gardens,” Mr. Caney said.
Kitty’s timid smile remained on her face as she placed her hand on his sleeve. “Thank you, Mr. Caney.”
As Mr. Caney started escorting Kitty towards the door, Miss Blackmore came to stand next to him. “You are glowering again, Lord Berkshire,” she informed him in a hushed voice.
“Am I?” he asked, his eyes remaining fixed on his sister.
“Perhaps we could follow them to the gardens to ensure they are properly chaperoned,” she suggested.
“That is a good idea,” he agreed, extending his arm towards her.
Miss Blackmore smiled approvingly as she placed her hand on his arm. “You seem out of sorts, my lord.”
“Do I?” he asked, increasing his stride to catch up with his sister.
“You do realize that our gardens are enclosed, and Mr. Caney won’t be able to abscond with Kitty,” Miss Blackmore teased.
“I am well aware of that fact,” he replied.
“Then why don’t we take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and grant them some privacy?”
He shot her a disapproving look. “Do you not care for Kitty’s reputation?”
“I do,” she replied, “but I daresay our gardens are not that vast.” She pointed up ahead. “Furthermore, your sister and Mr. Caney just sat down on the iron bench by the water fountain.”
“I know little of Mr. Caney,” he disclosed. “Is he a rake?”
“No.”
“Fortune hunter?”
“He has his own sizeable fortune.”
Edward bobbed his head. “That is good.”
“It is,” she replied. “He is also a dear friend, and I can vouch for him.”
“Is he in search of a wife?” Edward asked, frowning.
“He is.”
“Do you think he has his sights set on Kitty?”
Miss Blackmore’s eyes left his and turned towards Kitty. “I do,” she replied. “I believe they would be a splendid match.”
“You aren’t pressing her into marriage with Mr. Caney to collect your substantial fee, are you?” he growled.
Miss Blackmore removed her arm from his and stepped away from him, her back stiff. “I am insulted by your insinuation, my lord.”
“Yet, you haven’t denied it.”
Her lips were pursed together, and her eyes were sparking with fury. “I am beginning to think you truly are a horrid man who derives pleasure by inflicting pain on other people.”
He opened his mouth to object when she put her hand up, stopping his words. “You hired me to secure a match for your sister, and when I do, you try to shame me. Why is that?”
Edward winced at her harsh words, knowing she spoke the truth. “I don’t know,” he admitted reluctantly. “I suppose seeing Kitty with Mr. Caney forced me to realize that she will eventually marry and leave me.”
“Isn’t that what you want?” Miss Blackmore asked, her eyes searching his.
“Yes.” He hesitated. “At least, I thought I did.”
Miss Blackmore turned her gaze towards Kitty and Mr. Caney. “Your sister is not a little girl anymore,” she asserted.
“I know.”
“You must trust her to make the best choices for her future.”
“And what if she gets it wrong?”
Miss Blackmore brought her gaze back to meet his. “Then she must live with the consequences of her decisions, just as you or I would.”
He turned his gaze and watched as Kitty and Mr. Caney conversed with each other. They were obviously enjoying their conversation, if the smiles on their faces were any indication.
“I must admit that I am pleased at how quickly Kitty was able to overcome her shyness and speak to Mr. Caney so freely.”
“Kitty has been a delight to work with. She understands her own limitations and has strived to correct her behavior.”
“I suppose Mr. Caney wouldn’t be the worst choice as a brother-in-law,” he commented. “Besides, nearly everyone is better than Mr. Kendall.”
“Mr. Caney comes from an impressive lineage,” she revealed. “But, more importantly, he is a kind man that would treat your sister most admirably.”
Edward sighed. “That is what I want most for her.”
“Then you must trust that my sisters and I have the best intentions for her,” Miss Blackmore said. “We are rather fond of Kitty.”
He kicked at the gravel with his black Hessian boots. “This is the part where I should apologize for my thoughtless actions.”
“I won’t disagree with you there.”
Turning to face Miss Blackmore, he forced a smile on his lips. “Miss Blackmore…”
She spoke over him. “You are glowering.”
“I am not.”
“You are.”
He widened his smile and asked, “Is this better?”
“Heavens, no!” she exclaimed, but with laughter in her tone. “Now you look like you intend me harm.”
He scoffed. “Do you ever not speak your mind?”
She smiled mischievously. “I rarely behave, my lord. You should know that by now.”
Edward felt his