19. Chapter 19 #2
The door opened behind her. She wished the pawnbroker would hurry so they could complete the transaction before they were interrupted. The desire to grab her pearls and run was almost overwhelming, but necessity kept her feet rooted to the spot. With no funds, her options were limited.
This was the only way to provide for her needs without being beholden to Hugh—and that was something she must avoid at all costs. It would become increasingly difficult to refuse his proposal of marriage if she became indebted to him.
“How much?” Kitty asked, eager to get a price from the man.
“Two pounds.”
“Two pounds! They’re worth more than that.”
“You can take it or leave it,” he said, cradling the necklace in his palms. “The likes of me can’t be too careful.”
A hand reached over her shoulder and took the pearls out of the man’s hands. “Then we’ll leave it. Good day.”
Kitty swivelled around to see William standing behind her. “You have no right to interfere. Give me back my necklace.”
She turned to face the pawnbroker. “I’ll take the two pounds.” It was a paltry sum, and she had planned to refuse, but what else could she do?
“It seems to me you haven’t got anything to pawn,” said the man. “Looks like I was wise to offer—”
“No, you were not. This lady is of the first respectability, and if you so much as murmur a slur against her, I will see you closed down.”
“Now, now, young sir. There is no need to be hasty. I was just doing my job.”
“Lining your pockets at her expense, more like. Come.”
William offered Kitty an arm and, left with no other choice, she took it. They walked out of the shop and up the street at a brisk pace. When they were a reasonable distance away, he stopped walking and faced her.
His brow was creased with concern—or was it anger? “You said you had a purchase of a personal nature to perform.”
“I do—but now I shall not be able to replace my stockings or gloves because you have deprived me of my only means of paying for them.”
“I’ll buy them for you.”
“That would be most improper.”
“Then I’ll lend you the money.”
“Equally improper. I can’t accept help from a single gentleman who is not related to me.”
“Why didn’t you ask Miss Barrington?”
“I thought that was obvious. Everything Laura has comes from her father, and I don’t wish to be indebted to him. He is also an unmarried man, remember? If I let him provide for me, it would be hard to refuse his offer.”
“Then you’ve decided to turn him down?”
“Would it bother you if I hadn’t?”
“Yes. No one should be forced into a marriage that is not of their own choosing.”
“I agree, and I want to be free to make that choice—not pressed into agreeing out of gratitude. Which leaves me with a problem. My funds are almost non-existent. I know you don’t like it, and I can’t say I’m keen on it myself, but unless you are able to think of a better plan, please return my mother’s pearls so I can supply my own needs—if, indeed, the broker will still lend me the money. ”
William tucked Kitty’s arm within his own again and marched off at such a brisk pace that she struggled to keep up. “You mustn’t sell a family necklace. We’ll find another way.”
She had an overwhelming desire to trust him. It would be pleasant not to rely on herself for a change. But what could he do to help her without compromising her reputation?
It warmed her heart to know he cared, but there was nothing he could do. Not unless he married her—and that would never happen. Though Kitty longed for such a possibility, she wasn’t naive. He was out of her class—and she was certain the notion would never cross his mind.
“Goodness, Will! What are you doing to your poor companion? You’re practically dragging her along the road.”
William cringed at the sound of his youngest sister’s voice and came to an abrupt halt. Now he would have some explaining to do. Somehow, he didn’t think Hetta would be fobbed off as easily as Anthony.
She stood, staring at him with raised eyebrows, and then nodded toward Kitty.
He scowled, but she merely responded by tapping her foot. He resigned himself to the inevitable. “Hetta, may I present Miss Lacey? Kitty, this is my sister.”
The two ladies exchanged curtseys.
“I’m delighted to meet you, Miss Lacey.” His sister’s eyes flashed up at him. “I told Anthony there was a woman involved.”
He hurried to disabuse her. “It’s not like that. I was painting—”
“Of course you were. You always are.”
Kitty grinned at Hetta, obviously enjoying the interruption more than he was. “I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Merry.”
He gave a slight shake of his head to warn his sister not to correct the way she’d been addressed, but if she saw it, she paid no heed.
“Not any more. It’s Lady Henrietta Merry if you want the full title, but—”
Eyes wide, Kitty glared at him before turning back to Hetta. “I beg your pardon, your ladyship.”
“No apology necessary. It’s somewhat strange to me, too. I expect that’s why my brother prefers to be plain Mr Merry. Lord Droxford sounds rather pompous, doesn’t it? He’s still the same old Will, though I’m surprised he hasn’t got more paint on his person—”
Kitty’s mouth dropped open.
“Oh. He didn’t tell you that either, did he? To judge by the look in his eyes, he’s regretting bumping into me, as I’ve let the cat out of the bag. I don’t suppose you could forget I said anything?”
“I’m afraid I don’t think I can, Lady Henrietta,” Kitty said with a chuckle. “Not that I blame you in the slightest. You are not responsible for your brother’s deception.”
“I think perhaps it is as well that you can’t forget. It is never wise to deceive your friends, is it, Will?”
He winced. “I’m sorry, Kitty.”
His sister nodded her approval. “A simple apology, but I am familiar with that look in his eye and can assure you it’s genuine. I hope it won’t put you off my brother. He’s not that bad—”
“What are you doing here alone, Lady Henrietta Merry?” said William, spitting out her full name for embarrassing him so completely.