Unfortunately, those experiences had not survived the hints he’d dropped about some of his personal preferences. A couple of ladies had frowned in confusion and moved away from his circle. Others had been shocked or perturbed at his veiled suggestions.
He wondered what Kitty’s response might be.
“Do you think anyone will be abroad?”
Her voice interrupted his thoughts at an inappropriate moment. He was just about to imagine her naked and lashed to his bedposts. “Abroad?”
She frowned. “Yes, Max. Abroad. As in riding up and down Hyde Park.”
“Oh.” He chastised himself. “Sorry, my mind was elsewhere.” He glanced at the sky. “I believe we shall be in luck and find at least a few carriages out.”
“Well that’s good.” She folded her hands. “One cannot create scandalous gossip if the only things to observe the event are pigeons.”
“Indeed.” He grinned. “I’ve also found that any time single gentlemen like to enjoy a good gallop early in the day, which is of course quite inappropriate, there will be more than a few ladies managing to accidentally be there observing the disgraceful behavior.”
“It sounds as if you speak from experience,” she flashed him a quick smile.
“Me?” He managed to sound shocked.
“Oh really, Max. Give over, do.”
“Well, all right then. I have been known to take the air at dawn in Rotten Row. Along with the grooms and jockeys. If the weather’s right, it’s a most appealing gallop.”
She sighed. “I’m not a good rider, so I’ll take your word for it.”
“You have no horse in London, I take it?”
Kitty shook her head. “No. We don’t really need a hack. And at Ridlington, we walked or used the gig.”
“I will mount you if you wish,” he said. Then wished he hadn’t, as the vision his words engendered sent a bolt of arousal directly to his groin. He shifted a little on the hard seat.
“That’s a generous offer, and I appreciate it. But I must refuse, not because it would be appallingly shocking, but because it would be a waste of a horse.” She laughed. “And we’re about to be shocking enough. Let’s start there.”
The chimneys of London were already in sight, and it wasn’t long before the road gave way to city lanes and the outskirts of the Metropolis.
“We’re almost there. Last chance to change our plans…”
“Max.” Kitty looked at him, lifting that chin again. “I’m not going to change my mind. If you’re having second thoughts, of course…”
He grinned at her. “Scandal is my middle name.”
She raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
“All right, it’s Frederick. But you understand what I mean.”
“Indeed.” She settled herself comfortably, tilted her bonnet to the precise angle that flattered her the most, and folded her hands in her lap. “Onward, Max. Onward into an excitingly scandalous adventure.
Chapter Four
Several days later, Kitty had to ask herself if being the object of gossip was such a good thing after all.
“You could have been ruined, my dear.”
Aunt Venetia wrung her hands yet again, making Kitty wonder if they might drop off any time soon, since she’d been wringing them constantly for what seemed like years.
“But I wasn’t, Aunt.” She sighed. “Do you wish me to leave?”
“Good God no.” Venetia blinked at her. “Have you any idea how many invitations we’ve received since…since…er…the event?”
“No,” answered Kitty. She hadn’t really paid much attention.
“An awful lot,” said Venetia. “More than I could have imagined. Yes, we’ve been accepted into the right circles, thanks to my windfall. But this, your appearance with Mr. Seton-Mowbray…well, that’s really brought us into the limelight.”
“So I’m not ruined?”
“Not yet, I don’t think. At the moment, you’re a figure of interest. Seton-Mowbray is known to be stand-offish with eligible young women. Many would be desirable matches for him, but he’s turned his nose up at so many seasons that most mothers have given up on him.”
“So now they believe he might be back in the marriage-mart?”
“Yes, I think you both may have raised a few hopes in that department.” Venetia shook her head. “We did have a similar conversation to this one, Kitty, if you recall. I must reiterate my opinion that he would indeed be an excellent match for you…,” her voice betrayed a slightly hopeful tone.
Kitty smiled. “Don’t get excited, Aunt. I shall never marry. I am quite decided that the life of a beloved Aunt to my brothers’ and sisters’ children will suit me well. You’ve set an excellent example in that regard. And I like the freedom to do as I please when I please.”
“But…” Violet’s eyes met Kitty’s, and the older woman just sighed. “Well, time will tell, I suppose.”
Kitty glanced at the grey skies outside the window. “Thank goodness the weather has been so awful. It has reduced the amount of immediate gossip, since so many of us have been stuck indoors.”
There was a tap on the door and Hecate popped her head around to peek inside. “Hallo. May I join you?”
“Of course, darling, do come in.” Aunt Venetia smiled warmly and patted the couch next to her ample bottom. “Sit here and tell me what your plans are for the day.”
“Hallo Hecate. You look lovely,” offered Kitty. Her eyes took in the delicate blue of her sister’s gown and the matching knot of flowers just beneath her breasts. “The flowers are the perfect touch.”
“From an admirer, no doubt,” giggled Aunt Venetia as she turned to Kitty. “You keep our invitation tray filled, and Hecate keeps our vases busy. Such fun.”
Hecate sat on the couch, leaning into the corner with comfortable informality. “I merely mentioned I missed the spring flowers growing around Ridlington.” Her lips compressed into a wry moue. “That seemed to be all it took to guarantee a parade of blooms arriving on the doorstep.”
“A mark of the affection in which you are held, dear,” complimented her aunt.
“Or the silliness of the Ton,” added Kitty.
“I’ll accept your opinion, Kitty,” chuckled Hecate. “Some people really are quite silly.”
“Where are you off to today, sister? Plans for the evening?”
Hecate stretched her arms into the air above her head and breathed deeply. “Let me see. Today I have an appointment with Madame Margarethe in Bond Street, thanks to Aunt Venetia.”
“Don’t mention it,” answered her aunt. “It’s time for some lighter spring dresses.” She glanced outside. “Assuming spring ever arrives.”
“Well, the fittings will take a good portion of the afternoon. So Mrs. Windersham is bringing Susan and Alicia over to meet me. They have new gowns to be fitted as well, I believe. She has promised us all tea afterward. Then it’s back here.”
“How lovely.” Kitty approved wholeheartedly. Dress fittings and tea with the Windersham girls left no room whatsoever for any importunate gentlemen.
“How about this evening?” Aunt Venetia asked. “Do either of you have plans?”
“The DuClos masquerade,” they answered in tandem.
“You’re going?” Kitty leaned forward, surprised Hecate had plans to attend. “Isn’t it a little…er…fast for you?”