Always Believe in Love by Maureen Driscoll

Author:Maureen Driscoll
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2015-09-25T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

There was a moment of silence in which Kate could almost hear the thoughts of the various people around them. Mrs. Johnson looked like her daughter had just missed out on the greatest matrimonial catch to ever visit Weymouth – and she had. Because even though Nick and Kate weren’t really betrothed, he would certainly never propose to Lily after announcing his intentions about Kate. He was much too honorable. Though, admittedly, he had just lied to everyone.

Lily looked like she wanted to kill Kate. Linus’s mother, Mrs. Archer, looked deep in thought. It had long been presumed that Lily Johnson would marry Linus Archer, but nothing had ever been announced. Kate wasn’t sure what Mrs. Archer thought about the understanding, though she had no reason to believe Mrs. Archer was displeased with it.

The other ladies were fascinated with the drama unfolding before their very eyes. And Mr. Bramwell looked as unappealing as he ever had. Especially now that Kate had been kissed by an expert.

Mrs. Johnson was the first to break the silence. “Lord Layton,” she said with a deep bow. “I must confess I always thought you were a lord of some sort, if not royal. Are you royal, sir?”

“Thankfully, I am not.”

Mrs. Johnson giggled. “You are most clever, my lord. You must know none of us is upset with you. I’m quite certain the last person you wanted to go tramping about the countryside looking for you last night was Miss Winston, who is too independent by half. I’m also convinced you were near death last night and, as such, couldn’t have compromised Miss Winston. Because of that, your declaration of being willing to wed Miss Winston was gallant, but wholly unnecessary.”

“I’m glad someone sees reason,” said Kate, though not quite in charity with the woman who’d just accused her of tramping about the countryside. “Nothing untoward occurred between Lord Layton and me. I have not in any way been compromised, and I do look forward to returning home and resting.” She all but jumped off her horse, handing the reins to Mr. Peck, who was quite dumbstruck with the turn of events and was probably trying to calculate how much more he could charge an earl.

“You most certainly have been compromised!” said Mr. Bramwell, who quickly added, “Through no fault of Lord Layton, of course.”

Lord Layton dismounted from his horse, as well, looking decidedly grim.

“It is a funny thing,” said Kate, “that a lady can be solely blamed for a scandal which would require a gentleman’s participation.”

“You’ve always had an odd sense of humor,” said Mrs. Johnson. “Perhaps you can fix that wherever you go next.”

“What makes you think I am leaving?” asked Kate. She would be, of course. But she wasn’t about to be ordered out of town.

“You cannot possibly stay,” said Mr. Bramwell. “You will not set foot on church grounds again, I can promise you that.”

“My cottage is on the rectory grounds and my rent is paid for another two months.”

“I may not be able to throw you out of the cottage,” said Mr.

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