A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,30

superficial persona that had everyone fooled. “I would be a horrible match for your brother.”

“It makes no difference to me.” At Kat’s huff of exasperation, Helen continued, “Come now, my dear. It wouldn’t make any difference to Miles either. He’s handsome, wealthy, and a happy sort of fellow. If you marry him, then we’re family. He’d make a marvelous husband to a woman. Why can’t that woman be you?” Helen pushed away from the desk and walked over to a set of samples that Katherine had pulled from storage for another customer. “I don’t want you to have to work. I want you to be as happy as me.”

“I enjoy my work,” Katherine protested. “There are people who have a way to earn their keep because of me. Other vendors, my own staff, and even the farmers in Sweden who send me their feathers. If I play the part of a spoiled widow, what will they do?” She shook her head vigorously. “I wouldn’t be happy not working.”

“Spoilsport,” Helen playfully chided. “I know you thrive here. I can see it in your face. But can I help it if I want you to have more time for yourself? Then we could see each other more.”

Katherine walked to her side, then lightly fingered the linens edged in lace. “I’m lucky to have your friendship.”

Helen smiled that incandescent smile again and squeezed Kat’s hand. “I’m lucky too. I meant to ask how your visit with the Randford solicitor went?”

Kat wanted to tell Helen the truth, but she’d promised the other wives that she’d keep their secrets. “Oh, you know how solicitors are.”

“Boring.” Like a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower, her friend’s attention was drawn to the samples before her. “Are these new?”

“Yesterday, I received that Belgium lace. One of my York suppliers imported it. Do you like it?”

“I adore it. I want a set of linens made with it for my husband and me.” Helen turned to face her. “Speaking of Benjamin, we’re hosting a small dinner party tomorrow in honor of the Duke of Randford’s return. He’s accepted the invitation. What do you think of him?”

“I think he’s a … very special man.”

A crease formed between Helen’s brows. “What do you mean?”

“He’s courageous and fearless, as a war hero should be.” If anyone would interest Kat in marriage, it would be him … or at least, someone like him. Heat, the kind that told too much, bludgeoned her cheeks.

“Are you smitten?” Helen asked.

“Of course not,” Kat answered curtly.

Liar.

“Good.” Her friend nodded in approval. “Miles will be there,” she said in a singsong voice.

“Helen,” Kat protested.

“Give him a chance. Please say you’ll come,” Helen begged. “I want to show you off to all the eligible bachelors sitting around the table.”

“I’m not certain.”

“Katherine, it’s very informal. Only Benjamin’s closest friends will be in attendance.”

“Who did you invite?” Kat asked. As Helen rattled off the names, Kat quickly calculated if anyone attending could possibly be from York and might recognize her. It was silly, but she always did that before attending an event.

“If you’re worried what others might say for you attending an event during your mourning period, don’t be.” Helen put down a piece of lace she’d been holding. “Randford is attending, and no one will say a peep against him. Nor will they do so to you. My family’s friends are not so high in the instep that they subscribe to the endless rules and dictates that the ton tries to force on everyone. Besides, you might meet others interested in what you’ve built around here. You need to attend more social gatherings and let yourself be known to a wider group of people.” She waved her arm around the room. “You might meet potential customers.”

Helen had a point. For heaven’s sake, she’d been in her husband’s company for only six hours when he left her. Why should she have to mourn? Plus, Christian would attend, which meant she’d be able to see him again.

“I don’t have anything to wear.” She smoothed a hand down her dress. “This is the type of dress I have in my wardrobe. Sensible working clothes. I don’t even own an evening gown.”

Helen narrowed her eyes as her gaze swept over Katherine’s simple muslin dress. “You’re about the same size as me. I could loan you a dress.” Helen nodded confidently.

“You’re at least a foot taller than I am. One of your dresses would never fit me.”

“I’ll send over my lady’s maid. She can shorten the