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He raised one of her hands to his lips, brushing his lips slowly across her knuckles. “Gladly, if you’ll permit.”

This wasn’t at all how Mary had planned to meet her future husband, and she was not happy about it.

Though she did appreciate how hard Mr. Featherton was trying to please her, not to mention his having been trapped as well.

Yet, if they did not suit, she would not, could not marry him.

As for now, it was time to start behaving like a lady of breeding.

“If you wish.” Her cheeks warmed under his steady blue gaze.

“Under the circumstances, I think it would be proper if you called me Mary.”

He grinned. “My name is Christopher, but most call me Kit.”

That was one thing in his favor. She had always liked Kit as a nickname. “Very well.”

A knock sounded on the door, and Simons stepped in. “My lady, sir, you have received correspondence.”

Mary held out her hand. “Probably my grandmother.”

Kit did the same. He received two letters. Both with seals. “And mine.” He added in a dry tone, “I wonder what they have to say for themselves.”

She was tempted to giggle again, then she glanced at the seal. “It is not from Grandmamma. It’s from Phoebe. Lady Evesham now.” Mary popped off the wax, and read. “ Oh my word , she writes that they are passing through and wishes to visit, but how . . . ”

Aside from Caro Huntley, Phoebe was Mary’s closest friend, but how did Phoebe know Mary was here? She had been careful to never put her whereabouts in a letter.

He’d opened one of his missives. “From my mother. I’ll read it later.” When he spread out the sheets of the other, his mouth opened, then closed again sharply. “Passing through, my foot. Meddling more like, and it’s not just Phoebe and Marcus. How did they get up here so quickly?”

“No, you’re right.” Mary read down the page. “Anna Rutherford and Caro Huntley are traveling with them. I know Caro quite well, but I’ve only met Lady Rutherford a few times.”

“At least the others had the sense to go elsewhere.”

This sounded suspiciously like another conspiracy. “What others?”

“My friends and their wives. Though I don’t suppose you know Lady Beaumont and Lady Wivenly.”

Mary cast her mind back. She’d heard about them, naturally, from Phoebe and Caro, but had never met the ladies. “No. Why would they . . . Good Lord, you said something!”

His head shot up. “ I? No. I told Marcus about the pretense, but he was out of the country when you came out, and you’ve been in hiding since he returned. He could not have known it was you.”

That left only one explanation. Her friends would never have revealed her problems, not even to one another. “One or the other of our grandmothers is involved. I can feel it in my bones.”

“Probably both; that’s the only thing I can think of that makes sense.” His tone was grim. “They must be in collusion.”

Mary had appreciated her grandmother’s help over the past few years, but if she had known what Grandmamma was capable of, Mary would not have been so sanguine. This interfering had to cease. The time had come for her to take control of her life. “I’ll murder mine.”

“We will make it a double . . . What is the term for killing one’s grandmother?”

“I have no idea.”

“A double homicide then,” he added in a dry tone. “Is the nursery in as good a shape as the rest of the house?”

“Why do we . . . ?” She glanced back at the letter. “Phoebe says . . . yes, here it is. She’ll have Arthur, he is almost two, and Anna is bringing Benjamin. I recall him being a few months younger. They are traveling with their nurses so as not to impose on us.” Mary frowned. “Us?”

He raised his brows. “They definitely know I’m here.”

“We have a lot to do to prepare.” Mary rose and went to the lovely rosewood inlaid desk her grandmother had sent for Christmas.

She hadn’t thought of it at the time, but this should have been her first hint that Grandmamma had no intention of Mary leaving Rose Hill for a long time to come.

What did Phoebe and Caro think of all this?

“We might have to bring in more servants to serve the visiting servants.”

“Nursery maids, maids, valets, and grooms, if not furniture as well.” Kit rubbed his chin. “You are in charge here, my dear. I am still an interloper.”

She pulled a face. “Not for long, you aren’t. We have a few days before their arrival. They are at Lord Beaumont’s home north of York, and will visit Edinburgh after leaving here. I’ll start a list.”

Kit took another sip of tea. This was becoming deuced complicated, and now he’d only have four days to court Mary and convince her to wed him before their friends arrived.

He had little doubt if Phoebe put her mind to it, she would find Mary a way out of marriage.

She had almost done the same for Serena, and he didn’t want her interference.

If only he’d tried to fix his attention with her earlier; then again, there was the uncle to deal with. Damn , he must discover where the devil the man was. Mr. Tolliver might refuse to talk to Barham, but he damn sure wouldn’t be allowed to ignore Kit.

As it stood now, they’d have to wait for her birthday before they could marry, and that wouldn’t do.

He wanted to wed her the moment she said yes.

In addition, he was extremely concerned how long they had before the whole world knew they were not yet husband and wife.

Good God! They couldn’t have the ceremony here.

“We may have to make a trip across the border ourselves.”

She dropped her pen, and her eyes widened. “Whatever for?”

When had he become such a dolt? She hadn’t agreed to have him yet. He picked the pen up and mended it for her. “If you decide we should wed, we can’t have anyone here know we are not already man and wife.”

She bit her bottom lip. “My grandmother has a lot to answer for. ”

He wasn’t going to argue that. So did his grandmother. “Parricide.”

“What?”

“The killing of a close family member. That’s the best I can do.”

“I like the sound of that word.” She gave a curt nod and went back to her lists.

Murder was looking better every minute. “It is almost time to change for dinner. Unless you wish to deal with the servants this evening, I propose you wait until morning before you advise the staff what is coming. In the meantime, we can take ourselves off for a tour of the estate and a picnic.”

“You might have a point.” She passed the feather end of the pen over her lips, and he found himself envying the pen. He’d much rather have his mouth in its place.

“The staff,” she continued, “has not had guests here since before your aunt died. There will be a great deal to do. I am more than happy to have a good night’s sleep instead of remaining up late to answer questions concerning beds and the like.

I’ll tell them I want an accounting of items we must have and menu suggestions prepared for when we return. ”

He glanced over his shoulder. “Where are your aunt and the rector?”

“They must be playing least in sight.” Mary giggled, and Kit hoped it was a good omen. “You do know he is courting her?”

“I was made aware of that fact.” Kit drank the rest of his tea. “Shall I see you in the drawing room?”

She slid a look at him. “Yes. I promise not to run off again.”

Thank God for that . “I know you won’t.” He placed a kiss on her palm, then closed her fingers around it. “We will make this work. I promise.”

A small sigh escaped Mary, and she gave him a tremulous smile. “I’ll see you in an hour.”

This must be more difficult for her than for me. He already knew what he wanted. He’d just have to bring her round.

If only he knew how to court a lady. Kit gave himself a shake. He was bound to come up with something, and it had better be soon.