Page 114 of Kathryn

“I’m just here for a few moments and then I’m going to inspect two of the tenant houses with His Grace.”

A smile spread across Becky’s face.

“What?” Katie demanded, not that she could not guess.

“I am so happy to see you like this. Mr. Court said—” She broke off, her cheeks looking as red as Katie’s felt.

“What did he say?”

“He said he’s never seen the master the way he is now.”

Katie pulled a face. “That could either be a good thing, or a—”

“He said it was a very good thing.”

“Thank you for telling me that,” Katie said. “I suspect there are few people who know Dulverton better.”

“I suspect you are right. Oh, I forgot that this came for you,” Becky said, picking up at letter from the table and handing it to Katie.

She squinted at the spidery script on the envelope, her pulse speeding. “It is from Lady Grimsby.” She unfolded the heavy cream paper and frowned at the half-page of difficult to decipher writing.

“What is it?” Becky asked.

A name leapt of the page at her: Lord Jasper Staines.

Her knees buckled and she clutched the back of the settee to steady herself.

“Katie?” Becky’s voice seemed to come from a long way off. A hand grasped her shoulder. “Katie! What is wrong?”

Katie could not look away from the name. “N-nothing is wrong. I just became lightheaded for a moment.”

“You are as pale as milk. Here, sit down while I get you some water.”

Rather than argue, Katie sat on the narrow settee and forced herself to read the rest of the letter. Lady Grimsby was inviting Katie to a tea in honor of her great-granddaughter, the daughter of Lord Jasper Staines, who was coming to live with her at the end of the month.

The message said nothing about Jasper visiting, but surely he would be the one escorting his daughter to the old lady’s house?

Good God.

Katie could not face the man.

“What is wrong?” Becky sat down beside her, a glass in her hand.

Katie took the glass and dutifully drained it before handing it back.

“Katie?”

Katie opened her mouth to lie but then met her best friend’s eyes. For years she had been tempted to tell Becky about Jasper, but it had seemed more painful than worthwhile. After all, it happened and there was nothing she could do about it. But now… Now she would have to face him again.

Bile rose in her throat at the thought of seeing him and she pressed a hand over her mouth.

Becky leapt up and fetched a basin which she shoved into Katie’s limp hands. For a moment, she thought she might have to use it but she closed her eyes and breathed deeply until the feeling passed.

“What is wrong?” Becky squeezed her shoulder. “Tell me.”

Katie looked at her friend’s worried face. Becky couldn’t help her avoid Jasper, but it would be nice, just for once, to have somebody who cared about her in her confidence. Her mother and aunt—and her aunt’s maid, of course—knew her awful secret but the three of them had been revolted and ashamed.

Was she willing to risk her best friend’s love and respect? “I’m worried that if I tell you what I’ve done that you will despise me, Becks.”