Page 6 of Return to Satterthwaite Court

“He wants to impress you.”

“With petty boasts?” Kate made a dismissive noise. “I’d rather a man prove his worth with deeds, not words.”

“Many of your suitors have tried,” Christine said.

“Yes, but they’re so painfully obvious about it.” She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “If I could find but one worthy gentleman—a man of noble character and firm convictions—who would be a hero rather than acting the part for personal advantage… that’s the man I’d wed.”

Christine’s lips pursed with ready disapproval. “I pray you’re not referencing that rude fellow in Bond Street again.”

Kate frowned. In truth, she hadn’t even been thinking about the man. But now Christine mentioned it… The gentleman’s actions had been heroic. And he certainly hadn’t been performing for Kate’s approval—or anyone’s, for that matter.

It didn’t hurt that he was dashingly handsome. Or that his deep, commanding voice had sent a delicious tremor down her spine.

If only she’d had the presence of mind to ask his name.

“No,” Kate said. “I’m merely referencing my ideal. A man that hasn’t yet appeared at any society event, I might add. If he had, I’d be happily engaged like you instead of a perpetual disappointment to everyone who knows me.”

“You’re not a disappointment.” Christine joined Kate at the window. “You mustn’t take my mother’s scolding to heart.”

“How should I take it? She’s right, anyhow. I’m always doing something to make myself infamous.”

“It wasn’t entirely your fault,” Christine said. “It was that other lady who created the worst of the scene; waving her umbrella about and shouting until half the street was staring. When she left us, I thought we were done with the business. I’d no idea my mother would hear of it.”

“Neither did I,” Kate said glumly.

They’d gone no more than a few steps farther up Bond Street before Aunt Jane had emerged from the milliner’s shop. At once ascertaining the situation, she’d quickly shepherded them into the carriage and ordered the coachman to drive them home.

“She blames herself,” Christine said. “In the brief time we were out of her sight, you were attacked by a feral dog, you exchanged words with a strange man in the street, and you attracted the unfavorable notice of a crowd.”

“Scandal upon scandal,” Kate muttered under her breath. “It seems I can’t help but be embroiled in them.” She leaned her hip against the window embrasure. “I suppose I must be grateful the story hasn’t yet reached my parents.”

“As to that…” Christine touched Kate’s sleeve in consolation. “I’m afraid my mother is even now writing to yours, conveying all the unfortunate details. Her letter will doubtless precede you to Somersetshire.”

“Oh.” Kate’s already-flagging spirits fell even further.

Her parents wouldn’t censure her overmuch for her behavior. They rarely did. But Kate knew when she had erred. And she knew when they despaired of her.

“I don’t expect it matters in the end.” She lifted her throbbing finger. The gentleman’s handkerchief was still tied snugly around it. “It isn’t as if I could keep the story secret from them. Not with this to explain.”

Christine’s face contorted in a sympathetic grimace. “I’m amazed Mr. Catmull didn’t insist on summoning a surgeon.”

Kate snorted. “It would never occur to him. He only ever looks at my face and figure. The remainder of my person doesn’t merit noticing.”

“Foolish man. We should go down to the kitchens and ask Cook to look after you. She’ll fit you up with a proper bandage.”

Kate didn’t intend to give up the handsome stranger’s tribute so easily. “Bosh. This handkerchief is the height of propriety.” She slowly unwound it, wincing as the dried blood on the fabric tugged free of her wound. “The linen is exceedingly fine.” She examined it more closely. “And look—there appears to be a monogram.”

Christine drew closer. “C.H.,” she read. “What exceptional embroidery.”

“Some lady’s done it,” Kate said. “His wife, I daresay.”

“Does it matter?”

Kate fell silent.

A dawning look of suspicion clouded Christine’s brow. “Good Lord, I knew it! That insolent gentleman has stolen your heart away!”

Kate was surprised into a laugh. “Hardly. You should know by now that my heart isn’t so easily won.”