Page 27 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
Kate’s eyes widened. It wasn’t what she had expected him to say. It disarmed her and she felt herself relax. She chuckled. “Thank you. That is kind of you to say. To be honest, I feared our truce was over, and we were ready to do battle once again. I was on my guard.”
Andrew shook his head. “No. I think our war is over. The more I speak to some of the other attendees, the more I appreciate our banter. I had hoped to speak to you this morning before othersarose.” He gave her a significant look and then his eyes slipped down to her mouth. His meaning was clear.
Kate decided to play coy. She gave him a questioning look. “Is there something amiss?”
He narrowed his eyes. He knew the game she played. Her heart fluttered. He waved away her concern with his hand. “No. I only meant that I wanted to have a conversation that did not involve fashion, the latest dance, or gossip.”
A maid set a teacup in front of Andrew and Kate lifted the teapot to pour. “I find myself thinking the same thing. I fear my interest in the latest literature or current events labels me a bluestocking in everyone’s eyes.”
Her hand brushed against his as she set the teapot down. He captured it in his own and said, “I find that I am at odds on how I should classify you.”
He traced his thumb against the back of her hand in such a way as to be sensual yet somewhat innocent. It made Kate imagine what else his hands might be capable of. She blinked her eyes and allowed her hand to rest in his for a moment longer before reluctantly pulling it away.
“Aside from pointless conversations with some of our guests, I believe all has gone as planned. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, wouldn’t you agree?” Kate said, offering him a slice of toast. She slid the currant jam across to him. When he pickedup the knife and smeared it across the toast, she found herself mesmerized by his simplest movement.
What is wrong with me? Am I so desperate for a moment of pleasure that a simple act can arouse me?
Andrew bit into the toast and licked a bit of jam from his lip which flustered her even further. He raised a brow and said, “I shall return your earlier comment and ask if I meet your approval.”
Kate looked away from his mouth and busied herself with buttering her own toast. “Sorry. I was lost in thought.”
“Those thoughts must have been quite interesting. I felt as if you wished to devour me on the spot.” He smiled, and for the first time, Kate felt that it was genuine. A small dimple appeared on one cheek that she hadn’t noticed before. She longed to reach across and trace it with her hand.
“I was thinking of the groom’s arrival. I do hope everything meets with his approval. I thought that he and Julia would arrive together yesterday, but it appears I must have misunderstood,” Kate lied.
“I received the note yesterday morning advising me of his later arrival. It made me curious, too,” Andrew said. He lifted his teacup and took a sip. “No matter. I am sure you have everything ready for his arrival and soon the happy bride-to-be will see her groom.”
“Yes. I am sure Julia is excited.” Kate gazed out the window and saw a raven fly down and land on a lamppost near the carriageway. “Oh, no! I do hope the birds won’t pluck at the ribbons and flowers decorating the entryway.”
Andrew set down his teacup and said, “Shall we stroll around the grounds and make sure that all is still in place? If my memory is correct, you have scheduled us for more lawn games. Weather permitting.”
Kate gave him a measured look. “Is that a jest harkening back to our earlier arguments over setting or do you spot storm clouds on the horizon?”
“A little of both. I fear that our pleasant weather might leave us. It is sunny on the east side of the estate, but I spot darkening skies to the west. Perhaps we will see a few showers this afternoon, but nothing that will spoil the day.” Andrew stood and held out his arm.
Kate arose and placed her hand on the crook of his elbow. With Sally trailing behind them, they walked down the hallway to the rear of Renwood. The only people moving about still were the servants who were already hard at work preparing for the day.
Dew covered the lawn, and Andrew guided Kate to the stone path so as not to dampen her slippers. “I think that the ravens have decided to roost elsewhere. Perhaps he was a scout and saw that our baubles weren’t to his liking. He’ll tell the others and they shall fly to better fields.”
Kate smiled. “That sounds quite fanciful.”
“Do you doubt that the ravens talk to each other?” Andrew slowed his steps and turned to her. “Do you think they quibble as we do? Arguing over every grain of wheat.”
“Now, I know you are being fanciful,” Kate smiled up at him. He placed his hand over hers.
“Not so. Ravens and crows are quite organized. I liken them to troops in the field. A scout flies over the farmer’s field, and once he’s determined it is safe and full of food, he returns to the rest of his flock. They then descend upon the crop and eat their fill.”
“You seem to know a great deal about ravens,” Kate said. “I did not think it would be of interest to you.”
“I am interested in a variety of topics. I take a keen interest in nature. As a boy, I spent hours walking in the woods on the estate and watching the animals.” He laughed. “I remember one time when I spent all day watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis and came home excited to share my experience with my mother only to find she had grown quite frantic. They had sent out men to find me, while all along I was hiding away in a hedge nearby.”
“Nicholas and I were the same. We would spend hours exploring the estate here. My mother would be exasperated with the nanny for losing us, but she knew it was not her fault. My brother and I were excellent escapees.”
“You and your brother are quite close, aren’t you?”
Kate nodded. “We are. And after our parents died, we grew closer. It is why I am so vocal about aspersions against his character.”
“I am an only child, so I don’t have the same sibling bond as you. Harry is my cousin, but we aren’t as close as we were when we were boys. When my mother abandoned me, I had no brother or sister to share my pain with. As the years passed, my father grew more distant. He died a few years ago and never forgave her for breaking his heart. I suppose I’ve carried that same bitterness toward her in my heart.” Andrew’s voice grew quiet.
