A Kiss for Lady Mary (20 page)

“Well then”—he tapped the end of his sister’s nose as he had since she was a babe—“I’ll give you the pleasure of introducing me.” He glanced around as if he would share a great secret, then said, “And I’ll introduce you to a fine London gentleman looking for a wife.”

Fee’s eyes grew round. At least the girl wasn’t immune to men. “Is he handsome?”

“Better looking than my horse, and you know how beautiful Ivarr is.”

She punched her brother’s arm. “And does he have a long blond tail?”

Cormac coughed. “No, lass, ye’d be nay wanting a devil.”

“That’s enough foolishness from both of you. Cormac, you know better than to speak in such a brogue here.”

He gave Morna a wicked smirk, so like his father’s used to be. “Perhaps the English lady will like it.”

The devil.
She cast her eyes at the ceiling. “It’s past time to eat our dinner and dress for the ball. I understand both the lady and gentleman will be there.”

 

 

 

Lord Simon Cavendish stepped gingerly down the gangway onto the dock. His body swayed as if it were still out at sea. It would most likely take a few days for the feeling to go away. It was the same each time he spent more than a week onboard. “Where are we spending the night?”

“The Tontine Hotel, my lord,” his valet, Hailing, answered. “Mr. Oxley’s gone to get a hackney, and I’ve arranged a cart for the trunks.”

Simon nodded. His groom would also arrange for a strong pair of horses. It had been over sixteen years since Simon had set foot in this country. Sixteen years since he vowed never to return. Yet the fact that he had two children—if the second lived—and knew them not, had eaten at him every day of each month, of each year. And Morna. Holy God, he’d tried to stay away from her, but after the last time, when she’d caught with child again, he knew he couldn’t continue to give her children to be raised by that bastard MacDiarmid. Despite her protestations of loving only him, she had not met him the night he sailed.

How young and stupid they’d been to think they could trick her father and old MacDiarmid. If only they’d run away, or said their vows in a church instead of an inn. Simon gave a harsh laugh. If only he’d not been too noble to hold her to hastily made promises, or so naïve he didn’t know a lie when he heard one. It wasn’t until long after he’d left that he discovered that under Scottish law they’d been legally married. The question now was, had she known?

It mattered not. She’d rejected him and could go to hell. He was here to claim his children, and no one would stand in his way.

“Did you say something, my lord?”

“No, Hailing. I was just thinking how odd it was for a man who hates sailing to own a shipping line.”

“You’ve made a good job of it though, my lord.”

“That I have.” Simon wondered if his son would like to take over the business in a few years.

He was relaxing with a glass of smooth Scotch whisky in his hotel room, when Oxley knocked on the door and entered. “My lord, I’ve hired a yellow bounder for the journey to Edinburgh. It won’t be comfortable, but it will get us there almost as fast as the mail. The company sent word to have horses ready for the changes. We’ll be but one night on the road.”

“Does that include our little detour?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Well done, Oxley.”

“I’m right glad to be home. Almost there, in any event.”

Simon fought the urge to run a hand over his face. “As am I. I’d forgotten how much I missed it.”

“When do we leave for England, my lord?”

“As soon as I finish my business. I’ll not stay a moment longer. The ship should be waiting in the Edinburgh harbor to take us to Hull when we arrive.”

True to the coaching company’s promise, two days later, as dusk was beginning to fall, they arrived on the outskirts of Edinburgh. He took out the most recent letter he’d received from his sister before his departure. “Tell the driver we’re going to Charlotte Square. Wherever the hell that is.”

He hoped Theo was home, and trusted that she’d be so happy to see her youngest brother she’d forgive him for failing to tell her he was arriving. Nevertheless, she’d know what was going on and where he could find Morna and their children. And this time, he’d take what was his.

“M
y lady, stop fidgeting.”

Mary took a deep breath. It had been so long since she’d attended a ball. She felt the tug of the last tape of her gown being tied. Why was this taking so long? Mathers hadn’t even got to her hair yet. “What time is it?”

“Time for you to sit at the dressing table so I can finish you up.”

“What did Madame Lisette say the color of this gown was? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I don’t know, my lady. It reminds me of a periwinkle.”

Mary managed, just barely, to remain still as Mathers threaded a strand of pearls through her hair. She wore the pearl and sapphire necklace she had loaned Aunt Eunice for her wedding, and pearl earrings hung on gold wires that swung when Mary moved her head. Mathers handed Mary a lovely delicate brisé fan painted with gold and a shade of blue that matched the gown she wore. “I don’t remember purchasing this.”

“You didn’t. Mr. Featherton sent it.”

Mary slanted her dresser a look. “It’s amazing how he knew the perfect colors.”

Without batting an eye, Mathers nodded. “It is. He’s an astute gentleman.”

Pulling on her long kid gloves, Mary then added two bracelets as she thought about the trouble he must have gone to in order to have the fan painted. “You may very well be right.”

“I usually am, my lady. You have fun this evening, and be careful not to let any gentlemen take advantage of you.”

Mary kissed Mathers’s cheek. “I will.”

“I’ve told you before, my lady. You shouldn’t be doing that.”

“And I’ve told you that no one takes care of me the way you do. You’ve been the one constant in my life.”

“You go now. That nice Mr. Featherton is waiting for you.”

Not only Kit, whose capital had just risen vastly, but many other men as well. She frowned as she thought about the ladies who had set their caps for him. Harrumph. What exactly would this evening entail? She opened the door and ran straight into the gentleman in question.

For a bare moment they stood, bodies touching. Her errant senses went wild with longing and desire. She could do it now. Reach up and kiss him.

Then he moved back a half step, and cool air replaced his heat.

He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”

Breathe
. “Yes. It was just a shock to find you here.” That didn’t sound good. “I mean, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be right outside my door—”

His warm voice washed over her. “I’ve missed you to-day.”

Her heart thudded harder. “I felt the same.” A footman rushed by carrying a bowl of water. Why were servants always around when she didn’t want them to be? “We’d better go to the drawing room.”

Kit didn’t move. “I wish to request the first waltz, and the supper dance. Will you grant them to me?”

Was he finally going to do something to the purpose? She bit her lips to keep herself from saying something stupid. “Yes, gladly.”

He let out a breath. “Do you like the fan?”

She reminded herself he was nervous about her. “I do.” She smiled, wanting him to know she would welcome his attentions. “It’s perfect.”

“Thank you. I did hope it would be.” His lovely blue eyes reflected his words.

He placed her hand on his arm and escorted her to the drawing room as he’d done so many times before. Yet to-night was different somehow. She gave thanks to fate and the Deity. She was finally making progress.

 

Theo and Titus were in the drawing room awaiting their guests, when her butler, Reed, knocked and entered. His voice held a breathless note. “My lady.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, my lady. You have another visitor . . .”

Simon strode into the room, and all the air left in his wake. “I think I may have startled your butler.”

Oh my God!
She held her hand to her mouth, unable to speak.

“Theo.” He grinned roguishly. “At least say you’ll welcome your prodigal brother.”

She flew into his arms. “Oh, good Lord, Simon. Could you not have given me some warning? I’m getting up in years, I might have had apoplexy. Does Papa know you’ve returned?”

His arms came around her, hugging her as he used to. “You can’t give me more than seven years, and I’m quite certain that’s not on death’s door. Whether Father knows depends on whether he reads his mail.”

Titus was next to her, hugging both of them and slapping her brother on his back. “Welcome home, young’un. I can’t tell you how glad we are to see you.”

Tears filled Theo’s eyes, and she was so happy she didn’t care if he’d not written. “We are just about to dine.”

Simon held her back. “And going to a ball afterward, if I’m not mistaken.”

“Yes, but you’ll want to rest.”

“Devil a bit.” He sobered. “Is she here?”

She waited. Debating whether to tell him or not. It didn’t matter. He’d discover any lies soon enough. “Yes. With her son and daughter.”

He paled. “Daughter. A girl.”

“That is what a girl is normally called,” Theo replied more tartly than she’d meant to, then gentled her tone. “Her name is Finella.”

He nodded twice. “Give me time to change, send dinner on a tray, and I’ll accompany you this evening.”

What was he thinking of doing? “Simon, are you sure?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” He turned to go, then stopped. “I heard the old man is dead.”

“Yes, going on two years now. It is amazing he lasted that long, but her father is still alive.”

“You let me worry about him,” he said in a grim tone.

For the first time since Morna married, Theo wondered what had actually occurred between Simon and the woman he claimed to love.

The door opened and her guests strolled in, laughing and talking. She made the introductions, then left Simon to his own devices. He’d changed from the happy-go-lucky boy she’d known. Still, perhaps that was not surprising considering what he had gone through. It was time to see what kind of man he was now.

She signaled to her butler. “Send a tray up for Lord Simon, and tell him we leave in two hours.”

Kit raised his brows for a moment as Lord Simon left the room, then whispered to Mary, “Do you know anything of the brother?”

She kept her voice equally low. “Yes. I’ll tell you what happened to-day as soon as I can.” After accepting glasses of sherry from Lord Titus, Kit and Mary moved away from the rest of the group. She gazed at him as if she were particularly pleased. “I must say, I’m glad you enjoy innocent gossip.”

He grinned. “And I never repeat what I’ve heard.”

She paused, regarding him quizzically. “What a marvelous trait.”

“And?”

“This is from the horse’s mouth, as it were.” She told him about the MacDiarmid ladies arriving and what Lady Theo said afterward.

“I am amazed she would confide in people she’d just met.”

“As was I.” Mary glanced over his shoulder. “Then she told us about her brother . . .”

“If they are all at the ball together, there may be fireworks.” Normally he did not look forward to the sort of drama incidents like this caused, but for the first time since he had arrived at Rose Hill, Mary was thinking of something other than him and her. He could only pray it would ease the tension that still existed between them.

“Indeed. Lady Theo is coming.” Mary fanned herself as her hostess strolled up.

“Lady Mary, Mr. Featherton.” One of Lady Theo’s brows rose. “You seem to be having an interesting conversation.”

“We are,” Kit answered. “We’re discussing the sites we wish to see while we’re in your lovely city.”

Thankfully, Mary smiled brightly and nodded. It occurred to him that, other than when she’d had to make up the story about the birds, he’d never heard her prevaricate.

“Well then. You must let me know when you wish to trek around Edinburgh, and I’ll arrange to have Lady Mary home in time for an excursion.”

“Thank you, my lady.” Kit inclined his head.

“Yes. Thank you,” Mary said.

Once Lady Theo ambled away, Mary gave a sigh. “I’m glad you’re quick on your feet. I never have been, except in the literal sense, that is.”

That didn’t surprise him, and he found it refreshing. “Mary, I—”

“My lords, ladies, and sir, dinner is served.”

From the corner of his eye, he saw Lord Titus approach, and quickly said, “May I escort you to the dining room?”

“I’d like nothing better.”

Kit tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. He almost laughed as Lord Titus quickly reversed direction, making his way back to his own lady.

All was right with the world. Now they had only to get through the rest of this evening. He didn’t like the idea of Mary dancing with other men, but there was nothing he could do about it. If he stood next to her and refused to leave her side, as Marcus had done with Phoebe, Kit would only cause talk.

 

Two hours later when they arrived at the ball, his worst fears were confirmed. It was as if everyone present moved en masse toward them. He did his best to keep Mary with him without creating a scene, but was all too soon separated from her as the Scotsmen clamored for an introduction to her and a place on her dance card. Kit congratulated himself on his forethought in securing his sets.

Before he knew it, he was surrounded by ladies as he had never been before. He bowed and smiled as his hostess introduced him to the young women.

“Oh, Mr. Featherton,” Miss Macintyre said, fluttering her eyelashes, “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

He bowed, taking her proffered fingers in his hand. “Entirely my pleasure.”

A tall, striking lady whom he’d already been introduced to edged her out. “Mr. Featherton, I wanted you to know I have some sets free—”

Kit struggled to keep his jaw from dropping. Dear God. Was she actually going to ask him to dance?

“Kenna,” Miss Macintyre said sharply, “Mr. Featherton was speaking with me.”

Someone needed to take these young ladies in hand.

“Mr. Featherton?”

He turned gratefully to Lady Theo as his hostess pulled the two young females aside.

“My lady?”

She smiled at him before turning to the young lady at her side, who blushed bright red. “Miss MacDonald, allow me to introduce Mr. Featherton, who is visiting me from England. Mr. Featherton, this is Miss MacDonald.”

He bowed. “A pleasure to meet you.”

She curtseyed, and said in a voice so faint, he almost couldn’t hear her, “Pleasure.”

“It would be my honor to stand up with you if you have a dance available.”

She held out her dance card. The only name on it was a D. MacDonald, most likely a relation, for the opening set, which was a waltz. He took the pencil dangling from her wrist and scribbled his name next to the second set, a country dance. He was surprised to note only two waltzes were planned for the evening. Fortunately the second one was the supper dance.

“The second dance then.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Never thank a gentleman for offering to stand up with you,” he said gently. “It is always his honor.”

She smiled shyly.

The sounds of the musicians readying themselves could be heard.

Kit bowed. “I must collect my partner.”

He swore softly as a gentleman bowed to Mary, and Kit reached her just in time to elbow the man away.

The Scot growled, and Kit raised his quizzing glass, giving the man his most innocuous look. “I’m terribly sorry, but Lady Mary is promised to me for this set.”

Her eyes danced as he bowed. “My lady.”

She inclined her head. “Mr. Featherton.” As he led her to the dance floor, she lowered her voice. “You remembered.”

“Why would you think I mightn’t?”
Good Lord
. It wasn’t possible, was it? “Don’t tell me I once requested to stand up with you and forgot?”

Her laughter tinkled like bells. “No, of course not. Though, with the other gentlemen surrounding me, I did think that you might not think me in need of a partner and . . .”

Was that how she saw him? Someone who only danced with ladies requiring a partner? Yet wasn’t that exactly what he had always done? When was the last time he had asked a lady to dance for the pure joy of having her in his arms? It shocked him that the answer was never. Mary was the first.

They took their places, bowing and curtseying with the rest of the crowd.

He took her small hand in his, and placed his fingers on her waist. “You may not have needed to dance with me, but I definitely needed to dance with you.”

“What a lovely thing to say.”

She was as light as a feather in his arms, and he didn’t think he’d ever partnered a woman who moved as fluidly with him, as if they were one.

Kit’s palm burned into her waist. Mary had known he was an excellent dancer. After all, he could make the clumsiest lady appear graceful. What she hadn’t realized was how well they fitted together. It was as if they were made for one another.

She caught several ladies glancing their way, and she didn’t believe it was because they looked so compatible. They probably wished they were with him. She hoped he’d hold her closer. “We seem to be drawing attention.”

His grip on her waist tightened. “I feel like a Royal Menagerie exhibit.”

She couldn’t help but giggle a bit. “A suitable analogy.”

His eyes turned bluer as he gazed down at her. She’d never enjoyed waltzing so much. All too soon the set came to an end, and he escorted her back to Lady Theo, where Mary was once more besieged. Before he left, he looked at her dance card. “Thank you for adding my name.”

“How could I not? You did request the sets.”

Unlike her first Season, when her eyes sought him out and he never responded, she was pleased to find him searching for her as well.