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His mind came back to the drawing room as Sir John greeted him in return. “Do not mention it, I say, do not mention it,” he repeated in a now-familiar habit. “But you do remind me of my manners. Please allow me to introduce my family.” He whispered an aside, “Not to worry that they’ll be under your feet the entire visit, my boy, but I told them they must do the pretty to welcome you.”
Dalton was led to a matronly woman, still possessing a good figure despite her cap and graying hair. She was introduced as Sir John’s wife, but he had already deduced her parentage of the three younger members of the party. “My dear, this is Lord Dalton, who has come to put a few of my best hunters to the test.”
Dalton bowed over the extended hand and smiled at the woman politely lowering her head in return. “Your servant, ma’am. I can only wonder at your generosity. My intention was to put up at the inn, but your husband would not hear of it. I vow to remain least in sight during my stay so as not to disrupt your normal routine.”
“My lord,” Lady Dinsmore said, chiding him, “you speak nonsense. Of course you will stay with us. I hope you will find it quite comfortable here. Being so far from London, we are always exceedingly happy to have company.”
She arose and began to walk toward the fireplace. She continued speaking, and it was obvious that she expected him to follow. “Indeed, we stand upon no ceremony here.”
It was then that Dalton became conscious of the young lady seated on the settee before the fire to which Lady Dinsmore had been leading him. His heart knew a moment’s hope that the woman he met last night sat before him, but immediately he deduced that the blond child bore little resemblance to his midnight wanderer.
“Before we overwhelm you with the entire family, I will introduce you to my daughter so that you may receive your tea and make yourself more comfortable. I fear you must be fainting from malnutrition.”
Standing six feet two inches in his stockings, his size belied her statement so shockingly that he began to laugh, feeling that he might enjoy a stay with such a family.
He was once again aware of the woman in the window embrasure. Her lowered head shot up at his laughter.
Lady Dinsmore led him to the young woman serving tea, who flushed prettily and slowly raised large eyes of deep green. She was exquisite, but she was merely a child, and he had no interest in schooling his wife!
“This is my oldest daughter, Charity, my lord. She has been eager to meet such a distinguished guest,” she said, and with a maternal pat on his arm, added, “and to hear all about London. I am afraid you will be heartily sick of relating the latest on dits.”
The very young lady bowed her head in greeting. He thought no further than proper manners in meeting the child.
So when he bowed low in turn and again smiled at the girl, it was with the same courtesy as he used to greet her father. “Miss Charity, I am charmed, I’m sure. I understand this is where I am most likely to receive a cup of tea,” he said, smiling. “So beautiful a young lady goes a long way to reviving one. However, I confess that a cup of tea would not come amiss.”
“Oh, my lord, how kind,” the girl said, batting her eyelashes at him brazenly. He was honestly at a loss for words at her behavior, but he was able to mutter a quick thank-you when she handed him his cup.
Dalton heard a weary sigh from the woman in the window seat. Apparently, she was also aware of the young girl’s impropriety. Indeed, her parents did not seem to notice. He decided then and there that he wished very much to meet the woman who was so quiet, but all-observant.
* * *
Kathryn covertly watched the events unfold in front of her from the moment he walked into the room. His charm completely won over his hosts. His manners were impeccable, and his smile was heart-stopping, releasing the two dimples she had never been able to get enough of in London. They had been well hidden in the shadows of the night before, though she could not remember whether he had actually smiled at her or not. She was glad for her out-of-the-way placement and the opportunity it afforded to watch him openly without attention.
She was wrenched from her ruminations as Lady Dinsmore signaled for Jacob.
“My lord,” she began, “I should like you to meet my two youngest.” Jacob bounced off his chair as Lacey left Kathryn’s side, and both joined their mother.
“Lord Dalton, I should like to make you acquainted with my son and daughter, Jacob and Lacey.”
All watched as Jacob put one arm across his stomach and one arm behind his back and bowed deeply from the waist. The room smiled as a whole, excepting his older sibling, as he made his first attempt at being a young gentleman. Jacob was eight and showed not the slightest tendency toward the Dinsmore handsomeness. But Kathryn had grown to love the young boy, who was grateful for someone’s attention and, though a little boisterous, for the most part just wanted to be loved.
Lacey, more prone to shyness, curtsied very prettily with downcast eyes and muttered politely, “We are pleased you have come to visit us.”
Lord Dalton did not disappoint. Bowing very deeply himself, he lightly grabbed the hand of the little boy and shook it quite fashionably. “Your servant, Master Jacob. I look forward to your advice on the horses, as well. I am sure I can count on your judgment.”
Jacob’s eyes widened to twice their normal size, and he looked over his shoulder at her and giggled.
Lacey, in the meantime, was having her small hand kissed by the dashing lord bent on one knee before her. His eyes, quite level with hers, twinkled as he released her hand and said, “I can see that Trotton must feel very graced indeed at having two such beautiful sisters in their midst.”
Lacey could only stare, her mouth agape, but as he rose to his full height, she turned to her with a smile, as dazzling as any Charity could muster. Kathryn was a little embarrassed to feel tears form in her eyes at the happiness of the two little ones and felt completely unnerved to be so proud of a man she had absolutely no right to be proud of. She felt the tug of her heartstrings. That heart, the one she thought long ago on the shelf, was beating erratically and she sighed inwardly.
Kathryn’s mind was stayed on Lord Dalton. How she wished she could meet him as herself as she had last night under the cover of darkness. Would he turn away from her, as well? She had no reason to believe he would not. She had only the actions of other men to judge since her fatal mistake. Despite his manners, he would no doubt feel the same.
So lost in her thoughts was she that Lady Dinsmore’s voice barely broke through before she realized they were coming toward her. Kathryn stood, determined not to fear detection, and curtsied with a lowered head as he bowed to her in turn. She seemed to hear their voices from very far away.
“My lord, Miss Montgomery is Charity’s companion. We are so fortunate to have her to teach Charity the ways of the ton. We would not want it said our girl did not have proper manners.”
“Miss Montgomery, I am happy to make your acquaintance. I can see that though these little ones are not in your charge, they clearly show their devotion to you. Miss Charity must share you, it seems.” How had he guessed that? Ah, that intuitiveness—he always knew what she needed before she knew herself.
His smile disarmed her, and the dimples alone caused her heart to race. “Thank you, my lord,” she said.
She was surprised that he remained by her side.
“Have you been in London recently, Miss Montgomery? I admit to only a short stay before coming here, but I do not recall seeing you there.”
Kathryn was not prepared for this discourse. She never thought to have conversation with him so soon, if at all. She had no time to put on the mantle of servitude she had contemplated when she knew he was coming. “No, my lord, I have not been to London for many years, thank you for asking.”
“I do not know the precise time you were there, but I, too, have been away from it for some time, and I do not find it changed in the least.”
Should she betray what she knew? “Of course. I believe Sir John mentioned that you had been in the army.”
“That is true. However, in addition I have been the past four years learning to run our family estate. My brother was killed in a hunting accident, and I had to sell out and return home.” She could tell the hurt was still raw, and she wanted to comfort him. He quickly smiled. “Perhaps we met in London many years ago?”
“I do not believe so, my lord.” She looked at him, knowing her spectacles hid the mischief in her eyes. “My Season was cut short, but perhaps you have guessed that I did not...take?”
She slowly smiled, letting him know the joke was on her, but he surprised her with his own grin, dimples becoming quite evident. “Ah, then you were the one! Every other debutante I met while in London had more hair than wit! I seem to remember hearing of the woman with such a gift for conversation that she was a must at every gathering.”
She could not help herself, and laughed outright. He had been so charming to everyone he met, she still could not be completely sure he was not being the perfect gentleman, but she surmised he was laughing with her in return. For one instant her heart was lighter than it had been in years, but it grew heavy again as she remembered what she had lost. The thought of it made her smile disappear.
“Forgive me, Miss Montgomery, I have let my sense of the ridiculous get the better of me. I thought...”
“No, no, my lord. You said nothing amiss. I have only remembered something that I...”
“Kate! What can you be about?” Charity’s patience had run out. Oh, dear, what was she doing? She moved aside as Charity put her hand on Lord Dalton’s arm. “You must wonder at us, my lord,” she spoke in a conspiratorial voice. “I have never sanctioned having Kate present at tea, and now Mama will have to agree with me. I apologize for her lapse in judgment in monopolizing the conversation.”
“I quite disagree, Miss Charity. Miss Montgomery and I were just exchanging pleasantries. I believe you must be well satisfied in your mother’s choice of companion for you.”
No, Lord Dalton had not changed. Kathryn knew she must leave his presence. “Lady Dinsmore, shall I take the children to the nursery so you may visit with your guest?”
“Yes, yes, do let them go.” She heard Charity sigh as she left. “I am sure you must wonder at us, my lord, but Mother will have them to tea with the adults.”
Kathryn heard the low timbre of Lord Dalton’s voice descry her annoyance. He told her he had been charmed and had several nieces and nephews he enjoyed very much when he visited his sister at Michaelmas. She was once again pleased that he did not hide his joy for children, as many men would have. Indeed, she was too pleased with everything about him!
Would she be able to keep her countenance when around him? Her heart had betrayed her the night before, and she felt it again in the drawing room only moments ago. She knew it would be a tough battle to overcome her renewed feelings, but it was one she must win. To use his vernacular, she would need the entire arsenal to make it happen.
Chapter Three
Kathryn felt the need for air. Charity was no doubt resting before getting dressed for the evening, so she took a walk down to the lake the children loved so much.
She needed to gain her composure.
After the debacle in Scotland, Kathryn had run to the only person left in her life she could trust. Dear Miss Mattingly! Her old governess folded her in her arms and let her cry for all she had lost. She alone had offered comfort and forgiveness to a vulnerable young woman. Matty had taught her to be the open and honest woman she had grown to be. Dear Miss Matty had been a living Bible to Kathryn; she lived it every day of her life, and Kathryn believed it by watching her.
Matty wanted her to go back to her father, but Kathryn could not. He had made it plain that she was no longer part of his life.
After years of Kathryn being at the mercy of jealous wives and gentlemen who thought she was fair game, Matty had created the mask that made Kathryn feel safe enough to go on with her life. Matty believed God had helped them make a plan out of dire need, so she felt thankful, not guilty.
Now, sitting on the bench overlooking the lake, she bent to rub her ankles where her odd shoes rubbed against them. She was thankful that they had finally been broken in enough to prevent the blisters and pinching they had caused at first.
Matty had warned her that her natural poise could be her undoing. So she had found the most cumbersome and unwieldy pair of shoes imaginable. They not only made her poor feet very sore, they gave her a perfectly awkward gait and an age-defying shuffle.
Matty had then insisted on her spectacles. The blue tint hid the eyes that had inspired insipid poetry and gawking stares since she was sixteen years old. Matty said her eyes could ruin her facade in seconds. So they decided that covering them was paramount. She was aware that she could easily knock her spectacles askew or accidentally drop them, destroying all of the anonymity she worked so hard to achieve. But they determined if the shade were similar to the actual blue of her eyes, it allowed her to plant the slightest doubt in the mind of anyone who might witness such a mishap. She would prefer not having to wear the offending articles at all, but they served their purpose.
Kathryn’s final attempt at becoming a nonentity involved her hair. She could not cut it off. She knew it was her one act of defiance against the consequences of her situation and, therefore, had kept it, determined to find some other way to disguise it.
That was when Matty had the idea for her horrid brown wig. It was long and quite poorly made, but when she put it on her head and attached it tightly to her own hair, she was able to pull it all into a chignon that anchored it at her nape.
With that, her disguise was complete.
Now Lord Dalton was here, and the first meeting was over. He was so much the same and so much changed that he was able to surprise her out of countenance. But she was better prepared now and would no doubt see little of him during the remainder of his stay.
Therefore, it was quite a shock when she passed by the stables on her way back to the house and ran into him coming toward her.
“Miss Montgomery, this is a pleasant surprise.” He bowed then smiled.
“My lord!” she said, and curtsied. So much for only seeing him at tea! “Charity had no need of me, so I took a walk down to the lake.”
“I thought to get my first look at some of the horses, but could not locate Sir John.”
“I will be happy to send a servant to bring him to you.” She curtsied again and turned to go. His hand stayed her, and she looked up at him in surprise.
He laughed, and her brow furrowed in question, though it did not stop her from admiring his brown eyes. “You are too efficient, ma’am! I do not wish to disturb him, and I can easily look them over without him.” He surprised her again. “Will you join me?”
“You are too kind, my lord, but I will leave you to your inspections.”
“On the contrary, I would appreciate the company, and you know your way around better than I.” She started to speak again, and he cut her off with mischief in his eyes. “You did say Miss Charity had no need of you.”
She finally laughed as he intended. “You are quite persuasive, sir.”
“And ‘you cannot refuse a request from a guest’ is all that is needed to make me feel a complete cad!”
She did not realize how she had forgotten his wonderful banter. “Oh, no, I am not paid to entertain the guests!” He looked at her askance, and when she smiled, they both burst out laughing. Drat the man! How could he turn her back into a seventeen-year-old so easily? She must watch her step.
“I pronounce the penalty for your levity—you must accompany me with no more excuses.”
She began to lead the way. “Of course, my lord. I did not mean for you to think I did not wish to accompany you.”
“Splendid. I saw a beautiful chestnut down a few stalls when Merlin was taken in. I believe it is along the row to the right.”
“Merlin? What an excellent name for a horse. Is he a magician, then?”
“Absolutely, Miss Montgomery. He is fearless, as well. He carried me through many a battle I might not have survived without him. He is a great goer.”
“What an important thing about war I have just learned.” She was quite serious. “I think, as females, we are believed to need shielding from actual details of battle. I wish it were not so.” She came back to the present. “Of course, your mount would become your partner of sorts.”
“You are quite right, Miss Montgomery. Are you a rider yourself?”
Kathryn was thrust back in time, when her father taught her to ride astride in breeches, her hair tied back with only a ribbon. “I used to, my lord, but it has been many years now. I had such a wonderful horse. We grew to trust each other implicitly.”
“I do believe you actually understand. I have never heard it described quite like that, but that is exactly the word—trust.”
What in the world was she doing? How would a lowly companion know such things? Thank goodness she had not told him her horse’s name. With her luck he would have remembered it!
“Is this the chestnut you mentioned?”
“Yes, it is. She’s a beauty, in truth.” He went to the horse’s head to rub her jaw. The horse let Lord Dalton know she did not appreciate him taking liberties with her by pawing the ground and shaking her magnificent head. He slowly reached into his pocket and drew out a palm full of sugar cubes. He put them near enough for her to smell. She danced around the stall and blew great breaths out of her nose, her way of informing him she was not so easily bought, but while he never moved his hand, she slowly drew in closer. As she took the treats from him, she let him slide his hands down her neck and under her mane.
Kathryn began to laugh. He looked at her, as if believing she would soon share with him what was so amusing. “I am sorry, my lord,” she said, trying to catch her breath. “She is called Jezebel because she wants to control the men who come around her. Sir John will be devastated to know his Jezebel can be bought by a handsome man bearing sugar cubes!”
He laughed outright. “I get the feeling it is you and not Sir John who would love to see me bested by this beauty. Make no mistake, she will definitely be given the opportunity to try.”
“I shall be sorry to miss it! I am afraid I must go, my lord. No doubt Charity will soon be looking for me.” She was surprised when he once again stroked the horse and then turned to walk back with her.
“I have noticed that Miss Charity does not seem to get on with the younger children. Is it the age difference between them?”
Kathryn would have loved to warn him that Charity does not “get on with” anyone, but she would not so malign anyone in this family. “The age difference is quite a barrier, to be sure. I wish it were not so, because Lacey is at the age where she needs someone older to emulate, but I do not think it will be Charity at this phase in Charity’s life.”
“It appears to me that Lacey wishes to emulate you.”
“Me!” She laughed at him. “She needs to be loved, and that she gets from me, but I am not the role model for her, either.”
“I think you underestimate your relationship, but you know better than I. It is clear she seeks your approval, and you give it quite freely. A perfect companion.”
She laughed at him again. “And therein lies the rub. I am not Lacey’s companion!”
She had enjoyed herself immensely, but she must not get too close. She would never doubt his intense study of others or his well-honed instincts. She turned the conversation back to him. “My lord, I was very sorry to hear about the death of your brother.” He turned to her and stopped walking, looking at her oddly. She stopped, as well. “You mentioned it at tea as the reason you had to leave the army.” He relaxed, and she realized he wondered how she had known that. She had read it in the newspaper, but she never would have mentioned it had he not done so already. She definitely needed to heed her instincts and stay away from him and his personal life. “I can only imagine that the loss, along with having to completely uproot your life, must have been a great burden.” No, she did not need to imagine; she understood it all too well.
“I thank you, Miss Montgomery. It certainly changed my life, but I am...content for the moment. My mother is at home, and I am glad to be with her. She is a blessing to me in many ways, but especially in dealing with our tenants. She was adamant that she could take care of things and that I should go to London.”
“She sounds like the perfect mother!” Kathryn had loved to listen to him talk about her when they were together so many years ago. “You did not wish to go?”
He hesitated. “I confess I am much happier in the country. But she wished me to...enjoy myself after the years of learning to manage the estate.” Kathryn knew that is not what he meant to say, but they had reached the house and she thought it was a good time to distance herself from him.
“Good afternoon, my lord. I hope you enjoy your stay here.”
“Thank you, Miss Montgomery. I believe I will.”
* * *
