Scandalous Miss Brightwells [Book 1-4]

Tonight, she was at the rather flamboyant Lady Primrose’s residence, and her grandmother was having a field day criticising every female who crossed their path.

“Much too much bosom on show,” the old woman now muttered as a very pretty young lady with a swanlike neck, wearing a gown that seemed like a continuation, in a confection of lace-edged flounces, swept by. Katherine wasn’t about to disagree but was glad she was wearing the demure pale-pink-silk her mother had advised her to wear.

Her grandmother turned. “So, my girl, I believe you’ve caught the fancy of Mr Marwick soon to be Lord Marples. A very fine young man, well connected, with a most impressive moustache. I do approve.”

Katherine nodded, just as that gentleman arrived in their midst, bowing with a flourish. “You are looking like an exquisite rose, Miss Fenton,” he declared. When he realised Lady Brightwell’s identity, he appeared most impressed. “My uncle held you in the greatest esteem, Lady Brightwell.” He glanced at Katherine. “Perhaps you do not know that your mama was in fact betrothed to my uncle. Sadly, he died the day before they were due to wed.”

Katherine’s mouth dropped open. She’d not known the prospective marriage had been quite so perilously close.

His mouth turned up in a look both wry and admiring. “Perhaps that accounts for the more than usual attraction I feel for you.” He cleared his voice and glanced at Lady Brightwell. “Though I should not speak so in front of your grandmother. It’s hardly seemly. Beg pardon, ma’am. The Brightwells are known for having this effect on the gentlemen.”

Lady Brightwell seemed not to mind in the slightest. “You can say such pretty words and get away with it, any day, young man,” she said playfully, flicking her fan at him. “Now, off you go and escort my granddaughter onto the dance floor.”

Katherine inclined her head at Mr Marwick and smiled as he squired her into the centre of the throng. He was a good dancer and a charming man, and he knew how to compliment a lady. She heaved in a breath. But there were other equally charming men she had yet to meet. If she only had the desire to.

“May I?”

Her heart ratcheted up with sudden intensity as she recognised Jack’s familiar tones, and she beamed with pleasure, not waiting for Mr Marwick to acquiesce, but saying, warmly, “You know Jack is going away the day after tomorrow, sir, so I’m sure you’ll not mind.”

She didn’t wait to see what effect that had on Mr Marwick. She was just aware of a wonderful sense of completeness being in Jack’s arms and felt not the slightest embarrassment at the fact that the last time she’d seen him was naked in his bed.

“Lovely as ever, Katherine,” he said with a smile, “and the gentlemen are like moths to the flame. You certainly are taking London by storm.”

He seemed sad, she was glad to note but said, though the words pained her, “You must be very excited at the prospect of adventure, Jack.” She forced a smile. “If I could stow away without spoiling everything for all those who have such hopes and plans for you—and for me—I’d do it.”

“Good Lord, Katherine, I’m not sure if you’re teasing me or not.”

She glanced at her feet. “I mean it. Though, of course, I can say it because it’s safe to, can’t I?” She gave a rueful grin. “We both know how impossible it would be, but I can dream. And that’s what I dream about.”

“You…do? You dream about running away with me?”

“Yes, but I’d never do it. You couldn’t get on in the world with me a drag upon your coattails, and you’re too proud to accept success unless it’s earned by you. Besides, my parents would disown me, I believe. My grandmother would certainly wash her hands of me.”

“I fear we are both in a similar predicament, then.”

Katherine gripped his shoulder and pressed herself against him briefly. She wanted to bury her face in his jacket, but of course she couldn’t do that here. Desperately, she wished for time alone. “Jack, you’re going away tomorrow and I can’t bear it,” she whispered. “Please let me come and see you tonight. To your room so I can say my final farewell.”

He squeezed her hand. “It’s too dangerous.” There was real sorrow in his eyes as he manoeuvred them past a knot of dancers. “I dare not let you take such a risk.”

“May I have the pleasure? Katherine has been in such demand, but I’ve not had a look-in for two days.”

It was George, putting his large and imposing bulk between them so that Jack had no choice but to step aside if he didn’t want to have his foot trodden on.

Katherine pretended not to mind. She’d been unwise in her dealings with her cousin before, she realised. George had the power to make her life uncomfortable, and he’d do it if he found an opportunity.

“I’m always happy to dance with a man who knows how to lead,” she said demurely, allowing him to spin her about the room, executing some very fancy footwork.

“You’re looking especially lovely tonight, Katherine.”

“What happened to cuz?” she teased, hoping to ameliorate his earlier displeasure with her. “You always used to call me cousin?”

“As you know, I feel you’re more than that. Yes, I know you don’t want to hear it but it’s the truth. I can’t help what’s in my heart any more than you can. But we can be friends?”

Katherine couldn’t believe it. This was the most mature remark she thought she’d ever heard George make. And she did want to be friends with him.

“Of course we can, George. I’m very fond of you. We’ve known each other our whole lives so of course we must be friends.” She spoke the last word with emphasis. George needed things explained to him more forcefully than other people did, it seemed.

“And we shall both miss Jack. Our time together in Lond