“From a very old family—the Balfours. She is the daughter of an earl.”
Kitty placed her hand in the arm Phineas held out. His nearness was so comforting, she had to consciously refrain from clutching his arm. “So she is Lady Teresa then. Her parents did not object to the match? Mr. Bromley is a gentleman, but not a peer.”
Phineas covered her hand on his arm with his own as they walked. “Her parents merely wanted her to be happy. They did not object at all.” His words seemed to lend meaning that extended beyond the Bromleys, and she looked up and found him watching her. Their steps slowed, and Kitty’s heart began to beat in her chest. Would he kiss her again?
He pulled his gaze away and began moving forward again. Of course he would not kiss her in the middle of the street. What had she been imagining? Kitty sighed quietly, thinking about his last words. Teresa’s parents just wanted her to be happy. She could not but wish that his parents had been the same. Still, the Bromleys’ relationship gave her hope that there was something better in store for her and Phineas.
On Wednesday night, the door to Erasmus’s house in Laura Place opened, and the sounds of more chatter than Kitty had been expecting for a mere family dinner reached her ears. She exchanged glances with Phineas and saw in his face the same look of wariness.
The butler bowed before them. “I will show you to the drawing room where everyone is gathered.”
Kitty furrowed her brows. “I had not understood this was going to be a dinner party. I had rather thought it would be a family dinner.”
She wasn’t precisely expecting an explanation to her murmured comment, but the butler had been with the Stokes family for years, and he took the liberty of answering her. “My lady, Mr. Stokes has invited a few of his business associates and their wives.”
When she looked back at Phineas, he raised an eyebrow and gave her a half-smile. He was about as pleased with the development as she could expect him to be.
When they entered the drawing room, the conversation stopped, and all eyes turned toward Phineas. No one paid any attention to Kitty. Erasmus walked forward and stuck out his hand.
“Hayworth, I would like to introduce you to my business associates.” He put his hand on Phineas's shoulder, and Kitty saw her husband tense as if he wanted to throw off Erasmus’s hand. “This is Mr. Menkes, Mr. Browning, Mr. Thrup, and Mr. Fudge. And this”—with a sweep of his arm, Erasmus gestured at Phineas—“is Lord Hayworth, my brother-in-law.”
The gentlemen greeted Phineas while their wives remained behind, their expressions akin to awestruck. It was no great surprise that Erasmus had not considered the wives worthy of introduction. Kitty cornered Mary. “I thought I might see the children tonight. Is Samuel adjusting to his time back?”
“The children are with the nurse.” Mary answered Kitty with more warmth than she usually showed, but Kitty was not deceived. It was for the sake of their guests. “We could not have them to an adult dinner party, but rest assured, Samuel is well. I believe he is happy to be back with his cousins.”
Phineas bowed before the women without an introduction, but it did not appear to Kitty as though Erasmus had noticed he’d been remiss. They were soon shown into the dining room, where an elaborate spread was laid out on the table. Phineas was seated across the table from Kitty and was sitting at Mary’s right. She knew this would be one of those events where Erasmus wanted to demonstrate his wealth by not settling for a simple dinner with a couple removes but having actual courses that would last well into the night. She hid an internal groan as she contemplated the evening stretching out ahead of them.
“Hayworth.” Erasmus’s voice boomed out across the table, letting everyone know he was on informal terms with Phineas. “How are the repairs to your estate proceeding? I should hope the marriage settlement has been helpful.”
Kitty froze in her seat and peered at Phineas from under her lashes. She had never seen him so tense. He set his wine glass down carefully in the expectant silence. “I am not accustomed to discussing my affairs in public as much as you appear to be. Giddenhall is in good order.”
“Of course, of course. That is the way of the peerage, is it not? One doesn’t publicly talk about such things. However, money puts things on equal ground. It is something we all need and cannot do without.” Erasmus laughed heartily, and the other men followed.
Kitty knew from having lived with Erasmus her whole life that he was notable in the shipping business. The men followed his lead, and tried to stay in his good graces. But this … She wanted to die from shame at his crude discussion of money. Although she rarely allowed herself to look at her brother with a critical eye, she could not help but do so now. How had she ever thought Phineas’s world and hers could collide?
Erasmus seemed to have been dipping heavily into the brandy before his guests arrived. He did this occasionally, especially when he was nervous. His face was flushed, and his manner jovial as he continued his boisterous one-sided jesting.
“Well then, I shall not ask you any direct questions, Hayworth. I should not like to put you to the blush, eh?” Another laugh followed. “But Kitty—” She looked up, startled, as all eyes turned to her. “Maybe it's time to think about giving Hayworth an heir, don't you think? After all, that was yet another reason this was such an advantageous match. My business affairs don’t just benefit me, even if I know how to make a shrewd bargain. I don’t cheat my partners, do I, Mr. Thrup? You should know, right?”
Mr. Thrup gave Erasmus a pained smile and nodded, and Kitty had almost thought Erasmus was done torturing her before his guests. She would need some time to recover from the humiliation of being exposed in front of these gentlemen, and especially in front of Phineas. But Erasmus was not finished. “I know you’ve had many offers, even some secret ones I’m not aware of, isn’t that so? But none of them were ever good enough for you. None but the best would answer for you, now, would it?”
Kitty lifted her eyes in horror at the scene of embarrassment unfolding before her. How could she put this spectacle to a stop before her brother exposed them all to public disgrace? She shot a fleeting look at Phineas, whose stern eyes were fixed on the centrepiece. “Erasmus,” she answered in a tight voice, “as little as Lord Hayworth wishes to discuss his business matters, I little wish to discuss my personal matters.”
“But it was a good match, you have to admit.” Erasmus lifted his fat finger and wagged it at her. “You were ready to split me in two for attempting to put the two of you together, and now you can see it has all been to good account.” Erasmus looked around the room. “When I follow a good business instinct, I am never wrong, am I now?”
His business associates nodded, generous in their assent, and their wives smiled vaguely. Kitty knew it was all just for show, and she was sure they did not respect her brother as much as he thought they did. She didn't think the misery of her wedding could be topped, but she was being proven wrong. And this was only the first course.
When, after midnight, they finally escaped from the dinner and began walking to his parents’ townhouse, Kitty looked up at the bright starlit night, her breath coming out in a cloud. “Phineas.” It was hard to get the words out, and she was grateful for the cover of darkness. “I am so terribly sorry for my brother.”
“There is no need to apologize.” Phineas did not turn toward her, and his voice was curt. Kitty’s heart sank. He must be wondering what in heaven’s name had ever possessed him to marry her. She thought he would not speak further, but the words came out in an explosion.
“Of all the impudent, toad-eating—” Quickening his steps, Phineas dropped her hand, lifted off his hat and ran his free hand through his hair. “I have never spent a more disagreeable evening.”
Kitty hurried to keep up. She knew she ought to be indignant, but she truly could not blame him. Erasmus had been unpardonable. Phineas seemed to recollect himself, and he slowed his steps, allowing her to catch up. He held out his arm for her again, and she placed her hand in it.
“I do not know how to respond,” she said, clasping her hand around his arm. “I am mortified.”
Phineas slowed his steps even further, and she felt him adjust his arm, sliding it around her cloak to clasp her around the waist. They were now walking much more closely, and he bent his head to hers. “Say no more. You are not your brother. You are infinitely”—his eyes glinted—“more attractive.”
Kitty laughed, and it eased some of the embarrassment that threatened to fill her eyes with tears. “I should hope so.”
“Thank the heavens,” he murmured, and she chuckled again. After a moment’s hesitation and another intimate look, he pulled his arm from around her waist and offered it up for her hand again. It was more appropriate should they chance upon other people, but she missed the closeness.
“Thank you for Sam,” she said. “Thank you for allowing him to come and for entering into his interests.” She smiled up at him and Phineas returned it, holding her gaze until a group of people spilling out of a house pulled his attention away from her.
“Sam will always be welcome at Giddenhall,” he replied.
Despite an evening that Kitty would likely remember with particular humiliation, the day had not been completely lost. She had discovered just how gracious her husband was and had received his reassurance that her younger brother was welcome in their home. It was also the second time she thought her husband might kiss her on a public street. And what was more—she had hoped for it.
21
Phineas had been glad to peel off his clothes the night before, hand them to his valet, and climb into bed. The evening at Stokes’s house had been unpleasant in the extreme. He could not understand how Kitty could come from such a background and still possess an air of refinement. He had had to put up with simpering and flattering and familiarity until he almost couldn’t stomach it. Thank the heavens they did not live in Bristol where Erasmus Stokes had his residence. With any luck, they would not need to meet above once a year at most. And Phineas would make sure their future dinners would be on his terms.
Despite the bad taste the evening at Stokes had left in Phineas’s mouth, the walk home had made up for it. He had been able to put his arm around Kitty, and she had not pulled away. They had even laughed together. Why, any casual bystander might look upon their affectionate marriage with envy.
Phineas frowned and rubbed the stubble on his chin. If they were so compatible, however, how did she end up sleeping in a separate room on an entirely different floor? Was that his mother’s doing or had she expressed a wish for her own room? He could not ask his mother about such a delicate topic, nor could he be sure of receiving a straight answer. Phineas threw off the covers. There were times he feared he was no closer to achieving intimacy in his marriage than he had been the day they wed.
The sun shone brightly through the windows, although Phineas could tell from the cold in his room that the sun was deceiving. It was fast coming on winter. Sounds of his new valet moving about in the adjoining room reached his ears. Harris was quiet and efficient, just what Phineas preferred in a servant, and he soon entered to ready Phineas for the full day ahead of him. It was to be their ball tonight, and Phineas wanted to ensure that nothing prevented Kitty’s enjoyment.
He went upstairs to the room where she was staying and stood outside her door for a moment, listening to the sounds within. A smile played on his lips as he wondered what gown she would be wearing tonight and whether it would bring out the colors in her hair, her eyes or her skin—like the dark rose-colored gown she’d had on yesterday. The fresh vision of her each day never ceased to force Phineas’s breath out of his chest, and he had trouble believing he was married to such an extraordinary beauty.
He knocked, and Kitty opened immediately, dressed to go walking, with her pelisse slung over one arm and a soft-crowned poke bonnet on her head. She raised her face to his, a smile lifting the corner of her lips. Today’s dress brought out her noisette eyes.
“Where are you off to?” Phineas had been hoping to spend time with her. It was only now that Phineas saw Kitty ready to step out that he regretted not being invited into her room. Why hadn't he thought of that before? There would be nothing untoward about such a thing. They were married after all.
“Teresa has invited me to walk to the Pump Room. I am to write my name in Mr. King's subscription book.” Kitty’s eyes glimmered with amusement. “She is also going to introduce me to the members of Society there.”
Phineas leaned against the door jamb, studying the way her smile reached her eyes. “And increase your acquaintances among the septuagenarians?”
“Something like that,” she admitted with a grin. “She has warned me that the greater part of her acquaintances in Bath have reached a certain age. To tell the truth, I'm grateful she wishes to spend time with me at all, for I should like to know her better.”
Kitty closed the door behind her and began to put on her pelisse. Phineas leapt to assist her into it, and when she secured it in front of her, he resisted the strong impulse to pull her into an embrace. He was jealous of a cloak!
“And if we are to return to Bath,” she went on, “it would be good for me to learn how to go about. I have never been here, apart from a visit I was too young to remember as a child.”
“And our wedding,” Phineas added, one eyebrow raised.
“And that,” Kitty replied, her eyes twinkling. “How could I have forgotten?”
“Let me walk with you to the Pump Room,” he said. “I shall leave you to your meeting with Teresa. But I have nothing to do just now, and I should like your company.” This was not precisely true. He had promised his father he would use his time in Bath to go over the accounts with Parkson to learn where economies might be made. Walking with his wife held more appeal for him.
“I should like that very much,” she said. They walked down the corridor to the stairwell. “Did you sleep well?”
They descended the stairs, and moved by a sudden urge, Phineas leaned in, his mouth next to her ear. “I should have liked to have been placed in a room together.” He caught her arm as she missed a step, and they arrived at the next floor. He wondered why she’d stumbled … Was it because of what I said? They reached the floor where his bedroom was located and rounded the corridor for the final staircase down. “But I slept as well as I could.”
Kitty’s face was heightened in color. She raised her eyebrows and peered at him from the side. He continued, “But I should be the one asking you how you slept. After all, I am not the one unfamiliar with my room.”
Kitty knit her brows. “It was very comfortable.” She opened her mouth to speak again, but his mother met them at the foot of the stairs. “Katherine, our dinner will be as early as six so that we are ready to open the ball at eight. I hope you have everything you need for your toilette?”
Kitty pulled on her leather gloves. “Of course, my lady. I will be ready. Do you require assistance?”
“No, I am perfectly capable of making all the preparations.” His mother walked toward the kitchens, then turned back. “Where are you going?”
Phineas answered. “We are going to the Pump Room. She is to meet Teresa Bromley there.”
“Oh, very well. Just be sure to be back in time. After all, tonight’s soirée is for you, and I should like to see that you are presentable before we introduce you.”
Kitty nodded, but Phineas noticed her expression had shut down. He did not like to see his mother's quelling influence over his wife. He had hoped for a more harmonious relationship between the two of them. Could his mother not see that his wife was quality whether or not she had the bloodline to show it? They escaped into the cold air.
The clouds were heavy outdoors, and the wind brisk enough to pull the few remaining leaves from the trees. Phineas held out his arm for Kitty, and they walked like that in comfortable silence. He wondered if that was what a happy married life was like. One’s arm felt empty without someone's hand on it.
Kitt
y’s silence went on too long for Phineas’s liking, and he turned to her as they walked downhill. “What were you going to say before my mother interrupted us?”
Kitty hesitated, darting a glance at him and nearly tripping as her half-boot caught in a cobblestone. He caught her forward motion and slowed their pace.
“It is only that your mother said you wished to be in your usual room and that you desired privacy. And just now you said you’d hoped to be put in a room together.” She did not turn to look at him, and the broad rim of her bonnet hid her face.
“I believe my mother arranged for us to stay in the rooms that suited her own notions and did not consider what we might desire.” Phineas stared ahead at the buildings at the bottom of the street and took in a lungful of cold air. “She also told me you preferred your own room and needed privacy, so of course I could not insist we take the larger room together.”
They had not long to walk until they reached the Pump Room. Kitty curled her fingers around his arm, her eyes straight ahead and the bonnet hiding her expression. He could only guess that the subject raised feelings of delicacy by the way her voice went quiet. “How could I respond any other way after she let it be known that you are a man who values his privacy? I had to say that I was the same.”
“Would you have liked to stay in the same room?” Phineas felt her steps falter. Did the thought cause her to shy away? Or was it as welcome an idea for her as it was for him?
“It is rather sudden to take such a step, I suppose—and to do so at your parents’ house?” Kitty’s voice was so hesitant, Phineas took a long step so he could peer around the rim to her bonnet. Her face was aflame, and she averted her eyes until he released her from his gaze. She so clearly could not look at him, it felt almost wrong to insist. “After all,” she added, “we have not taken such a step in our own home.”
His Disinclined Bride (Seasons of Change Book 7) Page 19