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Kit smiled. “Mine as well.” He led her up the steps and into a large hall laid with yellow marble that matched the Georgian columns. The grand staircase, done in a medium-colored wood, gleamed with beeswax. “If I were a boy again, I’d slide down that.”

Next to him, Mary snorted. “I would have slid down it as well.”

They followed their hostess into a rectangular room off the hall. Windows lined two walls, and fireplaces anchored each end. Once the company were relieved of their outer garments, tea accompanied by large trays full of food arrived.

“Where is Uncle Titus?” Huntley asked after they’d finished eating .

Lady Theo waved her hand around, fingers fluttering. “Here and there. He is preparing to submit a paper to the Royal Society and had a meeting scheduled with some of his colleagues. Not knowing when you’d arrive, I told him to go on. He’ll join us for dinner.”

“If no one minds,” Marcus said, glancing at the rest of them, “Rutherford and I wish to take the boys out to the park.”

“I think that’s a splendid idea,” Lady Theo said.

“In fact, you gentlemen are rather de trop . After the ladies have refreshed themselves, we shall discuss our entertainments.” She focused on Kit.

“Mr. Featherton, your reputation precedes you. I’m quite sure we would not have received nearly so many invitations without your presence. ”

He stifled a groan and rose with the rest of the men. They recognized a dismissal when they heard it. He took Mary’s hand, giving it a slight squeeze. “I’ll see you before dinner then.”

A lovely pink flooded her cheeks. “Of course.”

He and Mary had been getting along so well. She had not turned away from him once during their journey to Edinburgh. Finally his courting of her was going well, but in order to forestall Lady Theo’s plans, he’d have to move quickly.

A half hour later, Mary, Caro, Phoebe, and Anna joined Lady Theo in the morning room overlooking the gardens in the back of the house. As expected, more tea was served.

Mary twirled one of the curls framing her face around one finger. Ever since Lady Theo had singled Kit out, Mary had wondered exactly what the older lady had meant. Was it merely his reputation as Mr. Perfect, or was there more? Unfortunately, she could not bring herself to ask.

She almost fell upon Caro with gratitude when she did. “Kit Featherton, as you know, is extremely popular in London, but I’m surprised he is known here.”

Lady Theo raised a brow. “You’d be surprised how far and fast news travels.

The ladies here have heard how he’s not only the perfect gentleman, but has, so far, avoided marriage.

I know several young ladies who are already planning their weddings.

” She raised her brow, an amused expression on her countenance.

“They have reasoned that as the missish English ladies did not appeal to him, the bolder Scottish lasses might.”

Mary’s hand curled into a fist, crushing part of her skirt.

She didn’t care at all if another lady was interested in Kit.

Although he’d been very pleasant during their journey, perhaps more than pleasant, she’d had a truly wonderful time.

That did not excuse the fact that Kit had not made any advances showing her he truly wished to marry her.

He hadn’t kissed her. The ugly specter of him kissing another woman raised its head, and Mary bit her lip.

She was not and would not be jealous. They didn’t even have an understanding.

Stifling a sigh, she schooled her mien into a pleasant mask and hoped no one had noticed her initial reaction.

Unfortunately, her fist still crushed her gown.

Drat. She’d never hear the end of it from Mathers if she ruined it.

“To-morrow I shall take you on some morning calls.” Lady Theo recited the entertainments she thought most appropriate for the rest of the week.

A Venetian breakfast, a ball at the assembly rooms, dinner and cards, and a ball in three days’ time.

“We are not as busy as London, but I’m proud of our Season. ”

“I’m sure it will be lovely.” Caro smiled at Lady Theo. “I must say, I am glad for something a little less hectic than London, and I’ve always wanted to visit Edinburgh. Thank you so very much for allowing us all to invade your home.”

“Not at all. I am rarely around ladies, and you’ve given me the perfect excuse to host my own ball. Now”—Lady Theo turned her sharp gaze on Mary—“I understand we must find you a husband.”

Thankfully, she’d just put down her cup, or it would have gone crashing to the floor. As it was, she barely swallowed her tea without spewing it all over. “I thought I’d let things happen as they may.”

Lady Theo slowly shook her head. “It must only appear that way. As I told Caro, I have made a list of eligible gentlemen, including information on their families. You will not want for choice.”

Mary fought not to drop her jaw. “ Their families? ” she squeaked.

That was a stupid thing to say. Families were important. One needed to know what one would be left to deal with after the marriage. Had she ever met Mr. Featherton’s mother? She struggled to bring her wayward thoughts under control. What did it matter if she wasn’t going to wed him?

“We have several gentlemen down from the Highlands,” Lady Theo continued.

“I’ll not deny they are extremely impressive specimens, but if you should be interested, Lady Mary”—Mary snapped her attention back to her hostess—“you must remember most of them live in isolated areas which you may not like.”

Such as Rose Hill. Actually, Rosebury hadn’t felt isolated at all.

Although from what she’d heard of the Highlands, one could easily be a day’s ride or more from any kind of town at all.

Still, if she fell in love . . . Who was she trying to fool?

She’d never be able to live in the middle of nowhere.

Very well then, no Highlanders no matter how remarkable they were.

“What is your portion, my dear?”

Bother . That was the second time she’d been caught woolgathering. “Er, I believe I’d rather say moderate. Nothing to get excited about.”

Lady Theo nodded her head sagely. “Good thinking. There is no reason to encourage fortune hunters. Though in my experience, most of them go to London. How is your wardrobe?”

Thankfully Mary had been readying herself for London. “I received a package from my modiste in London before we left. All I require is a final fitting for some of the gowns.”

“Excellent.” Lady Theo tugged the bell-pull, and almost immediately a footman opened the door. “Tell Beattie to send a note round to my modiste. I expect her to attend me in the morning. The hour may be as early as she wishes. Oh, and it’s time for someone to fetch the gentlemen.”

The young man bowed. “Yes, my lady.”

Lady Theo glanced at the clock. “We shall dine in two hours. Lady Mary, I’ll advise you as to the time of the fitting.”

“Thank you, my lady.” There was, after all, nothing else she could say.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to. Please make yourselves at home.” Lady Theo sailed out of the parlor, the door snapping shut behind her.

“Well.” Mary glanced at her friends. “I didn’t expect her to take charge in such a manner.”

“I know what you mean.” Caro grimaced. “On the other hand, this is her city, and she knows it well.”

“The real question,” Phoebe said, “is whom do you wish to marry? Has Kit done anything to fix your attentions?”

Mary pulled at a curl. “He is all that is exceptional . . .”

“But?” Anna prompted.

“He is Mr. Perfect, and he doesn’t seem to feel anything particular for me.” Mary gave an exasperated huff. “And I will not throw myself at him. I’ve given your suggestion a great deal of thought, and I cannot. I shall have to look elsewhere for a husband.”

Her friends nodded. Thankfully no one brought up her living at Rose Hill.

Well, this was up to Mr. Featherton, after all.

If he wished to marry her, he’d find a way to show her.

Until then, she planned to enjoy her Season without Gawain trying to trap her.

That at least was something to be happy about.