gave a little panicked cry and ducked her head. Hattie saw him, standing in the doorway, dressed in his clothes with an intricately tied neckcloth. He carried his body stiffly as if badly bruised. Her heart gave a little skip and she was pleased that she’d changed into her dimity with the tiny blue flowers embroidered on it. Portia always declared that it was her favourite dress as it made Hattie look sparkly.
From Kit’s grim expression as he bent down to greet Moth, she had to wonder how long he’d been standing there and how much he’d heard.
Stephanie cleared her throat several times, obviously having the same concerns as Hattie. Hattie fought the temptation to laugh.
‘Sir Christopher, you are up … That is to say—this is a most unexpected development. But welcome. A welcome development. Dear Hattie is such a good nurse. Quite devoted to it.’
‘Then you will agree I was in good hands.’
‘Very good hands.’ Stephanie turned several deeper shades of plum. ‘You are dressed, Sir Christopher.’
‘He could hardly come down in a borrowed nightshirt,’ Hattie said crossly. Stephanie had no right to be quizzing Kit in this manner. And Kit had no right to be up. Her carefully arranged plans of going up to see him after breakfast when she looked fresh and lovely were in smithereens. ‘Really, Stephanie, you do spout some nonsense.’
‘My valet arrived very early this morning with my clothes. I believe the ride over from Southview did him good. Cleared his thick head. He spent rather too much time in the ale tent yesterday.’ His smile failed to reach his eyes. ‘He wished to make amends and brought fresh clothes.’
‘You are able to move about?’ Stephanie gasped.
‘The doctor advised strict bed rest.’ Hattie put her hand on her stomach and wished she hadn’t eaten that square of toast. Kit was dressed as if he was preparing to depart. Did he regret their late-night conversation? Had she dreamt it?
‘I don’t care a fig for the doctor’s advice.’ His deep-grey gaze met hers. ‘I do, however, care about your reputation. I came to the same conclusion as Mrs Parteger. It is commendable but unwise to have me as a guest when Johnson is more than capable of looking after me.’
‘And your plans?’ Hattie tapped a finger on the table top. Everyone had neglected to consult her. Surely, at twenty-seven, she was more than capable of making the correct choices?
‘I shall journey slowly and sedately back to the Lodge in my carriage.’ He gave a crooked smile. ‘You may direct all well-wishers there, but you must under pain of death retain any strengthening concoctions such as calves’-foot jelly. The very thought turns my stomach.’
‘Allow me to be concerned about my reputation,’ Hattie said between gritted teeth.
‘Nevertheless, my mind is made up. Johnson should be returning with the carriage within the hour.’ He inclined his head. ‘I do hope there is some chocolate. I would hate to leave without partaking of breakfast. I trust that meets with your approval, Mrs Parteger?’
Without waiting for an invitation, he came in and took a seat opposite Hattie. She carefully poured him a cup of chocolate. He took it, but made sure their fingers briefly touched.
‘Did you pass a comfortable night?’ Stephanie asked.
‘Mrs Parteger, the doctor gave me laudanum to make me sleep. I remember little, except I woke completely refreshed and a new man. One might say that the fight did a powerful amount of good.’ He saluted Hattie with his cup of chocolate. ‘Improved my mood no end.’
Hattie took a hasty sip of her coffee and burnt the roof of her mouth. He couldn’t have forgotten their kiss? She had made a positive declaration and now he’d forgotten it. How like her luck. She tried to think about how to best approach the matter, but her brain seemed to move at the speed of congealed porridge.
Voices were heard in the hall and Moth gave a series of sharp barks before racing to the dining-room door and then back to Hattie.
Kit put down his cup. ‘Ah, here is Johnson, and Rupert as well. Their timing is impeccable. My stay was short, but most enjoyable, Mrs Wilkinson. Mrs Parteger, you will understand that I wish to get home as soon as possible. I do hope you will be at pains to point out that Mrs Wilkinson has behaved correctly in all circumstances.’
‘Shall I see you out?’
‘It is not necessary. I have everything in hand. Pray stay seated and visit with your sister. I can see my own way out.’ He gave an approximation of his smile. ‘Until next time, Mrs Wilkinson. Mrs Parteger.’
Hattie sat completely still until the voices had receded. He had gone just like that. No searing look or even a promise to call when he was better.
‘I declare Sir Christopher is a gentleman—putting your reputation above his own comfort and consideration.’ Stephanie reached for the coffee pot, a sure sign that she intended to stay a while. ‘At last someone in this sorry affair thinks about reputations and the impact their actions may have on others. I declare you have no more sense than a gnat, Hattie. Livvy is due to make her début next season. The last thing you want is for your exploits to become common fodder for the gossips.’
‘He certainly did that.’ Hattie hated the way the butterflies in her stomach started. Surely he could not have forgotten about last night so quickly? They spoke at such length. It was impossible and if he had, how could she face him knowing that she had once divulged those secrets to him?
Stephanie dabbed her eyes with a lace handkerchief. ‘Here I was a bit concerned about Mr Hook, but with an example such as his guardian, I know that he will behave with the upmost propriety.’
‘You are resigned to Mr Hook now? Or do you think Livvy will do better in London?’
‘Mr Hook’s relations with Livvy are not something I entirely want to discuss. Rather I want to speak about your gloves.’
‘Which gloves this time?’ Hattie rapidly considered all her pairs of gloves. She knew where they were.
‘It was so kind of you to buy Livvy that pair of butter-yellow gloves. They are far too expensive.’
‘I bought Livvy a pair of gloves?’
‘She tried to tell me that they were yours, but you never buy frivolous things like that. You are always so practical, Hattie. Charles always said that it was one of your more admirable qualities. I will confess that I failed to see it until after his death, but there you go. A sister is always the last to notice.’
‘I am pleased she likes them.’ Hattie made a mental note to speak to both Mr Hook and Livvy about lying. It was entirely possible that Stephanie had become muddled, but Livvy had to understand the consequences. A tiny prickle went down her back. Unless …’Did you say they were butter-yellow?’
‘They must have been tremendously expensive.’
‘They were.’ Hattie pressed her lips together, remembering Kit’s gesture to the stall keeper at the Hexham Tans stall. She should have intervened then. No matter what happened, she did not intend to accept gifts from him. It would make the relationship less equal.
‘Is there any other news? Surely something else happened beside Livvy’s
