The Viscount's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 2) Read online

  If they were the same Valerie, and she wrote her parents about Jeremy, the coming few days might be very interesting. Then again, the earl and countess might already know, thus the invitation to dinner. Glancing to the clock on the desk, he saw it was time to bathe and dress.

  Tossing the note into the fire, he scooped up the one from his mother and retreated to his suite.

  Later, wearing a dark blue jacket and black trousers and a perfectly tied cravat, he stepped into the ordered carriage for the drive to the Ashburn estate.

  Chapter Two

  With a hidden smile, so as not to alarm her mother, Kathleen watched Matthew ride away. She then picked up her fishing rod where she’d dropped it when surprised by his unexpected arrival. Turning back, she cast her line out in the hopes of catching one or two more trout. As it was, between mother and daughter, Kathleen knew they had enough for dinner. What she wished for was to make sure a few of the staff were also able to enjoy the trout.

  “Mother, I know you and the Countess of Stratham are or were friends, so what do you know of the viscount?”

  “I’m sorry, my dear, but where did that come from? Has he stirred something in you?” Elsie said.

  “To be honest mother, I’m not entirely sure. When he announced his presence, and I turned to see who it was, I could feel my heart start to race. This is something that I’ve never experienced before. Is that normal?”

  “I’m afraid it might be. You could very well be experiencing the first feelings of an affection for him. Thusly, I am in total agreement with Matthew that you shouldn’t ride out with him unless chaperoned.”

  “I will live by your decision. Now, shall we steal a few more trout from the duke?”

  After about thirty minutes, she’d added five more fish to her string of six while her mother hadn’t caught any more, which made Kathleen happy.

  “Now, we’ll have enough for all of us to have trout for dinner with some for the staff,” Kathleen declared, taking her catch from the river.

  “Agreed. Let’s get these to Cook so she may start working her magic on them. Then, I’d like you to rest, for I feel the evening will be long, if not somewhat exciting for you,” Elsie stated.

  “Why do you think that, Mother? Matthew is only coming for dinner. After which, I’m sure he will wait an appropriate length of time before making his good byes.”

  “My dear, don’t be so sure of that. You must not have seen his reaction on laying his eyes on you. I’m sure he experienced a similar feeling to you as you did to him. Might I recommend once dinner is finished you play the pianoforte.”

  Kathleen kept her head down in thought as side by side they made their way back to Ashburn Manor. What had her wondering the most was whether Matthew found her attractive to the point of wishing to be seen with her. Then there was the fact, she had been schooled in more subjects than would be normal for a young lady. This she knew, since on several occasions, while in London for her disastrous seasons, she’d overheard quite a few gentlemen mention just that. It had been her intelligence which suitors had been scared of. What would Matthew do on learning the same?

  Since he’d only be in the area for a short time, Kathleen knew he wouldn’t have to time to find out. But that was a huge risk. What if there seemed to be something between them? What would she do? After all, with her younger sister in London hunting down a husband, Kathleen knew Valerie would have a better chance. She presented more of what gentlemen were looking for. With her older brother who lived in the city, Kathleen knew he’d only introduce Valerie to proper men. Setting her mind at ease, Kathleen started to think about which pieces she’d play if Matthew did stay. Then she had a thought as they stepped into the mansion. “Mother, would you be willing to play a waltz or two this eve?”

  “Of course. Might I inquire why?”

  “If what you say, regarding Matthew and myself, is true, wouldn’t that be one of the best ways to find out. At least that’s what I’d been told by other ladies when I was in London.”

  “On that my dear, you are correct. However, I should warn you to be very careful.”

  “I will. Let me have your catch, and I’ll turn them over to Cook then I’ll go rest.”

  “Thank you dear. I wish to inform your father Matthew will be joining us for dinner.”

  “Yes, but please don’t say anything about what we talked about. I do know father would love to see me married as much as I but, as you said, I have to be careful.”

  “Trust me. I won’t say a thing.”

  Giving her mother a head bob, Kathleen started to the kitchen, a smile on her lips. Stepping in, she found Cook waiting by the oak table used to prepare most of the food on and help up both strings.

  “As you can see, we had a successful trip to the river. In the process we met Lord Matthew. He’s the viscount staying at Radcliffe Hall.”

  “Once again I see you bested Her Ladyship. Someday you will have to share your secret with her.”

  To be able to catch as many fish, each time she went to the river, Kathleen had spent hours in not only studying the water but how it swirled around obstacles such as rocks or trees which had fallen in. Then, she watched what bugs the fish preferred. Learning that, she then had devised her own flies to mimic them. That was her secret, and she wasn’t about to share it with anyone. Well, maybe a certain gentleman once she got to know him if things went as she might suspect.

  “Currently I’d rather not inform Her Ladyship. Now, I must go rest as we will be having company, Lord Matthew, for dinner.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.”

  With a smile Kathleen made her way from the room and up to her suite. Walking in she was met by her lady’s maid.

  “Let me guess. From the grin you’re wearing, the trip to the river was highly successful,” Patty said.

  “Very much so, and mother still has no idea how I do it. Now, help me out of my dress as I need to rest as Lord Matthew will be joining us for dinner,” Kathleen announced.

  “Yes, m’ lady. Which gown do you wish to wear tonight?”

  After returning from London several years ago, close to tears from the way she’d been treated where wearing the proper gown was a necessity, she’d never given much thought to it. Now, with Matthew coming, she had to make sure the dress was perfect. Not too daring while not too demure.

  “I’m not sure which would be the best one for this eve. Let me see what I have,” Kathleen declared.

  Stepping over to her armoire, Kathleen opened the doors and peered in. Rifling through her gowns, she shook her head at each one, until… “This one. I know it’s white with a long train, but it will be perfect for tonight,” she pronounced, taking out the gown she’d worn when presented to the king.

  “Yes, m’ lady, it will be perfect. Hand it over, and I’ll iron the wrinkles off.”

  Kathleen did then turned so Patty could undo the button on the dress she was wearing. After she put on a bathrobe, Kathleen retrieved a book by Galileo, The Starry Messenger, and walked over to a chair by the fireplace. Taking a seat, she opened it and started reading. Of the different books she could have selected, she’d chosen this particular one as she knew it would put her to sleep. And shortly after starting in on the tome Kathleen could feel her lids start to close.

  Kathleen felt her shoulder being gently shaken. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see her maid standing in front of her.

  “M’ lady, it’s time to wake and start getting ready for dinner,” Patty said.

  Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Kathleen smiled up to her maid then stood.

  “How soon until my bath water arrives?”

  “It is here now and at the proper temperature. I held off adding any bath scents as I wasn’t sure which one you would prefer.”

  Considering the selected gown, Kathleen knew the perfect one—gardenia.

  “Thank you. Now have you thought about how to set my hair? I’d like something a little, but not too much, dramatic, but it also needs to ma
tch the gown.”

  “I’ve already thought about that and have come up with the perfect way to do your hair. As I wasn’t with you when you had your come-out I spoke with Her Ladyship’s maid and from her got the idea. If you were to look to your dressing table you will see,” Patty declared.

  Doing as directed, Kathleen saw several pure-white roses resting on the table. She knew Patty would weave them into her hair, thusly creating the affect she was looking for. To dazzle Matthew.

  “I definitely approve. My only question, how were you able to get the gardener to part with them?”

  “When I told him why I wished them, and who would be dining this eve, he freely gave them up. It seems, for some reason, Wats knows of the viscount, and from his reaction approves of the gentleman.”

  This Kathleen found very interesting. To the best of her knowledge, the man had worked on her father’s estate for years, having started out as a grass cutter. In all that time it was well known the head gardener approved of no one, not even the earl or countess so this came as a shock.

  “Did he say how he and the viscount met?”

  “No he didn’t, and I decided not to press the issue. Let’s get you bathed so you can be dressed and I can do your hair. And trust me, when Lord Matthew sees you, I’m sure he will be speechless,” Patty stated.

  Kathleen knew that would be interesting to see, correction hear. His Lordship silenced. And she knew with the selected gown and the roses in her hair, he would be. Slipping out of the robe then her undergarments, she swept into her private room. Taking the bath oil bottle down, she let a few drops fall into the water then swirled her hand around enjoying the fragrance. Stepping into the hip tub, Kathleen started in to bathing. Once done, she had her maid help wash her waist length hair.

  Finished with her bath and dried, Kathleen slipped on a bathrobe then took a seat near the fire. There she brushed out her hair until it was almost dried.

  “Patty, help me into my undergarments, then you may do my hair. I’ll put the gown on last as I don’t wish to wrinkle it.”

  “As you wish, m’ lady. Have a seat in front of your dressing table. I thought, considering the gown you selected, the pearl necklace, earring, and bracelet would be the best.”

  “On that, you are correct.”

  Doing as directed, Kathleen swept over and took a seat. Slowly, she watched as Patty created a miracle with her hair, especially the way the woman wove the roses in. With the pearls on, Kathleen stood and stepped away from the table. Dropping the robe from her shoulders, she had Patty slip the gown over her head. Once the many tiny buttons were fastened, Kathleen stepped over to the full-length mirror and smiled.

  “Patty, you have created a miracle except for one point. As I was a little smaller when I wore this dress, it would seem my bosoms are a little more visible than I like. Do you have a suggestion?”

  “I do, m’ lady, and knowing you might need a little diversion I saved this for you.”

  Turning about on her satin slippered heel, Kathleen saw Patty holding a red rose in her hand and a grin on her lips.

  Yes, Kathleen thought, that would be the perfect way to silence Matthew. Not only that but the way she presented herself then Kathleen knew she would find out if he had suddenly, even after a brief talk, developed feelings for her. Now, more than ever, she prayed he’d stay and listen to her on the pianoforte then take a waltz with her.

  Dropping her head so Patty wouldn’t see the blush Kathleen knew was happening on thinking about him. Once the warmth left her, only to be replaced by what seemed to be a swarm of butterflies in her stomach, she turned to her maid.

  Accepting the proffered flower, she delicately placed it in her cleavage, thus adding the final touch.

  “M’ lady, you’ve never looked so lovely as you do now.”

  “Thank you.”

  Collecting her wrap, Kathleen went down to her mother’s parlor.

  Gliding in, Kathleen wasn’t surprised at the gasp coming from her mother. Now, if Matthew would react the same way, Kathleen would partially learn there could be something between them.

  “My dear, you are the picture of grace and elegance. I’m so pleased you chose that particular gown.”

  “Thank you. As I haven’t been to London for the longest of time, this is the only one I have which will suit for this evening. As you well know, fashion in the country and the city are greatly, for the most part, different. With Lord Matthew, the nephew to the Duke of Kettering, I’m sure he is familiar with the latest fashions.”

  “On that, you are correct. What I do love also, is the red rose. The flower adds a lovely touch of intrigue to you,” her mother declared.

  “I wish I could say it was my suggestion, but Patty knew the bodice would be a bit to revealing for me. I think having the flower there, Lord Matthew won’t be able to keep his eyes off me.”

  Hearing footsteps coming down the hall, Kathleen took a seat beside her mother. Her father stepped in.

  “Ladies, you both look lovely this evening, and I’m pleased to see, Kathleen, you found another use for your presentation gown,” Roger stated.

  “Thank you, Father. As you can see, even my hair was done very similar to that night.”

  “Yes, and you will certainly make an impression with the viscount. And before you inquire, your mother informed me the three of you met earlier.”

  Quickly, she peered to her mother who gently shook her head. That tiny action told Kathleen nothing had been said about her reaction to Matthew. Tonight though, her father might learn more than he wished.

  “Lord Matthew is a very pleasant, young gentleman who didn’t seem upset we were fishing on the ducal property,” Kathleen said.

  “I do hope until he departs you both refrain from partaking in that particular activity. Yes, I know with the rapids on our part of the river fishing is close to impossible. Still we shouldn’t antagonize the viscount,” Roger stated.

  A knock on the doorframe brought Kathleen’s and then her parents’ attention in that direction to see Brown with Matthew beside him.

  “M’ lord and ladies, Viscount Rathbourne,” the butler announced.

  Standing, so Matthew would get the full effect of the gown, Kathleen watched him step into the parlor. What she enjoyed was his wide-eyed look on seeing her. Giving him a slight curtsey, she kept her smile to herself. Straightening, she waited for her father to speak first.

  “Lord Matthew, this is a great pleasure having you join us this eve. I understand you’ve already met the countess and our daughter.”

  She waited several heartbeats, studying Matthew as he attempted to form words. Finally-

  “Yes, m’ lord. This afternoon while hunting down another spot for the gazebo my uncle has commissioned me to design. I had gone to the river, and the ladies were fishing. But even more importantly, when staff aren’t within earshot you have my permission to use my Christian name, as I’ve already given them the same blessing.”

  “Agreed. Now, I must apologize for not offering our hospitality. Please have a seat,” Roger said.

  “Thank you.”

  As there was a chair directly across from her and another next to where her father sat, Kathleen wondered which Matthew would take. Retaking her seat, she watched him choose the one opposite her. She suspected this was so he could continue to study her, as he’d done at the river.

  “Matthew, you should enjoy at least part of the dinner planned. Cook has prepared several of the trout we caught today. If I’m not mistaken, she will fry them in fat which will help crisp the skin,” Kathleen declared.

  “That is the best way, I’ve found, to serve them. As it turns out, I do love seafood. Would you be able to recommend an excellent tavern?” Matthew uttered.

  “I’m surprised the Hall’s Cook hasn’t prepared anything from the ocean for you. She is reputed to be one of the best cooks in the district. Of course, ours is a little better. Just do me a favor Matthew, don’t mention that fact to either,” Elsie te
ased.

  “Trust me, I won’t. As for my cook, all she’s been preparing for me is beef, venison, and lamb. When I asked, she told me ‘isn’t that what gentlemen of society eat’. I decided not to comment but will ask for the local specialties.”

  “Then, Matthew, it’s a good thing we are only having one course of beef. The others, now in your honor are either trout, compliments of the duke or from the ocean. And as Brown is standing in the door, most likely to inform us dinner is ready, shall we,” Elsie said.

  “After which, if you, m’ lord, are in agreement, I thought I’d play the pianoforte,” Kathleen offered.

  “That would be wonderful, with one request,” Kathleen studied Matthew and wasn’t surprised when he turn to her mother. “M’ lady would you be willing to play a waltz so I might dance with your daughter?”

  “M’ lord, I would be pleased, but why stop at one when two would be so much better.”

  Accepting his hand, Kathleen let him assist her in standing. Normally, this simple task shouldn’t have caused her to worry but it did when her arm tingled at his gentle touch. Schooling her features, she settled her hand on his arm, and they followed her parents to the family dining room.

  Something told her the meal and later would be very interesting.

  Chapter Three

  Frustrated he couldn’t concentrate, Matthew tore off another sheet of sketch paper and tossed it in the direction of the fireplace. Part of the reason was that his mind continued to drift back to last eve and seeing Kathleen. He wasn’t sure which had done him in. The gown she wore with the red rose placed strategically or holding her in his arms when they waltzed.

  When he’d first met her and Elsie at the river, Matthew had been taken in by Kathleen’s beauty to the point he’d not been able to focus on his task at hand. And that was his problem. He needed to return to the river, sit down, and study the land. Only then would he be able to think what the structure would look like.