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shone with love of him. Richard gazed out the window. I was not yet two years old when he was born. Randall was hard for me to say. I insisted on calling him, Dall, Dall. Then I changed that to Dolly. The name stuck, and God help any lad who dared laugh at him. You and Dolly must have been a wicked pair. From what your mother told me, Dolly brought frogs and snakes into the house, terrorizing the staff. Were you part of that? Not frogs and snakes. Spiders. Big ones. Poor Edward. He all but fainted when I put one on his lap, and it crawled up his sleeve. 132 A Very Difficult Man Kate wrapped her arms around her waist. Just talking about spiders gives me the shivers. I ll go back to Riena. It s nearly time to meet with your family. Richard walked her across the hall to her room. I regret touching you the way I did. I hoped to comfort you. I meant no harm. Kate s beautiful eyes searched his. You have become a dear friend. It comforts me to know I can come to you and not be treated lightly as if my worries are of no account. His arms ached to hold her. To enfold her against his chest and keep her safe from all harm. His love for Kate was impossible. It would be Dolly s role in life to protect her. His brother would rescue her from the humiliation of going about the countryside seeking employment as a companion. He bowed over her hand. I expect you and Riena in the library within five or ten minutes. Kate hesitated. I think it best if we no longer meet in your sitting room. I would prefer your study. Perhaps you are right. His sitting room had too many memories for him. Memories of their first meetings when he d fallen in love with her. He d stepped over the bounds of propriety by touching her. If she had an inkling of the urges stirring his loins, she d pack up and leave. Better they meet in the study, leaving the door open. Less chance of falling into temptation with servants passing by, going about their duties. Before joining the others downstairs, he returned to his desk and picked up his pen to continue the letter he d been writing to his solicitor when Kate interrupted him. From inquiries he d made in London, Kate and her mother had very little in the way of funds. Their country home had been leased. The London house was badly in need of repairs. He intended to settle a substantial dowry on Kate at the end of her three months employment as his companion. Knowing his Kate, she d not take kindly to his gift, but her mother might be persuaded to convince her to accept. Lady Jane Thurston did not approve of Kate taking paid employment. She wanted her only daughter to return to society in style. As Dolly s wife, she would do just that. He finished the letter, folded and sealed it in an envelope. Kate would be well taken care of. The next order of business was to plan how to protect Riena on her journey to London and see her safely on board ship. * * * * * Excuse me, Riena. I must tidy my hair before we meet with the family. Catherine hurried into the bathroom and closed the door. Panic fluttered in her throat. She could still feel the touch of his hand on her cheek. His thumb tracing down 133 Anita Birt her throat. She loosened the collar of her dress, rinsed out a cloth in cold water and pressed it against the back of her neck. He should not have touched her like that. Her knees weak, she sat on the side of the bathtub to compose herself before facing Riena. She d guess within seconds something was wrong probably had done so already. Her friend s lustrous dark eyes missed nothing. What if she pretended to be ill? Catherine stood and peered in the mirror hanging over the washbasin. Ill? She did not look the least bit unwell, a little feverish perhaps. Her cheeks flushed pink, her eyes brilliant and her heart playing tricks, she might pass as someone coming down with& with love sickness! Impossible! She was much too sensible to be lovesick. A stomach upset, perhaps, from the sausages she d eaten at breakfast. Catherine filled the basin with cold water. She held her breath and immersed her face. Love sickness indeed. She bubbled the words under the water, pulled out the plug and drained them away. Cooler now, she toweled dry, tidied her damp curls, buttoned up her collar, and prepared to meet Riena. She opened the door and strolled into the bedroom. Very casually, like someone without a care in the world and nothing to hide. Are you all right, Catherine? Riena asked. I m fine. I felt a little warm, and bathed my face. Are you ready to meet the Glenmore family? Of course. Is there anything I should know about how to greet them? This is all new to me. Only too happy to veer the conversation to safer topics, Catherine ticked off what Riena should do. Greet Lady Glenmore first with a curtsy if you like. Practice with me. By the time Catherine had Riena doing a perfect curtsy, her friend was laughing so hard, tears streamed down her cheeks. That is very good. You curtsy to ladies and nod gracefully to men when you meet them. Lord Glenmore is the next person you greet, then his brother, Captain Delisle and their uncle, The Honorable Edward. You met Lord Glenmore and his brother last night. Do you remember? Riena nodded. Lord Glenmore loves you. That I remember. Please do not say that. It is not true. He is a man of honor. He is betrothed. His fiancée will be coming here next week to attend a homecoming party for Dolly, Captain Delisle. Riena clasped Catherine s hands. You are destined to live in this house. To marry& No. What you are saying is impossible. He loves another. She will be Lady Glenmore. 134 A Very Difficult Man Riena s gypsy eyes, wise and knowing, sparkled. Her lips curved in a winning smile. When you and Lord Glenmore marry and you give birth to your first child, name her after me. Catherine felt really ill now. Was Riena mad? A sorcerer? Someone to fear? First she d said Richard loved her. Now she cast farther into the future and spoke of Catherine giving birth to his child a girl to be named Riena. Lightheaded, thinking she might faint, Catherine heard the mantel clock strike eleven. Until she came to Glenmore Manor, she had never fainted. Now it seemed a useful ploy to avoid unpleasantness. The last chime died away and with it, her cowardly desire to evade her responsibilities to Riena. Plans had to be made for her safety. Come along. It s time you met the family. Taking Riena by the arm, Catherine hustled her along the hall, past the armored knight, around the next corner, down the stairs, across the entry hall and halted abruptly at the library door. She faced Riena. Promise to say nothing about me and Lord Glenmore or I will die of shame. [ Pobierz caÅ‚ość w formacie PDF ] |
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