Page 55 of A Countess Never Tells

That at least was true. If some scandal about her was brewing, Ash would’ve known it and told them.

“Perhaps our friends are afraid to intrude on what you must admit is a most difficult time for you, Kitty.”

“That does not sound like any friend I know of here in London.” Kitty sniffed. Their acquaintances would beat down the door if they thought they could gather some good gossip inside.

“You may be correct in that. Still, I do not think we have been abandoned completely. This morning I received an invitation from Lady Wymer asking us to cards Saturday night. So you see, we are not likely to receive the cut direct when we finally do venture forth into society again.” Judith poured herself more tea. “Would you like—”

“Yes, yes!” Kitty’s spirits soared and she laughed out loud. “Of course, I would love to go! You needn’t even ask, Judith.” Oh, just when she thought she’d go mad with boredom, a card party.

“I was asking if you’d like more tea, Kitty.” Her sister-in-law shook her head. “You know we cannot go about if we are to keep you safe from Lord Baltimore.”

“No, Judith.” Kitty sat up, leaning over toward her friend. “Please tell me you haven’t refused it.”

“Well, no,” Judith spoke slowly as she put more sugar in her cup. “I have it set out to reply to tomorrow.”

“Then please accept it, my dear. I am pining for some other company, for some other scenery.” For something to do that wasn’t the same thing she’d done the day before. “Or if you cannot agree to cards then help me persuade John to let Ash procure a special license and let us marry now.”

“You know John has been adamant about that, Kitty. And it’s only two more weeks, a mere fortnight.” Judith was trying her best to make it sound palatable, but nothing could make two weeks of misery sound better than two weeks of married bliss with Ash.

“Then perhaps Ash and I shall simply anticipate the wedding and see what John says then.”

“Kitty!” Judith’s hand bobbled, spilling tea on her gown. “Don’t you dare think of such a thing. Your brother has conceded a lot for you and Ash.”

“I know that, but it doesn’t help. I’m past caring—”

“What do you not care about, my love?” The door had opened quietly behind her, and she whirled around to find Ash and John standing there, identical quizzical expressions on their faces.

She shot a look at Judith, who shook her head slightly. Drat it all. “I don’t care about Lord Baltimore’s threats. I wish for more company, Ash. I wish to see different sights than the walls and garden of this house. For two months, I’ve gone to entertainment after entertainment and now, with one stroke, I’ve been able to do nothing.” Kitty gazed at him, pleading. “Lord Baltimore is holding me hostage in my own home, Ash. We need to do something about that.”

Ash shot a look at John, who grinned broadly. “In two weeks, she’ll be yours. I suggest you learn to deal with her sooner rather than later.”

“Many thanks for the opportunity, Haxby.” Ash came over and sat in the chair next to her. “What has brought this on, my dear? Are you tired of my company already?”

“Of course not, Ash.” She scowled at him. “How could you say such a thing?” To show him the folly of his question, she leaned toward him, grasped his neck and pulled him to her for a kiss.

“Kitty!” Judith’s voice sounded far away.

Ash tried to pull away from her, but she held him tight and deepened the kiss. He continued to resist, but it was a token only. As soon as she withdrew her tongue, he thrust his into her mouth. Kitty sighed with delight. They had not been so close for some days, and her pent-up feelings were pent-up no longer.

“Ashwood! For God’s sake, have some decency.”

They broke apart to find John towering over them, the outrage on his face warring with disbelief. “Have you lost your mind? That is not what I meant when I said you needed to learn to deal with her.”

Ash shrugged, unaffected by John’s indignation. “If she were my wife, this is how I’d deal with her. This and a good bit more.”

“Ashwood.” John shook his head. “All right. Point taken. However, I will not have such depravity in my house while you are not wed.” He turned to Kitty. “What brought this on? What were you and Judith really discussing before we came in?”

Fortunately, Judith spoke up before Kitty could. “She wants to go to Lady Wymer’s card party Saturday night. I received the invitation this morning.”

“You know how dangerous that would be, Kitty?” Her brother crossed his arms over his chest, and Kitty’s hopes sank.

She looked to Ash, pleading with him once more.

“Lady Haxby.” Ash turned to her, a curious look on his face that gave Kitty sudden hope.

“Judith, Ash. I’ve told you to please call me Judith.”

“My pardon, my lady. Judith,” he smiled and continued, “can you inquire of Lady Wymer if Lord Baltimore has been invited? If he has, of course, we will not attend.” He gazed at Kitty, and she grasped his hand.