Kent.” Anna glanced at Louisa. “By that time, I hope you will have made some new acquaintances, both male and female. We’ll get up a little house party in Kent with your special friends.” Pauline frowned. “Special friends, as in eligible partís?”
“Well, yes, I hope so. But Lou mustn’t be rushed.
She’s only eighteen and has plenty of time to form a connection. Marriage is an extremely important decision. Remember that, girls. When you select a husband you will make the most significant choice of your life. But we will be by your side to help you always.” Anna smiled at Kate, who had been listening. “After Louisa it will be Kay’s turn.” Kate felt her stomach flutter. A home. A husband.
A family. Safety and security. All within her reach, so soon. She lifted her chin. “I look forward to forming an eligible connection quickly. I have no wish to impose upon you for an indefinite period of time.”
“Pish-tosh!” Anna slapped Kate’s knee. “You are no trouble at all, cousin.” Her blue eyes snapped a warning. “We will all enjoy the social whirl. You will be accounted quite a treat, Cousin Kay. Curiosity is rife concerning all manner of things Oriental, whether they be Chinese, Indian, or purely imaginary.” Anna winked at Kate.
* * *
They arrived at Bruton Street in midafternoon after lunching at an inn near Bromley. Kate could see that the elegantly appointed townhouse had been readied for the family’s occupation. Carrothers or Harper, she supposed. Dusted and polished to perfection, the house gleamed. The covers had been removed from the drawing room furniture, upholstered in watered green silk. Kate’s own room, in the front of the manse, was decorated in green and blue, the bed made up with freshly laundered linens.
While Anna inspected the entire edifice in the company of the recently engaged housekeeper, Kate, with Pauline and Louisa, explored the small back garden, pleased by what she found. The shrubbery had been recently trimmed and the fountain, while still dry, had been cleaned of winter’s dead leaves and twigs. The herbaceous borders had been weeded and the graceful plot ready for the enjoyment of the family and their guests.
“No large trees to climb,” Kate said critically.
“Surely, cousin, you did not expect to indulge yourself with such pastimes here in London.” Louisa stared.
“I suppose not.”
“Why on earth not?” asked Pauline. “Whatever harm could climbing a tree cause, in London or anywhere else?”
Rolling her eyes, Louisa retreated into the house.
“Reputation,” said Kate gloomily. “The older one becomes, the more one’s conduct is restricted. No tree-climbing, no running, nothing fun or you’re labeled a hoyden. Enjoy your youth, Pauline.” Quinn appeared at the door dividing house from garden, and Kate’s heart gave a hop as she spied him.
Immaculately hatted and gloved, he filled the narrow passage. He carried a short whip, apparently having forgotten to leave it with his equipage. His chocolate brown driving coat suited his coloring remarkably, Kate thought.
Unlike Kate, who felt a certain restraint trapping her voice in her throat, Pauline capered to greet her uncle, giggling with delight. “Uncle Quinn!”
“Hullo, Paul!” Quinn greeted his niece with equal warmth.
Kate tried to repress a twinge of envy. Quinn had the affectionate family she wanted. She admired the genuine connection he maintained with them, surely his most endearing quality.
After hugging Pauline to his side, Quinn fixed his gaze on Kate. His scrutiny, as palpable to Kate as though he’d touched her face with his hand, made her flesh tingle with an unaccustomed warmth. He pressed Pauline’s shoulder, saying, “Pauline, run and find your mother, if you will. I wish to speak with her.”
Pauline scurried inside to do his bidding.
“My ward.” Quinn spoke softly.
Kate raised her gaze to meet his.
He bowed over her extended hand. “Would you be
“Well, yes, I hope so. But Lou mustn’t be rushed.
She’s only eighteen and has plenty of time to form a connection. Marriage is an extremely important decision. Remember that, girls. When you select a husband you will make the most significant choice of your life. But we will be by your side to help you always.” Anna smiled at Kate, who had been listening. “After Louisa it will be Kay’s turn.” Kate felt her stomach flutter. A home. A husband.
A family. Safety and security. All within her reach, so soon. She lifted her chin. “I look forward to forming an eligible connection quickly. I have no wish to impose upon you for an indefinite period of time.”
“Pish-tosh!” Anna slapped Kate’s knee. “You are no trouble at all, cousin.” Her blue eyes snapped a warning. “We will all enjoy the social whirl. You will be accounted quite a treat, Cousin Kay. Curiosity is rife concerning all manner of things Oriental, whether they be Chinese, Indian, or purely imaginary.” Anna winked at Kate.
* * *
They arrived at Bruton Street in midafternoon after lunching at an inn near Bromley. Kate could see that the elegantly appointed townhouse had been readied for the family’s occupation. Carrothers or Harper, she supposed. Dusted and polished to perfection, the house gleamed. The covers had been removed from the drawing room furniture, upholstered in watered green silk. Kate’s own room, in the front of the manse, was decorated in green and blue, the bed made up with freshly laundered linens.
While Anna inspected the entire edifice in the company of the recently engaged housekeeper, Kate, with Pauline and Louisa, explored the small back garden, pleased by what she found. The shrubbery had been recently trimmed and the fountain, while still dry, had been cleaned of winter’s dead leaves and twigs. The herbaceous borders had been weeded and the graceful plot ready for the enjoyment of the family and their guests.
“No large trees to climb,” Kate said critically.
“Surely, cousin, you did not expect to indulge yourself with such pastimes here in London.” Louisa stared.
“I suppose not.”
“Why on earth not?” asked Pauline. “Whatever harm could climbing a tree cause, in London or anywhere else?”
Rolling her eyes, Louisa retreated into the house.
“Reputation,” said Kate gloomily. “The older one becomes, the more one’s conduct is restricted. No tree-climbing, no running, nothing fun or you’re labeled a hoyden. Enjoy your youth, Pauline.” Quinn appeared at the door dividing house from garden, and Kate’s heart gave a hop as she spied him.
Immaculately hatted and gloved, he filled the narrow passage. He carried a short whip, apparently having forgotten to leave it with his equipage. His chocolate brown driving coat suited his coloring remarkably, Kate thought.
Unlike Kate, who felt a certain restraint trapping her voice in her throat, Pauline capered to greet her uncle, giggling with delight. “Uncle Quinn!”
“Hullo, Paul!” Quinn greeted his niece with equal warmth.
Kate tried to repress a twinge of envy. Quinn had the affectionate family she wanted. She admired the genuine connection he maintained with them, surely his most endearing quality.
After hugging Pauline to his side, Quinn fixed his gaze on Kate. His scrutiny, as palpable to Kate as though he’d touched her face with his hand, made her flesh tingle with an unaccustomed warmth. He pressed Pauline’s shoulder, saying, “Pauline, run and find your mother, if you will. I wish to speak with her.”
Pauline scurried inside to do his bidding.
“My ward.” Quinn spoke softly.
Kate raised her gaze to meet his.
He bowed over her extended hand. “Would you be
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