Page 41 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess
“But—” Kate protested.
The Dowager Viscountess held up her hand. “Let me finish, child. You are worse than a two-year-old begging for a sweet. No patience.”
Kate clenched her hands in her lap and tried to still her body. Underneath her skirt, her foot tapped impatiently. She longed to run from the room and persuade Julia to rethink her decision. Or corner Nicholas and get him to admit that he still loved Julia and that his courtship of Miss Chambers was simply a ruse to make Julia jealous.
“You are fidgeting,” the Dowager Viscountess said, her face serene.
“Oh! How can you remain so calm?” Kate exclaimed.
“Because I know that things will turn out as they should. Love always conquers all.”
Kate barked out an unladylike laugh. “That isn’t true. If it were, there would be no broken hearts and Nicholas and Julia would already be married.”
“You need to trust that things will end as they should. Perhaps instead of embroiling yourself in your brother’s love life, you should turn your attention to your own.”
Her words stopped Kate. She scrunched her nose. “I have no love life to concern myself with, Grandmama. The Viscount of Surry is a pleasant enough fellow, but he is only after one thing.”
Her grandmother’s eyebrows shot heavenward in shock. “Kate! It is unladylike to speak of such things.”
“I meant he was after Renwood Castle and the money Nicholas settled upon me for my maintenance since it seems I shall never marry, what did you think?” Kate swallowed her exasperation at her grandmother’s unwillingness to help her stop the impending disaster. “Were you happy with Grandfather?”
“I was, child. In my day, marriage was more of a transaction than a love match. I was fortunate to fall in love with a man whom my father approved. Your grandfather and I both felt strongly that one shouldn’t marry simply for convention’s sake. It’s why I have not pushed you into a loveless marriage. I want both my grandchildren to be happy.”
Kate threw her hands up. “Which is why we need to stop Nicholas from marrying Eliza.”
“He hasn’t even proposed. Instead of meddling in his affairs behind the scenes, why don’t you go to your brother and tell him of your concerns?”
Kate frowned. “I’ve tried. I fear that he is avoiding me. I’ve been unable to find him anywhere.”
Her grandmother yawned, covering her mouth. “All of these overwrought emotions and late-night comings and goings have me exhausted. I pray that I’ll have a good night’s sleep tonight.” She smiled coyly. “There won’t be another mouse in the house tonight will there?”
Kate didn’t answer. Instead, she stood and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Get some rest, Grandmama. I must go check on the guests. Shall I have a maid bring you supper in your room this evening or will you be dining with us?”
Stifling another yawn, the Dowager Viscountess said, “I think I’ll dine here. The Dowager Duchess is welcome to join me. If you could extend her my invitation.” Her expression became thoughtful. “You know, as much as we were rivals in our youth, we’ve discovered that we have a common goal.”
“And that is?”
She shrugged, “You’ll find out in time, I am sure. Have a good evening, Kate.”
Andrew considered telling Kate his plan, but he feared she might balk. Much depended on her servants’ willingness to assist him. He thought he would find Mr. Scoville near the drawing room or front entrance, but the man was nowhere to be found. When he spotted Kate’s lady’s maid, Sally, he approached her.
“Sally, I need some assistance.”
“How can I serve you, Your Grace?” Sally inquired.
“It’s a rather odd request and it is of the utmost importance that you don’t tell Miss Avery.”
Sally’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, Your Grace, but I don’t think that I could tell a lie to Miss Avery.”
Andrew shook his head. “Not a lie, Sally. An omission. If Miss Avery doesn’t know to ask, you won’t be forced to lie.”
Sally’s expression brightened and she bobbed her head. “Then that’s all right, Your Grace. I am at your service.”
“Wonderful. This is what I need you to do.” He leaned down and told her what he needed in a low voice.
When he finished speaking, her plain face beamed. “I’ll take care of it right away.” She turned to go and then did a quick curtsy and added, “It’s not my place to say so, but I think this is the way things should be.”
Andrew was pleased. He hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. He returned to his search for Mr. Scoville. One more thing to take care of and all would be set for tonight.
