Page 9 of A Countess Never Tells

“Not at all, my dear.” Kitty hugged her fiercely. “He has asked me to attend a party at Vauxhall tomorrow evening and— Oh!” Drat it. “I’m so sorry. I told him yes before I knew you were ill.”

Her friend’s headaches were a lingering symptom from her recent head injury. They weren’t frequent, but they occurred suddenly and were so intense Judith often swooned during them. Knowing her brother as well as she did, she’d be a fool to think he would let Judith chaperone her so soon after this scare. Kitty would simply have to disappoint Lord Ashwood—and herself.

“I will send a note to tell him I am unable to attend.”

“You will do no such thing.” Judith took her by the shoulders and gave her a shake. “I am perfectly fine. In fact, I am so fine, your brother is going to stroll around the garden with me. Aren’t you, my love?”

“You truly feel well enough for that, Judith?” John looked at his wife with an intensity that made Kitty’s cheeks heat. She needed to leave before these two combusted before her very eyes.

“I do, John. I am fine.” Judith took his arm, her face flushed.

“Very well, then.” John bowed to Kitty. “We are for the garden.”

“And I am for my bed.” Feigning a yawn, Kitty turned back at the front door. “Dancing every set can be quite tiring.”

“Then good night, sister. Pleasant dreams.” John patted Judith’s hand, and they started around the side of the townhouse.

Kitty hurried inside, trying not to think of what her brother and sister-in-law might be up to in the moonlit garden. The heated looks they’d just exchanged had told a tale they likely hadn’t wanted to divulge. Any such amorous images might encourage her to take wicked thoughts of Lord Ashwood to bed with her. And who knew where that might lead?

****

Next morning, after a night tossing and turning in her bed, thinking about Lord Ashwood, Kitty arose feeling guilty. Despite her desire to have one truly spectacular dalliance, she really should inform John and Judith of Lord Ashwood’s identity before they went to Vauxhall, granting they still allowed her to go after learning of Ashwood’s dissembling. Which was, of course, the heart of the problem. She truly did wish to go to Vauxhall and see Lord Ashwood again. How exciting it would be to walk down the dim paths with him, almost certain he would attempt some sort of seduction.

And the Pleasure Gardens were an entrancing experience all on their own. She’d been several times before and found them magical each time, with the entertainments, the hundreds of twinkling lights, the food, and the mysterious atmosphere that was simply Vauxhall. So how much more thrilling would the outing be with a gentleman of scandalous reputation there to add untold luster to the already scintillating excursion?

No, no, no. Her conscience smote her again. She must tell them. Although perhaps she could begin with Judith. John would certainly forbid it after finding out about Lord Ashwood, but her sister-in-law might be more understanding of her desire to attend with a handsome and rather wicked lord. Resolutely, she rose, dressed, and hurried to Judith’s room. After a pause to gather her courage, she knocked.

“Come in.”

Kitty opened the door to find Judith finishing her breakfast and luxuriating in her bed. Her sister-in-law’s cheeks were unusually rosy, her expression serene—as though she were well satisfied. Not unexpected after that exchange with John last night.

“Good morning, Kitty. You are up early.” Judith stretched and set the breakfast tray aside. “Did you sleep well?”

Kitty took a seat in the dark blue boudoir chair, immediately on edge. How was she to answer that question without getting directly into the topic she’d come to discuss? “The question is how did you sleep, my dear? You gave us such a fright last night.”

“I am so sorry about that, and even sorrier to have taken you away from Lord Ashbrook.” Judith stretched out her hand, and Kitty took it. “I could tell you were enjoying yourself in your dance.”

“Thank you, but you have apologized enough.” Kitty squeezed her hand. “And there is something I do need to tell you.”

Judith looked at her inquiringly.

“Lord Ashbrook…” Kitty’s mouth dried unexpectedly. She swallowed and tried again. “Lord Ashbrook is actually…” Oh, drat. “Lord Ashbrook is expecting us at Vauxhall at around nine o’clock. You won’t forget, will you?”

“Of course not, Kitty.” Judith smiled at her. “We will do everything in our power to make certain you have the opportunity to make a good marriage.” She breathed deeply and let out a great sigh. “One of the best things about being married, Kitty, is having your breakfast served to you in bed.” She finished her cup of tea, set it on the tray, and lay back on the pillows. “Not the best thing, mind you, but still quite a benefit, I assure you.” A warm smile spread across Judith’s face.

Kitty stared at her, giving her a keener look. Something had changed in her sister-in-law’s manner. She seemed more content. More relaxed. The result of a marriage where the couple loved one another. Not, perhaps, something to which Kitty could aspire. Still, Judith didn’t have to know that. “Well, hopefully, I will be able to see for myself shortly.” Kitty rose from the boudoir chair. “Lord Ashbrook seems rather attentive, and is very handsome, but—”

“Two attributes to recommend him as a husband. Do you like him, Kitty? Is his manner toward other people pleasant? Those are qualities you must also weigh into the balance.” Judith peered at her and caught her hand. “Do you think he will make you happy?”

Well, that was a question she’d not considered under the circumstances. “Goodness, Judith. I have only danced with the gentleman twice and spoken with him about the Vauxhall party.” Courage failing her again, Kitty made for the door. She’d not bother her sister-in-law with this revelation after all.

“Well, sometimes that’s all it takes, my dear. Make certain you don’t lose him to someone like Miss Fitzhugh, Kitty. A little thing can turn a gentleman’s head one way or the other.”

Somehow, Kitty thought this particular gentleman’s head would not be turned for good for either Maria or herself. But if she could keep it turned her way for a little while, she would likely be satisfied enough.

“I’ll try my best,” she said brightly, closing the door and leaving her sister-in-law to the privilege of her breakfast tray, while Kitty sought out her own repast downstairs. She entered the breakfast room only to find her brother sipping coffee and reading the newspaper. Here was a piece of bad luck. If he pressed her at all about her partner last evening, her conscience might insist she inform John about Lord Ashwood’s subterfuge. “Good morning, John.”

“Good morning.” The voice behind the paper sounded truly disinterested. Perhaps she’d be able to finish breakfast without divulging her little secret.