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Theo watched Mr. Featherton as he, once again, glanced around the drawing room, his frown deepening.

All evening he and Lady Mary had been casting looks at each other when they thought no one else was watching.

It would make short work of marrying them both off, if the young couple were enamored of each other, but before involving herself, Theo resolved to discover what was going on.

She’d been on the wrong end of believing two young people were in love before.

She was older and, hopefully, wiser now.

She strolled up to Huntley, who was standing with his wife. “Caro, my dear.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“None of that now, we are of the same rank, and related. I know you are much too well mannered to mention the age difference. I insist you call me Theo.” She linked her arm with Caro.

“Come with me if you would. We’ve hardly had time to get to know one another, and I’d like to speak with you for a bit. ”

Huntley raised his wife’s fingers to his lips. “I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Well, that was nice to see. Love was important in a marriage.

She glanced at her husband. Which was the very reason she’d married the sometimes ill-natured younger son of a Scottish peer.

What a row with her father that had been.

“I’ll come right to the point. Am I mistaken, or do I sense something between Lady Mary and Mr. Featherton? ”

“You are perfectly correct.” Caro paused for a moment. “The problem, as I see it, is that they are not only both reserved, but Mary is a romantic. You know Mr. Featherton’s reputation.”

“Ah yes. Mr. Perfect.”

“Indeed.” Caro glanced up with a disgusted look. “Mary is waiting for an overt sign from him, and he is too proper to give it. He says he will not insult her honor.”

Theo couldn’t stop a huff. “There are times when a lady’s honor needs to be insulted. What a muddle.”

“That is what we’ve been thinking.” Her niece shook her head. “Nothing any of us says seems to work. I’m quite sure if we locked them in a room together, they’d end up playing cribbage.”

This was the most interesting case of courtship going astray Theo had seen in years. “They do not appear to be dullards.”

“No, not in the least.” Caro’s lips formed a thin line. “Both Mary and Kit, Mr. Featherton, are intelligent, well-informed individuals with a great many talents and interests. It’s just, when it comes to one another, they don’t know what to do.”

“Love can make fools of greater people then they are. Let me put my mind to it. I’m sure I can come up with a solution. In the meantime, we shall go on with my plans.”

“Of introducing them to other people?”

“Indeed. Come to think of it, a little jealousy might be just what is needed for at least one of them to forget him- or herself.”

“I’ll not disagree with you.” Caro sighed. “But I know for a fact, Kit has never lost his temper in public.”

“Well, then it’s about time he did.” And Theo knew just the gentleman to do it. As long as the rake remained a gentleman with Mary, the scheme forming in Theo’s mind would do the trick.

Kit excused himself shortly after tea. Caro had mentioned Mary having a headache, and he wished he could make sure she was all right.

He reached the top of the staircase and gazed at the corridor leading to her chamber.

He was half-way to the end, and stopped.

What the devil did he think he was doing?

He couldn’t very well enter her chamber, even if he knew which one it was.

He ran his fingers through his hair. There must be some way to discover how she was doing.

Luckily for him, Mary’s maid passed carrying a tray.

“Mathers?”

She turned and blinked. “Yes, sir?”

“I, er, I am concerned about Lady Mary.”

The dratted woman stood stock still, obviously waiting for him to explain himself.

“I was told she wasn’t feeling quite the thing.” His neckcloth tightened, and he had an urge to loosen it. “If you could tell me whether or not she is better, I’d appreciate it.”

The maid gave a sharp nod. “I shall inquire.”

Kit remained where he was for several moments before Mathers returned. “Her ladyship says her headache is going away.”

He waited for the woman to continue, but it became clear that he wasn’t going to get anything more out of her unless he asked a great many important, not to mention impertinent, questions. “Thank you.”

Mathers bobbed a curtsey. “Good-night, sir.”

Every instinct he had urged him to go to Mary; instead he turned on his heel and stalked off to his own room.

To-morrow, while the ladies were making morning calls, he’d scour the town for the best of the sights for him and Mary to visit.

Together. Somehow he’d have to find a way to continue to court her and remain near her for the duration of their stay.

Kit woke early the next morning, arriving in the breakfast room moments before Mary entered. Covered dishes lined the sideboard, and sun streamed in through the east-facing windows. He held out a chair for her. “I’d be honored if you’d allow me to fetch your breakfast.”

The butler set a tea-pot on the table in front of Mary.

“Thank you. I’ll pour.”

A footman brought in bannocks, which apparently took the place of toast here.

He smiled. “Excellent.”

Surveying the offerings, he found salted herring, smoked salmon, beef, bacon, black pudding, and porridge, but no eggs. He filled two plates and two bowls, giving them both a little of everything. The servants were still adding to the dishes .

How were they supposed to discuss anything with footmen running in and out and the butler standing at the door? He almost wished they were still traveling. Well, he’d better do something fast, before the others got here.

He set her plate on the table, taking the chair next to her. “This afternoon, would you like to discover some of Edinburgh’s sights with me?”

She spread butter and jam on a piece of the bannock she’d broken off. “What did you have in mind?”

“I thought we’d start with Holyrood Palace, unless you’d rather see something else.” Kit had never felt so out of control of a situation in his life. Everything depended on Mary, and he never knew what she’d decide.

She chewed her bread as if she had something on her mind. If only he could get her to open up to him. “No. I’d like that extremely. The palace is said to be lovely.”

He slowly let his breath out. “I’ll order the carriage for after luncheon.”

Lady Theo entered the room. “Lady Mary, I’m glad to see you are feeling better. We have quite a schedule this morning.”

Mary hesitated the slightest bit before she smiled and greeted their hostess. “Thank you, my lady. I am much improved. I think all the travel finally caught up with me. I look forward to the visits.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Lady Theo called for more tea before taking her place at the foot of the table. “We cannot have you looking poorly while showing you off to potential suitors.”

“Like a blasted horse at auction,” Mary muttered to herself.

Kit put his cup down with a snap and held the serviette to his lips. Mary quickly raised her cup to hide her smile before she broke out laughing.

“May I know what I said that was so funny?” Lady Theo asked.

“I’m sorry, my lady. It was not you. There is a”—Mary had to think quickly—“a couple of birds bickering outside in the tree. It reminded me of something my—my brother told me.”

Lady Theo looked out the window just as a bird flew by. “I see.”

When she went back to her tea, Mary slid a glance at Kit. That was the first time he had laughed since they’d arrived. Come to think of it, it was the first time she’d wanted to laugh as well. How had she not noticed before how they always found humor in the same things?

She hated not being in control of her life, and it had been going on much too long.

Caro was right. Mary must do something if she wanted a happy ending.

All she had to do was think of a plan, just as she had done to increase the profits at Rose Hill.

Rather than telling herself she didn’t care about Kit, it was time to admit she was falling in love with him.

All she had to do was concoct a scheme that would make him fall in love with her as well.

She gazed down at her plate and was surprised to find it empty.

She had even eaten the black pudding albeit without tasting it.

Placing her serviette on the table, she rose. “If I’m to be ready, I must change now.”

“No wish to desert you, my lady.” Kit inclined his head to Lady Theo. “But I have arrangements to make.”

“Go on with you, Mr. Featherton. My husband will be down shortly. I believe he is taking you gentlemen to one of his clubs or to a coffeehouse.”

He bowed. “Lady Mary, may I escort you?”

When Kit straightened, his eyes danced with laughter. She had to keep her eyes lowered or she’d go into whoops. In her most demure voice, she responded, “Thank you, sir.”

At the top of the stairs, she slapped her hand over her mouth as she began to giggle. “Oh my. I didn’t realize you heard me.”

His shoulders shook. “It’s a good thing I’d finished swallowing or my food would have been all over the table.”

“I remember something of the same being said when I’d first come out. I had hoped that part of the Season was over.”

His hands clasped her shoulders, and he studied her with an expression she didn’t understand. “Mary.”

“Mr. Featherton?”

His smile died. “Have I fallen so far in your esteem?”

She glanced around. Servants appeared to be everywhere. “No, but we are not alone. I would not wish to cause talk.”

A footman passed them.

“You are correct, of course.”

She nodded. “If you’d like, I will still call you by your given name when we are alone.”

“That is my desire.” He appeared to focus on her lips for a moment, then said, “I wanted to tell you—”

Voices floated down from the nursery. If he didn’t say whatever it was soon, there’d be no chance. “Yes? ”

Too late, Rutherford entered the landing.

Kit bowed to her. “I’m looking forward to this afternoon.”

Of course that was all it was. What had she expected?

He was Mr. Perfect and would never have made a declaration at the top of the stairs in a busy household.

Yet before she’d spoken, he’d appeared not to notice anyone else was around.

Would she ever learn to hold her tongue?

Now she might never know what he would actually have said.

Drat, drat, drat!

If only she could bring herself to at least kiss him.