Page 30 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
“Lord Radford. I find him distasteful.” Harry’s face darkened.
“He is a friend of my father. I couldn’t exclude him. I am surprised to hear you speak ill of him. Lord Radford has always been most pleasant when in my company,” Julia said.
Harry’s frown evaporated and he turned to Julia. “I am sure you are right, Julia. I am simply in a foul mood from the carriage ride. Forget that I even said anything. I shall try my best to be pleasant to the man.”
They moved away from Kate, and she found herself searching the lawn for Andrew. When she failed to find him, she spotted Verity sitting with her mother. For once, she was not surrounded by potential suitors. Kate made her way to the girl and sat down next to her.
“Miss Waithe, your gown is quite becoming. The pink is an excellent color for your complexion,” Kate said.
“You are most kind. Mother had the modiste make it just for the wedding.” Verity blushed prettily and touched the ribbon that streamed from her bonnet. “I festooned my bonnet with new ribbons to match.”
“It’s lovely,” Kate nodded. “I hope you are having a good time.”
“Oh, yes. Mother has introduced me to many eligible bachelors. I hope the wedding sparks an interest in marriage from one of them.”
“Any man in particular?” Kate asked, watching the players on the lawn hit the shuttlecock.
“Perhaps. The Duke of Devonport is very handsome. Mother would be over the moon with joy if I was able to capture his heart,” Verity said.
Kate’s stomach clenched at the thought of the duke marrying Verity. It wasn’t that she had an issue with Verity. It was more that she knew if the Duke of Devonport affianced himself to the girl, their dalliance would end, and she felt a pang of sadness.
Verity gave her a quizzical look, and Kate realized that her face had probably expressed her confused feelings. She cleared her throat and said, “I am sure the Duke of Devonport would makea fine husband. It would be an advantageous union for both of you.”
Verity seemed content with Kate’s response. Their conversation turned to other guests and their attire. Verity nattered on and Kate found her mind drifting to her earlier concerns regarding Julia and her impending marriage. Something still niggled in her head, but she couldn’t determine what made her feel something was wrong.
She looked for Harry and Julia amongst the guests and spotted Julia speaking to Lord Radford near the edge of the game. Harry watched his betrothed from across the garden. A dangerous look was on his face. One of jealousy.
The promised storm arrived and was more powerful than Kate or Andrew could have predicted. As the winds whipped the ribbons from the trees, servants dashed about trying to gather as much as possible before the downpour drenched and ruined it all.
Inside, guests gathered in the drawing room while a few had retired for a nap after lunch. Kate played a lively tune and a few of the girls sang a song to entertain each other. When she finished, Kate rose from the stool and gave a small curtsy.
“Bravo, Kate. That was fantastic!” Julia exclaimed.
Kate eyed her friend. Her eyes were too bright and her praise too effusive for a simple song. She saw Julia bite her bottom lip and drew close to her friend.
“Come with me to the library. You and I need a moment alone,” Kate said. She tugged Julia from her seat and excused them.
Closing the library door behind her, Kate confronted her friend. “What is wrong? You have been excessively gay even for someone about to marry.”
Julia turned away and sighed. “You did not see Nicholas arrive?”
“I did. I had hoped he would see the error of his presence and leave, but clearly, I was wrong. He had promised that he would stay away from Renwood until after the wedding.” Kate realized she should have cornered her brother earlier and insisted he leave. Had Nicholas come simply to spy upon his former betrothed and create drama?
“If only he had. And there is more.” Julia stifled a sob.
“Whatever is the matter, Julia?” Kate frowned and laid a hand on Julia’s shoulder. “Tell me. I am your closest friend. We have no secrets.”
“I am being petty and childish. I overheard one of the other women say he arrived with Miss Coates in tow. It appears he is courting her.” Julia slumped onto a chair. “I shouldn’t care.”
“No, you shouldn’t since you claim to be happy with Harry,” Kate said. Julia seemed to want to protest, but Kate continued before she could. “But you are still in love with Nicholas, aren’t you?”
Julia nodded, unable to speak. She sniffed and said, “I am a horrible person, aren’t I?”
Kate moved swiftly to sit next to her friend and hugged her shoulders. “You aren’t horrible. It was simply a shock. You must put it from your mind and focus on your nuptials. Harry will be a good husband and soon you will forget all about my brother.”
Julia turned tear-stained cheeks to her. “Do you think so?”
Kate nodded. “I know so. Now, come. Wipe your tears and put on your brightest smile. It wouldn’t do for the guests or Harry to know you are so aggrieved over Nicholas’ arrival.”
