Page 48 of The Pearl Sister
‘He is that indeed,’ Mrs McCrombie acknowledged. ‘However it may look to an outsider, being the son of an extraordinarily rich father has its drawbacks. He must prove to both Stefan and himself that he can be just as successful. Unlike Drummond, who by accident of birth does not carry that same sense of responsibility. The heir and the spare to the Mercer throne,’ Mrs McCrombie chuckled. ‘May I ask you, Kitty, did Drummond . . . speak to you before he left for Europe?’
‘Yes.’ Kitty decided it was no time to spare her blushes. ‘He asked me to wait for him.’
‘I thought as much. He could hardly take his eyes off you from the first moment he met you. All that silly teasing . . . a juvenile way of seeking your attention. And what did you say to him?’
‘I said . . . nothing. He left then and I didn’t see him again before he got on the boat to Europe.’
‘How very dramatic. Well, I don’t wish to patronise you by pointing out the advantages of each of my nephews, but, Kitty my dear, what I can tell you is that when a young lady decides to commit herself to marriage, what she needs from her intended is very different from what she may dream of as a young girl. By that I mean security, safety – especially in a country such as this; a steady, reliable type, whom one can depend upon for protection. Someone you respect, and yes, before you ask, love does grow. And I have no doubt that Andrew lovesyoualready.’
‘Thank you, Mrs McCrombie, for your very wise counsel. I shall think on what you have said. And I must do so quickly, as I know we have so little time.’
‘It’s my pleasure, Kitty. As I’m sure you are aware, I would like nothing better than to become officially related to you, but the decision is yours to make. Just remember, Andrew is not only offering you his love, but an entire new life, which you alone can make of what you will.’
* * *
Later that day, when she saw Andrew arrive home on the pony and trap, she walked swiftly downstairs to meet him at the door and tell him of her decision before she changed her mind.
‘Andrew, may I speak with you?’
He turned towards her, and she knew he was studying her face to see if he could discover the answer in her eyes.
‘Of course. Let us go through to the drawing room.’
Kitty noted the tension in his body as they entered the room and sat down.
‘Andrew, forgive me for taking some time to think about your proposal. As you know, it is a momentous decision for me. However, Ihavedecided, and I would be honoured to become your wife, on the understanding that my father agrees to the match.’ Kitty fell silent, breathless from saying the words, and looked at Andrew. He did not look as happy as she thought he might.
‘Andrew, have you changed your mind?’
‘I . . . no. That is . . . are you absolutely sure?’
‘I am absolutely sure.’
‘And no one has pressured you into this?’
‘No!’ Having given him the answer, he now seemed to be grilling her on the reasons for her assent to his request.
‘I . . . well, I believed that you were steeling yourself to refuse me. That perhaps there was someone else. I . . .’
‘I swear, there is no one.’
‘Right, well, so . . .’
Kitty watched as the clouds visibly lifted from Andrew’s eyes.
‘Good grief! That makes me the happiest man in the world! I must write immediately to your father to request his permission, but . . . would you take exception to me doing so by telegram? As you know, letters take so long to arrive and time is of the essence. And of course, I shall send one to Father too, asking him to make haste to your parents’ front door while he is in Europe.’ The words were tumbling out of Andrew as he paced exultantly up and down the drawing room. ‘I hope that your father will be prepared to entrust his beloved daughter to me. He knows of our family through my aunt, of course.’ Andrew paused in his pacing to take her hands in his. ‘I swear to you now, Katherine McBride, that I will love you and give you the best of everything for the rest of your life.’
Kitty nodded and closed her eyes as he kissed her lightly on the lips.
* * *
Two days later, Andrew showed Kitty the telegram that had just arrived.
ANDREW STOP DELIGHTED TO GIVE MY BLESSING ON YOUR MARRIAGE TO MY DAUGHTER STOP MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND KATHERINE STOP MOTHER AND FAMILY SEND CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU STOP RALPH STOP
‘The final hurdle!’ Andrew exclaimed jubilantly. ‘Now we can announce it to the world and set about preparations for the wedding. It may not be as grand an affair as you might wish for, given the time constraints, but Mother knows everyone there is to know in Adelaide and she can pull strings to make sure you have a beautiful gown at least.’
‘Really, Andrew, such things are not important to me.’
