A Kiss for Lady Mary by Ella Quinn Page A

her as well? Kit ran a hand over his face. Subterfuge was what was needed. He’d have Piggott talk to Mary’s lady’s maid, but first Kit would speak to her aunt. “You are correct, of course. Lady Eunice might have some ideas.”
    Kit and Doust entered the drawing room. Lady Eunice was staring into the fireplace, a glass of wine held loosely in her hand. Kit took the chair on the other side of the small table from where she sat on the sofa.
    Her lips pressed together, she glanced at the two of them. “I’ve never seen her behave in such a manner before.”
    Doust handed Kit a brandy, a decanter of which had miraculously appeared on the sideboard, then sat on the sofa next to Lady Eunice, as she said, “It has been a trying day.”
    He took a sip, savoring the burn as it traveled down his throat. “What can I do to help?”
    “I don’t know. Mary is generally a sensible woman. She wants a husband and children. Yet I very much fear she has deluded herself into thinking she has a choice about whom she will wed.”
    Kit wanted nothing more than to hit something. “If you have any ideas at all as to how I can bring her around, I’d appreciate hearing them.”
    Lady Eunice shook her head. “At this point, I don’t know what to do. Perhaps sleeping on the problem will help.” She set her glass down on the table and rose. “Gentlemen, I shall see you in the morning.”
    He and the rector stood. “Good night.”
    Doust reached out, taking her hand. “I’ll take my leave now. Walk me to the door, if you will, my lady.”
    She smiled. “Gladly.”
    Cursing Mary’s and his grandmothers, Kit made his way to his bedchamber. He began engaging in what-ifs. What if they’d brought Lady Mary to Town, where he could and would have courted her? But that wouldn’t do anyone any good now. He’d have to deal with what he had, and she wasn’t going to make this easy for him. “Piggott,” Kit said, opening the door, “I have a job for you.”
    His valet paused in the midst of polishing Kit’s boots. “What would that be, sir?”
    “Have a talk with Lady Mary’s dresser, and find out what her ladyship’s tastes are.”
    “Are you planning to court her ladyship?”
    Kit drained his glass. “I am, and I must do so quickly.”
    Before word got out and there was a scandal that could not be contained.

CHAPTER NINE
    T he next day turned to rain. Feeling as low as the clouds overhead, Mary decided to remain in her room and pretend she had the headache. Mathers ferried messages from Cook and her housekeeper, brought meals on trays, and made cryptic remarks about those who should know better. Mary did not ask, indeed she didn’t want to know. Instead of hiding away and moping, she would be better occupied doing something, anything. Making plans, writing lists. But the more she considered the problem, the harder it was to see her way out of this mess without creating just the sort of talk that would ruin her.
    On the afternoon of the following day she sat on the sofa pretending to read as she gazed out her window over her newly planted garden. Perhaps a ride would help. She could sneak down the back stairs and out the side door. What she couldn’t continue to do was stay in her chambers, yet neither could she face Mr. Featherton. What had possessed her to behave so rudely? Oh yes, her sensitivity. There was only one thing to do, and the sooner the better.
    The door opened. Eunice entered, followed by Simons with a tea tray.
    Mary waited until he’d left, before announcing, “We shall depart early to-morrow.”
    “No, we will not.” Eunice sat on a chair next to the sofa where Mary was ensconced. “Where would you go?”
    “London. I’ll join Grandmamma at Bridgewater House.”
    “What if Gawain is watching it? He must be in a panic by now, and what if you run into Diana, and she tells someone you are Lady Mary Featherton?” Mary shuddered as her aunt continued without mercy. “Mr. Featherton’s departure during