Page 116 of Winterset
“We have told the servants that you are my cousin visiting from York.” Hannah reached for my hand and led me to the edge of the bed to sit beside her. “I understand your fears. You have been through so much. But I promise you, you have nothing to fear here. When Damon received Oliver’s letter asking for his help ...” Her voice quivered. “You cannot know what it meant to him. He sprang into action immediately and has worked night and day to ensure your protection.”
“I do not mean to be a burden.”
“Oh no.” Hannah shook her head. “You are not. On the contrary, you are an answer to our prayers. We have not seen nor heard from Oliver in over two years.” A pained expression shadowed her face. “I regret the circumstance that has brought you to us, but you are not a burden, Kate. You are a blessing. You have started communication between the brothers again.”
“I have done nothing,” I said.
“But you have, Kate. More than you know.” She squeezed my hand and stood.
“Thank you,” I said, feeling more calm and confident after our conversation.
“I know we’ve just met,” Hannah said, “but if it would make you feel more comfortable, I would be happy to help you dress for dinner and style your hair tonight. I won’t claim to be as talented at it as my maid, but Idoknow something about taming curls.”
Her kindness touched me. “I would like that very much. Thank you.”
We moved to the vanity table. I sat, and Hannah stood behind me.
I could barely feel her fingers as they worked to remove the ribbon from the end of my hair, but my breaths came more quickly.
As if she could sense my anxiety, she offered me a kind smile in the mirror, then unwove my plait.
Once it was down, I handed her the hairbrush.
“You have beautiful hair,” she said.
“Thank you.”
She brushed my hair so softly it tickled. I’d forgotten how good it felt.
“There is something I would like to talk to you about,” she said. “I do not want to overwhelm you any more than I already have, but I think if I were you, I would wish to know.”
“All right.”
“In a few days, Lord Jennings and I are hosting a ball. When we learned you were coming, we wanted to cancel it, but the invitations could not be recalled in time.” She bit her lip as she began pinning up my hair. “We have many options, including hiding you here in your room out of sight. But itisa masked ball, so your identity would be hidden should you wish to attend.”
“I want to,” I said, surprising myself. I didn’t want Markham to steal any more of my life than he already had. Even if that life would not be the one I wanted and wished for with Oliver, I would not let our sacrifice be for naught.
“I am so glad,” Hannah said. “We will do everything to make sure you are safe and comfortable.”
Perhaps it was foolish of me, but being so far from Winterset, I felt like I was living in something of a sanctuary at Summerhaven. I knew I should speak to Hannah about helping me find a placement so I could start my new life, but I was surprised by how unaccustomed I was to being near people. This ball might be the perfect opportunity to mingle with people and reacquaint myself with social niceties. And armed with a fake identity, a mask, and an army of protectors, I did not think my attendance was such a risk.
“I don’t have anything to wear though,” I admitted. The gowns from my come-out were more than two years out of fashion, not that thatmattered much to me, but I didn’t dare wear anything that anyone might recognize.
“I would suggest we have a ball gown made, but I do not think a week is enough time for our local modiste to make and fit such an elaborate dress ...” Hannah continued pinning up my hair, deep in thought. “What would you think about borrowing one of my dresses? I believe you are near enough to the same size I was before carrying the twins. A few inches shorter than I, but we can easily have the dress hemmed.”
“If it’s not too much trouble ...”
“No trouble at all! In fact, I think it will be great fun.”
Oliver
Four days after Kate left,I sat in my study, staring at a stack of paperwork. I’d hired a new solicitor to see to my estate, Mr. Wheldon, and he was insistent that I read and sign the papers.
Page after page, I fought for focus, but there was nothing for it. My thoughts constantly turned to Kate.
She should have arrived at Summerhaven by now. I wondered what she thought of it. It was so different from Winterset. Would she be overwhelmed by its opulence? What would she think of my family? I knew they would be kind to her, but what would they tell her about me?
There was a knock at the door, and Mrs. Owensby peeked inside. “I’m going to town now, sir. Do you want me to purchase anything specific for your meals this week? Perhaps some salmon?”
