The Engagement - Regency Brides 02 (2 page)

And then Theodora had told her about Thomas Thornton returning to society and finding out his wife had died in childbirth. As a widower, she pointed out, he would soon be in need of a wife.

From there they plotted and schemed on the steps they should take. Even though Katherine doubted and wanted to give up the whole plan, Theodora was there cheering her on, telling her she would feel so much better once revenge was theirs.

Now as they stood on the threshold of Beckingham Hall, she once again was plagued with doubts. A part of her still knew what she was about to do was wrong. It was the same part that spoke to her through Sunday sermons from the vicar and nagged at her when she tried to read her Bible. The last time she'd opened her Bible, the Scripture in Romans leaped out at her: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

But Theodora had convinced her that, in this instance, God surely understood.

And to make sure she had no more doubts on that score, Katherine had put away her Bible and refused to bring it out until all of this was over.

She wasn't sure God understood at all; otherwise, why would she be plagued with so much guilt?

But tonight there was no going back. They had arrived, and already she had noticed that, indeed, Thomas was in attendance at the party.

She was just not prepared for the effect his presence would have on her. She was certainly not prepared for the memories of how fond she had been of him or how truly nice he'd been during her engagement to flood her mind and heart. She'd forgotten how nice his dark brown hair complemented those Thornton blue eyes or how his manly features could melt the strongest of female hearts.

He did favor his brother, but in many ways, he was nothing like Nicholas.

Unfortunately, she had hoped he would be.

How could she forget he'd always been so nice and kind to her? His ready smile could lift her spirits, and his low, smooth voice would make her feel warm and welcome.

I can't do this,
she thought in a panic.
He doesn't deserve what
I'm going to do to him!

Alarmed, she grabbed Theodora's arm. "This will not work!" she whispered harshly in her cousin's ear. "We have to leave. Now!"

"No!" Theodora answered, while she continued to walk toward their hosts. "It is all planned. There is no backing away from it!"

"Lady Montbatten! We are delighted you could come."

Lady Beckingham greeted her warmly, forcing Katherine to walk forward into the room.

She swallowed hard and pasted on a' smile. Nodding to her hosts, she answered, "Lord and Lady Beckingham, may I introduce you to my cousin, Miss Theodora Vine."

Introductions and greetings were made, and finally she and Theodora were once again alone. "Theodora, please. I remember Thomas now that I have seen him. He is too nice--too good of a man to have this done to him!" Katherine pleaded.

Theodora turned and gave her a stem look-a look she did well since she stood so tall and had a long, hawkish nose from which to gaze down. "Think, Katherine! Think of how humiliated you have felt all these months. Think of how Nicholas Thornton has been happy in his grand estate with his new wife, while you've been alone with no prospects. Just think, dear, of how the men in the room stared at you when you walked in tonight." She smiled cunningly. "Why, they were almost sneering at you, Kate. You, who were once declared the

'original' of the entire
ton!
You cannot let this humiliation go unpunished. Can you?"

The hurt and bitter feelings flooded her mind. Indeed, she had noticed how they gawked at her tonight, but she tried not to dwell on it. As she glanced around the room, however, she could not let go of the truth of her circumstance.

She was ruined, and never would her reputation be spotless again.

It was all thanks to Nicholas Thornton. And if Theodora was correct, his brother was not completely innocent, either.

Somebody had to pay. Vengeance had to be taken on some level.

She looked to the back of the room, and her gaze lit on the handsome man standing beside the Duke of Northingshire.

"See how he does not seem to have a care in the world?"

Theodora whispered softly in her ear. "He does not have to worry about what people are saying when he enters a room.

He does not lie awake at night crying over his fate and how unfair his life has become."

"You're right," she said resolutely, studying his impeccable black suit with his snow white cravat tied neatly at his throat.

He and his brother were surely cut from the same cloth! Of course, Thomas would have known about Nicholas breaking their engagement. He did nothing to stop his brother and perhaps even had a hand in the decision. "Tonight our plan shall begin,” she murmured more to herself Suddenly, he turned and caught her staring at him. Her doubts resurfaced, and she nearly turned around and ran out of the room. But the hurt and anger stirring in her heart made her stay where she was.

She refused to wonder why her heart seemed to pound so as his beautiful eyes met her own. She did not dare contemplate how handsome he was and how stately he appeared standing there against the dark blue wall of the room. She would not dare let herself believe she was attracted to the very man she had vowed to ruin by securing his affections, making him think she wanted to be his wife, then leaving him at the altar.

Tonight she would begin to avenge her honor. .

Tonight Thomas Thornton would regret the day he ever met her.

With a slow curve of her lips, she smiled at him and began to walk his direction.

The plan was in motion. There was no backing out now.

Katherine had almost reached Thomas when suddenly Lord Malcolm Paisley, a tall, meticulously dressed man whose snobbery and condescension were only surpassed by his waspish tongue, blocked her path. A calculating smile curved his thin lips as he made a sweep of her figure while tugging on the delicate lace of his sleeve.

His eyes made her skin crawl.

"Dear Lady Katherine," he purred with sarcasm. "You appear quite a bit older since last we met. I should not have known you had I not heard your name announced."

Katherine felt the barb as she was meant to, since she'd seen him only two months ago, but was far too sophisticated to let Paisley know he'd hurt her. "Hmm." She gave him equal measure, letting her eyes scan his flashy attire. "I don't believe I shall take the opinion of a man who mixes pink with yellow."

He smiled, but Katherine could tell her words had irritated him. "Perhaps you should dull your tongue, my lady; otherwise, not even a poor farmer will want you for a wife." He made a snorting laugh that was not at all attractive. "Of course, after they hear of your scandalous past, they'll be likely to turn and run anyway."

"Tsk, tsk, Paisley.“ A deep voice sounded behind Katherine, and she knew right away it was Thomas Thornton. "I believe you've forgotten the correct manner in which to speak to a lady."

The sneer fell from Paisley's face as if someone had taken a big swipe and wiped it away.
In
its place was a simpering smile, typical behavior for him when he was confronted by a

"favorite" of the
ton.
Paisley knew exactly whom he could sharpen his claws on and who would destroy him socially and, in all probability, physically.

Thomas Thornton, former navy lieutenant and brother of the Earl of Kenswick, was one such man.

"Thornton! Can't tell you how glad we all were, to know you were alive and well. Why, I was telling Crowler the other day-"

"I believe you owe Lady Katherine an apology, Paisley," he bluntly interrupted, causing the smaller man's neck to burn fiery red with anger.

Paisley tugged at his cuffs again. "I see you don't quite know the way of things, Thornton; but that is understandable since you have been away for quite some time."

"I understand if an apology is not offered in the next minute, then I shall be forced to--"

"Don't you dare say it!" Katherine hissed, cutting off what she knew was a threat of a duel between the two men. She glanced around and was somewhat relieved they had not drawn too much attention. "My reputation, as tattered as it is, cannot survive another scene between gentlemen. I beg you, please, Mr. Thornton-let this go!" she implored Thomas.

A moment of strained silence passed as the two men contemplated one another; then Paisley backed down, grudgingly nodding to them both before turning away. They watched Paisley slink back to his circle of friends. As for Katherine, she was trying not to be move4 by the way Thomas defended her.

"I thank you, Mr. Thornton, for desisting in your argument with him. I have to be careful since-" She faltered as the bitterness rose up and threatened to make her cry. How could she go through with this charade when he was a constant reminder of what she'd lost?

"Since my brother broke your engagement," he finished for her with a weary sigh. "Would you like to take a turn about the terrace? I believe the fresh air would do us both good."

Katherine nodded, grateful for the chance to compose herself.

But when they began to walk together toward the terrace doors, she realized they had become the object of everyone's attention.

He must have sensed her panic, for he put a steadying hand under her arm and guided her to their destination. "Relax," he whispered. "They shall soon lose interest."

He guided her to a stone bench, and when she had sat down, he stood beside her, leaning against the smooth railing.

"Shall I get you something to drink?"

"No," she answered quickly. ''I am fine, thank you."

He raised a brow as if he didn't believe her but refrained from saying so. "How long has this been going on?" he asked bluntly, forgoing any of the meaningless talk she'd expected.

She didn't pretend to misunderstand. "For quite a few months now, just before your brother remarried," she said, wincing that her words had sounded so bitter. Would the hurt of the situation ever go away?

"I wish I could help, Katherine. You know I have always held you in the highest esteem."

She turned her face away from him with a brittle smile.

"That is what Nicholas wrote in a letter to me, right before he married that little vicar's daughter!" She stood and paced around the bench. "Of course, he also said he was sorry and wanted to make restitution. Well, if he truly wanted to do that, he could have reinstated the engagement and married me instead of that commoner!" she cried softly with her arms held out to her sides.

But as soon as those words left her mouth and she saw the dismay on Thomas's face, she regretted her outburst. What was she doing? She was supposed to be cozying up to him and drawing him into her life, getting him to like her.

Dropping back down to the bench, she covered her face with her hands, wishing she could leave. She knew, deep in her soul, she was not cut out for this revenge business. "I'm sorry. I should not have said-"

"Shh," Thomas whispered as he sat beside her, taking one of her gloved hands. "I know it has been a trying time, and I am truly sorry for it." She looked up at him, breathing in the light fragrance of his cologne and feeling the warmth of his closeness.

Thomas was different from Nicholas in the way most second sons usually were. He did not have the seriousness or regal bearing the earl did; instead, he seemed more friendly, a man who didn't dwell too heavily on the problems around him. He was kind and had a ready smile, even after all he'd been through.

And this revelation again made her want to abandon the crazy plan to ruin him.

Suddenly Theodora was there, as if she'd sensed Katherine wavering. It was uncanny, really.

"Ah! There you are," Theodora spoke up in her nasal tone, though she was staring at Thomas and none too friendly.

Seeing Thomas's reaction to her was something like watching a cat's back bow up when a stranger approaches--only he never moved a muscle, except for the tightening of his jaw.

He didn't like either her cousin or her interruption.

Thomas came instantly to his feet. "I don't believe we've been introduced," he announced imperially while peering down his nose at Theodora.

Katherine almost smiled when she realized Thomas
could
act like his brother when he wanted to.

She was musing over his extremely good looks when Theodora snapped her back to reality. "I am Theodora Vine, Mr. Thornton."

Katherine's cheeks grew hot as she realized she'd been staring at Thomas and totally ignored his question. "Uh-yes! This is my cousin, Mr. Thornton. She has been staying with us in town and will be going back with us to Ravenhurst Castle."

Thomas gave her a knowing expression and a grin.
The
scoundrel!
He'd known she was admiring him! He looked back to Theodora, and all manner of pleasantness was gone from his face as he gave a short and snappy bow. "Miss Vine."

"I believe you, too, will be retiring to your country home, is that not right, Sir?" Theodora asked, and Katherine could tell he did not appreciate the prying question from one he knew so little. But after a pause, he answered, though not to Theodora.

He gazed directly into Katherine's eyes. "Indeed, I shall be there late tomorrow. I find it a most fortunate circumstance that you shall also be returning to your home, since they are but a stone's throw from each other." He glanced at her cousin as if annoyed she was there and listening so intently but then brought his attention back to Katherine.

Thomas paused a moment as if he wanted to say more, then decided against it. Instead, he picked up Katherine's hand and kissed the satin-covered knuckles. "It has been a pleasure, my lady."

To her cousin, he barely nodded his head. "Miss Vine," he murmured, then walked away.

Theodora waited until Thomas had entered the ballroom before she began her tirade. "What do you think you were doing out here alone with that man?"

Katherine was confused. "Dora, is not that the whole point of the evening-becoming reacquainted with him so he will begin courting me?"

Theodora's lips tightened, and her nose flared with displeasure.