Page 15 of The Scandalous Love of a Duke
And you hope I will use them so you progress…Aloud John said, ‘Parkin? I have heard of them.’
Their friendship had made life bearable in John’s later childhood and youth. Phillip’s companionship had been the one concession allowed when John had visited his grandfather. Beyond their friendship, life had been all about learning discipline and developing mind. ‘Do you live in town?’
Phillip nodded. ‘Perhaps we could meet? I’ll give Finch my address.’
John was not inclined to socialise with men who thought to gain something by it. He was tired to the bones of this ingratiating behaviour already and he had a lifetime of it to live. ‘Perhaps…’ John echoed with no commitment.
‘I would like to hear your travelling tales,’ Phillip continued, chatting as though their friendship had not ended seven years before.
‘I have thousands but I would not wish to bore you.’ John’s gaze strayed to Kate. ‘And you, Katherine, what have you been up to while I was gone?’
She reddened and opened her mouth but said nothing.
John felt like laughing, she looked so unsettled by him. Yet her discomfort gave him hope that his attraction may be reciprocated.
‘She has been busy. Katherine has started a Sunday school in Ashford,’ Mary answered for her.
Katherine’s blush deepened.
He was certain it was his presence which was making her colour-up so beautifully. ‘That is noble of you, Katherine. Is there a husband who supports this venture?’
Her cheeks flushed with even brighter colour. Then she shook her head in a firm denial. ‘I am not wed.’ Her pitch said the idea was absurd.
John felt a flare light inside him. Hope. But that was ridiculous. What it meant was she was innocent and untouchable.Hands off, you villain.He felt like laughing at his own arrogant desire.
Playing the gallant, he took her hand once more and pressed another kiss upon it. ‘More fool the men who have passed you by.’
‘She has had numerous offers. She turns them all away,’ Phillip interjected, oblivious to John’s flirtation.
John did not think Katherine was so naive. Her eyes held his as he let her hand fall, full of questions.
The woman was a mile beneath his rank. She would know there was nothing serious in his interest, which meant she was wondering why he was flirting. ‘There is nothing wrong with being choosy, Katherine. I commend you.’ He smiled.
She smiled suddenly, in reply, and it glimmered in her azure-blue eyes.
‘Are you staying in London?’ Mary asked.
Katherine’s gaze swung to his sister and John realised he had momentarily forgotten the others were there.
‘No. Phillip brought me into town. And we should be going. Phillip?’ She glanced at her brother, who nodded agreement.
‘But you have not met Harry and George,’ Eleanor cried. ‘You must meet them…’
In barely a moment all the women were gone, and John was left alone with Phillip. John felt as though the world had grown colder, but instinctively he filled the quietness with words, setting his glass down on a side-table. ‘Why has she not wed?’
He and Phillip looked at Katherine.
John could see an awkwardness in her nature. She was out of place among his guests and she felt it. But her self-awareness and inability to hide it were refreshing.
It seemed his taste had not only turned to blonde, but timid too. He was interested despite himself, even though he really should not be, yet there was nothing wrong with indulging curiosity.
‘The right offer has never come along, or rather the right man, I think. My father wishes her settled and Mother’s patience is wearing thin. After all, our younger sister Jennifer is waiting in the wings, but Kate does not wish to simply take anyone. I would guess she is hankering after a love match.’
Jennifer was six years younger than Katherine. ‘Is Katherine happy as she is then?’ As children Katherine had invariably seemed insecure, while Jennifer was simply spoilt. But Katherine was adopted.
Phillip glanced at John. ‘The school brings her contentment, but I do not think she is happy. You knew Kate as a girl, she has never seemed completely happy.’
John’s gaze returned to her. She had untapped depths within that timid shell, he was sure. Depths it would be a pleasure exploring, like opening an ancient tomb for the first time.
