Page 45 of A Countess Never Tells

“I had truly wanted to earn your brother’s regard. To find some way to make him see that I would be a good husband to you.” Kitty had never heard him so dispirited. As though he’d lost something most precious.

“You will be.” Kitty launched herself into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder. “You will be the best husband imaginable. Because you have been willing to change. If only there was some way for John to know this, know that you refused to debauch me when you had every chance.”

“Somehow, I do not think that will change his mind, my love. If the facts ever came to his ears, I’d likely receive a challenge instead of a welcome to the family.” Ash smiled ruefully.

“If what facts ever came to my ears, Ashwood?” The door had opened to reveal John and Judith, dressed splendidly for Lady Northrop’s ball.

“Never mind the facts, my lord. They are immaterial at this moment. What is material is that I love your sister, Lord Haxby, and vow to be the very best husband I can be to her if only you will give me a chance.” Ash stepped forward to stand before John, staring him down. “Allow me to show you that I can change, that I will change because of my love for her.”

“That is precisely why I have asked you here tonight, Ashwood.” John looked Ash up and down.

Ash shot her a wide-eyed look, his shoulders raising in a slight shrug.

Kitty’s heart beat uncontrollably fast. What did John mean? Was this truly to be the final confrontation then? Would John formally forbid Ash from ever seeing her again? Her hand tightened on her reticule as Kitty waited for her brother’s next words.

“Is it, my lord?” Ash looked back at John, his lips puckering in annoyance. “What does that mean?”

“It means his sister pointed out this afternoon,” Judith stepped forward, a restraining hand on her husband’s arm, “that she is of age and can marry whomever she wishes.” Judith twined her hands around John’s arm, for all the world as though restraining him. “I spoke to him at length, Kitty, after you ran out, and we have come to a most sensible compromise.”

“Compromise?” If Kitty hadn’t already loved her sister-in-law dearly, she would do so now.

“While I still believe this is a foolhardy decision on Kitty’s part,” John took over smoothly from his wife, “I wish very much to keep her within the sphere of our family. If that means that the sphere must include you, Ashwood, I am willing to entertain the proposition of you courting her formally.”

“Oh, John! Thank you! Thank you, Judith!” Kitty threw her arms around her brother, hugging him closely. “You won’t regret this, I swear it.” She let him go and turned to embrace Ash, whose face hadn’t changed from its stunned aspect, staring at John as though he’d been speaking gibberish.

John’s big hand on her arm arrested her before she could fling herself into Ash’s arms. “There are, however, certain conditions and restrictions you both must agree to abide by before this courtship will take place.” He looked sternly from her to Ash.

“I agree to whatever terms you care to set, Lord Haxby.” Ash found his tongue quickly, his gaze now on Kitty with such deep desire she gasped softly.

“You had best hear them before you agree to accept them, Ashwood. They may not be within your capability.” John kept his gaze on Ash until he met his eyes.

Ash nodded, although his face had sobered considerably.

“Wait.” Kitty shook off John’s hand and went to stand beside Ash. She took his hand, laced their fingers together, and gave a squeeze. They could weather any conditions her brother set, as long as they could be together at the end of this trial by fire.

“First and most importantly, Lord Ashwood, you will cease all your amorous activities with any and all women in the known world from this moment henceforth.”

Ash’s face lit up, a devilish grin on his lips. “Does that mean, my lord, that I can have free rein with any woman in the unknown world?”

Kitty groaned as her brother’s countenance darkened, his brows crashing down into a thunderous frown. “You are not helping, Ash. Save such jests for after we are married,” she hissed at him.

“I am sorry, my lord.” He managed to look contrite, although he undoubtedly did not feel it. “Yes, I agree to that stipulation. I told you before my intention when I married was to eschew the rake’s life I have led to this point. I meant it then, and I mean it now.”

The brooding look on John’s face did not dissipate. “I would like to believe that, of course, my lord. However, as there is no proof of this intention, you cannot blame me if I err on the side of caution. Should I hear any report whatsoever, as much as a whisper of a dalliance with any woman, that I find to be true, this courtship will be at an end. Then, if Kitty is not convinced of the insincerity of your intentions, she will be free to do as she pleases.” He turned to glare at Kitty. “I should hope, at that point, you will come to your senses and refuse to see him again.”

“Please, John.” Judith hurried forward and put a restraining hand on his arm. “Give Lord Ashwood a chance to live up to your standards before you decide that he cannot.”

“Thank you, Judith.” Kitty gave her friend a sad smile, hoping she could stop John’s tirade.

“I thank you as well, Lady Haxby.” Ash bowed to her. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your continued good will toward me.” He then turned his attention to John. “That is your first stipulation, my lord. What is the second one?”

“Tomorrow, we will sit down and draw up settlement papers that benefit Kitty and her children solely. You will not have access to any part of her dowry.” John flung out the words as one would throw down a gauntlet.

Ash shrugged, which was likely not the reaction her brother had expected. “I have no quibble with that whatsoever, my lord. I have told Kitty I am ready and willing to marry her without her bringing a penny to the marriage.”

John frowned, his eyes narrowing. “Surely you do not mean that.”

In response, Ash turned to Kitty and took her hand, the love in his eyes apparent to any who would see it. “I love her for herself alone, not for any monetary gain.” He squeezed her hand. “Is there a third stipulation?”