Page 56 of A Countess Never Tells

“But if he has not been invited?” Hope filled her. Ash would do anything to make her happy, she knew that beyond doubt.

“Then I think if we put forward a bit of effort, and about six armed footmen, we can allow you to play cards that night. Although,” he stared at her sternly, “I will remain by your side the entire night. I will escort you wherever you wish to go, and you will not try to leave me for any reason.”

“I promise I will not.” Kitty laughed, overjoyed to have some semblance of freedom restored. “Even to go to the ladies’ necessary.”

“Even for that, you will have an escort.” Ash nodded then glanced up at John. “Another way to deal with her, my lord, is to find a way to grant her every wish.”

“Huh.” John shook his head and reached for Judith’s hand. “Much the same way I deal with my wife, I see.”

“I wondered if you’d admit that, my dear.” Judith beamed up at him.

“Only because I knew you would confess it if I did not.” He kissed her hand passionately.

She and Ash could do worse than to take her brother’s marriage as a model for their own. “You will write to Lady Wymer in the morning, Judith?”

“I will. I suppose an evening of cards with new partners would be refreshing.”

John leaned over and whispered something that made Judith blush and nod. “Very well, then.” Judith rose and took his hand. “We will see you in the morning, Kitty. Ashwood, Barr will show you out.” The two of them hurried from the room, and Kitty heard a sharp, “John, behave,” then a faint giggle as the couple continued down the corridor.

Ash took her hand again. “I suppose that was my dismissal.”

“He didn’t say when you needed to leave, only that Barr would show you out.” Kitty leaned into him. “No one is here to see it if you wish to be depraved with me again.”

Ash’s eyes gleamed onyx. “You have no idea, love, just how depraved I wish to be with you.” Seizing her lips, he plunged his tongue into her mouth once more, leaning her backward on the chaise until he lay almost on top of her then raised his head. “Let me give you an inkling.”

Chapter 25

“And here’s the Queen of Hearts, and I will take that trick, Lady Phoebe.” Kitty couldn’t help crowing a little. She and Ash, partners at whist, had won the last game and now this one as well. It was so pleasant and fun to be out in Society again, to chat with Phoebe and her betrothed, Lord Ashbrook. Kitty wanted to laugh each time she looked at him. Imagine ever thinking he was Ash. Of course, she’d not known either gentleman, but they were so very different she thought it extremely funny she’d mistaken Ash for the staid Ashbrook.

“So you are to marry in three weeks, Lady Phoebe?” Kitty looked dolefully at Ash. Their wedding was still more than a week away. Would that it were tomorrow. “We should be wed by then ourselves. As soon as the banns are read.”

“That is what we are waiting for, Miss Tate.” Lord Ashbrook looked down his nose at her. She didn’t think he was being snooty, as much as that was the way his countenance fell naturally. Otherwise, he seemed a pleasant enough gentleman. “It cannot come too soon in my opinion.” He sent a smile to Phoebe, who blushed.

“My sentiments regarding our nuptials as well, Ashbrook.” Ash gathered the cards and stacked them into a pile before him. “To which end, I must also thank you for the loan of your name several weeks ago.”

“I beg pardon, my lord?” His lordship looked confused, and Ash laughed.

“I was certain Lady Phoebe had told you, my lord.” He glanced at Phoebe, who looked like she wanted to dive under the table. “At Lady Sutherland’s ball, I borrowed your name to be introduced to Miss Tate. Knowing your reputation was somewhat more sterling than my own, I had myself presented to her as Lord Ashbrook.” He chuckled at Ashbrook’s continued confused countenance.

“But you are not Lord Ashbrook.” The gentleman looked at Lady Phoebe. “Why would he do such a thing, my dear? Did you know of this?”

“Only second hand, from Miss Tate. In fact,” she raised her chin proudly, “I was the one to clear up the misunderstanding. It was the night you had to go to your dear Papa.”

“Ah, yes. I do remember.” Lord Ashbrook’s brow unfurrowed. “We were all so worried for him, but that crisis is over.”

“Praise heaven above,” Ash shot in, laying the deck before Ashbrook. “I believe it is your deal, my lord.”

“I am happy to have finally made your acquaintance this evening, Lord Ashbrook.” Kitty smiled at Ash. “Lord Ashwood was wrong to misuse you so, however, it has all turned out for the best, with our wedding just ten days away. My brother had hoped for a longer betrothal, because we haven’t known each other long, but we have insisted on the three weeks it will take to read the banns.”

“Will it be in St. George’s, Kitty? All the best weddings are from St. Georges.” Phoebe looked interested in something at last.

“Yes, Judith wished me to marry from our home parish in London rather than journey back to Cambridgeshire now.” Kitty was happy to oblige her in that. There was no one at home to invite, save Judith’s mother, and she could come to London easily if she had the desire. “She has had so much traveling of late she hopes to settle here for some months, until the weather cools. Although, the heat has been better this past week, thank goodness. I’ve been out walking in the garden every single day just to escape the house.”

“Why have you remained at home, Kitty? We have missed seeing you at this week’s entertainments.” Lady Phoebe inclined her head.

Kitty cut her gaze toward Ash, not knowing how much she should tell.

“Was it because of those rather bad dealings you had with Lord Baltimore, Ashwood?” Lord Ashbrook dealt the cards slowly and deliberately. “I heard something about an altercation at Lady Northrop’s about a week ago.”