Page 75 of The Baron Takes a Bet
“He tried to take Gavin from me once. Threatened me with legal action, but I told him that if he dared bring me to court, I would expose him,” she said with a definitive nod.
Holly stared at the old woman, conflicted. She understood the desire to protect one’s family, especially a child in one’s care. Still, in doing so, Marnie had lost her relationship with her other brother. She had succeeded in retaining guardianship. But at what cost?
Gavin hadn’t known a happy home with Marnie growing up; he said so himself. It seemed her bitterness had boiled over once she got the better of John, which also explained why the old baron hadn’t had any contact with Gavin during his formidable years. Because Marnie had made sure that they wouldn’t be close.
A tiny worry began to break over her as the comparisons between Marnie and herself became more apparent. While Holly had never meant to suffocate Jasper, she started worrying that her concern for him was overzealous. He was still foolish, but perhaps she shouldn’t try to hold on to him as much as she did, lest they find themselves in a situation where she and Jasper never spoke again.
“It was John’s own fault. Had he never stolen Gavin’s father away from me—”
“No, no, I understand,” Holly said, her hand coming up, even if she didn’t quite agree. “I guess I’m just confused. Why would John refuse even to provide adequate financial support for you and Gavin?”
Marnie’s eyes shifted downward, and though Holly couldn’t be sure, it seemed she was hiding something.
“Yes, well, some people have a harder time with managing monies,” she said, her tone strained, turning around. “Where has that sister of yours gone off to?”
She skirted away, leaving Holly to wonder what she meant by managing monies. Had she had trouble managing her accounts? Holly knew from experience with Felton Manor that mistakes could prove costly… but she still got the sense that there was more to it than that.
Holly had a suspicion that she hadn’t learned everything she could from Marnie. At least, not yet.
The remainder of the morning was spent gathering the final touches needed for Katrina’s debut at St. James Palace. Hollyand Marnie didn’t speak much for the rest of the trip but were sure to beam at Katrina whenever she asked a question or solicited one of their opinions. Her excitement for the season was palpable and contagious.
With their shopping excursion finished, the carriage was loaded with the final boxes of necessities. Marnie continued to school Katrina in everything she thought was important while Holly’s mind turned thoughtful.
Upon arriving home, the grey cat Pauline stood on the bottom of the staircase, dutifully watching the women as they entered.
“Oof, that rotten animal,” Marnie said, waving her hand at it. “Shoo. Begone.”
“I quite like cats,” Katrina said, handing boxes to one of the maids who had come up to help them. “But this one isn’t terribly friendly, is it?”
As if the cat understood and wanted to prove her wrong, it stepped off the stair and slowly walked toward Holly. Marnie skirted away from it quickly, evidently still wary of the animal since it attacked her.
“Keep it away from me,” she said, cowering behind Mr. Spieth, who shielded the old woman as if he were some gallant knight.
With the tip of her tail switching back and forth, the cat approached Holly’s feet and sat down, looking up at her. She half expected the creature to rub against her leg, but it only sat there, watching her.
“Peculiar little thing, isn’t it?” Holly said, bending down.
She stretched out her hand to pet the top of her head, but instantly it swatted at her, missing her by a hair as Holly jolted back up.
“It’s a menace,” Marnie hissed.
Holly could barely disagree, but that was hardly the poor cat’s fault. It had been locked away alone for ages. It probably wasn’t sure how to be around people. Supposedly the entire staff had learned to avoid the animal, which made Holly feel sorry for the little thing.
Walking around the cat, Holly, Katrina, and Marnie went to their rooms with their purchases. Holly set her gloves, stockings, and hairpins on her dresser before changing for dinner. After several moments, she heard Gavin’s arrival. Staring at the wall that separated their rooms, she ignored the impatient yearning to see him.
They had decided to have a quiet dinner that evening since the debutante ball at St. James Palace was to take place the following evening. Her nervousness surprised Holly, especially considering she wasn’t even being presented. Still, it was an extraordinary event, especially for a country miss.
Holly paused in dressing and started at the door connecting her and Gavin’s room. She was surprised to find she had been eager to be in his presence all day, even though she was still annoyed with him for inserting himself between her and Jasper.
Remembering that, she turned away from the connecting door and opened the door into the hallway. Except she didn’t get very far. Standing in the hallway, leaning against the opposite wall, was Gavin.
A flutter went through her as she saw him, and he pressed himself off the wall, stepping toward her.
“Hello,” he said, his voice a balm to her agitation.
“Hello,” she said softly.
“May I have a word? In private?” He nodded towards her room.
