Blame It on Bath Page 0,69

doing as he’s told. All in all, ’tis a great deal better than life under Lord Howe.”

She had to smile. “I expected nothing less.” And it was, even with her uncertainties. When Gerard had left the house after dinner the night before, Katherine had felt a moment of alarm. When she peeked out the window to see him striding away, her heart nearly stopped. The last thing she wanted to do was drive him away. Her determination to keep some protective distance between them, to shield her too-vulnerable heart, only lasted until she thought of his turning away from her altogether. She had suffered real fear that he would spend the night elsewhere, in the arms of another woman. If he decided he would rather make love to someone else, Katherine worried she would have no use at all to him anymore. Her fortune was his, whether he ever spoke to her again or not. She had to adjust her thinking; if they got along best in bed, perhaps she should try to spend more time there with him. It would hardly be punishing.

But then he came home and confided in her. Not a great unburdening of his soul, but he told her why they were in Bath and why he went out all day. It didn’t surprise her at all that he wanted to hunt down the man responsible for the scandal threatening his family, and she could understand why he’d been so secretive about it. It warmed her heart that he had decided to tell her after all. And then he turned her over and made love to her until she could barely breathe, let alone ask more questions. It made up her mind. She had hoped to win her husband’s affection before attempting to stoke his desire for her, but there was no reason it couldn’t work in the other direction. The flattering new dress only made it seem more possible.

That evening she had Birdie dress her hair for an evening out. She put on the luminous blue gown and dabbed orange water behind her ears before fastening the amethyst pendant around her neck.

“You look beautiful, Miss Katherine,” whispered Birdie, one hand pressed to her throat. “Your father would be so proud.”

“Thank you, Birdie.” She squeezed the older woman’s hand. As she regarded herself in the mirror, she thought it might even be true.

Gerard’s reaction was even more gratifying. He stopped cold when she came down the stairs, and a slow smile spread over his face. “Good evening,” he said, taking her hand as she reached the bottom step. “Mrs. Goddard earned every penny.”

Katherine blushed with pleasure. “Thank you for prompting her to deliver a gown early.”

He waved it aside. “I wanted to enjoy the sight of you wearing a decent gown for once.” He lowered his head to murmur in her ear, “I already enjoy the sight of you wearing nothing at all.”

Her blush grew hotter, but she was becoming used to his wicked ways. “That would be highly shocking at the Assembly Rooms.”

He laughed as he offered his arm. “And a bit improper, even for me.”

By the time they arrived at the New Assembly Rooms, Katherine felt like she was floating on air. She never imagined how much a mere dress could change everything. As they walked through the corridor toward the ballroom, women paused to watch them and whisper behind their fans. They were probably noticing Gerard more than her, as he was dazzling in his scarlet coat again; but for the first time in her life Katherine didn’t feel insignificant and invisible. She kept her head high and smiled whenever they stopped to greet someone. It came as no surprise to her that Gerard already seemed to know half the town, while she only saw a familiar face when Lady Darby waved cheerily to her from across the room.

“There’s Carter and his sister,” said Gerard to her. “I’ve wanted to introduce you for some time.”

She was glad he had waited. Up close, Cora Fitzwilliam was even more beautiful than she was from across Milsom Street. At least tonight Katherine felt at only a modest disadvantage next to the lady; in her dowdy old blue dress, she would have felt hopelessly plain. To her relief, though, Mrs. Fitzwilliam was perfectly warm and charming, and her brother, Lieutenant Carter, was just as cordial.

“I’ve so looked forward to meeting you,” said Mrs. Fitzwilliam, drawing her a bit apart from the gentlemen. “I cannot tell you how