To Catch a Husband... (21 page)

‘What if the cloud moves in to cover the sky?’ she asked him, a slight edge of panic in her voice. ‘What if there is no moonlight?’

‘There will be. The cloud is breaking up already.’ He sat down beside her and they both leaned back against the hard stone. Kitty was very conscious of the gap between them. It was only a few inches but it was as if Daniel had put up a barrier between them. He continued, ‘The moon will rise in a couple of hours. As soon as it is high enough to light our way we will move on.’

‘Until then we must sit here.’

‘Yes.’

Kitty shivered.

‘Are you cold?’

‘A little.’ She put out her hand, saying quickly, ‘No, I would not take your jacket! If we could sit a little closer…’

He put his arms around her.

‘Is that better?’

‘Yes, thank you.’

She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. Would any other man make her feel so comfortable? she wondered.

‘You are always coming to my rescue, Daniel,’ she said sleepily. ‘In another life you would have been a knight, I think. A knight in armour. Rescuing damsels.’

There is only one damsel I would ever wish to rescue.

Daniel glanced down. He could see very little in the darkness but he felt her curls tickling his chin. Desire stirred within him and he cursed silently. Damnation, did she not realise the temptation she presented?

‘I am not as chivalrous as you think me,’ he muttered.

She raised her head.

‘Why do you say that?’

Her face was very close, a pale blur in the darkness. He could feel her warm breath on his cheek.

‘Because being here with you in my arms, I want to…’

He turned his head slightly and his mouth brushed her soft lips, as he had known it would. She trembled but did not recoil and he kissed her gently, savouring the taste of her, the scent of fresh flowers that clung to her skin. Her lips parted beneath his even as she melted against him, the movement slight but deliciously inviting. Slowly and with great care he lowered her down on to the ledge, half-hoping, half-dreading that she would protest and he would be obliged to draw back. Instead she gave a little
moan and clutched at his coat, pulling him down with her. They were stretched out together and Daniel thought he would never want a more comfortable bed than this stone ledge with Kitty nestled against him. Passion threatened to consume him. By sheer force of will he contained it. With infinite tenderness he kissed her eyes, her cheek. He had no idea when she had removed her gloves but he felt her fingers driving through his hair, tormenting him with thoughts of how it would feel to have those same hands on his skin, stroking his chest, the fingers raking down his back. He sought her mouth again and while he kissed her he smoothed his hand over the tightly fitted riding jacket, following the curve of her waist up to the swell of her breast. Kitty shivered and arched towards his hand. His pulse leaping, Daniel unbuttoned the jacket. He gently pulled aside her neckcloth and opened the mannish shirt she wore beneath. It was too dark to see anything but shadows so he lowered his head and pressed his lips to the bare flesh of her neck. Kitty moaned as his fingers slipped beneath the shirt and found her breast. She shifted restlessly against his hand, her body arching when his mouth slid downwards, his tongue circling and teasing one erect nipple while his fingers caressed the other. Kitty gasped. Her hands clutched at his hair but she did not try to pull him away, rather she held him closer. She moaned and writhed beneath him, every movement an invitation for him to go further. If only she knew it.

Daniel’s hand stilled. Her responses were instinctive; she had no idea how she inflamed him. Any man could be excused for taking this to its natural conclusion.

But he was not any man.

‘Daniel?’

She whispered his name, her hand reaching out. He
caught it and pressed a kiss into its palm, trying to control his ragged breathing.

‘We must stop now, my dear, before we do something we will regret.’ It was too dark to read her face but he sensed her confusion. He leaned down to kiss her one last time. ‘You are too, too alluring.’ He spoke lightly, not wanting to embarrass her. ‘I confess this is a delightful way to pass the time but it will not do. You are as good as promised to another man.’

He waited for her to contradict him. When she remained silent his disappointment was bitter as gall. She struggled to sit up.

‘We—we are destined to bring out the worst in each other, are we not?’ There was a catch in her voice, as if she was trying not to cry.

The worst? Is that what she thought of his love-making? He was aware of her every move as she sat beside him, re-tying her neckcloth and fastening her jacket. His senses were heightened so much that when she touched his arm he flinched.

‘Do you mind if we sit like this?’ Her tone was hesitant, anxious. ‘I am not comfortable, alone in the dark, but if it disturbs you…’

He put his hand over her fingers.

‘There is nothing to be afraid of here.’

‘You are not angry with me?’

‘Angry with you? No, never.’

‘Then you will let me sit here, beside you?’

He signalled his acquiescence by squeezing her hand.

‘It will not be long now.’ He stared up at the sky, a vast velvet curtain studded with diamonds. ‘Look, the cloud has dispersed. As soon as the moon rises we will move on.’

Daniel settled back on the ledge and beside him Kitty made herself comfortable. When her head dropped to
his shoulder he did not move away. Nothing stirred. The starlight was sufficient to see a faint line where the land ended and the sky began but little else. A few feet away the horses stood quietly, Kitty’s grey mare a paler blur in the darkness.

Daniel did not sleep. His senses remained alert to the sounds of the night, the distant call of a night bird, the rustle of some animal in the bushes. A sigh escaped him. He could wish for nothing more than to be allowed to sit here for ever with this girl-woman beside him, but all too soon they would have to return to their worlds—very different worlds, for she was destined to be Lady Harworth. It was her wish, her dream, was it not? Sometimes he thought she cared for him and when she returned his kisses he was aware of the passion within her, but that was for her husband to awaken, not him. She snuggled closer and he had to grit his teeth to keep his desire for her under control, to sit perfectly still when he really wanted to pull her into his arms and cover her face with kisses.

Why did he not do just that? Why not keep her here all night? She would have given herself to him earlier this evening, so why did he not kiss her again, re-awaken her desire and make love to her? If they did not return to Kirkleigh until morning her reputation would be ruined—there could be no question of Harworth marrying her then. He gazed up at the stars but although they winked and twinkled at him they gave him no encouragement.

Daniel closed his eyes. If he took advantage of her, what future could there be for them? He would make her his wife, but would she always resent him for forcing her into marriage? With sudden, blinding clarity he knew what he wanted: he wanted Kitty to choose him and only him. But it had to be her free choice; he did not want to force the decision on her.

So he would ask her to marry him. Not now of course, when she might think he was only doing it to save her reputation, but once they were back at Kirkleigh. He would make her an offer; present himself as a suitor to rival Bertram Harworth. A silent laugh shook him. He had never made any great show of his family’s wealth but perhaps it was time to puff himself off a little. Even without the land and mills he would inherit from his father, his own fortune was comparable with Harworth’s. He would tell Kitty as much: she should choose her own future.

And his.

The decision made, Daniel was impatient to be moving. Beside him, Kitty’s regular breathing told him she was sleeping and he turned his head to press a light kiss on her tumbled curls before settling back to watch the horizon for the first signs of the rising moon.

Kitty heard Daniel’s voice calling her. As she awoke she realised her head was resting on his shoulder, the soft wool of his jacket pressing against her cheek. She was reluctant to open her eyes: it was so comfortable to be snuggled up beside Daniel, just the two of them alone together. She really did not want to think about anything else. He spoke her name again and reluctantly she sat up, yawning.

‘Oh!’ A fat, butter-yellow moon was resting on the rim of the far hills. ‘Is it time to go?’

‘Very soon. You have been asleep for some time: perhaps you would like to stretch your legs a little before we begin our long ride back?’

He stood up and held out his hand to her. She allowed him to pull her to her feet.

‘Daniel, what happened here, earlier—I was too forward, I must apologise…’

He put a finger to her lips.

‘Hush. There is no need to say anything.’

‘But I want to—’

‘Once we are back at Kirkleigh this will all be forgotten.’

She gazed up at him, trying to pierce the shadows that masked his face. Did he mean that
he
wanted to forget? She wanted to talk about it, to know if he too felt that irresistible tug of attraction whenever they were together. That he desired her she had no doubt, but Mr Ashley had desired her, and she knew that did not mean he really
liked
her. She wanted to ask him to explain himself but Daniel was already leading her across to Bianca. Silently she allowed him to throw her up into the saddle. Then, with the moon climbing in the night sky and turning the world from black to silver-blue, they set off along the road to Kirkleigh.

Kitty had never been on a horse for more than an hour before today and now her body ached, but that was nothing compared to the pain inside. When she thought of Daniel kissing her she found herself melting all over again. She could not deny that she had wanted him to kiss her. Once again she had offered herself to him and once again he had been the one to break away. She thought that he must indeed care for her to be so protective, but that was small consolation and the heavy cloud settled more firmly around her heart. He did not desire her sufficiently to declare the world well lost when she was in his arms. She glanced across at him as he rode beside her. There was no sign of fatigue in his upright figure; his face in the moonlight was unsmiling, as still and inscrutable as stone. He might have been hewn from the quarry where they had taken shelter.

‘Is anything amiss, Miss Wythenshawe?’ He looked across at her.

Kitty hesitated. Should she ask him why he had not taken advantage of her? Perhaps she had disgusted him.
Her godmother had talked with contempt of the forward behaviour of some of the young ladies in Town, and had not Mama told her that on no account was she to allow a gentleman to go any further than kissing the tips of her fingers? She had allowed Daniel to do a lot more than that!

‘I am very tired,’ she managed at last. ‘I have never ridden so far before.’

‘And you have done very well. Look, there is Kirkleigh village ahead of us. Another half-hour and this nightmare will be over. You will be home.’

She nodded, too miserable to speak. So he thought of this whole episode with horror. For her, once the danger was past she had thought of it as a glorious adventure: the elation of successfully jumping the hedge, galloping headlong across the heath, kissing Daniel. Especially kissing Daniel.

I am undoubtedly a very wanton young woman,
she told herself miserably.
And after tonight I should not be surprised if Godmama sends me back to Mama and wishes to have nothing further to do with me!

H
er unhappy thoughts kept Kitty occupied until at last they clattered into the stableyard at Kirkleigh. She was surprised to see so many torches burning. Selby came running out to meet them.

‘Right glad I am to see you, Mr Blackwood, and you, miss! When t’others returned and said what had happened I was that put out. His lordship was all for setting out immediately but Lord Leaconham said as how you had gone after her, sir, so we decided we should wait ’til morning before getting up a search party. I should never have saddled up Bianca for you, miss, whatever the young mistress said. If that mare runs away with you then there’s no stopping her. I was that afraid you had been thrown.’

‘No, I am quite safe,’ she said as he helped her to alight. ‘Bianca carried me very well.’

‘Miss Wythenshawe even took a hedge in her stride,’ added Daniel, coming to collect her. ‘You are a good teacher, Selby.’

‘I allus said miss had the makings of a clipping rider,’
responded the groom, grinning widely. ‘Off you go indoors, now. You’ll find her ladyship and all the others waiting up for you.’

‘I wish I could just creep away to my room,’ admitted Kitty as she accompanied Daniel into the house.

‘Everyone will want to assure themselves that you are unharmed.’ They stopped to allow the lackey to run ahead and open the door to the drawing room. ‘Come, you have been very brave until now.’ Daniel turned to her, encouragement glinting in his eyes. ‘After you, Miss Wythenshawe.’

Their reception was rapturous. As soon as the door opened the room erupted in cries of relief. Ann flew out of her seat and enveloped Kitty in a tight hug before insisting that she come and sit down with her on the sofa. Everyone was talking at once, demanding to know what had happened. After the calm silence of their night ride Kitty found the cacophony of voices far too confusing. She was content to remain still and silent, sitting between Ann and Lady Leaconham while Daniel explained everything.

‘Well, I am relieved that no harm has been done,’ declared Lord Harworth, pouring brandy into a glass and handing it to Daniel.

‘Except poor Lizzie,’ put in Ann. ‘She was so distraught that she took to her bed as soon as we got home.’

‘I was obliged to give her a little laudanum,’ added Mrs Camber, nodding. ‘I am sure she will be fully recovered by the morning.’

‘This would all have been avoided if they had stuck to their original plan and come straight home,’ stated Mr Camber, frowning direfully at his son.

George Camber shrank down in his chair, looking sheepish.

‘In Harworth’s absence I should have taken responsibility,’
put in Garston. ‘I should never have agreed to it. It was a mistake, and I admit it.’

‘You were not solely to blame, Cousin,’ added Ann, ‘we were all of us eager to go to Chapeltown, except Kitty.’

‘Then she showed more good sense than the rest of you put together,’ retorted Lord Harworth. ‘I can only thank Providence that Blackwood was on hand.’

‘If I had not been there I am sure Hamilton or Lord Leaconham would have gone after Miss Wythenshawe,’ remarked Daniel.

‘Aye, of course we would.’ Martin Hamilton nodded. ‘Not that we didn’t have the devil’s own job finding our way back to the road, even in daylight.’

‘But we were only a little late for dinner.’ Ann cast a soulful look at her brother.

‘Aye, well, that was some relief, to have most of you home,’ he agreed. ‘And when it grew dark and the ladies began to fret about Miss Wythenshawe I told ’em not to worry. “Mark my words,” I said, “Blackwood will look after her. And when darkness falls you may be sure he will take shelter at some inn or tavern until there’s moonlight enough to see the way.” And I was right, you see. But you’ll not be riding back to Hestonroyd tonight, my boy? The least we can do is give you a bed for the night.’

‘Thank you, my lord, I would like to stay,’ replied Daniel. ‘Very much.’

Kitty knew his eyes were upon her but she dared not meet his gaze.

‘Did you dine on the road?’ enquired Garston.

‘No, we did not stop to eat,’ said Daniel.

‘Oh, how remiss of me!’ declared Lady Harworth, tugging at the bell-rope. ‘You must be quite famished! I will order something to be brought in immediately.’ Kitty disclaimed, wanting only to go to her bed, but Lady Harworth
insisted and when the servant came in she gave orders for soup to be prepared and sent up to Kitty’s room. ‘And for Mr Blackwood, too, but ask Cook to send up a plate of ham and some pickles as well for him. I am sure you must be very hungry, sir,’ she added as the servant withdrew. ‘But now it is very late, and I am sure we should all be in our beds…’

‘Not quite yet, Mama, if you please, I would like to say something.’ Lord Harworth moved to the centre of the room. ‘In all the anxiety of this evening we have not been able to divert ourselves with charades, or billiards as is customary, and it has given me time to consider. I have made a decision and do not wish to put things off a moment longer. My mother and Aunt Leaconham are well aware of my intentions, and approve, so I think it is time to speak.’

Kitty was looking at her host, trying to appear attentive when all she wanted was to go to sleep. From the corner of her eye she saw Garston lean down to whisper something to Ann, who giggled. She hoped Lord Harworth would hurry up and finish whatever it was he had to say so that she could retire to her bedchamber.

‘Mama has been telling me for years that I should do this, and since I am assured by my aunt that there is no impediment I see no reason to wait. We’ll have the lawyers discuss settlements and jointures and what-not later but I want to get this off my chest so I might as well do it now, while everyone is here, eh?’ Bemused, Kitty watched as Lord Harworth crossed the room and lowered himself on to one knee before her. ‘Miss Wythenshawe, will you do me the honour, very
great
honour, of accepting my hand in marriage?’

Kitty stared at him. Beside her, Ann was clapping and
laughing, her godmother gave a gusty sigh and everyone else crowded round, eagerly awaiting her answer.

All except Daniel. Briefly raising her eyes from the figure kneeling before her, she looked across the room. Daniel remained by the door, his face pale and drawn with fatigue. Apart from a muscle twitching in his cheek he might well have been made from marble, so cold and indifferent was he. Lady Leaconham gave her a little nudge.

‘Well, Kitty, answer his lordship.’

‘I—um—I am honoured, my lord, and, and flattered that you should think me worthy…’ She cudgelled her brain for the right words but it appeared she had said enough.

‘Oh, my dear, I am so
pleased!
’ cried Ann, enveloping her in another of her fierce hugs. ‘Now I shall be able to call you sister!’

As soon as she emerged from Ann’s embrace, Lady Leaconham pulled her close and kissed her cheek.

‘Kitty, my love, how happy I am about this! And I cannot
wait
to tell your mama—you know how delighted she will be.’

Lord Harworth, having risen to his feet, held out his hand to her.

‘Miss Wythenshawe—Katherine—
Kitty.
’ He pulled her up to stand beside him. ‘You have made me the happiest man on earth!’ He raised first one hand then the other to his lips before leaning forward to plant a kiss on her cheek.

‘My lord, this is not—I mean—I must speak with you.’

He beamed at her.

‘Of course, my love, of course, but everything else can wait until the morrow. We must let our guests go and get some rest now, eh?’ He looked around. ‘But where’s Blackwood? Gone to bed already, has he? Young dog, not staying
to congratulate me, but there, I suppose he is tired after all the adventures of the day!’

‘I was concerned for a while today that he might cut you out,’ remarked Lady Harworth, stepping forward to give Kitty a congratulatory peck on the cheek.

‘Goodness, yes,’ cried Ann, putting her hands to her mouth. ‘Just think. If you had not returned until the morning then Mr Blackwood would have been obliged to offer for you!’

‘Do not look so horrified at that, my dear,’ said Lady Harworth drily. ‘He would not be such a bad catch, rich as he is.’

Lady Leaconham bent an enquiring eye upon her sister.

‘But, Clara, a manufacturer…’

‘Not just a manufacturer, Letitia, although he has some very wealthy connections in the trade—one of his uncles is the richest wool merchant in Leeds and another owns several cotton mills in Lancashire, not to mention his father’s interests in both wool and the cotton spinning. But not only that, he is to inherit a very sizeable property. Harworth tells me his father bought the Hartleydale estate last year.’ She glanced speculatively at her daughter. ‘Mr Daniel Blackwood stands to inherit a business worth in excess of forty thousand a year. To my mind that makes him a
very
eligible bachelor.’ She added after a moment, ‘He does not have a title, of course.’

‘Well,’ exclaimed Lady Leaconham, fanning herself briskly. ‘I never would have thought it. He is extremely well presented, of course, but there is never anything ostentatious about the man.’

‘But he is very much a gentleman, Aunt, do you not think so?’ said Ann, looking thoughtful. ‘A few more fobs and seals, a little more time in Town…’

‘Enough, enough!’ cried Lord Harworth jovially. ‘What care I how rich Blackwood may be? There is one prize he does not possess.’

He lifted Kitty’s hands to his lips again, then stood beaming down at her. Realising she was expected to respond, Kitty could only think of one thing to say.

‘Sir, I am very tired…’

‘Oh, my poor child, of course you are!’ Lady Leaconham was on her feet in an instant. ‘Say goodnight, my love, and I will take you upstairs immediately. A betrothal, and after such a day of excitement, it is no wonder you are worn out.’

‘Yes, I am, Godmama. If you will all excuse me…’

Lady Leaconham put one arm about Kitty and led her away and as she picked up a bedroom candle from the bottom of the stairs she gave a little chuckle of delight.

‘Oh, my dear, was anything so fortunate? I was afraid at first that it was all up with you when Garston returned with the others and told me what had happened, but once it became clear that no blame was attached to you then Bertram was all concern. And to make you an offer here, in front of everyone—’

‘He does not know my circumstances,’ muttered Kitty. ‘It must be explained to him how very poor I am—’

‘Yes, of course, my dear, but what can that matter now?’

‘It matters to
me,
’ said Kitty, close to tears. ‘I am sure he will not wish to marry me once he knows the truth.’

They had reached the door of her bedchamber and Lady Leaconham led the way inside.

‘There can be no objection to your birth.’ She went around the room, lighting all the candles from her own before coming to stand before Kitty once more. ‘He has
proposed to you most publicly, Kitty. Bertram would be a complete scoundrel to cry off now!’

Despite her exhaustion, Kitty’s sleep was disturbed by dreams and she rose late the following morning. She was still pinning up her hair when Ann bounced into the room.

‘Good morning,
sister!
You cannot know how happy I am to call you that. And I heard Bertram go downstairs this morning
singing,
so you have made him happy as well!’

‘I am very glad of it,’ said Kitty, forcing herself to smile.

‘Shall we go down to breakfast together? There is so much to discuss. Mama says Bertram wants to hold a ball to announce the betrothal and Aunt Leaconham will be planning your trousseau already. We must make sure we have our say—’

‘You go on,’ Kitty broke in, ‘I—um—I am not at all happy with this gown and will change it before I go downstairs.’ Ann was looking very keenly at her and she added beseechingly, ‘Pray go ahead of me and I will join you as soon as I am able.’

‘My dear, you are very pale, are you sure you are not ill?’

‘No, no, it is merely a headache.’

‘Poor Kitty. After the exertions of yesterday it is no wonder you are looking hagged. I shall send Norris up to you with a tisane and you must go back to bed. And I shall have breakfast sent up to you, as well!’

Ann flew out of the room and Kitty dropped her head in her hands. She had been quite truthful when she had said she had a headache, but she did not think any tisane would cure it. Tears pricked her eyelids. All her life she had dreamed of becoming a lady, and now it was actually going
to happen, but instead of elation Kitty only felt anxiety. She told herself that it was because she had not been honest with Lord Harworth. Once she had explained to him about her family and her lack of fortune she would feel much better. Stepping out of her dress, she lay down on her bed again and stayed there until the maid arrived with her tisane. She drank it, but she sent her breakfast away, saying she wanted to sleep again until her headache had eased.

Kitty was surprised to find that after another hour’s sleep she did indeed feel better. She decided that her first task must be to find Lord Harworth and confess everything. She wandered over to the window and threw up the sash, leaning her head against the frame as she breathed in the fresh morning air. Of course there was always the possibility that once she had informed him of her true circumstances he would no longer wish to marry her, but she would face that problem when it arose.

A movement below caught her eye and she glanced down to see Daniel’s tall figure striding through the garden, his dark coat a startling contrast to the colourful flowerbeds. She heard a faint call and saw Ann hurrying along one of the paths towards him. Daniel stopped to wait for her. He offered Ann his arm and they continued to stroll together, Daniel bending his dark head to catch something Ann was saying. With a sigh Kitty turned away from the window. Bertram’s not wishing to marry her because she was poor was suddenly not the problem. It might be the solution.

‘My lord, may I come in?’

Kitty peeped around the door of Lord Harworth’s study and waited anxiously for his reply. He jumped up, smiling broadly.