Chapter 20
That evening at dinner, Kathryn could hardly eat a bite. Her mind was churning with various scenarios of how her father might react to her request. Would he demand she marry the man of his choice? Take her back to London immediately? Lock her away at their country estate?
She had no idea, and it made even Mrs. Greenleaf’s excellent meal unappetizing.
All around her, everyone was in high spirits, catching up with one another.
Fletcher and Easton were discussing politics with Papa.
Audrey was talking to Mama about Dandridge Manor while Mia was telling everyone that she was becoming quite proficient in her riding skills.
Only Grace seemed to share her melancholy, although it was probably because Mr. Wallings had left shortly after luncheon.
“I do hope you’ll agree to entertain us with a song or two, Lady Fletcher,” her mother said.
Audrey smiled. “Of course, Lady Devon. I’d be delighted. I do believe you’ll also enjoy a song or two from Miss Mia. She’s improved greatly under the tutelage of Lady Kathryn this summer.”
“How delightful. I look forward to hearing you both perform.”
After dessert, Audrey stood and led the women to the parlor, leaving the men to drink their port. A tea tray had been set out on the table.
“Mama, may I pour you a cup of tea?” Kathryn asked.
“Yes, thank you, dear,” Lady Devon said.
Kathryn prepared her tea and handed her a cup. “Would anyone else like a cup?”
Audrey, Grace, and Mia all nodded. Kathryn set about preparing the cups and handing them out before making one for herself. The hot liquid was soothing as it slid down her throat.
She glanced at her mother, who was talking with Audrey, and Lady Devon showed no outward sign that she was either agitated or happy about their conversation this afternoon.
Kathryn still didn’t know if her mother would support her wish to marry Mr. Clifford.
The final decision would rest with her father.
It wasn’t long before the gentlemen joined the ladies in the parlor. Audrey sang a number of songs while playing the pianoforte, and then it was Mia’s turn to entertain the group.
After an hour in the drawing room, Lady Devon announced, “As much as I’ve enjoyed tonight’s lovely entertainment, it’s been a long day, and I shall take my leave.”
Lord Devon stood and offered his arm to his wife. “I’ll escort you, my dear. Good evening, all,” he said before they exited the room.
“I think we should all retire. Lady Devon is correct—it’s been a long day,” Audrey said, standing and leaving with Jacob.
Grace stood. “Good evening, Lord Easton, Lady Kathryn. Come along, sister” she said as the two Fletcher sisters departed, leaving Kathryn and Easton alone in the drawing room.
“Did Papa say anything to you while you were in the dining room?” Kathryn asked her brother, her nerves on edge as she sat wringing her hands.
Easton shook his head. “No. Did you talk with Mother?”
Kathryn nodded. “I did earlier, but I don’t know how she feels about the situation.”
“Come. Let’s go talk to them before they retire for the evening,” Easton said, standing and holding out his hand to her.
“My heart is all aflutter. I’m scared Papa won’t listen once he knows Mr. Clifford is a commoner,” she said.
“Let’s not think that way until we know what Father has to say.”
Kathryn nodded, and her brother led her up the stairs and down the hall.
Easton knocked on the door and waited.
“Come,” came their father’s voice.
Kathryn was glad to see them sitting in the chairs in front of the fireplace, enjoying a brandy. She hoped her mother could temper her father’s outburst, which she knew would be coming soon enough.
“Easton, Kathryn, is something amiss?” Lady Devon asked.
“I wish to speak to you both about a very important matter,” Kathryn said, stepping before them.
Easton stood behind her, letting Kathryn speak first.
That got her father’s attention, and he directed his piercing gaze at her. “What important matter?”
Kathryn took a deep breath, remembering Sam’s words. She could do this. “Papa, Mama, I wanted to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with a wonderful gentleman.”
“What gentleman? You’ve not written about any tendre you felt while you’ve been at Dandridge Manor,” her father said rather brusquely. “This is all rather sudden.”
“I know. I wanted to tell you in person.”
“Kathryn, what gentleman?” her father demanded.
“His name is Mr. Sam Clifford,” Kathryn said.
“I’m not acquainted with him. Does he own a country estate nearby?”
“No, Papa, he does not. He’s a fine man and he helps Lord Fletcher with overseeing the garden design here at Dandridge Manor.”
“A gardener? Have you taken leave of your senses? No daughter of mine will marry a gardener. I will find you a husband when we return to London.”
“Papa, please—”
“There is nothing more to discuss.”
“Please let me explain.”
This was going as horribly as Kathryn had feared. Her father wouldn’t listen to anything further. She was relieved when her brother entered the conversation.
“Father, why would you condemn a beloved daughter to a life of misery?” Easton interjected before the conversation ended in a shouting match and a great deal of tears.
“I’ve seen firsthand this past Season how cruel the ton can be to Kathryn.
Some of those gossipmongers take great delight in causing her undue pain. ”
“Surely that’s not true,” Lord Devon said.
“I’m afraid it is. Has any gentleman come to you to request permission to court her?”
“No.”
“Exactly, and I’m afraid the only ones who would step up are merely seeking control of her dowry. They don’t care about her, but Mr. Clifford does.”
Kathryn was relieved to see her mother place her hand on her father’s sleeve. Maybe there was a glimmer of hope after all.
“My dear, I’ve seen Kathryn’s torment as well, though I’ve tried to shield her from the worst of the gossipmongers. They’re a vicious bunch,” Lady Devon said.
“Exactly,” Easton said. “Father, I would add that Mr. Clifford is heir to the Faulkner Baronetcy, so while he is a commoner, he is in line to inherit the baronetcy. Kathryn loves Mr. Clifford, and he loves her. Can you not see you will be punishing her for the rest of her life if you don’t allow them to marry? ”
“I’ll find a peer to marry her. There’s no need for her to marry this man,” Lord Devon said.
“Papa, please. Mr. Clifford loves me,” Kathryn pleaded. “No other man has even spared me a glance until they learned I had a large dowry.”
“But a commoner? Kathryn, you can’t be serious,” the earl said with a little less conviction than before.
“A common who loves and respects her,” Easton repeated.
Lady Devon squeezed her husband’s arm. “Darling, Easton is right. All I ever wanted for our children was for them to have a love match like the one we share. Does it really matter who they marry?”
“Of course it matters. Can you imagine the gossip when the marriage is announced? My daughter marrying a commoner? I’d be a laughingstock.”
“Father, why would there be any gossip?” Easton pressed on.
“There’s no need to put the engagement announcement in the London paper.
Kathryn will be living here in Reading, far away from the prying eyes of the ton.
If she stays here at Dandridge while the banns are read, they can marry at St. Mary’s parish.
Once they’re married, it matters not who knows. ”
“This is highly unusual, and I like it not. What do we know of this Mr. Clifford?” the earl asked.
“Papa, he’s a good and honorable man. He used to help with Lord Ashford’s garden before the townhouse was sold.”
“Kathryn, you’re young and don’t understand the ways of men. This Mr. Clifford is only after your dowry.”
“No, you’re wrong, Papa. Don’t you see? I’ve finally found someone who sees me and loves me for who I am, not what I could bring a large dowry to a marriage.”
“Hrrump, I will speak with him before I give you my decision. Now leave me to finish my brandy in peace.”
Kathryn kissed her father’s cheek. “Thank you, Papa. Good night, Mama.”
As she and Easton left the room, they could hear their parents still talking as they closed the door.
“Do you think Papa will agree?” Kathryn asked.
“I do. You know Father—he must rage a bit before he comes to an answer. If the answer had been an unconditional no, he would have said so and wouldn’t have wanted to meet with Mr. Clifford. I think it was a good idea to talk to Mother first.”
“I do pray you’re correct. Thank you for your help, but now I must go find Mr. Clifford and tell him he’s to meet with Papa.”
Easton took hold of her arm. “No, Kathryn. Not tonight. It’s late, and you should retire for the evening. Be patient, dear sister. I have a good feeling about this.”
Kathryn nodded. “I’ll try. Thank you again for your help. I love you. Good night.”
Easton kissed her forehead. “And I you. Good night, sister.”