34. Chapter 34
William had never felt so annoyed with his grandmother. As soon as Kitty left the room, the Duchess sprang back into life, trying to soothe his growing irritation with assurances that he would be much better off with a wife from his own rank in society.
“I have in mind the daughter of a friend of mine, who I think—”
“Enough!”
His grandmother’s mouth fell open. “But—”
“Grandmama, I am not marrying Miss Lacey out of duty, but out of love. Mother said that one day I would meet someone who was more important to me than my painting. I’ve found her.
Kitty is that lady and I would rather spend my life with her as my wife and never lift another paintbrush than create all the masterpieces in the world.
Without her by my side, it would mean nothing.
I would prefer to marry her with your blessing, but no amount of talk will dissuade me.
All you will achieve is to alienate me. Is that what you want? ”
“But her birth…the Duke…”
“Yes, I know your husband will feel it keenly that more should have been done to find Lord Edward’s offspring after he died—”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“But it is a consideration. It’s what Mr Barrington was thinking when he offered to marry Kitty. That he would be able to extort money from the Duke to hush up the truth.”
Her mouth quivered. “Oh, but he wouldn’t—”
“Wouldn’t he? Was he aware his brother was in love with a woman far beneath him in rank?”
“I…I don’t know.”
“You might deem Kitty unsuitable, but she is the only bride for me. Do you wish me to disappear from your life because you won’t accept my choice?”
His grandmother’s eyes filled with anguish, and to William’s horror, a tear trickled down her face. “Oh no. Please do not push me away. I’ve lost Denmead to this horrid war—I couldn’t bear to lose you too.”
“I don’t want to, Grandmama, but you must promise not to talk to Kitty like that again.”
The Duchess gave a tiny nod. That was enough. William embraced her and pecked her cheek.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find my betrothed to assure her I have not changed my mind.”
He left the room, hoping that Kitty had not gone far, but instead of finding her waiting for him in the hall, he came face to face with his father.
“It is good to see you.” William held out his hand, but the older man made no move to take it. Heat crept up his neck and into his cheeks as he recalled how their last conversation had ended.
He knew he had been at fault. “I apologise for pushing ahead with my own ambitions, irrespective of your need of me. I’ll return with you to Holybourne House if you still think I can be of assistance.”
A flicker of something that might have been admiration passed over his father’s face. Ignoring William’s outstretched hand, he stepped forward and enveloped him in a hug. The physical contact erased the reserve between them as easily as if it had been drawn with a pencil.
“I assume you’ve come in response to my letter.”
“I have.”
William’s mouth went dry. “And what is your answer?”
“I told you the last time we met you were not ready for marriage.”
“Then you refuse your permission?”
“I do—and so I told Miss Lacey.”
All the warmth William had felt on their reunion dissipated.
“How could you, Father? How could you dismiss her without even taking the trouble to discover what an amazing woman she is? If you are displeased with my betrothal, let your displeasure fall on me, and me alone. Kitty is blameless in this. I know I should have gained your consent before proposing, but you couldn’t expect us to keep our feelings to ourselves when we thought we were going to die—”
The colour bleached out of his father’s face. “What?”
“She didn’t tell you that we almost drowned yesterday?”
“No.” He gave a half-hearted huff. “Those must have been the extenuating circumstances she referred to.”
“I will marry her, Father. I would much rather do so now, with your permission, but if you force me to wait, then so be it.”
“How long have you been courting this lady?”
William’s fingers forked their way through his hair, the familiar action doing nothing to lessen his growing unease. “Only a few weeks.” Less than that. He hadn’t been free to speak until after he discovered Miss Barrington was married. “But how long do you need to know your own heart?”
“Are you certain she feels the same? That she is not grasping for a title?”
His scowl reflected how much the suggestion revolted him. “You would not say that if you knew her.”
“Then she is free to refuse you?”
“If that is her wish—but it isn’t.”
“Are you sure? You don’t think your grandmother’s disparaging words have frightened her away?”
An icy chill scooted down William’s spine.
Kitty realised he’d choose her over his family, didn’t she?
“Is that what Miss Lacey said to you? If so, I need to reassure her that it won’t happen again.
Grandmama shouldn’t have spoken like that, but she knows better now and will not repeat her mistake. ”
His father pulled back, as though to take a more comprehensive look at him. Was it such a surprise that William had stood up to the Duchess?
A slow smile formed on Father’s face. “Behold the paragon.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“Miss Lacey said I should be proud of the man you have become—and I am beginning to think she is right.”
Kitty’s praise was all the sweeter because it was brought to him through his father. “I am relieved to find she is growing on you. Now, please excuse me. I must seek my betrothed to reassure her of my undying love.”
“She’s not here.”
With that simple pronouncement, all the colours of William’s life ran together. “Do you know where she’s gone?”
“Are you asking for my assistance?”
“Yes, Father. I beg you, tell me if you have any idea where she went. I must find her. Kitty has nowhere else to go. Please help me.”
“She has gone to Mrs Barrington’s house.”
“No!” Of all the places on earth, that was the last Kitty would go to of her own volition. “That woman treated her like a servant. Why would she return there?” Had his grandmother really persuaded her it was her duty to leave him?
William strode toward the front door, but his father laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Are you going after her?”
“Of course, I am. Do you think I would abandon the lady I love to be devoured by that harpy?”
“Is the woman that bad?”
“Yes. Forgive me for opposing you, but I can’t desert Kitty. I could more easily give up painting. With or without your support, I will marry her, if my family hasn’t succeeded in turning her against me.”
William ordered the carriage to be brought around, and within a few minutes, he was on the road to Dumbarton House. He would not return without the lady who had won every piece of his heart.
Kitty braced herself as she approached Mrs Barrington’s front door. Would the old woman give her an audience?
The butler beamed at her. “Good morning, Miss Lacey. How lovely to see you.” He glanced over at the carriage that stood waiting for her. “Are you alone?”
“Yes. I’m on my own.” But she wished William were with her.
“Is all well? Where’s Mr Barrington?”
Kitty deemed it best to ignore his question. “Is your mistress at home?”
“She’s not come down yet. The new maid is not adept at doing her hair. Doubt she’ll last another week. Mrs Jarvis will be glad to see you. Daresay you can wait with her until Mrs Barrington is ready to receive you.”
Descending the stairs to the housekeeper’s room was like taking a step into her past, and Kitty couldn’t repress a shudder. Would this be the life she was reduced to if William was not free to marry her for another six months?
Mrs Jarvis welcomed her as if she were a long-lost friend.
“Miss Lacey—what a pleasure. We were so sorry to see you go. Everyone was, though we were pleased for your rise in fortunes, becoming a companion to the mistress’s granddaughter. Mrs Barrington said you were going to marry her son.”
The old woman knew of Hugh’s plans? “I will not be marrying Mr Barrington.”
“Oh dear, the mistress won’t like that.”
Kitty sighed to herself. If only those were the worst tidings she had to share.
The housekeeper made a pot of tea and poured two cups, whilst keeping up a constant flow of chatter, bringing her up to date with the servants’ gossip. Kitty’s thoughts returned to William, wondering what his father had told him about her absence.
“Was it good news from France?”
The words pulled Kitty back to the present with a jolt. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“In the letter that came soon after you left. Was it good news about your brother?”
“There was a letter?”
“Didn’t you receive it?”
“No, I didn’t. Mrs Barrington must have neglected to forward it to me.” More likely, she withheld it out of spite.
“There’s the bell now,” Mrs Jarvis said, shooting her a commiserating look as the familiar sound tinkled in the corridor. “You must hurry, if you’re not going to put yourself at a disadvantage. You know how tickly her temper is.”
Kitty was unlikely ever to forget.
Upstairs in the drawing room, the butler announced her. “Miss Lacey to see you, madam.”
“Lacey? What are you doing here? Where is my son? Have you come to tell me you’ve accepted his offer?”
“I have not. Such a marriage is impossible.”
“What? You imagine yourself above him? Bah! Useless girl. Get out.”
The old woman was making this even harder than Kitty had envisaged. She would need to fight to stay long enough to deliver Laura’s message—and to retrieve the letter she’d just learned about.
Mrs Barrington reached for the bell rope and yanked hard. The butler appeared at once. “I’m glad to know you do something for the money I pay you. Show this hussy out.”
“I beg your pardon, madam, but I didn’t come in answer to your summons. You have a visitor.”
“You’ve shown up one too many visitors already. Deny them and make sure this—”
“He was most insistent.”
“I am not at home.”
William strolled into the room, as confident as if he were the Prince Regent. “How very inconvenient.”