Page 64 of The Viscount's Unwanted Bride
“You’re naïve, then,” Mrs. Norman spat, her eyes narrowing into slits. “They might like to paint a pretty picture, but while she was alive, Elizabeth was treated with far less respect.”
Someone moved in the periphery of her vision, but Kate didn’t look around. She didn’t want to turn her back on the pair.
“I’m very sorry to hear that.” It wasn’t a surprise. People could be cruel, especially when they believed that others had gotten above their station.
Mr. Norman dipped his head, acknowledging her comment. “I imagine you’re aware of how the world can be toward those who aspire to higher dreams than their humble birth would grant them.”
“I am.” Not that she’d experienced that firsthand. She was privileged to have been born into a wealthy and powerful family. She had no idea how it would feel to have been in Elizabeth’s shoes.
He stepped closer. “If she’d provided an heir, perhaps she would have been treated more kindly. As it was, many of the people she’d considered friends turned on her because she not only married above herself, but she also failed to produce the next heir to the Blackwell estate. Lady Blackwell certainly let her displeasure with that state of affairs be known.”
Kate’s heart ached for Elizabeth. She could well believe what Mr. Norman was telling her, and her chest constricted at the thought of what Elizabeth must have been through. “I’m sorry that happened. She didn’t deserve it.”
“No, she didn’t,” he agreed somberly.
A maid entered, carrying a tea tray, which she set on a table.
“Would you like tea?” Kate asked.
“Thank you, no,” Mrs. Norman said, moving forward. “We won’t be here long. I just want you to take heed. If you can’t give Blackwell what he wants, you may end up like Elizabeth did. You’d be best to put as much distance between him and you as possible.”
Kate’s hackles rose, but she pressed her lips together so as not to say something she’d regret. “Is that why you came here today? To warn me?”
Mr. Norman nodded. “We don’t wish to see another woman suffer the same fate as our beloved Elizabeth.”
“I thank you for your concern.” She raised her chin. “However, Lord Blackwell doesn’t seem at all to be the vindictive sort. He has behaved honorably toward me and gives every impression of being a caring and thoughtful man.”
“It’s a trick.” Mrs. Norman wrung her hands and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Don’t allow him to fool you.”
Kate’s patience waned. “Please don’t continue to speak ill of my husband in my presence. I know your intentions are good, but I won’t tolerate any further disparagement of his character.”
Two figures appeared on the edge of her vision, moving quickly toward her. She looked over and her gut clenched. Theodore stormed into the room with Samuel close on his heels.
“Speak of the devil and he shall appear,” Mrs. Norman muttered.
Kate half expected the woman to cross herself, but fortunately for them all, she didn’t. That would have created a dreadful scene.
Theodore didn’t stop until he reached her side. His arm came around her, his hand resting on the small of her back, and he faced off against his former parents-in-law.
“How is the new vicarage roof coming along?” he asked, ignoring the very obvious tension between them.
“It is… acceptable.” Mr. Norman spoke slowly, and his eyes darted from Kate to Theodore and back. He shrank into himself a little. “My thanks for sending the necessary funds for the repairs.”
“You’re welcome.” Theodore glanced down, his dark gaze meeting Kate’s. “I see you’ve made the acquaintance of Lady Katherine, the new Viscountess Blackwell.”
“We have.” Mr. Norman’s back straightened slightly. “We hope that Lady Blackwell will experience good health for many years to come.”
“As do I,” Theodore said.
“We’ve got our eyes on you,” Mrs. Norman hissed, apparently having decided that subtlety was overrated.
Theodore’s hand twitched against her back. “There’s nothing you need concern yourself with. All is quite well.”
“We’d best return to the vicarage,” Mr. Norman said, taking his wife’s arm and tugging gently. “Good afternoon, Lord Blackwell.”
Mrs. Norman’s thin upper lip curled back, but she allowed her husband to lead her out of the room.
“Please ensure the Normans leave,” Theodore said to Samuel, who nodded and followed them.
