Page 26 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
“Good evening, Lady Uxbridge. It is so good to see you.” Kate turned to Constance. “And Constance, that robin’s egg blue of your dress is unlike any I’ve seen. You must give me the name of your modiste. I am quite jealous of how lovely you look.”
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of conversation, laughter, and song. Her guests had begged another song from her, so Kate had obliged them by singing a happier tune about a lost lamb who finds its way home. When the clock struck two, the guests began to retreat to their rooms, and Kate gave a contented sigh. Two days until the wedding. She prayed her cheeks would not crack from smiling and headed upstairs to bed.
What in the blazes was Kate thinking flirting with Lord Radford?Is she trying to make me jealous?Andrew watched her and Julia from across the room. In a pique of anger, he excused himself and stalked after Lord Radford. He’d be damned if he would allow a rake like Darian to ruin Kate. For such an intelligent woman, she could be infuriatingly trusting at times.Trusting everyone but me.
He found Lord Radford outside, finishing his brandy and smoking a cigar. Andrew found it a habit he never grew fond of despite friends offering him snuff or a cigar as they played cards or drank in the sitting room after dinner. It had never appealed to him.
“Radford, I was surprised to find you here. I thought you would be roaming the Continent again,” Andrew said, standing next to him. He would test the waters before plunging into a full confrontation with the man. After all, Radford was a peer, and Kate wouldn’t forgive him if he caused a ruckus in her home.
“Devonport, how are you? I heard you were down here assisting with wedding plans. I am surprised you found time to consider your current business investments. I heard they kept you quite busy now that they have paid off,” Radford said, puffing on his cigar.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to engage a man who is an excellent clerk. It has allowed me time away when needed. My cousin’s marriage to Miss Roves is important and he asked for my assistance.” Andrew did not know why he felt the need to defend himself. It was something about the tilt of the man’s head, the knot in his cravat, or more likely, the way he so quickly tried to dishonor Kate by luring her into the garden hedges.
“Excellent. You’ve always been an astute businessman. How is Winfield? I haven’t seen him since the last time he visited the gaming hall. He was losing quite a lot of money that evening. It’s one of the reasons I am here. I thought he would arrive with his bride-to-be, and he could settle his debt before starting his new life with her. A lovely girl, Miss Roves. If she were my bride, I wouldn’t dare let her out of my sight.”
Andrew stiffened. Radford’s tone was too presumptuous. And his reference to Harry’s gambling was in poor taste. “I am sure Miss Roves is an honorable woman and would spurn any man who was foolish enough to try to engage her in an inappropriate manner. As to Harry, he settles his debts, but I feel that it is the most inopportune time to ask.”
Radford’s laugh was harsh and bitter. “You are such a laugh, Devonport. Always so enamored with honor and doing the right thing. Don’t you ever grow tired of it all?”
“You tread on dangerous ground, Radford. I have known you since we were boys on adjoining estates. Family honor is important, and a lady’s honor is the greatest gift you can protect.” He turned toward Radford, and his voice grew harsh. “I shan’t have you ruining Miss Avery with your behavior. Too many of your indiscretions have been covered by your father’s money and name but let this be a warning to you. I’ll—”
“You’ll what? Throw me out on my ear? This is Miss Avery’s home, and you have no standing here. Go away, Devonport. I find your company tedious.” Radford looked down his nose and waved a dismissive hand at Andrew.
Andrew clenched his fist. To strike Lord Radford would lead to a duel. It would ruin Harry’s nuptials and scandal would once again attach itself to his name. No. Better to bide his time and watch. He spun on his heel and left before his anger overtook his common sense.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, Kate arose before dawn. Harry was scheduled to arrive and to be honest, she needed some time to collect herself before guests began to awaken. Her sleep had been restless and filled with pleasurable dreams of the duke’s lips on her own and in more pleasurable places.
Sally helped her dress in a dove gray gown that was cut in the latest style. It accented her curves more than she liked. She stated as much to her lady’s maid.
“You look fetching in this gown, Miss. It is sure to catch the admiration of an eligible suitor,” Sally reassured her.
Kate grimaced and said, “It appears that the only suitor I’ve attracted is a man more interested in my estate than my appearance. Can you have one of the kitchen maids bring me tea and toasted bread to the library? I plan to spend some time reading while our guests are still asleep.”
“Of course.” Sally hurried off down the servant’s stairs while Kate descended the grand stairway that led to the front hall.
Her slippers made nothing more than a scuff of sound across the floors, but Mr. Tibbs dashed out from his bed in the ladies sitting room.
“Good morning, Mr. Tibbs. I see Mr. Scoville has freshly bathed you and put on your finest ribbon for the festivities. You look handsome in blue.” Kate leaned down and patted him.
“And me? Do I look as handsome in blue?” Andrew’s voice was low as he stepped out from the shadows.
“Oh! I did not realize you were standing there.” Kate was flustered. Andrew had clearly won Mr. Tibbs to his side since her furry companion had failed to warn her of his presence. The dark blue coat he wore did accentuate his eyes and against the stark white of his shirt, made her heart skip a beat. She smiled and teased him. “Yes, you are as handsome as my dog.”
He moved swiftly across to her and towered over her. “Are you trying to provoke me, Miss Avery?” His smile was predatory.
“Um…” Kate glanced around for Sally. It would never do for one of her guests to discover them alone together. When she spotted her maid hurrying down the hallway with a kitchen maid close on her heels carrying a tray of tea and toast, she breathed out and said in a low voice. “We must be discreet. Tongues wag too much in a full house.”
Louder, she said, “Sally. A change of plan. Could you have another cup brought for the duke?” She turned to Andrew. “I hope you don’t find it presumptuous of me to ask you to join me in the library for tea and toast.”
He bowed. “I would be honored.”
Sally gave instructions to the kitchen maid before following her mistress into the library. At a silent nod from Kate, she settled herself into the corner. Close enough for propriety, but far enough that Kate and Andrew could speak freely.
Kate settled herself at the small table by the window and Andrew sat across from her. As he stared at her, Kate felt like a butterfly trapped under glass. She tried not to fidget. Finally, she said, “Do I meet your approval?”
He laughed. “I apologize. I just realized that your hair has flecks of gold and scarlet like the fall leaves you are so fond of. When the morning sun shone through the window, it brought the colors out and captured my eye.”
