Page 66 of A Misguided Devotion

“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.

“Oh, but she’s not alone,” said Charlotte, coming up to join them with her maid and a footman in tow. Typical! He should have guessed his twin would be close behind.

He heaved a sigh. There was no avoiding it. “Charlotte, may I present Miss Lacey?”

He turned to Kitty with a wry expression on his face, realising the ruse was over. “My twin sister, Lady Charlotte Merry.”

Kitty dropped into another curtsey. “I’m delighted to make your acquaintance, Lady Charlotte.”

“So, why was Will marching you along the street in that manner?” asked Hetta. “He looked just like Father does when he’s trying to steer me away from something unpleasant.”

Three pairs of female eyes fixed on him.

“Yes, why were you walking me down the road as if I were an errant schoolgirl?” Kitty asked, as if daring him to tell his sisters.

He ran a hand through his hair. Should he reveal the truth? That way, he might be able to enlist Charlotte and Hetta’s help. No, it wasn’t his place to share Kitty’s circumstances.

“I was not—well—I suppose I was steering Miss Lacey away from something unpleasant.”

“William won’t betray your secret, you know,” said Hetta. “He’s very loyal in that regard, but I can see he wishes he could. It seems you’ve aroused his chivalrous instincts—and I’m glad of it. Though we’ve only just met, I’m a pretty shrewd judge of character, and I like you.”

Kitty gave a nervous laugh. “I’m afraid it’s not what you think, Lady Henrietta—”

“Oh, please call me Hetta. I put no store by this ‘Lady’ business, and I’m always just Hetta to my friends.”

“And you may call me Charlotte,” said his twin. “Any friend of Will’s is a friend of mine.”

Miss Lacey’s cheeks glowed pink. “Thank you. Please call me Kitty.”

Why did it feel as if it was three against one? He’d only been trying to help her.

“Now, do tell us why Will was marching you down the road like that?” asked Hetta.

“Your brother took it upon himself to interfere in my affairs—”