Saving Lord Berkshire - Laura Beers Page 0,32
“It has helped me immensely.”
“What do my eyes reveal?” Edward asked, leaning forward.
“That you are dull and extremely aggravating,” Kitty jested.
He chuckled. “I see that you still have a lot to learn, dear sister.”
Kitty considered him for a moment. “You seem happier today,” she remarked. “Why is that?”
“Do I need a reason?”
“No, but it just seems odd to me,” she replied.
“Perhaps it has something to do with me asking Miss Blackmore to find me a wife,” he explained.
Kitty’s lips parted, but she recovered quickly. “When was this?”
“Last night, after supper,” he replied.
“Why would you do such a thing?” she asked with a dumbfounded expression.
Edward frowned. “Is it so hard to believe that I am in search of a bride?”
“Yes,” she admitted. “It is.”
He took a moment to consider that as he adjusted his white cravat, then he explained. “After speaking to Martin, I decided that a wife might bring joy back into my life.”
A line between Kitty’s brow appeared. “Have you considered getting a dog?”
“I don’t want a dog.”
“A cat, then?”
“I don’t want a pet,” he insisted, running his hand through his hair.
“I’m not sure you want a wife either.”
“And why do you say that?”
Kitty tossed her napkin onto her plate. “You are not ready to have a wife.”
“I am thirty years old,” he contended. “Besides, it is only a matter of time until you are wed, and I will be in need of companionship.”
His sister remained quiet for a long moment before saying, “I’m sorry for my poor reaction, but I’m afraid you caught me off guard.”
“I understand.”
“What did Miss Blackmore say when you asked her to secure you a bride?”
He smirked. “She reacted the same way you did.”
“I can only imagine,” Kitty responded, smiling.
“I will be joining you for your lessons today,” he shared.
Kitty’s smile grew playful. “This should be interesting.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because Miss Blackmore has the uncanny ability to know what we need to learn to find a potential match.”
“Surely, it cannot be too hard for Miss Blackmore to find me a bride,” he commented. “I am a marquess, and I’m in possession of a good fortune.”
“But what about finding love?”
With a dismissive flick of his wrist, he said, “I am not naïve enough to assume that love finds everyone, and I will be content with marrying someone whom I hold in some regard.”
“That will not do, Edward,” Kitty stated firmly.
“It is enough, at least for me.”
To his horror, Kitty’s eyes turned pleading. “You must promise me that you will only marry for love.”
“I’m afraid I can’t promise that,” he replied.
“Why?”
He reached out and encompassed Kitty’s hand. “You need not worry about me,” he said, trying to sound comforting. “I will be all right.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
“And I will be,” he responded.
Kitty slipped her hand out of his and quickly rose. “If you will excuse me, I need to see to a few things before we depart for Miss Blackmore’s townhouse.”
“Can I be of any service to you?” he asked, rising.
“No,” she said, backing towards the door. “I will be back down shortly.”
As Kitty exited the dining room, Edward returned to his seat and let out a sigh. He hadn’t expected that reaction from his sister. He thought she would be happy for him. Didn’t she want him to find a wife?
Garvey stepped into the room, holding a letter in his hand. “I thought you might be interested in knowing that a letter arrived addressed to Lady Kitty.”
He snapped his fingers. “Bring it here.”
“As you wish,” the butler said, closing the distance between them.
Edward held out his hand and accepted the letter from Garvey. His heart dropped when he saw who had sent it.
Mr. Kendell.
Blast it! His solicitor had written Kitty a letter and had the nerve to have it delivered to the townhouse. Well, that would not do. It was completely inappropriate for Mr. Kendall to be sending correspondence to his sister. If word ever got out, then Kitty’s reputation would be in tatters.
He turned his fiery gaze towards the butler. “Has my sister received many of these letters?” he asked.
“No, milord,” Garvey confirmed. “This was the first of its kind.”
“Very good.” He shoved back his chair and rose. “For the time being, I would like to be kept informed of all my sister’s correspondences.”
“As you wish.”
Edward stormed out of the dining room and headed towards his study. It was time for him to dismiss his solicitor.
With a knitted brow, Miss Olivia asked, “You want me to appear less clever?”
“No, that