can I not?”
He gave her an encouraging smile. “It shall all work out.”
“Since when did you become an optimist?”
Edward chuckled. “I suppose since I am paying a ridiculous sum to help you.”
“Thank you,” she said sincerely. “It means a lot to know that you have faith in me.”
He smiled at his sister. “You are welcome.”
The chiming from the floor clock drew his attention. “I failed to mention that you have an appointment with Miss Blackmore at ten.”
“Well, then,” Kitty said, rising, “I shall have to cut my ride short if I want enough time to change before meeting with Miss Blackmore.” She turned to face him. “Will you escort me to her townhouse?”
He rose. “I will, but only to the door.”
She gave him a puzzled look. “Why is that?”
“Quite frankly, Miss Blackmore and I are not on the best terms, and it would be wise if we limited our contact with one another.”
“What did you do?” she asked slowly.
“Nothing,” he declared. “She was the one who took an almost immediate disliking to me.”
Kitty lifted her brows. “Why do you suppose that was?”
“It doesn’t matter,” he replied, tugging down on his brown jacket. “Now off with you. Go enjoy your ride but be mindful not to be gone for too long.”
Edward watched as Kitty departed before he sat back down in his chair. It shouldn’t bother him that Miss Blackmore didn’t like him, but it did. Although, he did have a similar opinion of the matchmaker. He found it curious that she was so beloved by the ton. He couldn’t see what their infatuation was with her.
He picked up the paper and started reading again. He had just turned the page when he heard his sister’s laughter drifting in from the entry hall. Putting the newspaper on the table, he walked over to the doorway. He wanted to see what his sister found so amusing. To his dismay, he saw Kitty standing next to Mr. Kendall, who had a lopsided grin on his face, and she appeared to be enthralled by what he was saying.
Blazes!
How was it possible that the only man that Kitty was able to speak freely to was his solicitor, someone who should be completely beneath her notice?
Edward stepped into the entry hall and cleared his throat, loudly.
Mr. Kendall stopped speaking and glanced over at him, having the decency to look uncomfortable. “Lord Berkshire,” the solicitor said, stumbling over his words, “how are you doing this fine morning?”
“I shall meet you in my study,” he grumbled.
Mr. Kendall nodded his understanding and departed from the entry hall without saying another word.
Kitty placed a hand on her hip. “Why were you so rude to him?” she asked, her voice hushed. “That was completely uncalled for.”
“I believe I asked you to refrain from speaking to Mr. Kendall,” Edward stated, walking closer to her. “He is my solicitor, and he is not here to entertain you.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t speak to him.”
“I would prefer it if you didn’t.”
“You are insufferable, you know,” she declared, tossing her hands up in the air. “I am going on a ride to get as far away from you as possible.”
“Don’t forget to take two grooms with you,” he reminded her.
“Perhaps I will forget to take any!” she shouted over her shoulder as she walked towards the main door.
Edward frowned at his sister’s retreating figure. No good would come from Kitty and Mr. Kendall associating with one another. He was sure of it. He strode towards his study and didn’t stop until he came around his desk. As he sat down, he glared up at Mr. Kendall.
“I prefer that you avoid seeking out my sister,” Edward growled.
Mr. Kendall nodded, shifting the files in his hands. “Yes, milord.”
“Good,” Edward remarked. “You are an excellent solicitor, and I would hate to have a reason to dismiss you.” He let his words sink in before he continued. “Now, do you have the reports that I asked for?”
“Yes, I do,” Mr. Kendall responded, stepping closer to the desk.
Edward put his hand out. “Let’s start with the first one, shall we?”
Sitting at the table in the dining room, Katherine had just taken a sip of her tea when Amelia walked in wearing her dark green riding habit.
“Good morning,” she greeted. “How was your ride?”
Amelia smiled broadly as she walked over to the buffet table and picked up a plate. “It was wonderful.”
“That’s good,” Katherine said. “Perhaps I shall join you tomorrow.”
“You are always welcome. It would be nice to have someone