Page 19 of Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Duchess (Wallflower Season #3)

Chapter Twelve

T he next morning, Kate arose before dawn. Harry was scheduled to arrive and to be honest, she needed some time to collect herself before guests began to awaken. Her sleep had been restless and filled with pleasurable dreams of the duke’s lips on her own and in more pleasurable places.

Sally helped her dress in a dove gray gown that was cut in the latest style. It accented her curves more than she liked. She stated as much to her lady’s maid.

“You look fetching in this gown, Miss. It is sure to catch the admiration of an eligible suitor,” Sally reassured her.

Kate grimaced and said, “It appears that the only suitor I’ve attracted is a man more interested in my estate than my appearance. Can you have one of the kitchen maids bring me tea and toasted bread to the library? I plan to spend some time reading while our guests are still asleep.”

“Of course.” Sally hurried off down the servant’s stairs while Kate descended the grand stairway that led to the front hall.

Her slippers made nothing more than a scuff of sound across the floors, but Mr. Tibbs dashed out from his bed in the ladies sitting room.

“Good morning, Mr. Tibbs. I see Mr. Scoville has freshly bathed you and put on your finest ribbon for the festivities. You look handsome in blue.” Kate leaned down and patted him.

“And me? Do I look as handsome in blue?” Andrew’s voice was low as he stepped out from the shadows.

“Oh! I did not realize you were standing there.” Kate was flustered.

Andrew had clearly won Mr. Tibbs to his side since her furry companion had failed to warn her of his presence.

The dark blue coat he wore did accentuate his eyes and against the stark white of his shirt, made her heart skip a beat.

She smiled and teased him. “Yes, you are as handsome as my dog.”

He moved swiftly across to her and towered over her. “Are you trying to provoke me, Miss Avery?” His smile was predatory.

“Um…” Kate glanced around for Sally. It would never do for one of her guests to discover them alone together.

When she spotted her maid hurrying down the hallway with a kitchen maid close on her heels carrying a tray of tea and toast, she breathed out and said in a low voice.

“We must be discreet. Tongues wag too much in a full house.”

Louder, she said, “Sally. A change of plan. Could you have another cup brought for the duke?” She turned to Andrew. “I hope you don’t find it presumptuous of me to ask you to join me in the library for tea and toast.”

He bowed. “I would be honored.”

Sally gave instructions to the kitchen maid before following her mistress into the library. At a silent nod from Kate, she settled herself into the corner. Close enough for propriety, but far enough that Kate and Andrew could speak freely.

Kate settled herself at the small table by the window and Andrew sat across from her. As he stared at her, Kate felt like a butterfly trapped under glass. She tried not to fidget. Finally, she said, “Do I meet your approval?”

He laughed. “I apologize. I just realized that your hair has flecks of gold and scarlet like the fall leaves you are so fond of. When the morning sun shone through the window, it brought the colors out and captured my eye.”

Kate’s eyes widened. It wasn’t what she had expected him to say. It disarmed her and she felt herself relax. She chuckled. “Thank you. That is kind of you to say. To be honest, I feared our truce was over, and we were ready to do battle once again. I was on my guard.”

Andrew shook his head. “No. I think our war is over. The more I speak to some of the other attendees, the more I appreciate our banter. I had hoped to speak to you this morning before others arose.” He gave her a significant look and then his eyes slipped down to her mouth. His meaning was clear.

Kate decided to play coy. She gave him a questioning look. “Is there something amiss?”

He narrowed his eyes. He knew the game she played. Her heart fluttered. He waved away her concern with his hand. “No. I only meant that I wanted to have a conversation that did not involve fashion, the latest dance, or gossip.”

A maid set a teacup in front of Andrew and Kate lifted the teapot to pour. “I find myself thinking the same thing. I fear my interest in the latest literature or current events labels me a bluestocking in everyone’s eyes.”

Her hand brushed against his as she set the teapot down. He captured it in his own and said, “I find that I am at odds on how I should classify you.”

He traced his thumb against the back of her hand in such a way as to be sensual yet somewhat innocent. It made Kate imagine what else his hands might be capable of. She blinked her eyes and allowed her hand to rest in his for a moment longer before reluctantly pulling it away.

“Aside from pointless conversations with some of our guests, I believe all has gone as planned. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, wouldn’t you agree?

” Kate said, offering him a slice of toast. She slid the currant jam across to him.

When he picked up the knife and smeared it across the toast, she found herself mesmerized by his simplest movement.

What is wrong with me? Am I so desperate for a moment of pleasure that a simple act can arouse me?

Andrew bit into the toast and licked a bit of jam from his lip which flustered her even further. He raised a brow and said, “I shall return your earlier comment and ask if I meet your approval.”

Kate looked away from his mouth and busied herself with buttering her own toast. “Sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“Those thoughts must have been quite interesting. I felt as if you wished to devour me on the spot.” He smiled, and for the first time, Kate felt that it was genuine. A small dimple appeared on one cheek that she hadn’t noticed before. She longed to reach across and trace it with her hand.

“I was thinking of the groom’s arrival. I do hope everything meets with his approval. I thought that he and Julia would arrive together yesterday, but it appears I must have misunderstood,” Kate lied.

“I received the note yesterday morning advising me of his later arrival. It made me curious, too,” Andrew said. He lifted his teacup and took a sip. “No matter. I am sure you have everything ready for his arrival and soon the happy bride-to-be will see her groom.”

“Yes. I am sure Julia is excited.” Kate gazed out the window and saw a raven fly down and land on a lamppost near the carriageway. “Oh, no! I do hope the birds won’t pluck at the ribbons and flowers decorating the entryway.”

Andrew set down his teacup and said, “Shall we stroll around the grounds and make sure that all is still in place? If my memory is correct, you have scheduled us for more lawn games. Weather permitting.”

Kate gave him a measured look. “Is that a jest harkening back to our earlier arguments over setting or do you spot storm clouds on the horizon?”

“A little of both. I fear that our pleasant weather might leave us. It is sunny on the east side of the estate, but I spot darkening skies to the west. Perhaps we will see a few showers this afternoon, but nothing that will spoil the day.” Andrew stood and held out his arm.

Kate arose and placed her hand on the crook of his elbow. With Sally trailing behind them, they walked down the hallway to the rear of Renwood. The only people moving about still were the servants who were already hard at work preparing for the day.

Dew covered the lawn, and Andrew guided Kate to the stone path so as not to dampen her slippers. “I think that the ravens have decided to roost elsewhere. Perhaps he was a scout and saw that our baubles weren’t to his liking. He’ll tell the others and they shall fly to better fields.”

Kate smiled. “That sounds quite fanciful.”

“Do you doubt that the ravens talk to each other?” Andrew slowed his steps and turned to her. “Do you think they quibble as we do? Arguing over every grain of wheat.”

“Now, I know you are being fanciful,” Kate smiled up at him. He placed his hand over hers.

“Not so. Ravens and crows are quite organized. I liken them to troops in the field. A scout flies over the farmer’s field, and once he’s determined it is safe and full of food, he returns to the rest of his flock. They then descend upon the crop and eat their fill.”

“You seem to know a great deal about ravens,” Kate said. “I did not think it would be of interest to you.”

“I am interested in a variety of topics. I take a keen interest in nature. As a boy, I spent hours walking in the woods on the estate and watching the animals.” He laughed.

“I remember one time when I spent all day watching a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis and came home excited to share my experience with my mother only to find she had grown quite frantic. They had sent out men to find me, while all along I was hiding away in a hedge nearby.”

“Nicholas and I were the same. We would spend hours exploring the estate here. My mother would be exasperated with the nanny for losing us, but she knew it was not her fault. My brother and I were excellent escapees.”

“You and your brother are quite close, aren’t you?”

Kate nodded. “We are. And after our parents died, we grew closer. It is why I am so vocal about aspersions against his character.”

“I am an only child, so I don’t have the same sibling bond as you.

Harry is my cousin, but we aren’t as close as we were when we were boys.

When my mother abandoned me, I had no brother or sister to share my pain with.

As the years passed, my father grew more distant.

He died a few years ago and never forgave her for breaking his heart.

I suppose I’ve carried that same bitterness toward her in my heart. ” Andrew’s voice grew quiet.

“I am sorry. I was unaware that she had—” Kate faltered.

“Abandoned her family? Yes. It was quite the scandal at the time. So, you can see why I am loath to have my name tied to any gossip.”