps to her right. Somehow, she’d been under the impression the duke would not inform anyone who worked at the estate of their whereabouts. But upon further consideration, Kitty came to the conclusion that James had certainly informed everyone, for his own safety and hers.
Woodlock Manor was his estate, his home, and he did not appear to keep any secrets. He spoke candidly regarding his father and how he was raised, which pleased Kitty to see his openness towards her. He had certainly warmed up in a most unexpected manner.
When her parents had informed her of the arrangement they had made with James of Somerset, she had been devastated to be forced into a marriage she did not wish. But when her father had explained the terrible situation their family was in financially, she had reluctantly agreed. She did not wish to defy her parents and cause her family’s ruination.
Kitty still had an obligation towards her parents, and she was well aware that the fate of her family rested on her shoulders. Kitty did not have any siblings with whom this responsibility was shared, hence the only way to ensure her family’s survival was to marry a wealthy and titled man.
As Kitty followed the path that
led to the stable, she noticed three horses standing outside with saddles on their backs, and their reins in place. The groom who was to accompany them stepped out of the barn, followed by the duke.
The moment Kitty gazed upon him, her heart pounded in her chest and time slowed down.
The duke noticed her approach and turned towards her.
She smiled breathlessly. “Your Grace.”
“A good morning to you, my lady. You look absolutely radiant,” the duke greeted with a charming smile.
“Your words flatter me, Your Grace,” Kitty said, lowering her gaze to hide her heated cheeks.
“I speak only the truth, my lady,” James said. “Are you ready?”
Kitty glanced at the duke and noticed his outstretched hand. “Perhaps it is more appropriate if I ask you that question, Your Grace,” she answered with a sly chuckle.
“Your confidence is admirable,” the duke chuckled in return as Kitty placed her hand on his.
James smiled as he led her to the snow-white stallion that stood a short distance from them, beside the chestnut stallion that she assumed was meant for him.
“Your horses are beautiful, Your Grace.”
He settled Kitty onto side saddle on the white horse before the groom gave the duke a leg up onto his. Within a short while, they slowly made their way in the direction of the meadow.
Kitty adored the feeling of being on the graceful and majestic white stallion’s back, her body moving up and down as the animal trotted through the tall grass.
It had been much too long since she had been able to ride her horses, which sadly were no longer in her father’s possession. As soon as the news came to light with regards to his business partner and his theft of finances from the company, Lord Dunne was forced to sell their assets, which unfortunately had included the horses.
Of course, Kitty had been devastated, but she understood the necessity. This was why it was important for her to make certain her union with the duke went smoothly. Although it would not bring her horses back, it would most certainly ensure that her father did not lose his estate.