Page 118 of A Misguided Devotion
The colour bleached out of his father’s face. “What?”
“She didn’t tell you that we almost drowned yesterday?”
“No.” He gave a half-hearted huff. “Those must have been the extenuating circumstances she referred to.”
“I will marry her, Father. I would much rather do so now, with your permission, but if you force me to wait, then so be it.”
“How long have you been courting this lady?”
William’s fingers forked their way through his hair, the familiar action doing nothing to lessen his growing unease. “Only a few weeks.” Less than that. He hadn’t been free to speak until after he discovered Miss Barrington was married. “But how long do you need to know your own heart?”
“Are you certain she feels the same? That she is not grasping for a title?”
His scowl reflected how much the suggestion revolted him. “You would not say that if you knew her.”
“Then she is free to refuse you?”
“If that is her wish—but it isn’t.”
“Are you sure? You don’t think your grandmother’s disparaging words have frightened her away?”
An icy chill scooted down William’s spine. Kitty realised he’d choose her over his family, didn’t she? “Is that what Miss Lacey said to you? If so, I need to reassure her that it won’t happen again. Grandmama shouldn’t have spoken like that, but she knows better now and will not repeat her mistake.”
His father pulled back, as though to take a more comprehensive look at him. Was it such a surprise that William had stood up to the Duchess?
A slow smile formed on Father’s face. “Behold the paragon.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“Miss Lacey said I should be proud of the man you have become—and I am beginning to think she is right.”
Kitty’s praise was all the sweeter because it was brought to him through his father. “I am relieved to find she is growing on you. Now, please excuse me. I must seek my betrothed to reassure her of my undying love.”
“She’s not here.”
With that simple pronouncement, all the colours of William’s life ran together. “Do you know where she’s gone?”
“Are you asking for my assistance?”
“Yes, Father. I beg you, tell me if you have any idea where she went. I must find her. Kitty has nowhere else to go. Please help me.”
“She has gone to Mrs Barrington’s house.”
“No!” Of all the places on earth, that was the last Kitty would go to of her own volition. “That woman treated her like a servant. Why would she return there?” Had his grandmother really persuaded her it was her duty to leave him?
William strode toward the front door, but his father laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Are you going after her?”
“Of course, I am. Do you think I would abandon the lady I love to be devoured by that harpy?”
“Is the woman that bad?”
“Yes. Forgive me for opposing you, but I can’t desert Kitty. I could more easily give up painting. With or without your support, I will marry her, if my family hasn’t succeeded in turning her against me.”
William ordered the carriage to be brought around, and within a few minutes, he was on the road to Dumbarton House. He would not return without the lady who had won every piece of his heart.
Kitty braced herself as she approached Mrs Barrington’s front door. Would the old woman give her an audience?
The butler beamed at her. “Good morning, Miss Lacey. How lovely to see you.” He glanced over at the carriage that stood waiting for her. “Are you alone?”
