Page 44 of The Spinster's Stolen Hear
“I’ll say this once, and only once, niece. We are grateful for your help, but wearefamily, after all. I am Pippa’s mother, and she is my daughter, and your relationship with her cannot and will not come between us. Her duty is to me. Her obedience belongs to me. I am her mother, and I know what is best for her. And what is best for her, quite simply, is a man like Lord Barwick. A marquess. If I could get her a duke, I would. And you, Katherine, are not to come between us. I will not tolerate that, do you understand? You don’t contradict my instructions or fill Pippa’s head with nonsense when my back is turned. I know what I am doing. Do you understand, Katherine?”
Katherine met her gaze but said nothing.
“I shall take that as a yes,” Bridget muttered. Turning on her heel, she strode back towards the house. She didn’t look around, not even once.
I know what I’m doing.
Chapter Fourteen
“The Ghost At Marendale Manor,” Rose read aloud, turning the book over and over in her hands. It was a smart, leather-bound copy, a gift from Timothy. He’d been given several copies of the book from his publisher, to distribute amongst his friends.
“It’s only volume one,” Nathan said, “but it’s quite compelling. I read the whole thing in one sitting. Timothy has done a marvellous job with his latest book. It’s already causing quite a stir.”
Rose chuckled, setting the book aside. “It is strange, being close friends with such a famous novelist. I feel rather guilty for not having read it.”
“I shouldn’t worry. He’ll probably read a passage or two tonight.”
They were in the carriage, rocketing through the night towards Timothy and Katherine’s home. A small soiree had been organized; a literary event meant to celebrate the publication of his latest novel.Mr. Rutherfordwas quite a household name now, connected with his expansive collection of novels, including the ones he’d published earlier in his career under a pseudonym. Katherine, who loved books and novels, was fairly beaming with pride at her husband’s work.
“It’s a ghost story, then?” Rose asked, faintly curious.
“Yes, but there are a great many other themes. There’s a romance, of course, between Lady Thomasin and the hero, Cornelius Rake. There’s something of a mystery regarding Marendale Manor itself, of course, and I have it on good authority that there will be bandits later on.”
Rose chuckled. “Timothy always had an excellent imagination. I am glad we can be here to celebrate tonight. I imagine the whole family will be there,” she paused, shooting a quick glance at her son. “Including Miss Randall.”
Nathan’s cheeks heated, and he hoped that the darkness of the carriage managed to hide it.
“No doubt,” he answered neutrally.
“The Davenports, too, will be there. Amanda is growing quite determined in her pursuit of you. Oh, I wish youdidlike her, Nathan. She’d make you a fine wife.”
He said nothing, staring out of the window, and after a moment, Rose sighed.
“But mayhap she would not make youhappy, then?”
He swallowed, shaking his head. “Things would be easier if I could fall in love with her,” he admitted, “but I’m not. And she doesn’t loveme, Mother. Besides, it won’t do her any harm not to get what she wants. She gets her way entirely too often.”
Rose sighed again, and leaned forward to take his hand.
“Very well, Nathan. I shan’t bring up this subject again, as I don’t wish to upset you. But please do think more about Miss Randall. She’s a sweet girl, and I… I want you to be happy. You’re shut up in that study of yours entirely too much. There is a life beyond your paperwork, you know.”
He smiled faintly, squeezing his mother’s hand.
“You are very good to me, Mother. I am not always the son you deserve.”
“Nonsense,” she huffed. “You areperfect.”
“Only a mother would think that about her children.”
Rose chuckled, releasing his hand and leaning back. “Nonsense. I am entirely unbiased.”
Before he could make a retort, the carriage slowed, and they were there.
***
Katherine and Timothy’s house was filled with a soft, warm light from countless candles, and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air. It was a markedly different sort of event than the usual parties and balls. There wasn’t even going tobeany dancing.
Katherine’s brothers and their wives were there, of course. Even William and Lavinia, who were a few days short of the date they could officially return to Society after their honeymoon, but nobody seemed to mind very much.
