Return to Satterthwaite Court by Mimi Matthews

Author:Mimi Matthews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press

Chapter Sixteen

Precisely seven minutes later, sturdy boots on her feet and a woolen mantle over her gown, Kate descended the stairs to the marble-tiled entry hall. But it wasn’t the tall, dark, and serious ex-naval lieutenant who awaited her there. It was her equally sober-minded brother, James.

He stood at the door, clad in his black winter overcoat, his hat in hand. His face was set with grim resolve.

“You’re not looking for me?” she asked as she stepped down into the hall.

“I’m not looking for anyone. I’m going out.” He opened the front door. There were no servants about to open it for him. Not that James would have insisted upon it. For all his pompous respectability, he was no spoiled aristocrat.

The wind whistled into the house, bringing with it a flurry of snow.

“Now?” Kate asked in chagrin. “But our guests have just arrived!”

James cast a sardonic glance over her own heavy mantle. “Which is why you’re going…where?”

“For a walk with Lieutenant Heywood.”

James’s gaze sharpened. “And his sister?”

“What about his sister?”

“Who will be entertaining her in your absence? Jack? Ivo?” James cocked a brow. “Myself?”

“Miss Heywood has no need for entertainment. She’s refreshing herself in her room. When I return, I’ll go and fetch her. You can see her again then.”

He stilled. “What makes you imagine—”

“I saw the way you looked at her,” Kate said. “The lieutenant and Miss Heywood mayn’t have noticed, but I know you, James. She’s the first young lady I’ve ever seen you offer a second glance.”

Her brother was silent a moment. “Her eyes don’t match.”

“That shouldn’t have been a surprise. I warned you they didn’t.”

“Yes, but…” He frowned. “You said nothing about all the rest of her. She’s—”

“She’s shy. Painfully so. You must endeavor to be sweet to her.”

A glimmer of suspicion darkened his face. “Are you matchmaking, Kate?”

“Goodness no,” she said. “I wouldn’t dream of it. We all know you intend to go to London next season and find yourself a duke’s daughter or a princess or some equally illustrious personage who will marry you and set herself up as the most admired hostess in the country.”

“One of us must do our duty. Our family requires respectability. Something you’d do well to remember.”

“When have I ever forgotten it?” Kate gave a sharp tug to her mantle, straightening the fabric over the skirts of her woolen gown. “You still haven’t said where you’re going in such a hurry.”

“If you must know,” James said tightly, “I’m going after Ivo.”

“Ivo’s left the house as well?” Kate expelled an exasperated breath. Were none of her brothers going to remain long enough to entertain their guests?

“He has,” James said. “He made his escape not fifteen seconds after you departed the drawing room. I saw him from the window, walking toward Letchford Hall.”

Kate recoiled. “Not Miss Burton-Smythe again?”

“I fear so. Now”—James settled his hat on his head—“if you would allow me go in peace, I may yet have time to catch him.”

“By all means.” She stepped back. “Do what you must.”

Her brother slipped out the door.

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