To Catch a Husband . . . by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

As they approached the terrace the laughter and chatter from the ballroom spilled out towards them. Everyone sounded so happy, so different from the tumult of regret, misery and despair that warred within Kitty. She stopped at the bottom step and Daniel turned to look at her, his brows raised in enquiry.

‘Pray, Dan—Mr Blackwood, let us take our leave of each other here.’

‘If you wish.’

She put out her hand.

‘Then, goodbye, sir. I wish you a safe journey tomorrow, and…and thank you.’ She added, determined to be truthful, ‘I am only sorry our first meetings were so…stormy.’

He carried her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss upon her fingers.

‘We made a wretched beginning, did we not? For my part in that I humbly apologise, Miss Wythenshawe.’

‘I should like to have known you better,’ she confessed.

He gave her a wry smile.

‘Nay, ma’am, how should that be? When tha’art a fine lady and meself but a manufacturer!’

‘Will you never forgive me for that slight?’

‘It is no slight,’ he told her. ‘I am proud of what I am.’

And I am ashamed I ever thought ill of you!

She wanted to utter the words but a sudden flurry of laughter told her that another couple was upon them, pushing past to ascend the steps. The moment for confession was gone.

Daniel took her arm and led her up to the terrace. Lady Leaconham and her sister were standing by one of the open windows, fanning themselves vigorously.

‘So there you are, Kitty!’ cried Lady Harworth, reaching out for her. ‘The dancing finished some time ago and your godmother has been looking for you.’

‘I beg your pardon, I—’

‘The blame is mine,’ Daniel interrupted her smoothly. ‘I persuaded Miss Wythenshawe to give me the pleasure of her company in the gardens.’ He gave Lady Harworth the benefit of his rare, charming smile. ‘We have been admiring the decorative lamps, ma’am.’

‘They are very pretty, are they not?’ replied his hostess, beaming. ‘I have been very pleased with the effect and will use them again, I think. Not this Season, of course, for the house will soon be shut up for the summer.’

‘They were a splendid idea, my lady, and one I will take back to the Holme,’ said Daniel. ‘I think my mother will like the idea of being able to use the garden on warm summer nights. And I have no doubt my sister will consider it a splendid notion!’

‘Sisters, hah!’ chuckled Lord Harworth, coming up at that moment. ‘They are always troublesome at parties, ain’t that so, ma’am?’

Lady Harworth looked a little put out but she managed a smile.

‘Alas, young people can get a little out of hand,’ she admitted. Lady Leaconham’s politely enquiring look obliged her to continue. ‘I had to send Bertram out to fetch Ann away from the swing, Letitia. That little group was becoming far too raucous.’

Lady Leaconham smiled and tucked her hand through Kitty’s arm.

‘I am pleased to think my dear Kitty was not of their number.’

‘No, she preferred to stroll in the

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