My dearest Kitty, how your aunt and I look forward to receiving your letters, with news of all the parties, routs and balls that you have attended! And now your godmother tells me you have been invited to Kirkleigh, as the guest of Lady Harworth no less! My dear child I am so proud of you. Letitia has hinted of An Alliance. How wonderful that would be! And if the settlements could be drawn up before the winter, perhaps it might be possible to move out of our cottage here at Fallridge, for there is no doubt that the damp does not agree with your Aunt Jane. Her cough has returned and she is not in spirits. I fear another winter here may well prove too much for her, although she does not complain. Of course, we shall not try to influence you, my darling child, except to say that to see you well established, possibly as a lady, is the dearest wish of our hearts.
But of course, my love, our greatest concern is for your happiness…
‘How is your dear Mama, Kitty?’
Kitty looked up from her letter, forcing herself to smile.
‘She is well, Godmama, although she says Aunt Jane is coughing again.’ She looked down at the bread and butter on her breakfast plate, her appetite quite gone. There was such a weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Her godmother was so sure that Lord Harworth would offer for her and if he did, then it might be possible to find a new home for Mama and Aunt Jane before the winter. Perhaps they might even be allowed to live with her, but certainly she must do what she could to remove them from the cottage, which was cold in summer, draughty in winter and always damp. She glanced again at her letter. Mama insisted that she wanted Kitty to be happy, and by marrying Lord Harworth she would be happy, would she not, because she would be fulfilling the hopes of those she loved most…
‘Now, we must finish packing today, my dear, because it is an early start tomorrow.’ Lady Leaconham helped herself to another hot muffin. ‘Garston has promised me he will be here at nine tomorrow and I must say I am not a great traveller, but I am looking forward to visiting Kirkleigh. I have not been there since my dear Leaconham died. My sister Harworth has her own circle of friends, you see, and I have mine. Since I have been widowed the time has never been right for her to invite me…’ She paused for a moment to consider this, then looked up again, saying cheerfully, ‘So I am convinced that this invitation is due to you, my love.’
Kitty glanced at her mother’s letter again, her eyes drawn to one particular section.
It delights me to think that by the end of the month you will be less than fifty miles from us, my love. Not that we shall expect you to visit while you are with your noble friends at Kirkleigh. In fact, I expressly forbid it…
‘Lord Harworth knows nothing of my family, does he, Godmama? More to the point, Lady Harworth thinks I come from a family of consequence.’
‘Well, I have not gone into detail…’
Kitty waved an impatient hand.
‘Have you told her I am rich, ma’am?’
‘No, of course not!’ Lady Leaconham concentrated on pouring herself another cup of coffee. ‘I may not have told her precisely of your condition, but if my sister thinks you wealthy then she cannot claim that I told her so!’
‘Perhaps I could visit Fallridge while we are there—’
‘No!’
‘My dear ma’am, I have nothing to hide. My birth is perfectly respectable, and if my mother has not the means now to live in the manner in which she was raised, that is not her fault…’
‘No, of course not, my love, and you know I am excessively fond of your mama, but this visit is not the time to introduce her to Lord Harworth.’
‘But, Godmama—’
‘Once my nephew has made you an offer, then of course your circumstances must be explained,’ said Lady Leaconham firmly. ‘As a man of honour he will not consider your lack of fortune an impediment.’
‘You mean once he has offered for me it will be too late for him to cry off.’
‘My dear, how you do twist my words! That is not at all what I meant!’
‘Then perhaps it would be best if I explained everything to him and to Lady Harworth before we travel north,’ persisted Kitty.
Lady Leaconham put down her cup and bent a serious look upon her goddaughter.
‘Now, Katherine, listen to me. My sister Harworth is naturally anxious for her only son to marry well. If she knew you to be penniless she would do everything in her power to prevent the match. I merely want her to—to give Bertram the opportunity to become acquainted with you. There is nothing so very wrong in that, is there? Especially when such a match would mean so much to your mama. She has only ever wanted one thing for you, my dear, and you have the chance now to make her dreams come true.’ The look softened into one of entreaty. ‘I know you abhor pretence, Kitty, and I would not have you lie to Lord Harworth, but, my dear child, pray consider. If you announce to the world that you are a pauper, you give up all hope of a good marriage.’
‘Is that what I am, Godmama, a pauper?’ asked Kitty in a small voice.
‘Of course not, it was thoughtless of me to use the term. You are a gently born young woman who lacks a dowry. It is not a crime, and all I ask is that you hold back from explaining the true state of your finances until Bertram proposes to you. So—’ Lady Leaconham beamed across the table ‘—that will not be so very bad, will it?’
Reluctantly Kitty gave her assurance to her godmother that she would say nothing and went off to finish her packing. She tried to console herself with the fact that Lord Harworth might not propose, but she was honest enough to admit that recently he had given her sufficient hints—drawing her aside for a few moments’ private conversation whenever they met, squeezing her hand when taking his leave of her, and now this invitation to Kirkleigh, when Lady Leaconham freely admitted she was not in the habit of being invited to her sister’s summer home. It seemed depressingly clear that Lord Harworth was singling her out. As she watched the coachmen carrying the heavy corded trunk out of her room she determined that if Lord Harworth made her an offer she would explain her situation. She would do so immediately, before any official announcements could be made, before he had time to tell his family. That way she could give him the opportunity to withdraw, if he so wished. She would not trap him into an unequal marriage.
These thoughts came back to her when, after three days of weary travel, Lady Leaconham’s lumbering carriage arrived at the gates of Kirkleigh House. The entrance to Lord Harworth’s main seat had been designed to impress. A long straight drive led off the road towards a high, battlemented stone wall where tall pillars topped with eagles flanked a pair of ornate iron gates. There was no lodge but a small gatehouse was built into one side of the wall and her godmother informed her that when the family was in residence a gatekeeper was on duty at all times. Even as she said this, a liveried servant dashed out to throw wide the gates and they entered the grounds. They drove through a good half-mile of landscaped parkland before passing through another set of gates and approaching the house itself. Kitty gasped, her eyes widening as she took her first look at Kirkleigh House.
It was a vast building in the Palladian style, the entrance front decorated by a series of columns built into the walls between the windows. A high-pitched roof extended behind a central pediment which proudly displayed the Harworth coat of arms.
‘Well, Kitty, what do you think?’
Kitty did not know how to answer Lady Leaconham’s question. The house was so large, so magnificent, that her heart sank within her. Could the owner of this vast pile really want her, little Kitty Wythenshawe, to be its mistress?
‘It is very…grand,’ she managed at last and drew a soft laugh from her companion.
‘It is indeed, but you must not let that deter you. The house is run by an army of servants and there are housekeepers and stewards a-plenty to attend to everything.’
‘If that is the case, ma’am, then what would there be for me to do?’
Lord Leaconham, sitting opposite, found the question highly amusing.
‘Why, there will be nothing for you to do but to please your husband and enjoy yourself!’
The carriage drove past the first of two flights of steps leading up to the first-floor entrance and stopped at a wide doorway at ground level, where a series of liveried servants waited to hand them out of the coach. Kitty would have found their presence very daunting if at that moment Ann had not flown out of the house and enveloped her in a warm embrace.
‘Oh, Kitty, I am so glad you are here! You are the first of our guests to arrive. It has been so very dull here with only Bertram and Mama to talk to! And Aunt Leaconham, too: welcome to you, dear Aunt! And Garston! I am delighted you could join us, Cousin. Now we shall be a merry crowd! Come in, come in, all of you! Bertram is out riding and Mama is resting in her room. She gave instructions that you were to be shown to your rooms first so that you might rest and change before we all met up at dinner, but I could not wait for that so I came out to meet you!’
Bemused by this enthusiastic but unconventional welcome Kitty was not sure how to react, but a glance at the butler’s face showed her that that august personage was smiling benignly upon his young mistress, so she allowed herself to be marched off, leaving Lady Leaconham and Garston to follow at a much more dignified pace.
‘Oh, I have missed you so,’ declared Ann, leaning happily on Kitty’s arm. ‘I know it is only two weeks since we were in London but it feels so much longer than that! Tell me all that I have missed. Has everyone left Town now?’
‘It is much quieter,’ responded Kitty, adding with a twinkle, ‘I think your departure signalled the beginning of the mass retreat!’
‘No! Have all the gentlemen gone, then? I expected Mr Duffey to propose to that plain Jane he was courting, and Mr Ashley seemed determined to pay court to you at my party…’
Kitty did not wish to be reminded of Mr Ashley, but it was clear that she would need to give some sort of answer.
‘He was interested only in a flirtation, which did not please me at all—’
‘Oh, my poor little Kitty, did he try to make love to you?’ Ann laughed. ‘He is a rattle, but quite amusing.’
‘Well, I did not find him amusing at all,’ retorted Kitty, remembering her torn dress, and the lies she had told. ‘I wish you had not introduced him to me.’
‘Oh, dear, you are really upset. Pray do not be angry with me, I thought he might amuse you. Did you send him away? I cannot recall seeing him at the house after the dancing.’
‘I think he left early,’ said Kitty, eager to change the subject. ‘As for Mr Duffey, I believe he has gone into Devonshire, following his plain Jane.’
‘Well, I wish him luck. He has been head over heels for her all Season, which made him very poor company, I can tell you. He was convinced everyone would think he was marrying her only for her fortune, because he has not a penny to fly with, but I told him no one cares for that any more! But enough of that—here is your room!’
It seemed to Kitty that they had walked miles up stairs, through elegant chambers and along echoing corridors to reach a large sunny bedroom.
‘It is next to mine,’ continued Ann, leading the way in. ‘We are quite a distance from my Aunt Leaconham, but I hope you won’t mind that, and I thought my maid could look after you, if you would not object. Then Meakin won’t have to trail all the way up here from my aunt’s chamber every time you change your dress.’
‘You have thought of everything,’ Kitty, responded, a laugh trembling in her voice. ‘And, no, I have no objection at all to being here, if that is what you wish. As for a maid, I am very used to dressing myself, you know. I never had a maid until—’ Even as the words spilled out, Kitty had a vision of her godmother’s horrified countenance. With barely a pause she continued, ‘I mean, I never had a maid of my own until very recently.’
‘Norris will be more than sufficient for us both. And you know she is very discreet,’ added Ann with a naughty twinkle.
She continued to chatter for a while longer until she saw Kitty trying to hide a yawn.
‘Oh, dear, here I am talking non-stop and you will be wanting to rest before dinner!’ She stepped up to give Kitty another hug. ‘I shall leave you now, and I will send Norris to unpack your trunk while you sleep!’
If Kitty did not actually go to sleep before dinner she did at least rest, and when Ann came to collect her to take her down to the dining room she was feeling much refreshed and ready to see more of Kirkleigh.
Many of the windows had been opened and a cool breeze flowed through the house. Kitty might never have moved in such exalted circles, but she had grown up with the reminiscences and instructions from Mama and Aunt Jane, so the high rooms with their gilded ceilings and thick carpets, the bustling activity of the servants, even the call of the peacock coming in from the open window, seemed familiar. Ann had told her that several other guests had been invited to join them at Kirkleigh later that week, and she was relieved to think she would have a few days to become accustomed to the house and its ways before meeting new people.
Dinner was served in the small dining room, and although the mass of silver in the centre of the table resembled a small mountain range to Kitty, she knew this was an informal dinner. Everyone appeared to be in the best of spirits, even her godmother making light of the long journey north with its lame carriage horses and unaired sheets.
‘It is even worse if one is travelling without a gentleman,’ observed Lady Harworth. ‘Bertram wanted me to bring Ann here on my own while he stopped off in Derbyshire, but I would not agree to it. I said if he could not come here directly with us then we would go with him.’
Lady Leaconham turned a smiling enquiry upon her nephew.
‘And what was there in Derbyshire that required your presence, Bertram?’
‘Mr Blackwood wanted him to visit Cromford and see Mr Arkwright’s cotton-spinning mill,’ put in Ann. ‘Mama and I did not go into the mill, of course, but Bertram said it was a vast, noisy place, and everything is powered by water.’
‘And you’ll soon see we have plenty of that here,’ declared Lord Harworth. ‘Water and the hills make Kirkleigh ideal for a mill.’
‘But you will not be building your mill anywhere near the house, my dear,’ put in Lady Harworth. She turned to address her sister. ‘I have never seen such a place as Cromford, Sister. The mill stands like a huge stone fortress, grey and forbidding.’
‘It could well be the Castle of Otranto,’ giggled Ann.
‘And is Cromford itself a pretty village?’
Lady Harworth shook her head.
‘Everywhere is dust and noise, because they are forever building. We were obliged to put up at the Greyhound. I have to admit it was very comfortable, nothing like the usual coaching inn. It is far more commodious: Mr Arkwright himself built it for his many visitors. I understand his mill attracts a great deal of interest, although I cannot see why that should be.’
‘It is the future, Mama,’ said Lord Harworth. ‘With the new mills and machinery to spin cotton we can make cloth better and quicker than anywhere else in the world, and make a fortune to boot. Several fortunes!’
‘I am not sure it is quite as easy as it sounds,’ remarked Kitty.
Lord Harworth smiled at her.
‘You are quite right, Miss Wythenshawe, which is why I have engaged Blackwood to help me! In fact, he will be riding over next week to look at the new plans my man is drawing up, so you will be able to renew your acquaintance with him—I shall ask him to stay for dinner!’
The news roused mixed feelings for Kitty. Much as she wanted to see Daniel again, was it wise, when he awoke such passion in her yet she knew nothing could come of it?
She had struggled with the problem throughout dinner, but when she carried a dish of tea across to Lady Leaconham later in the evening she discovered that her godmother was also unhappy.
‘I cannot understand Bertram inviting that young man to eat with the family,’ she said, drawing Kitty down beside her on the sofa. ‘He says himself he has engaged him, so he is in some ways an employee. And to have the man mixing with his own sister, who is at a very impressionable age!’ She shook her head. ‘I do not understand it,’ she said again. ‘And my sister, to allow it with never a word of reproach. She is usually such a stickler for propriety.’
Kitty listened to her in growing dismay. It seemed that as her godmother’s hopes of a match between Kitty and her nephew had grown, so had her prejudice against Daniel Blackwood and despite her attempts to remain neutral, Kitty found herself more and more wanting to defend him.
‘But the Blackwoods own several mills,’ she said now. ‘I believe they are a family of considerable standing in the north. And you said yourself he is quite eligible.’
‘That was when I first met him, and I did not understand that he is still so involved in trade. Nor did I know Bertram was employing him. And as for his family—you knew nothing of him before you met in Town? Your mama never mentioned the Blackwood family?’
‘Well, no, but we lived far to the west, and Mama…’ Kitty paused for a moment ‘…Mama showed no interest in anyone except the very highest society. We had very few acquaintances.’
Lady Leaconham did not appear to notice the wistful note in Kitty’s voice, too intent upon her own train of thought.
‘But if the family is so well to do, then why is he working for Bertram?’ she said. ‘No, it does not make sense. But then, nothing makes sense any more in a world where the poor king and queen of France can be locked up by their own people. And now we must have tradesmen at our table!’
‘But, ma’am, you were happy enough to recognise Mr Blackwood in Town.’
‘But I never invited him to dinner, my dear. Oh, dear me, no. He may be an acquaintance of my nephew, and I do not deny that he behaved like a gentleman when he came to our assistance at Barnet, but that does not mean we should sit down to dinner together!’
The remainder of Lady Harworth’s guests arrived the following day and soon Kitty found herself caught up in the busy routine of a Kirkleigh house party. With half-a-dozen young people in the house Ann was very happy, organising drives and picnics on fine days, theatricals and charades when the weather was inclement. The ladies would spend afternoons at their sketching and painting while the gentlemen took themselves off riding, mostly to inspect the woods and discuss the new coverts with Lord Harworth’s gamekeeper, but the ladies knew that they sometimes went off to watch a cock-fight or a mill in a nearby village.
There were protracted breakfasts and noisy dinners and by the end of the week Kitty was relieved to slip away to spend a quiet hour alone with her books. She wrote long letters to her mother, describing life at Kirkleigh, but even as she wrote of the delights of having nothing to do all day but please oneself, Kitty knew she was not being quite truthful. She longed for an occupation; even helping the governess with the squire’s children had made her feel more useful than idling away each day as she was doing now. However, she could tell her mama that she was learning one new accomplishment.
Many of the ladies went riding each morning, and when Ann discovered that Kitty had never learned the art, she was shocked.
‘But everyone rides in the country! This must be remedied immediately: we shall teach you!’
‘And how long with that take?’ asked Kitty, torn between amusement at her friend’s enthusiasm and alarm at the thought of joining Ann on one of her rides: she had heard Lord Harworth describe his sister as a bruising horsewoman, afraid of nothing.
‘Not long. I shall have my old pony saddled up for you tomorrow morning. You need not look so anxious, Kitty: you will not be expected to jump fences or anything dangerous—at least, not for the first few weeks.’ She twinkled mischievously. ‘I shall have my groom lead you around the stable yard each morning until you are at home in the saddle.’
‘That is very kind of you,’ said Kitty. ‘I confess I should like to ride with you in the mornings.’
‘I am sure you will pick it up very quickly,’ Ann reassured her. ‘Dapple is very steady, you will find her as comfortable as sitting on a sofa.’
‘Only considerably higher,’ laughed Kitty.
Thus, on the very next fine morning, Kitty donned the riding habit that Ann insisted she should borrow and went off for her first lesson. She was quick to learn, and two days later they progressed to the park. The groom led Kitty around the perimeter, complimenting her on her improvement and suggesting that they could now dispense with the leading rein.
‘Oh, not quite yet, if you please,’ begged Kitty.
‘Well, mebbe not, then, miss, seeing as someone is coming through the park. We don’t want Dapple takin’ off with ’ee.’
Kitty became aware of the sound of hoofbeats behind her and turned her head to see a rider cantering in the direction of the house. As he drew nearer she recognised Daniel Blackwood and her heart gave the now familiar little skip. He slowed and turned his horse towards them, raising his hat as he approached. She was a little disappointed that no flash of pleasure illuminated his countenance, nor did he look surprised to see her, but she thought it very likely that Lord Harworth had informed him that she was at Kirkleigh.
‘Good morning to you, Miss Wythenshawe.’
She nodded, smiling as his eyes ranged over the pony. She felt compelled to explain. ‘Miss Harworth tells me that everyone rides here so, as you see, I am learning!’
‘A very useful accomplishment,’ he said gravely.
Kitty continued to smile, inordinately pleased to see him again. She wanted to keep him with her, to begin a conversation, but he was smiling back at her now and her poor brain refused to work properly. Dapple shifted from one leg to another, unbalancing Kitty who clutched anxiously at the reins.
Daniel touched his hat.
‘I will leave you to your lesson,’ he said. ‘Lord Harworth is expecting me: no doubt I will see you at the house later?’
‘Yes, yes, I hope, I mean, I am sure—’
She broke off, covering her confusion by giving her attention to the mare who was objecting to having the reins twitched so nervously. With a nod, Daniel rode away.
‘Oh, how embarrassing that he should see me thus!’ she exclaimed, watching his retreating form.
‘Nay, it ain’t so bad,’ said the groom, grinning. ‘We all have to start like this. And if you’ll forgive me, miss, I’d say that you will make a good horsewoman, given time. You have a good seat, and good hands, when you ain’t distracted.’
‘Thank you, Selby.’ Kitty flushed, pleased with the compliment. ‘I really would like to be able to ride well.’
‘No reason why you shouldn’t, miss. Now, shall we try going round the park without the leading rein?’
The groom’s praise spurred Kitty to try even harder and she stayed so long in the park that breakfast was finished by the time she returned to the house and she was obliged to ask for a little bread and butter to be sent up to her room.
She found it difficult to settle to anything, knowing that Daniel was in the house.
‘You may not see him,’ she told herself. ‘It is such a large, rambling building, and he is closeted with Lord Harworth in his office on the lower floor. There is not the least reason why you should meet.’
Despite this she found herself taking extra time over changing her gown, deciding upon her sprigged muslin decorated with ivy leaves embroidered around the neck and sleeves. Norris suggested dressing her hair in a new style, catching it back with a bandeau and leaving just a few dusky curls to escape and frame her face. Kitty allowed herself to be persuaded, and as soon as the maid had worked her magic Kitty hurried down to join the other guests.
The new look immediately found favour with Ann, whom she found in the garden where the younger members of the party were playing at bowls.
‘I do wish my hair was fashionably dark and curled as yours does,’ sighed Ann, tucking her hand in Kitty’s arm and drawing her towards a table laden with lemonade, pastries and delicate little cakes. ‘And you have a delicious colour in your cheeks—your morning riding lessons are agreeing with you! Selby tells me you are making good progress.’
‘He thinks I will be good enough to ride out with you in the park soon.’
‘That is excellent news, because Mr Hamilton has a plan to ride over to Titchwell and take luncheon at the Star next week.’
‘That’s right,’ declared a lanky young man with a shock of yellow hair. ‘I thought we should make up a party and ride out for the day, if the weather holds.’
‘I can always follow in the barouche with Godmother and Lady Harworth,’ offered Kitty.
‘Oh, we are not intending to have Mama or Aunt Leaconham with us,’ said Ann quickly. ‘We shall have much more fun if we are on our own.’
‘We?’
Ann began to count on her fingers.
‘Well, me, you, and Garston of course. And Martin—that is, Mr Hamilton—plus Lizzie Camber and her brother George—those of us here now.’
‘Will your mama allow us to go alone?’ asked Miss Camber.
‘Of course,’ came the airy reply. ‘Titchwell is part of our estate: Mama knows we shall come to no harm.’
Kitty glanced doubtfully at the little group. She knew Elizabeth Camber was barely sixteen and her brother little more than a year older, and although Mr Martin Hamilton was several years older than herself, Kitty thought him rather immature. She watched him now as he teased Lizzie Camber and laughed immoderately at something Garston was saying to him.
‘You will of course be taking Selby?’
Ann wrinkled her nose.
‘Oh, no, he is far worse than Bertram, always criticising! We should not have a minute’s peace if we take him with us. No, this will be a party of pleasure. We shall be free to do as we wish for the day!’
‘Well, I am not sure I shall be able to ride well enough…’ began Kitty, but Ann stopped her.
‘Of course you will. You must not worry about that. We will all look after you, won’t we, Garston?’
‘You may be sure of it,’ declared Lord Leaconham, coming up. ‘A gentle ride and a good lunch, it will be a splendid day.’
‘Well, not too gentle a ride,’ put in Mr Hamilton, grinning. ‘George and I will want to try our horses over a few fences. But the ladies need not follow,’ he added hastily, when Ann hissed at him and glanced in Kitty’s direction. ‘We shall all please ourselves!’
Kitty could not be easy. She had thought that Lady Harworth would not allow them to ride out unaccompanied, but when they all met in the drawing room before dinner she was surprised to find that Lady Harworth had already given her permission.
‘Leaconham will be with them and I am sure the rest of us have no wish to drive out to Titchwell.’ She smiled around at the assembled group. ‘Young people have so much more energy, and they must be allowed to use it up. And after all, there are enough of them to look after each other.’
‘I cannot like it,’ opined Lady Leaconham. ‘I am not at all sure that Kitty should go, not without a maid to give her countenance.’
‘Oh, Aunt, none of the maids can ride,’ cried Ann. ‘And you know how tedious you would find it if you were obliged to come with us! We are only riding out to the Star. We will send ahead and have a luncheon prepared for us and when we have done we shall ride back.’
‘And we will not be obliged to leave Harworth land at any time,’ added Martin Hamilton. ‘It will be quite unexceptional.’
‘So you see, Letitia, there is nothing for us to worry ourselves over,’ said Lady Harworth, smiling serenely at her sister.
Kitty had to admit that none of the older occupants of the room looked keen to join the young people on their outing. Most of the other guests were considerably older than their hostess and liked to spend their afternoons reading or dozing in the morning room until the dinner hour. She wondered if Lizzie and George’s parents might object to their children riding off unattended, but when Kitty glanced in their direction she saw that they were both smiling and nodding benignly at Lady Harworth. Since they were both so corpulent that they took up a whole sofa each, Kitty had to stifle a giggle at the thought of either of them on horseback. She wondered if Lord Harworth might refuse his permission, but when their host did at last join them and Ann told him of the proposed expedition, he did no more than pat her arm and bid her enjoy herself.
‘I would come with you myself, but I am meeting Reverend Miller and the churchwardens that day: we are to discuss a new church roof.’
‘Poor Lord Harworth, he works so hard,’ gushed Mrs Camber, beaming at her host. ‘My dear sir, we have not seen you all day.’
‘Business, ma’am,’ returned Lord Harworth. ‘Out riding on the estate for most of the day. But it’s done now so I am free to enjoy myself. And we have an extra guest for dinner! I said I would ask him and Blackwood has agreed to join us. No need to trouble yourself, Mama, I saw Strutt on my way in and told him to lay another place at the table.’
Even as he finished speaking the door opened and Daniel entered. Lady Leaconham’s countenance tightened with disapproval, but Kitty observed that Lady Harworth was showing no concern and her son was cheerfully introducing Daniel to his other guests. She had to admit that there could be no fault found in Daniel’s appearance. His tight-fitting dark coat was beautifully made, not a wrinkle or a puckered seam in sight. His buff-coloured waistcoat and knee-breeches enhanced his athletic figure and the snowy froth of linen at his neck was immaculate. When he turned to greet her she could not resist asking him if he had been expecting the invitation to stay to dinner.
‘Lord Harworth usually asks me so I always come prepared with a change of clothes.’ He hesitated, as if he might move away, then he said, ‘You are looking very well, Miss Wythenshawe. The country air agrees with you.’
‘I think you are right, Blackwood,’ said Lord Harworth, overhearing his comment and coming up. ‘Plenty of fresh air and exercise, eh, miss? And m’sister tells me you are learning to ride, too!’
‘Yes, sir. Ann has kindly loaned me one of her riding ponies.’
‘Selby says she is an excellent student,’ said Ann. ‘We are making up a party to ride to Titchwell next Tuesday.’
‘After only a week’s tuition?’ said Daniel. ‘I am impressed.’
A smile tugged at Kitty’s mouth, responding to the gleam in his eyes.
‘Ann has promised me it will be a very easy ride. I shall not be expected to jump any fences.’
‘I am sure you will manage very well,’ he told her.
‘And if you are at the Star around noon on Tuesday, Mr Blackwood,’ put in Ann, ‘you will be able to see for yourself, for we are taking luncheon there. You might even join us…’
Lady Leaconham stepped up.
‘I have no doubt Mr Blackwood is far too busy to ride out on a whim.’ She took Kitty’s arm and led her away. ‘Mrs Camber was complimenting me upon your gown, my love,’ she murmured. ‘She was most impressed with the embroidery. If she asks you about it pray do not tell her that your mama made it herself!’
This reminder of her humble state effectively robbed Kitty of all power of conversation and she was thankful when they went through to the dining room, where the elegant settings and superb food commanded everyone’s admiration and attention.
Kitty found herself sitting between Mr Hamilton and Mr Camber. Since the former flirted with Ann for the duration of the meal and the latter devoted himself to his food, Kitty was left to enjoy her meal and her thoughts in peace. Daniel was too far away to converse with her, almost hidden from sight by a large silver epergne, but he seemed to be at ease. Whenever she looked at him he was engrossed in conversation with one or other of his neighbours. She was relieved. They, at least, did not seem to share her godmother’s reservations about his suitability as a dinner guest.
Kitty heard her name and looked up to find Lady Harworth was asking a number of questions of her sister about Kitty’s family and birth, all of which Lady Leaconham deftly turned aside. Kitty had to admire her tactics. She gave the impression that Kitty’s parents were very rich but eccentric, refusing to give their daughter the lavish presentation she deserved and hinting that such a come-out was unnecessary for someone of Kitty’s birth and fortune. It was subtly done and it satisfied her hostess, but it made Kitty uncomfortable, especially when she realised that Daniel was listening to the conversation, a sceptical look in his hard eyes.
What in hell’s name am I doing here? Daniel was beginning to wish he had not accepted his host’s invitation to stay for dinner. The knowledge that Kitty was at Kirkleigh had been gnawing away at him ever since Harworth had mentioned it. He had returned from London determined to forget Miss Kitty Wythenshawe. She had set her heart on marrying well, so let her get on with it. There were many girls far prettier: Miss Harworth, for example, with her generous figure and golden hair was generally acknowledged to be a beauty, but Daniel found his eyes drawn towards Kitty, with her dusky curls and expressive mouth and those deep green eyes that could darken and flash with anger.
When they had parted in London he had vowed he would never see her again: at the time it had seemed an easy promise to keep, since he was leaving Town. He had hoped that once he was home he would be able to forget her by throwing himself into his work, but he had not succeeded. She was always in his thoughts. It did not matter if he was surrounded by the deafening clatter of machinery in the mill, silently poring over the ledgers in the office or even riding over the moors, he found himself thinking of her, wondering what she was doing, if she was happy. Harworth had mentioned that she and Lady Leaconham were amongst his summer guests so he had not been surprised to see her in the park that morning, but he had been taken aback by his own soaring elation when he had ridden up and she had smiled at him with such obvious pleasure. She had looked very good sitting on the horse, too, the tight-fitting riding jacket accentuating her tiny waist and straight back. He smiled slightly, remembering her nervousness. That would go in time, of course. He had no doubt that she would be a good horsewoman. In his imagination he saw them riding out together over the moors in high summer, galloping along the paths lined with purple heather, the sky a vivid, unbroken expanse of blue…
Daniel caught himself up. What was he thinking of? That would only happen if she remained in the north—as Lady Harworth. He looked at his host, sitting at the head of the table. Harworth was sitting back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Kitty and a faint, satisfied smile on his face. A shiver rattled Daniel’s spine. Had he offered for her already? No, he thought not: Lady Leaconham was still fending off her sister’s questions about Miss Wythenshawe. If an offer had been made and accepted Daniel was certain Lady Leaconham would be looking much more complacent. But it was only a matter of time. He ground his teeth in frustration.
After dinner they gathered in the drawing room, where it was expected that the young ladies would each take their turn upon the pianoforte. He watched Ann drag Kitty forward, insisting that she should play. Daniel chose to stand at the edge of the room where he could watch her without being observed himself. As her fingers flew over the keys he was impressed. She played well, due no doubt to a good teacher and a willingness to apply herself—he was well aware of the tussles between his mother and Bella when it came to music lessons! All too soon the performance was over and Ann bounced up, declaring that they had been practising a duet. It was not yet dark enough for candles but the summer evening was drawing to a close, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the drawing room and adding an extra radiance to the two young ladies seated together at the pianoforte.
‘Do they not make a beautiful picture?’ murmured Lord Harworth, coming to stand beside him. ‘Two fine girls, one so dark, the other fair: I would like to have their likeness captured, just as they are now. What do you say, Blackwood, they would look well hanging on the wall here, eh?’
‘Very well, my lord.’
‘Aye, I think so.’ Lord Harworth turned towards him, saying confidentially, ‘I am minded to offer for Miss Wythenshawe, you know.’ Daniel clenched his jaw, not trusting himself to speak. ‘I have been thinking for some time that I should settle down. There’s the title to think of, I need an heir, you see. And Miss Wythenshawe is a pretty little thing. Besides, my mother likes her.’
‘Does she?’
‘Oh, yes. Well, she’s her sister’s godchild, so we know she comes from a good family. It’s an anxious time,’ continued Lord Harworth, shaking his head. ‘Her godmother is very obliging, of course, but you said yourself the gel was above your touch: I only hope she doesn’t turn her nose up at a mere baron! Oh, bravo, ladies, bravo!’
A smattering of applause told them that the duet was ended and Harworth walked away, clapping loudly. A bank of heavy cloud had blotted out the sun, and there was a break in the entertainments as servants hurried in to light the candles. Daniel remained in the shadows. He wished the evening was over so he could take his leave, but to set out before the moon had risen would cause comment. He must endure this torture a little longer.
The room was settling again. Over by the piano he could see Kitty shaking her head, politely declining to play more and she moved away as Miss Harworth prepared to display her expertise at the harp. Daniel drew a sharp breath: she was coming towards him.
‘Do you play for us tonight, Mr Blackwood. Or sing, perhaps?’
‘No, not tonight.’ Thank heavens she had not asked him what he thought of her performance, he could not recall a note, only that he had been spellbound.
‘I understand you have been out riding all day with Lord Harworth.’
He relaxed slightly. This was safer ground.
‘Yes. We were looking at sites for his new mill. There are several that would be suitable.’
‘It would require many men and women to work in such a place, would it not? Where would they come from?’
‘From the surrounding farms and villages. Harworth is already improving the farming methods used on his estates so there is less work on the land. The people will make a better living in the mills.’
She nodded. Her eyes were fixed upon Ann, playing the harp, but he could tell that she was thinking of other things, and he watched her, entranced by the tiny crease in her brow, the slight quirk of her lips as some new thought came to her.
‘Mr Blackwood, may I ask you a question?’ She turned her disconcertingly clear gaze upon him and his heart skidded erratically within his chest. His brows snapped together: better that he should frown at her than she should know the effect she had upon him! She ran her tongue over her bottom lip in that nervous little habit of hers, rousing the demon desire in him. He had to steel himself not to reach out for her. She started to turn away. ‘I beg your pardon. I can see you think it an impertinence…’
‘No!’ He put his hand on her arm. ‘No,’ he said again. ‘Please. Ask me.’
His fingers seemed welded to her flesh. It took an immense effort to remove them when he saw the startled look in her eyes.
‘Please,’ he said again, giving her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. ‘What is it you wish to ask me?’
‘I wonder, sir, why you are working for Lord Harworth? From what I know of you…’ She blushed a little. ‘And I confess it is not very much! From what you have told me, you do not need this employment. And will not another mill be competition for you?’
‘It will be competition, yes, but the industry is young, there is room for more manufactories. But if Harworth is determined to set up a mill, I am concerned that he should set about it in the right way. Soon he will need to bring in extra workers—whole families. I want to make sure they have proper housing, a school for the children, a doctor to look after them.’
He read approval in her face, but even as it made his heart soar he knew he must defend himself. He said curtly, ‘Do not think of me as a saint, Miss Wythenshawe. This is not charity, it is good business sense. If men are sick, or ill fed, or worrying about their family, they do not work so well.’
There were more questions in her head, he knew it, and part of him wanted to draw her aside and continue their discussion, but that was madness: the longer he spent in her company the harder it was to tear himself away. A movement caught his eye and he looked up to see Miss Harworth approaching with her brother and Martin Hamilton at her side.
‘Well, now, Blackwood, what did you think of that?’ demanded Lord Harworth. ‘Hamilton here says she plays like an angel, what?’ He threw back his head and gave a loud laugh. ‘Harps, angels—what a good joke.’
Ann tapped his arm with her fan and tried to frown.
‘Martin meant it as a compliment, Bertram, and I shall take it as such.’
Kitty looked around, startled. Daniel wondered if she had even noticed that her friend’s performance had ended.
‘Having heard you perform on the pianoforte, Miss Wythenshawe, I know you are musical, too,’ remarked Hamilton, in what Daniel considered to be far too familiar a fashion. ‘What did you think of Miss Harworth’s performance?’
Kitty stepped away a little before replying.
‘It was delightful,’ she said. ‘I did not notice one wrong note.’
‘And you are truly delightful to say so, Miss Wythenshawe,’ chuckled Lord Harworth. ‘Ann has only been learning the harp for a few months and I tell her she needs to practise more if she is to become really proficient.’
‘But there are so many other things to do, Bertram, especially when we have company.’
‘You cannot expect your sister to neglect her guests, my lord,’ said Hamilton with a little laugh.
‘Of course not, and I, too will now devote myself to our guests.’ Lord Harworth bowed towards Kitty. There was no mistaking the warm, intimate smile he gave her. ‘A task that will give me no small enjoyment, I assure you!’
Daniel thought it a clumsy compliment but it made Kitty blush rosily. She murmured, ‘We must not take up all your time, my lord.’
‘Nonsense! What are we here for if not to enjoy ourselves! In fact, I am thinking I should put off the meeting on Tuesday and ride with you to Titchwell.’
‘Oh, no, my lord,’ said Kitty faintly. ‘If you are otherwise engaged…’
‘I thought that meeting was arranged for some weeks,’ put in Daniel, irritation sharpening his voice. ‘Surely you will not rearrange it to accommodate an outing of pleasure?’
Lord Harworth blinked at him.
‘I do not see… Well, perhaps not, I shall have to consider carefully, of course.’ He bent another beaming smile at Kitty. ‘I admit the temptation is very great!’
‘We should of course be delighted to have you join us,’ said Ann, not quite truthfully. She gazed up more hopefully at Daniel. ‘Perhaps you, too, would like to ride over and join us, Mr Blackwood? It promises to be a very jolly party.’
Ann’s smile awoke no response in Daniel. He scarcely heard her, his mind working out an excuse to get away before he said something he would regret.
‘Alas, no,’ he said shortly. ‘I have engagements that day that cannot be put off. In fact, I have work tomorrow that requires an early start so I must take my leave of you now. If you will excuse me.’
Kitty’s feelings were mixed as he gave a stiff bow and walked off. His presence unsettled her, but with his departure the room seemed a little less bright. Ann gave an uncertain laugh.
‘Well, do you think I frightened him off, that he dashed away so suddenly? He looks so serious.’
‘No, no, sister, Blackwood always looks serious!’
‘He is a manufacturer,’ said Mr Hamilton, raising his quizzing glass to watch Daniel’s retreating figure. ‘Such men would have us believe there is no time for anything but work.’
‘I believe supervising the proper running of a mill does take a great deal of effort,’ observed Kitty.
Ann pouted.
‘Then I do not think you should build one, Bertram, if it leaves you no time for pleasure.’
‘Pho, that is why we have managers and overseers,’ declared her brother. ‘Have no fear, Ann my love. Once the mill is up and running I do not expect it to take up much of my time at all. In fact, I mean to ask Blackwood to find me a good man to run the mill for me.’
‘So you are serious about this mill business,’ remarked Mr Hamilton.
‘Yes, most certainly. The improvements I have made on my estates here mean that we no longer need so many people. Best to employ ’em to my benefit than to have them a burden to the parish. Blackwood’s invited me to see his own mill over at Hestonroyd tomorrow. Perhaps you should come with me, Hamilton, to see for yourself how these new manufactories are run.’
‘Not I, my lord!,’ laughed Hamilton, throwing up his hands. ‘I never had any head for business.’
Ann shook her head and laid a hand on her brother’s arm.
‘Oh, Bertram, surely you saw enough of mills and machinery at Cromford! How can you think anyone would be interested in such things?’
‘I am,’ said Kitty, greatly daring. Her spirit quailed as every eye turned in her direction. She swallowed. ‘I would very much like to see a spinning mill, my lord.’
‘Would you now, Miss Wythenshawe?’ After his initial shock, Lord Harworth beamed at her.
‘Yes, I would,’ she declared bravely. ‘Very much.’
‘But, Kitty, we are going to take our sketchpads and easels into the park tomorrow and paint views of the house,’ Ann reminded her.
‘You can easily do that another day,’ put in Lady Leaconham, coming up. ‘I am sure Bertram would be delighted to have company tomorrow.’
‘I would indeed,’ declared her nephew. ‘Perhaps we should make up a party…’
Kitty noted with wry amusement that this suggestion found little favour with the other guests, who all found reasons why they should remain in the luxurious surroundings of Kirkleigh Hall the following day.
‘Well, if Kitty is determined to go then I shall go too,’ declared Ann. ‘You will not object to that, will you, Brother? And that way Kitty and I can chaperon each other. There will be no need for Mama or my aunt to come with us.’
Thus by the time the tea tray was carried in, the visit was arranged to everyone’s satisfaction and the carriage was ordered for early the following morning.
‘Well, what a clever little puss you are,’ murmured Lady Leaconham, tucking her arm through Kitty’s and taking her off to sit with her on a sofa by the window. ‘I should never have thought of suggesting you go to the mill with Bertram, but it was very well done of you. He could not fail to be flattered by your interest.’
‘I had no idea of flattering Lord Harworth,’ Kitty protested. ‘I truly want to see the mill.’
‘Of course you do,’ replied her godmother with a maddening smile. ‘And nothing could make it plainer to my nephew that you are just the wife for him!’ She patted Kitty’s hands. ‘Do not look so dismayed, my love. It was a little bold of you, to be sure, but it may be just the nudge Bertram needs to offer for you!’