Page 79 of In Search of a Husband
“I can’t accept this,” she whispered. When she left London, she accepted she would never have a life full of beautiful things. She wasn’t allowed such luxury after what she had done. And yet, this dress was under her fingertips now, and she was here about to welcome the first guests at the inn.
And still, she was unmarried.
Not that she wished for a husband or had left London in search of one.
Certainly, not Gabriel.
“I thought ye could use a few new gowns. I had my dressmakersend a few over. I hope ye don’t mind,” Elsie said, lifting the dress out of her hands and trying it against Kate’s body for size. “Come, look in the mirror. Well, that’s bonny.”
Kate whirled around and grabbed the dress from Elsie’s hand. She slipped behind the screen in the corner to change into the beautiful gown before she could think better of it. It had been a kind act to do what Elsie had just done. They both knew this gown arrived not because of Elsie.
Kate laughed to herself behind the screen, holding her hand up to her mouth as she sniffed back her surprise. This.
It was always this way with Gabriel.
These small acts as if…
“Does it fit?”
“Perfectly.” She twirled out from behind the screen and grabbed her skirts, sinking down into the perfect curtsy.
“Fit for the queen. I daresay these guests will think they have traveled to London.”
“Really?” Kate ducked down to catch a glimpse of herself in the mirror and balked at her hair.
“Nae, they’re here for the festival. They could sleep out in the stable and probably be happy enough.”
Kate straightened. “Have you seen the stable? I have been so busy with the inn, not all the work…”
Except that wasn’t the whole truth. She had spent time with Gabriel in the stable the evening before.
“They’re grand, Katie dear. Like ye in this bonny dress. The stable is a fair cry better than when I arrived. Come here and I’ll help with yer hair, then turn ye loose on the unsuspecting guests.”
Elsie’s fingers deftly discovered the pins scattered throughout Kate’s curls and slipped each out, then carefully twisted and twirled her hair.
“My brother,” she said softly, “he has a kind heart even if the outside is a bit… rough.”
That he did. Kate’s stomach dropped, fearing what would comenext. Knowing Elsie tolerated her enough, but she was to steer clear of Gabriel or to leave all altogether.
“I imagine you decided just now to pretend you purchased this dress, when you and I both know he ordered it.”
Elsie nodded, her mouth full of pins. “I… I wish to call ye my sister, Kate. I do. But I ken my brother, and he’ll muck this up. I ken what happened in London, and I dinna wish ye to be hurt again. Has he made any promises? My brother, I mean.”
Kate scratched her cheek, dread swallowing up the protests in her throat. “No.”
“Then he should be courtin’ ye like ye deserve, like a gentleman.” She spun Kate around and squeezed her shoulders. “Dinna let a fool ruin yer chance at love. I ken that well enough. And ye dinna ken what to make of it here or where ye fit. Ye’re lost, Katherine Bancroft. Before ye fall in love with my brother, I only ask ye love yerself first because ye’ll break his heart if ye have doubts.”
Didn’t everyone feel adrift at some point in their lives? She might have been lost, but she was enjoying finding her way at the moment, however messy that may be. If she was dismissed, then she would return to Charlotte and accept a quiet life as a spinster, outside the edges of the beau monde. Or perhaps she would manage to save up enough funds to move and pretend to be a widow.
Kate reached into the box and discovered a smaller package. She opened it to reveal a beautiful lace shawl and draped it across her shoulders.
“That’s no’ practical,” Elsie grumbled. “Ye’ll catch yer death.”
“But what a fine death that’ll be, looking like this.” She smiled at her reflection in the mirror, watching the flush of love color her cheeks.
“We need a drink.”
“Don’t you dare!” Kate said, laughing. She spun and held up her hands. “I wouldn’t again if you forced me.” She rushed to the door, then paused. “Though I could be persuaded after everyone is settled.”
