The Engagement - Regency Brides 02 by Kimberley Comeaux

is responsible for this?" Nicholas asked.

    Thomas stared at the paper without seeing it as his mind pondered the news. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then brought his gaze over to his brother. "f believe I shall pay a visit to Ravenhurst Castle to find out."

    ~

    "I'm sorry, sir, but Lady Katherine is unavailable," the Montbattens' butler told Thomas, the same thing he'd been telling him for three days. "Perhaps if you'd like to leave your card or a note?"

    Thomas stared at the tall, solemn man and contemplated that the man might possess no personality whatsoever. If Ambrose, as he was called, had one, he'd surely never shown it to him. He'd been to the castle a few times and had surely known of the engagement, and still he treated Thomas as if he were an ordinary caller.

    "What of her parents? Are they at home?" he persisted, tired of whatever game was being played at his expense.

"They are in London, sir. I believe they left two days ago."

    Thomas thought something was significant in that piece of news. ' And Miss Vine? Is she available?"

    "Yes, she is."

    Thomas stood staring at Ambrose, who merely stared back at him, expressionless as usual. "Ambrose," he finally said, his voice strained with ire. "Can you please let me come in to speak with Miss Vine?"

    The butler nodded regally. "Of course, sir.” Ambrose backed up from the threshold and motioned Thomas inside.
    He had to wait only a few minutes in a small sitting room before Theodora came unhurriedly into the room. It was odd watching the woman because her eyes and her expression and tone did not match. It was as if she were a walking contradiction from what she was saying and what she felt.

    Thomas had the uncanny feeling that Theodora despised him; yet she always seemed to smile at him, and he knew she urged Katherine his way by her insistent whispers and unsubtle hints.

    Why? Why was she anxious for Katherine and him to make a match? What would she gain from it?

    Something had to be motivating her, he realized. Perhaps God was leading him to find out or maybe even help the woman. He did not want to judge her, so perhaps if be tried to befriend her, he could understand her more.

    The thin woman curtsied, and Thomas nodded his head respectfully her way. "Mr. Thornton," she began. "I was surprised you wanted to see me. Is something amiss?"

    Thomas watched as she walked to a chair and sat down upon it. It was the largest chair in the room, and when she looked up at him, it appeared as though she were sitting on a throne holding court. Shaking the absurd thought from his mind, he smiled at her, then took the chair next to her. "I came to inquire after Katherine. I've tried to see her but have only been told she is not available. Frankly, Miss Vine, I was wondering if she might be ill or something similar to that."

    The woman's lips pursed, and Thomas thought if it were possible, steam would be coming from her ears for how upset she seemed. "I'm afraid I do not understand, Mr. Thornton. I was under the impression Katherine was riding with you every day since your engagement."

    Thomas sat back on his seat, dumbfounded by this information.
    "I have not seen her since the day I asked her to marry me."

    Theodora startled him by quickly standing and walking to the window. He turned in his chair to see what she was doing.
    "I hope I didn't upset you, Miss Vine. It's just that I'd like to know why Katherine is lying to you about seeing me, then ignoring me when I call."

    Thomas saw her bony shoulders lift and go back down in an apparent sigh. Slowly, she turned and faced him, all traces of anger gone from her face. "I believe Katherine must be experiencing pre-wedding jitters."

    That did make sense, but Thomas could not get rid of the feeling there was more to it. "I suppose so, but that would explain only why she has been hiding from me. Why would she lie to you?"

    She shrugged as she came and sat back down in the chair.
    "I must confess, I have encouraged