Page 23 of An Offer for a Spinster
There was no sign of Henry and Alexander, but William sat at the head of the table, turning over the pages of a ledger, his breakfast mostly untouched. He looked exhausted, she thought.
“I always thought those scandal sheets were written for the purpose of inciting gossip and causing a stir, rather than conveying any actual information,” she observed. “Don’t you think so, Will?”
A vague grunt was her only response.
“You ought to read them, dear,” the Duchess said severely. “They can be a good indication as to whether Society is accepting you or rejecting you.”
“The writers of those rags – anonymous, all of them, which I think is very telling – only care about provoking commotion. That is all.”
The Duchess tutted. “Well, take a read of this here. Go on, read it.”
Pressing her lips together, Katherine pulled the thin magazine towards herself and began to read, albeit reluctantly.
She would be lying if she said she didn’t feel pleased, just a little.
Success!
This is the word on everyone’s lips regarding the mysterious and beautiful Lady Katherine Willoughby. Emerging from mourning rather too soon for propriety’s liking, the handsome and charming Willoughby siblings have nonetheless created a real stir in Society. Lady Katherine was resplendent in a colourful gown, in excellent looks, with her dance card full of notable names.
The ball itself was remarked upon favourably by all attendees, demonstrating the famous hospitality and hosting skills of the Willoughby family, and the great charm of Lord William Willoughby, the new Duke of Dunleigh.
In fact, all four Willoughby siblings are creating a great stir on the Marriage Mart. This author thinks that a great many eligible ladies and gentlemen will be looking the Willoughby way after last night.
Despite herself a flush rose to Katherine’s cheeks. Praise was praise, even if it came from a scandal sheet rag with an anonymous author.
“Well,” she said, as coolly as she could. “That is quite complimentary. I’m glad people seem to have enjoyed themselves at our party.”
Despite intending not to read further, Katherine glanced down at the page again, and her name appeared again. Almost without thinking, she began to read again.
Lady Katherine Willoughby was also seen dancing with the handsome and well-liked Lord Geoffrey Barrington, Earl of Barwood. Are wedding bells ringing out for this good-looking couple? The author thinks so. A match between Lord Barwood – handsome, rich, charming – and Lady Katherine – beautiful,freshly out of mourning – would be a fine match indeed. Beauty, wealth, and charm on both sides of an engagement? Why, is that not the aim of every lady and gentleman venturing out into the marriage mart? We shall watch these two lovebirds with interest.
Flushing, Katherine shoved away the paper.
“Well, that’s nonsense, for a start,” she said brusquely. “These authors have no right to matchmake like that. I have no intentions of marrying Lord Barwood.”
“Oh, don’t be ridiculous, Katherine,” the Duchess scoffed. “Of course you do. You’d be a fool not to consider it. He’s an entirely suitable match, and he’s paid plenty of attention to you. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”
Katherine bit her lip. She had thought about it, of course she had. But to read it here, laid out in black and white for the whole world to see, was another matter entirely.
“The whole of Society will be watching us now,” she said bitterly. “They as good as announced our engagement. I’m not pleased about this, Mama.”
“Well, there’s nothing you can do about it,” the Duchess retorted sharply. “And that’s that.”
Before another word could be said, the butler stepped into the dining room.
“Lord Barwood for Lady Katherine, your ladyships, your lordship,” he said demurely. “I have shown him into the parlour, as his Grace informed me that he was expected.”
Katherine shot William an appraising look. He avoided her gaze.
“Thank you, Mr. Ruth. I’ll be along shortly. Bring in tea, won’t you?”
He gave a bow and departed.
Katherine glared at William again. “Thanks for the warning, Will.”
She got to her feet before he could respond, sweeping out of the room. Best to get it over with, she supposed.
***
