Read Online In the Shadow of Arabella by Lois Menzel - Free Book Online Page B

“Are you awake, Katy?’’
    Katherine’s voice answered from a sofa near the windows. “I am here, Charity, and I appreciate your concern, but I would rather be alone.’’
    Charity pulled one panel of the heavy brocade aside, allowing the slanting rays of the sun to penetrate. “You have been alone long enough. We need to talk.” She moved to the couch and sat beside Katherine.
    “If Marie had known how you feel about Lord Parnaby, she would never have told you in such a way. She did not intend to hurt you.”
    “I know, and I do not blame her. What does she think? What does your aunt think?’’
    “Only that you danced too long and were overcome by the heat. I even added for good measure that you had complained of a slight headache earlier in the evening. I do not think they suspect.”
    Katherine smiled weakly and patted Charity’s hand. “You are a good friend, but you do not need to lie for me.”
    “I did not mind. It was only a tiny white lie, anyway.”
    “How did I get into the salon?”
    “Lord Rudley carried you. He was there just as you slipped from the chair. I barely realized what was happening and he had already caught you.”
    “Did people stare?”
    “There was such a press I do not think many even noticed what was happening. My aunt mumbled something about the heat to those nearby and someone directed us toward the private room.”
    “I have never fainted in my entire life. It is so humiliating.”
    “Lord Parnaby has acted with great dishonor,’’ Charity said.
    “Has he? He has done what most men facing bankruptcy would do. He has decided to marry a fortune.”
    “But, Katy, he should have told you himself. He should never have allowed you to find out in such a way. He owed you that, at least.”
    “Did he? Did he owe me? I thought about it a good deal during the night. He made no promises to me, and although he did ask me to wait for him, I suppose he has a right to change his mind.”
    “What do you intend to do now?”
    “I intend to do what I started out to do. I shall cross James off my list and continue to court the other candidates.” Her voice wavered and her eyes filled with tears. As Charity reached to envelop her friend in a consoling hug, Katherine whispered confidingly into her shoulder, “I love him, Charity, I truly love him.”
    * * * *
    The Earl of Rudley arrived late to the grand ball held by the Duke of Stowe to launch his youngest daughter into society. The duke’s mansion in Park Lane was bursting with over three hundred guests. The earl, dressed impeccably in strict evening attire, made his way steadily through the throng, hardly realizing he was looking for Lord Brent’s party until he noticed Miss Harrington and her aunt a little distance away. When he inquired if Miss Stillwell had accompanied them, he was informed that Katherine was indeed present but that she had gone to dance with Lord Witford. This information did little to please his lordship and a deep frown settled over his handsome face.
    Although on the wrong side of forty-five, Lord Witford was a moderately wealthy and considerably charming gentleman. During the past several weeks he had shown an inordinate interest in Miss Stillwell. Rudley had never cared for Witford and had recently discovered he cared for him even less when he appeared in company with Miss Stillwell. Yet despite his age and reputation, Witford would be considered a good catch for a modestly dowered woman.
    Rudley spent nearly half an hour circulating through the ballroom looking among the dancers for Katherine. He finally saw her coming in from the balcony on the arm of Lord Witford. He realized, almost with a sense of shock, that she must have been with the man the entire time he had been searching for her.
    He moved immediately in their direction, keeping his eyes on the pale blue of Katherine’s dress. Her gown was trimmed at the sleeves and hem in velvet ribbon of midnight blue, with the narrow skirt falling from