Page 116 of In Search of a Husband
“We are returning to London. Shortly.”
“Now that you have decided to grace us with your presence,” her mother said acidly, gently depositing the spoon beside her teacup.
“There has been a lot to see to.”
“Other than your parents?”
“Dear,” her father chided, returning to his paper. No doubt news of stocks were far more riveting than anything concerning his only daughter now that she refused to marry the marquess.
“Then I am sorry to see you go so soon,” she said. Even though, in truth, in spite of the guilt twisting up in her stomach, she wished never to see them again.
“The way you lie so easily,” her mother hissed. “It’s as if I never spent all those years seeing you raised to be a respectable lady.”
The pianoforte quieted before the marquess strolled up to the table and reached for his teacup.
“I don’t believe that is a fair assessment to make of your daughter, Lady Bancroft.”
“I don’t believe that is any of your concern,” her father shot back, firmly placing the newspaper in front of him. “I should have forced the union between the pair of you in London. But since she has run off because you?—”
Kate held up her hands. “Quiet, please.”
Three sets of eyes full of surprise locked on her, waiting.
“I don’t wish for this to be how we part,” she said diplomatically. “I have not changed my mind about marrying the marquess since yesterday.”
“Why ever not? You wish to remain here? After everything that has happened?” Her mother reached for her fan and hurriedly swished it in front of her face.
“Because she’s agreed to marry me,” Gabriel said, filling the doorway.
Her mother’s fan fell to the table and bounced to the floor.
Kate first peered at her father’s red face, then to the marquess who stood tall, all elegant grace. But that didn’t mean she didn’t register the disappointment hiding behind the charming dimple he flashed.
“And we would be honored if you remained so you could attend the wedding,” Gabriel continued, coming to stand beside Kate.
She reached for his hand, this time finding it close, and he squeezed it as soon as she slipped into his grasp.
“Katherine.” Her mother balked, utterly beside herself at the announcement.
“Certainly we could stay, Sir Martin, until the wedding?” the marquess asked.
“Too much time between the banns and…”
“You can’t remain here in Scotland. You belong in London. It’s been planned since you were born. The marquess would make an excellent husband.”
“Allow me to offer my congratulations on your happy news,” Hugh said, tossing an annoyed glance between her parents.
“Thank you,” Kate and Gabriel said together.
“Married!” screamed Lorna, rushing into the room wearing the marquess’s vest and a cravat tied around her head.
Kate had wished to share the news another way with the girls, rather than them overhearing her parents’ protests.
“Uncle, ye’re to be married?” Lorna raced up and hugged them both, then yelled for Maisie. “I told ye she’s no’ leaving. She’s going to be his wife, Sissy!”
“Wife?” Maisie twirled into the room with the marquess’s top hat on. She took a large bite of apple and keenly studied Kate and Gabriel. “Was he romantical about it?”
“Aye, nae yelling or the like? He’s a fondness for growling.” Lorna folded her arms, her eyes narrowed in on her uncle. “This whole time ye’ve loved her?”
