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His grandmother frowned. “Despite everything we tried, I believe he may already be here.”

When she turned her attention on Uncle Hector, Lady Bridgewater’s blue eyes turned to shards of ice. “I never would have believed such underhanded dealings from you, Hector. What do you have to say for yourself?”

He blinked, then hung his head, reminding Kit forcibly of a chastised child.

Then again, he wouldn’t like coming under her fire either.

“I—I was not aware of what was going on. I’ve been so busy with my studies.

In fact, the only reason I’m here is that Lord Titus and I are cooperating on a paper for the Royal Society. ”

“It’s true, Grandmamma,” Mary said. “He really did not know. He, Lord Titus, and Lady Theo have been traveling from site to site for two years. We just finished telling him all that has occurred.”

They were quiet for several moments until his grandmother pursed her lips and said what at least some of them had been thinking. “It was probably Cordelia. She always was a little strange. Fey, I would call it.”

“You might have something there, my lady,” Hector said. “She always thought my brother would die, leaving me the earldom. I never could convince her it was not what I wished for, but she dearly wanted a title. Sometimes I wonder why she married me at all.”

“Greedy, if you want my opinion.” The duchess scowled.

Uncle Hector’s face turned beet red. “Here now, that is my wife you are talking about.”

Mary straightened her shoulders, and her chin firmed. “That is quite enough.”

Kit pressed his lips together but couldn’t keep one corner of his mouth from twitching up as their eyes turned toward Mary.

She made a sharp cutting motion with her hand. “It’s done. I agree that some people need to be dealt with, but that is for Uncle Hector to do. Name-calling will not help anyone.”

“Well—,” the duchess began.

Mary glared at her grandmother. “Not another word unless it is to congratulate Kit and me or to tell us how Aunt Eunice and Brian are doing.”

“We do congratulate you.” Kit’s grandmother smiled gently, her eyes appearing suspiciously damp. “Your aunt and Mr. Doust are getting along famously. They have already moved into their new home, and we were privileged to stay a few days with them.”

The dowager duchess lifted her cane as if she’d pound it on the floor, and stopped. “Mary, the only thing I have ever wanted is the happiness of my children and grandchildren. I cannot tell you how pleased I am you and Kit have married.”

The storm that was threatening blew over just like that. Kit shook his head, unable to believe how Mary had taken control. Give her a Season or two and he had no doubt she would be on her way to being one of the ton ’s leaders. “When did you arrive and where are you staying?”

“We are at the King’s Arms. It is the only hotel worth our custom,” Mary’s grandmother said.

His grandmother rolled her eyes. “We arrived to-day, dear, and came directly here. How much longer will you remain in Edinburgh?”

“To-morrow is our last day. Mary and I will repair to Rose Hill for the remainder of the Season.”

His grandmother turned her most engaging smile on Mary. “A wonderful decision. After all, young people in love should have time together. I am so happy to welcome you to the family.”

Mary’s stern countenance transformed into a friendly smile. Quite frankly, no one could resist his grandmother when she wanted to please. “Thank you, my lady.”

“Oh, my dear, you must call me grandmamma. I foresee we will become great friends.”

“Very well, Grandmamma Featherton.”

His grandmother beamed. Mary’s grandmother, however, did not appear as pleased. Kit remembered something his mother used to say about honey and vinegar.

The dowager duchess rose, and everyone else hopped up as well. “We would be pleased if you would join us for an early dinner.”

Apparently Mary had forgiven her grandmother for she grinned. “We’d love to, Grandmamma.”

On the other hand, Kit had absolved his as well. He and Mary had what they’d wanted all along. “We shall meet you at five o’clock?”

“Excellent.” His grandmother turned to Lady Theo. “I saw your father recently. He misses you.”

“Thank you for telling me. He’ll see us shortly. We have plans to depart for England when our guests do.”

His grandmother gave her “all was right with her world” smile. “You do know, he only wants for you to be happy.”

Lord Titus glowered, but Lady Theo grinned. “It has taken many years, but I understand that now. ”

Kit vowed his children would never doubt that he loved them and wanted what was best for them.

He and Mary escorted their grandmothers to the front door. “We’ll see you soon.”

His grandmother kissed him again. “We are looking forward to it.”

The dowager duchess embraced Mary. “I am so very happy for you, my dear.”

Once the door was closed, she turned to him. “I cannot believe how easily I forgave her.”

“I know. I feel the same about mine.” He grimaced.

Mary’s eyes opened wide. “Oh, but your grandmother is a darling.”

He raised a brow. “My grandmother is the most manipulative female I have ever had the pleasure to meet, and she does it all charmingly. There is no standing against her. Even my mother cannot remain angry at her. She is completely lovable.”

Shaking her head, Mary chuckled. “She is that. They are so opposite. I wonder how they became such good friends?”

“Perhaps we should ask them.” They entered their chamber, and he glanced at the clock. “Please tell me that is not the correct time.”

She looked at her watch brooch. “I’m sorry to tell you it is slow. We have just enough time to change and leave. They must have planned dinner before they asked us.”

Damn! At this rate, he’d never have time alone with his wife. “When we get to Rose Hill, I’m barring the doors.”

“I’ll help you.”

She rang the bell-pull and soon her dresser and his valet were attending them.

Now that everything with her uncle had been settled, Mary seemed to dismiss the cousin.

Yet if their grandmothers thought Tolliver was in Edinburgh, Kit would have to be on his guard.

After all, few people knew he and Mary had wed.

He wouldn’t put it past the blackguard to try to abduct her.