Page 51 of Kismet

PostScript. Give my Kitty all of my love.

Folding the letter back up, she placed it on her lap. “I think it will please her to learn that she will gain you as a son. She has always favored you. You were a great aid to her when we managed to become liberated from my father's dominance.”

“She has offered me many pearls of wisdom in that letter. I'm looking forward to having her as my mother, because I no longer want to accept mine.” With a sigh, Theodore crossed his feet at the ankles and positioned them closer to the flickering flames.

Wrapping her arm around his, Catherine snuggled into his side. “How are things with your mother?”

“They will not charge her with anything, but I refuse to have that woman in my house. In any house that I inhabit. She can have her settlement money, but I will not support her in any other way.” Theodore looked into the flames as they danced and compiled his thoughts before continuing. “Before Cedric died, he had the estate that Mother gained in her settlement refurbished. He was afraid of her reaction to his getting married. He wanted to have a place to send her if things became unbearable. She will be leaving for Wales as soon as may be.”

“She will not be best pleased by that.” As Catherine laughed, her soft chuckles conveyed a deep sense of comprehension. “Though oddly enough, I have always wanted to travel and see places in Scotland and Wales and Ireland. I hear there are many great vistas, and I would love to have the opportunity to paint them.”

Grinning widely, Theodore looked at Catherine, eager to dream of their happy future together. “Then I will make sure you will have every opportunity while traveling together. Perhaps we can go on an extended wedding trip and check on the estates I have inherited.”

“I would be thrilled with such a trip.” Catherine rested her head on his shoulder before asking, “When are you telling your mother of these changes?”

Resting his head on hers, Theodore realized he needed to take care of their current problems before they could get to their happily ever after. “I was hoping that we could do it together. I would like to present a united front. Mother has been trying to divide us, and I would like to show her how much she has failed.”

“I am willing to join you. In fact, I have an idea that might help you.” Sitting up, she offered him a mischievous grin and asked, “Does your mother read the paper at all?”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Catherine walked with Lambert across the square. It was a glorious morning, and she was ready for the battle ahead. Reaching Matlock House, she smiled at the footman who opened her door. “Thank you, Jones.”

Barnes came to her immediately and bowed. “Miss Catherine, may I say just how glad I am to see you here?”

“I am rather glad to be here.” Catherine grinned at Theodore’s batman. Lambert had confessed that she had spoken with Barnes, and he had seemed bothered by Theodore's recent actions. It was reassuring to discover that he had been silently rooting for her, like a hidden ally.

“Lord Matlock asked that you join him and his mother in the breakfast parlor. If you follow me.” Turning, he led the way to where Theodore waited for her.

Upon entering the room, Catherine noticed Lady Matlock was sitting at the table drinking tea. There was toast with jam on a plate near her saucer, and she was working her way through a plate of eggs.

As Theodore saw Barnes bring her into the room, a smile instantly spread across his face, lighting up his eyes. His breakfast of tea and toast sat untouched. “Kitty, I am so glad you were able to come for breakfast.” Getting up, he came over to her and kissed her on the cheek. “Come sit with me. Would you care for some tea?”

Catherine sat in the chair that he pulled out for her and smiled warmly at him. “Yes, I would. You know how I like it.” Looking across the table, she did not miss the look of shock flash across Lady Matlock’s face. The lady never would have expected Catherine to show up so calmly at breakfast. Her plan had failed. Catherine would not be suffering the dreadful fate of being forced into marriage with Deerhurst. Not that she would have wed the cur no matter what he did. It would be interesting to watch how Lady Matlock reacted to her failure. She did not strike Catherine as the sort who liked to lose.

“Really, Theodore, the girl can get her own tea,” Lady Matlock scoffed at her son. With a subtle hint of doubt, she altered her tune, her soft smile lending a softness to her next words. “She is not as delicate as you might suppose.”

Catherine took the teacup that was offered and took a grateful sip before turning to smile at Lady Matlock. “Thank you for your support, Lady Matlock, but I do like it when your son chooses to spoil me so.”

Taking his seat once more, Theodore smiled at Catherine over his own cup of tea. “And I love spoiling you, so it works out for the best.”

Catherine looked around the room while she waited for the battle to begin. It was a pleasant space, even if slightly ostentatious. The food on the sideboard was plentiful and she might have enjoyed some if she did not have something to do instead of enjoying the morning. The morning paper sat on the sideboard next to the food. It was unassuming but held the key catalyst to the morning’s events. Catherine desired to get things moving, so she spoke up. “Would you mind if I looked at your paper? With so many people at my home, I have to wait my turn to read the day's happenings.”

Lady Matlock stood and went to the sideboard, instantly taking up the paper and moving back to her seat. “Of course, dear, as soon as I finish with it. I always read it first thing. You would not know this, but a person of my status simply must be kept up to date on all the goings on.”

“By all means, please do read it. Tell me if you see anything of note.” Turning to Theodore, she smiled at him, her heart racing with anticipation. They had wanted his mother to see what they had arranged to be in the paper, but she knew they could not simply ask her to read the paper. They had discussed the fact that Lady Matlock may try to twist things unless they presented their engagement as a done deal. She would also need to be shown their commitment to her absence from their lives. They did not have to wait long before a high-pitched shriek disrupted their quiet conversation about Artie’s latest antics.

Lady Matlock slammed the paper down on the table before her. “Theodore, this is not to be born! There is an announcement here in the Morning Post that is simply outrageous. You must contact these people and tell them of their errors. It is egregious.”

“What error, Mother? What did you read that was so very upsetting?” Theodore put his teacup down and leaned back in his chair.

“There is an announcement of your engagement to Miss Catherine. You are courting the chit, not marrying her. They obviously have their facts wrong. It even says that Lady Matlock is relocating to Wales and will not be present for the wedding to be held at Pemberley but wishes her son every happiness. I have no desire or need to move to Wales or anywhere else.” Clearly realizing his lack of intentions to do her bidding, Lady Matlock made a strangled sound of frustration. “You must go there immediately and set them straight.”

“The announcement is correct, actually.” He reached out to Catherine, who was sitting next to him, and as their hands met, he pressed a gentle kiss onto her knuckles, a gesture filled with affection. “I have humbly asked Miss Catherine to be my partner in life, and she has bestowed upon me the privilege of her hand.”

Lady Matlock gaped at them, mouth open and expression bewildered, but then her expression hardened. “You did not see fit to come to your mother with this news?”

Catherine gently placed her hand on Theodore's, providing reassurance, before she spoke. “We announced it at supper last night at Darcy House. Our news was received with great enthusiasm, and everyone was thrilled to hear it. You were invited to come last night, were you not? My sister said she invited you personally.” Catherine smiled innocently at the woman who had plotted her demise. They had all known she would not attend. Lady Matlock had not come to a single family dinner. Apparently, she thought herself above such things.

---