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“I don’t know.” Kit bit off his laugh. He doubted the butler would enjoy being the object of amusement. “The sight of your butler holding Arthur out as if he doesn’t know what to do with the lad is quite entertaining.”

Fortunately, the child’s nurse was right there to take him.

“It is. Oh no, now he has the other one.”

“That’s Ben. Anna and Rutherford’s boy.”

By the time Ben was in Simons’s hands, Marcus was handing Phoebe down from the carriage.

Mary rushed forward. “Phoebe. ”

Soon Mary was crushed in her friend’s embrace, then handed off to Caro and Anna. As the ladies hugged and kissed, the gentlemen came to greet Kit.

He clasped Marcus’s hand. “How was the trip here?”

“About as expected with two young boys. How goes the courtship?”

Kit grimaced. “For a day or two I thought I was doing well, then something happened yesterday, and she’s been distant ever since.”

“Women are the very devil to figure out.” Huntley clapped Kit on the back. “But we’re here to help.”

“That’s the truth.” Rutherford shook Kit’s hand. “I’m sure the ladies will aid the cause as well. They’ve been worried about Lady Mary.”

“They are not the only ones.” Kit ran a hand over his face. “Come in and get settled. I’m sure Mary will have ordered tea.” He lowered his voice so that only his friends could hear. “Remember the servants believe us to be man and wife.”

“That has got to be awkward for you,” Huntley said.

“You have no idea,” Kit responded in an undervoice. It also might be one reason this courtship was not going as well as it should.

The ladies joined them, and they made their way into the hall.

“The house is cozy in a way that reminds me of Marsh Hill.” Anna turned to Mary. “It’s wonderful.”

“What a lovely abode,” Caro exclaimed. “It is the perfect size. Large enough to entertain friends yet small enough to not become lost in.”

Huntley put his arm around his wife’s waist, and shook his head. “That is a story for another time. You’ll note this house was not added on to, higgledy piggledy.”

Mary’s lips twitched. “Your home in Suffolk?”

“The very one.” Caro closed her eyes for a moment. “Apparently no one thought to build up, rather than out. It rambles so badly we can use only half the rooms, if that.”

“Can you remodel?” Mary signaled for everyone to follow her.

“Therein lies the problem. It is not ours to do with as we wish. Gervais is in delicate negotiations with his father, who, unfortunately, likes the building as it is.”

The conversations on old houses and the best way to modernize them continued until Kit’s and Mary’s guests were settled in their chambers .

In the corridor outside of her chambers, Kit took one of her hands and kissed the palm, curling her fingers around it. “The drawing room or the morning room?”

She glanced down at her fist then looked up, searching his face as if confused. “The drawing room. I’ll show them the rest of the house to-morrow. Unless you’d rather—”

“It is your home,” Kit said, meaning every word.

He had never been drawn to this property before, but Mary had made it into a warm, welcoming home.

Of its own volition his head bent to kiss her.

He pulled it up sharply. What the hell was he doing?

“It would probably confuse the servants if you did not do it.”

The soft expression left her countenance, and she pressed her lips together before turning on her heel and marching back down the stairs. “Naturally, we would not wish to upset the servants.”

He gave thanks to the Deity he’d not given in to his impulse. She probably would have slapped him.

“Ooooh, of all the infuriating, godforsaken men. Why did he have to come into my life?” Pacing the length of the drawing room, Mary ranted to herself.

“Well, that’s a stupid question. My grandmother is to blame, and once she arrives, I’m going to give her a good piece of my mind.

I never should have gone along with this—this stupid idea.

” She turned to pace back down the room when the door opened.

Simons gave the most formal bow she’d ever seen him perform. “My lady, the Countess of Evesham, the Countess of Huntley, and Lady Rutherford wish to see you.”

Once the door was closed, Phoebe glanced around. “We heard you talking and did not know if you were alone. Yet before we could knock, your butler showed us in.”

Caro took Mary’s hands. “He will bring tea soon unless you require something stronger. Come, sit, and you can tell us what has happened.”

She glanced at the door. “Where are your husbands?”

“In the nursery making sure the children are settled.” A sly smile appeared on Anna’s face. “If they arrive too soon, you will show us around your garden.”

Caro sank into the sofa in front of the windows, which was part of several seating areas in the long room.

Shoving a small pillow behind her friend, Mary sighed. “I am a terrible hostess, paying more attention to my concerns instead of my guests.”

“Nonsense,” Caro responded. “We came to help you.”

“Because of my grandmother?” Mary knew it was so; still, she had to ask.

“Both of the grandmothers,” Phoebe said, taking a seat in a chair. “They were about to leave Town and come here when the duchess caught your cousin watching the house.”

Mary dropped onto the sofa next to Caro and covered her face. “Shall I never be shut of him?”

Simons entered, placed the tea tray in front of her, left, and closed the door behind him.

“I don’t know how much time we’ll have before the gentlemen join us.” Anna chose a chair and settled her skirts. “I realize you do not know me that well, but it would help if you told us everything from start to finish.”

Phoebe and Caro’s trust in Anna made Mary resolve to ask for the help she needed.

Taking a breath, she straightened her shoulders.

“Caro, you know when my cousin began to bother me?” Her friend nodded.

“Barham’s first child had just been born, and he didn’t wish to remain in London but would not leave me alone.

I went back to the estate with him, but Gawain followed.

” She told them about each time she’d thought she had escaped him, only to discover he’d found her and tried to bribe the servants and others in the area.

“Finally we let him think he had, and the maid gave him false information. That was when I came to Rose Hill.”

Caro shifted her position so that she faced Mary. “I wish I had known. But you have been safe and contented here?”

“I’ve been happier than I’ve been in a very long time.

” She was so thankful to be able to unburden herself.

“As all of us were, I was raised to run a great estate. Rose Hill is not quite that, but it gave me an occupation.” Yet another reason Papa would not have betrothed her to Gawain.

Uncle Hector did not have a large holding for his son to inherit.

She told her friends about her early fears and doubts about the name Featherton, and what occurred when Kit arrived.

“He was enraged, as he well should have been, and I was devastated. He was the last person I wanted to see.”

And it didn’t make it easier when he said Rose Hill was her house. He, of all people, knew how untrue that was .

Caro took Mary’s hands. “I remember how you seemed drawn to each other and I was surprised nothing came of it.”

“I had no idea I was so obvious.” Her grandmother had been in London then. Had she noticed Mary’s attraction as well? “I did try to hide it.”

“It was not just you,” Caro said, squeezing Mary’s hand. “He could barely keep his eyes off you.”

That she had not expected to hear. After he ignored her she’d thought him indifferent. “But what am I to do?”

“We know the match was planned by your grandmothers.” Phoebe’s lips formed a thin line. “I do not agree with how they went about it; nevertheless, we must work with what we have.”

Mary pleated and unpleated her skirts, praying that her friends would agree with her plan to avoid an unwanted match. “At first I thought there was no way out of it, but if we find we do not suit, which is beginning to look like the case, I have hit upon a scheme to avoid marrying him.”

The ladies exchanged glances; finally Caro asked, “What is your idea?”

Mary glanced down at the hand Kit had kissed.

“I have decided to go abroad to live for a few years. In the event some man attempts to force me to marry him, I’ve instructed my brother and his man of business to draft documents not allowing my husband to have access to any of my property for the duration of his life.

Barham has permission to act for me. I realize that is premature, but I would rather have the provisions put in place as soon as I inherit. ”

For several moments, the room was so quiet the sound of the clock on the mantel ticking sounded as loud as church bells.

Caro’s brow creased as she pressed gently on Mary’s hand. “Living abroad is not always the answer.”

“Nor is running away,” Phoebe added.

“I must agree.” Anna nodded. “Your best course of action is to confront him with your doubts.” She cocked her head for a moment. “I believe the gentlemen are coming. Let us continue this conversation in the garden.”

Thank God for Anna’s hearing. Mary did not wish to see Kit before she knew what she would do.

Kit opened the door to the drawing room. The tea service was on the table, untouched. Where the devil had the ladies got to? He strode to the window seat and looked out. The women were strolling the garden, two by two, their arms linked.

Huntley came up beside Kit. “Must be a serious discussion if they’ve left without drinking a cup of tea.”

His friend was right. He caught a glimpse of their profiles as they turned a corner. None of them were smiling. “I honestly do not know what I have done.”

“Do you mind if I pour?” Rutherford asked. “I’m a bit peckish.”

Kit shook his head. “Not at all. Once we’ve finished what is on the tray, I’ll ring for something more sustaining.”

“Why not call for it now?” Marcus asked, filling his plate.

“I don’t want the servants to know the ladies did not partake.”

Huntley pushed Kit down onto the window seat. “Give over, man. What the hell is going on here?”

The others pulled up chairs, until they were seated in a semicircle.

Marcus sat. “That’s what I’d like to know as well.”

Taking out his quizzing glass, Rutherford went to the French window. “Agreed. The sooner we know what the problem is, the sooner we can be with our wives.”

It felt strange sitting in Mary’s favorite place. Kit rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know.”

Rutherford’s quizzing glass focused on Kit. “Unfortunate, but not surprising.” He waved his arm to include Huntley and Marcus. “However, you have with you those who have battled the female mind and won.” Huntley rolled his eyes as Rutherford continued. “I believe you must begin at the beginning.”

Huntley pressed a cup of tea into Kit’s hands.

He took a sip. It was better when Mary made it. “I had not visited Rose Hill since I first inherited it . . .”

As he finished the tale, Huntley polished off the last biscuit. “You wish to marry her?”

“In a word, yes.” Kit put down the cup of cold tea. “I’ve been attempting to woo her, but, as I said, I’ve done something wrong and do not know how to get this courtship back on track.”

Rutherford went to the door and spoke to whoever was in the corridor. Kit almost grinned at his friend taking charge of the food. At least he didn’t have to worry about them making themselves at home, and considering the problems he faced with Mary, that was good.

Marcus sauntered over to the sideboard, filled four glasses, and came back with two, one of which he gave to Kit. “Sherry. I have found it is better for cognition than brandy.”

After the other two men had their drinks, Kit continued. “Just when I think we’re becoming closer, she backs away.”

“What does she do when you kiss her?” Marcus asked.

“ Kiss her! ” Kit jumped up and began pacing the room.

He was at the end of his rope. “I’ve been doing my best not to kiss her.

Good Lord. Mary has been through enough without me acting like a raging beast. Look at what happened when Beaumont followed his basest instincts and compromised Serena.

” He shook his head. “No, I will not do the same. I have vowed not to touch her until she agrees to marry me.”

“In case you haven’t noticed”—Huntley held his glass up, tilting it, looking at the amber liquid—“she has already been compromised. One word to the wrong person, to anyone in the ton , and everyone will know she has been living here as your wife. With your reputation as the perfect gentleman, the gossip will be vicious.”

“You don’t think I know that?” Shades of his dead brother rose in Kit’s mind and he downed half of his glass in one gulp. It was time to admit what bothered him the most. “Mary has no interest in kissing me.”

His friends stared at him, stunned. He drained his glass, waiting to hear what they’d advise him to do next.