Page 72 of A Misguided Devotion

Hugh remained uncomfortably close to her while she prepared his coffee with cream and sugar and handed him the cup.

“Thank you. Just as I like it.”

The tone of his voice put Kitty on edge. It implied he set great store on her remembering his preference. She wished she had asked instead of relying on her memory.

“Have you thought any more about my offer?”

Too much—but she was in no hurry to give him an answer. He probably assumed she would fall into his arms because of her lack of options. Because she had no family to go to. Many women in her position would have leapt at the chance.

Not her. “I do not know—”

Hugh held up his hand. “Forgive my impatience. Say no more at present.”

Kitty would have laughed if he did not look so serious. Eagerness was not a word she would have used to describe Hugh’s courtship.

She poured a cup of tea, added a generous helping of milk, and walked across the room to give it to William.

“Do you have some secret system for recalling our preferences?”

“No. Merely years of practice waiting on my grandfather’s cronies. Serving drinks to just two people is simple.”

“It means you took notice when Miss Barrington was in charge.”

“I’ve always found it in my interest to pay attention. You never know when such information might come in useful.”

“I’m very glad you didn’t slip away while we lingered over our brandy. I could not bear any more unadulterated Mr Barrington this evening.”

“Is that what’s bothering you?”

He nodded.

“How about a game of piquet, Mr Merry?” Hugh asked as William put down his empty cup. “To take your mind off our absent friend.”

“Though I appreciate the gesture, you must pardon me if I decline. I am not in the mood to play cards and think I’ll retire early. Goodnight.”

With an apologetic grimace in her direction, he withdrew.

Kitty felt the double sting of William’s desertion. Not only would she miss his presence, but he had also left her alone with Hugh. After their earlier conversation, the awkwardness was palpable.

“Would you care for a game, Catherine, my dear?”

“No, thank you. The sky is clear tonight, and I yearn to see the stars.”

“As you wish. I have some letters to write, which I should not neglect. Wrap up warm. I don’t want you catching a chill.”

Kitty suppressed a smile. No offer to accompany her on what could have turned into a romantic moonlit walk. How in heaven’s name had Hugh courted his wife? Had he been so eligible that all he had needed to do was ask?

She hurried from the room, relieved to be spared his company. Dressed in her pelisse and bonnet, she went out into the garden. The moon was full and reflected in the dark waters below. The smoothness was unbroken by the white breakers that so often characterised the sea around Portland.

“Watching the stars?” asked William, coming up behind her.

“Yes. I thought you’d gone to bed.”

“I was too restless for that, and for once, I didn’t wish to paint.” He stared up at the sky. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Majestic.”

“Awesome.”