Page 24 of Return to Satterthwaite Court

Insufferable man!

Had his declaration that the mongrel was a rare Spanish breed been nothing more than a one-time bout of insanity? Had he, in truth, no sense of humor at all?

Kate was beginning to suspect so.

“London or Bath,” Miss Heywood said. “We haven’t decided.”

“You can’t go to Bath,” Kate replied at once. “The prospects are poor enough in London. I shudder to think what they might be in Bath. You’d have no one to choose from but aged gentlemen gone to take the waters.”

“I say, Kate,” Jack murmured. “Steady on.”

“Mind you, I’ve nothing against aged gentleman,” Kate continued. “I’m sure there are very nice ones about in Bath or Ramsgate or wherever it is they go to cure their many infirmities. But an aged fellow would never do as a husband for someone of our age. You’re so sweet and lovely, Miss Heywood. Truly, you mustn’t settle.”

Lieutenant Heywood regarded Kate steadily, an unreadable expression on his face. She couldn’t tell whether he was amused by her or as appalled as Jack was. Perhaps neither. Perhaps the lieutenant wasn’t thinking of her at all. He may well be contemplating politics, or his correspondence, or deciding what it was he’d have for supper.

Kate nevertheless made an effort to still her tongue.

It lasted all of a second.

“A pity London isn’t merrier for young ladies,” she said. “But it can never measure up to our revels in the country. We haven’t a ball in the offing, regrettably, but there’s plenty of music and dancing. You must come to Beasley and waltz with my brothers. I have three altogether.”

A red flush swept up Jack’s neck. “Kate,” he said in a pleading undertone. “I’m sure Miss Heywood doesn’t wish to—”

“Wouldn’t that be terribly entertaining?” Kate asked. “While you’re there, I could show you my horses and dogs. I have the most valiant hunter, Ember, and the sweetest pair of spaniels. I’ll even introduce you to my cats, unless you have an aversion?”

“I-I don’t mind cats,” Miss Heywood said, stammering a little. “I should like to meet them.”

“Then you shall,” Kate declared. “I’ll fix a date and send you an invitation. If your parents don’t object?”

Captain Heywood and his wife exchanged a brief look. It seemed to contain an entire unspoken conversation—a question, an answer, a silent agreement. Indeed, except for her own parents, Kate had rarely beheld a couple so much in harmony.

“We have no objection,” Captain Heywood said. “Providing the weather permits.”

“The weather was well enough today,” Jack said. “We even have some sun. It puts us quite at our leisure in terms of travel time.”

“You might like to stay for luncheon,” Mrs. Heywood offered graciously.

“Oh no,” Kate protested. “We wouldn’t wish to put you to the trouble. But it’s such a beautiful clear day and I’m longing to stretch my legs. Perhaps, after, tea, Miss Heywood might be persuaded to give us a tour of the gardens?”

“If you like,” Miss Heywood haltingly agreed, but not before flashing an anxious glance at her brother. “Will you accompany us, Charles?”

Lieutenant Heywood inclined his head. He didn’t seem eager, but nor was he entirely unwilling. On the contrary, his jaw was hard, his shoulders set, as though he’d resolved himself to deal with an irksome piece of unpleasantness.

With a sinking feeling, Kate realized that unpleasantness was her.

Chapter Seven

Charles accompanied his sister and their guests along the curving tree-lined path that edged Heywood House’s apple orchard. At this time of year, the branches were barren and the fruit but a distant memory. A layer of frost covered the hard ground, undiminished by the winter sun shining in the sky above.

Mr. Beresford walked beside him, while Hannah strolled ahead, arm-in-arm with Kate.

But not Kate any longer.

The young woman in the shapely blue dress, silk skirts swaying provocatively with every step, was Lady Katherine Beresford, daughter of the Earl of Allendale.

Naturally she was.

Only a lady of wealth and breeding would evince such confidence. Such decisiveness. Not only had she discovered who he was, she’d contrived to call on him as well. Granted, it was on the flimsiest pretext (a fact which had been plainly evident to Charles’s parents), but still she’d come, arriving at Heywood House as bold as you please.