depth of his character? A stab of uncertainty caused her throat to constrict. Marco’s oblique criticisms concerning both Cluyne and Charlotte had served to point out her own glaring faults.
She was so quick to anger, so quick to judge.
No wonder the duke thought her a headstrong hellion. And if he—or any of her friends—ever learned the real truth about her…
Thank God that Marco did not know the full story about her stay in Naples.
“Katharine.”
“Sir!” she replied, the word sounding more shrill than she had intended. “Forgive me if I am late in returning. Lord Ghiradelli and I noticed a strange light in the conservatory, so we stopped to investigate. And then he wished to have a smoke by the lily pond, so I showed him the way.”
His expression fell for just an instant. “I was not intending a rebuke.”
“Oh.” Kate couldn’t quite meet his eyes.
“I was simply going to remark that it is a—a pleasant evening, is it not?”
“Yes. Indeed. Very pleasant,” she stammered. A look around showed that the terrace was deserted, save for Von Seilig and the two Spaniard diplomats, who were quietly conversing over their brandies by the French doors. “Where is Charlotte?”
“Lady Fenimore said she was fatigued and decided to retire for the night,” replied her grandfather.
“It has been a long day,” said Kate, a little nervous at finding herself alone with him when her thoughts were so confused. “I think I shall do the same. But first I shall just check that the conservatory door has been properly locked.”
Cluyne frowned. “Simpson does that every evening.”
“I know, it’s just that with moving the tea service and drinks table out to the terrace, it might have been overlooked.” She didn’t wish to mention seeing someone come out from the side door. It might only embarrass one—or two—of the guests. Not to speak of raising uncomfortable questions of why she and Marco had moved off the formal paths.
“I shall send one of the footmen,” he offered.
“No, no, I’ll do it.” Anxious to be alone with her thoughts, Kate hastened for the door. “It is on my way, and won’t take but a moment.”
Her grandfather took several steps and then stopped. “Very well.”
“I was just going inside as well, Miss Woodbridge.” Von Seilig set down his empty glass. “Allow me to accompany you.”
Kate gritted her teeth in frustration. “Thank you,” she said curtly, brushing past him without slowing her stride.
The colonel was quick to catch up. “Have I done something to offend you?” he asked quietly.
“No!” Belatedly realizing that the two Spaniards were not far behind them, she lowered her voice. “Forgive me, sir. I assure you that it’s not you. I am simply tired and unused to entertaining so many people.”
Von Seilig smiled. “I understand. But would you mind if I come with you to look at the lock? Just in case there is a problem, I may be of some help.” A twinkle lit his light-blue eyes. “I give you my word that I shall then leave you to your well-deserved solitude.”
Feeling a bit churlish for snapping at him, Kate readily agreed. He really was a thoroughly nice gentleman. In fact, she had come to think of him as a friend. “Your company would be most welcome.”
Passing the staircase to the guest wing, they turned down the corridor leading to the conservatory. Kate heard the click of steps on the marble treads as the two gentlemen started up to their rooms.
“You have not been called to Vienna early?” she asked, as the colonel paused to light an extra candle.
“No. I have one more meeting in London with the Admiralty next week before I take my leave.”
“You must promise to write and give me an account of what it is like in Vienna. The newspapers say that the city will be a very exciting place for the next several months.”
“I hope that you will have a chance to visit it yourself, Miss Woodbridge,” he replied. “I know that you would find it fascinating.”
“I’m sure I would.” Perhaps Cluyne would consider a European trip. Inviting Charlotte might be something to think about.
But not at the moment.
The candlelight illuminated the burnished brass fittings of the conservatory doors.
Kate reached out and tested the latch. It held firm for the first jiggle, but then a click sounded and the catch released.
She tried to reengage the mechanism but it would not close properly.
“I think a screw has come loose,” said Von Seilig. After passing her one of the candles, he knelt down and