The Pearl Sister (The Seven Sisters Book 4) by Lucinda Riley (10)

10

Between Christmas and Hogmanay – or, as people called it here, New Year’s Eve – there were outings to keep the residents of Alicia Hall entertained. They took a picnic to Elder Park and listened to an orchestra playing on the bandstand, then the following day found them at Adelaide Zoo. While Kitty delighted at the various furry inmates, such as the wideeyed possums and the adorable koalas, Drummond found more pleasure in pulling her towards the reptile house and showing her an array of snakes. He was at pains to point out which ones were benign and those that could kill.

‘The pythons are mainly harmless, although they do give you a hell of a nip if you tread on them by accident. It’s those Australian browns which are difficult to see on the earth that are the most venomous. And’ – he pointed at the glass – ‘that stripy one coiled around the twig in the corner. That’s a tiger snake and equally nasty if you get bitten. Snakes will only bother you if you bother them, mind you,’ he added.

Drummond suggested Kitty take a ride on an elephant, the crowning glory of Adelaide Zoo. Kitty was hoisted up inelegantly onto the ageing grey back of her steed. She sat atop, feeling just like the Indian maharani she had seen pictures of in a book.

‘You should wait until you try a camel – now that is a bumpy ride,’ Drummond shouted up at her.

That night, she arrived home and immediately wrote to her family to tell them that she’d ridden on an elephant – in the most unlikely of places.

Hogmanay arrived and Kitty was told that a big evening party was always hosted by Edith.

‘She puts us through this every year,’ Drummond groaned at breakfast that morning. ‘She insists we wear our tartan.’

‘That’s normal in Edinburgh all year round,’ Kitty retorted.

‘And that is the point, Miss McBride. I am a born and bred Australian who has never set foot in Scotland, and actually, more to the point, never intends to. If the boys back at Kilgarra station ever knew that I hopped around in a skirt for the night looking like a girl, I’d never hear the last of it.’

‘Surely it’s not much to ask to please Mother?’ Andrew put in to the conversation. ‘Remember, she was born there and misses the old country. And I’m sure Miss McBride will enjoy it too.’

‘I didn’t think to bring my clan tartan . . .’ Kitty bit her lip.

‘I’m sure Mother can lend you one of hers. She has a wardrobe positively bursting with plaid. Excuse me.’ Drummond stood up. ‘I have some things to do in town before I leave for Europe.’

‘Your brother’s going to Europe?’ Kitty asked Andrew after Drummond had left the room.

‘Yes. Tomorrow, with Father,’ he replied. ‘Drummond wants to purchase some heads of cattle – his stock dwindled this year due to a drought and the blacks’ spears, and Father has some magnificent pearls to sell from his haul this year and trusts no one to do it for him. Besides, it’s the wet season up in the north, and not a comfortable place to be. Our luggers in Broome are mostly in harbour due to the cyclone season. I will return soon to man the ship, so to speak. I’ve spent the past three years up there learning the ropes from Father and will take over managing it for him from now on, before Mother divorces him for desertion.’ Andrew gave Kitty a rueful smile.

‘I remember her saying that she did not enjoy her time in Broome.’

‘When my mother lived there ten years ago, it was hard for a woman, but as the pearling industry grows, so does the town. And with such a mixed society, it is certainly never dull. An acquired taste but, speaking for myself, I find it exciting. I think you would too, because you have an adventurous spirit.’

‘Do I?’

‘In my opinion, yes. And you seem to take people at face value.’

‘My father – and the Bible,’ she added hastily, ‘say never to judge by creed or colour, but only by a person’s soul.’

‘Yes, Miss McBride. It’s rather interesting, isn’t it, that those who would consider themselves true Christians can behave like the opposite? Ah well . . .’ he said, then lapsed into an embarrassed silence.

‘Now.’ Kitty rose to her feet. ‘I must seek out your mother and offer my help with the preparations for tonight’s party.’

‘That is kind of you, but I doubt she will need it. Like everything she manages, it will be run like a well-oiled machine.’

As Kitty put on her turquoise dress that evening, which Agnes had skilfully steamed to remove any sweat patches, there was a rap on her door. Mrs McCrombie came in bearing a length of plaid.

‘Good evening, my dear Miss McBride. Here is your sash for this evening’s festivities. Courtesy of myself, and my poor departed husband. I shall be proud to see you wearing the McCrombie tartan. In these past few weeks, you have become nothing less than a daughter to me.’

‘I . . . thank you, Mrs McCrombie.’ Kitty was deeply touched by her words. ‘You have been so very kind to me.’

‘May I have the honour of fastening it on for you?’

‘Of course. Thank you.’

‘You know,’ said Mrs McCrombie as she draped the tartan across Kitty’s right shoulder, ‘it has been a pleasure to watch you blossom in the weeks since we left Edinburgh. You were rather a mouse when I first met you. But now look at you!’ Mrs McCrombie fastened a delicate thistle brooch at Kitty’s shoulder. ‘Why, you are a beauty and a credit to your family. You will make any man a wife to be proud of.’

‘Will I . . . ?’ Kitty replied as she allowed herself to be propelled towards the mirror.

‘Look at yourself, Miss Katherine McBride; with your proud Scottish heritage, your clever brain and your pretty physique. Oh, it has amused me so watching my two nephews vie for your attentions in their different ways.’ Mrs McCrombie giggled girlishly and Kitty knew she’d already been at the whisky.

‘So,’ she continued, ‘I have asked myself, which one will she choose? They are both so different. My dear, have you decided which twin it will be?’

Given that Kitty had never even presumed to think that either of the wealthy twins considered her anything other than sport (Drummond) or a younger sister (Andrew), Kitty answered honestly.

‘Really, Mrs McCrombie, I am sure that you are wrong. The Mercers are quite clearly one of the most powerful families in Adelaide . . .’

‘If not Australia,’ Mrs McCrombie added.

‘Yes, and I, as the poor daughter of a minister from Leith, could never consider myself good enough for either of them. Or their family—’

The sound of the doorbell clanging came to her rescue.

‘Well now, my dear.’ Mrs McCrombie took her in a warm, bosomy embrace. ‘Let us just see what happens, shall we? And in case I don’t get the chance to wish you a happy 1907 later tonight, I shall do so now. I just know it will be a happy one.’

Kitty watched as Mrs McCrombie swept from the room, a veritable ship in full sail. Once the door was closed, she collapsed onto her bed in relief and confusion.

* * *

If there was one thing Kitty knew she was good at, it was dancing reels. She and her siblings had been taught by their mother, partly because Adele loved to dance, but mainly because there wasn’t much else with which to while away a long winter’s evening in Leith. And it had the benefit of keeping them all warm.

And goodness, thought Kitty, as she danced the ‘Duke of Perth’, it was certainly doing that tonight. She envied the men, who at least had the luxury of bare legs in their kilts, while she in her corseted silk dress and heavy tartan sash sweated away like the proverbial pig. Yet tonight, she didn’t care, dancing reel after reel with numerous partners until finally, shortly before midnight, she sat down to rest and Andrew brought her a large glass of fruit punch to quench her thirst.

‘My, my, Miss McBride, we have seen yet another facet of your personality tonight. You are a most accomplished dancer.’

‘Thank you,’ she said, still panting and praying Andrew did not step too close to her, because she was sure she smelt awful.

Minutes later, he led her into the entrance hall with the rest of the guests, so that the old Scottish tradition of welcoming the first person across the threshold at the stroke of midnight could be observed. Gathering around the Christmas tree, which looked forlorn with its shed pine needles pooling into green puddles on the floor, Kitty stood next to Andrew.

‘Ten seconds to go!’ roared Stefan from the crowd, and they began to count down the numbers until the crowd cheered and wished each other affectionate New Year’s greetings.

Kitty suddenly found herself in Andrew’s embrace.

‘Happy New Year, Miss McBride. I wanted to ask . . .’

Kitty saw the anxiety on his face. ‘Yes?’

‘Would it be all right if I called you Kitty from now on?’

‘Why yes, of course.’

‘Well, I do hope that in 1907 we can continue our . . . friendship. I . . . that is, Kitty . . .’

‘Happy New Year, my boy!’ Stefan interrupted their conversation as he slapped his son on the back. ‘I have no doubt at all that you will do me proud in Broome.’

‘I will do my best to, sir,’ Andrew replied.

‘And happy New Year to you too, Miss McBride. You have been a delightful adornment to our family Christmas.’ He leant forward and kissed Kitty warmly, his handlebar moustache tickling her cheek. ‘And I’m sure we both hope that you may decide to extend your time with us in Australia, eh, boy?’ Stefan gave his son an obvious wink before moving on to offer his other guests New Year felicitations.

Andrew swiftly excused himself to go in search of his mother and Kitty wandered onto the veranda in search of some cool air.

Instantly, she was swept up from behind by a strong pair of arms and twirled round in circles, then finally lowered back to the ground.

‘Happy New Year, Miss McBride, Kitty . . . Kat . . . yes, that nickname suits you perfectly, for you are feline, light on your feet and far cleverer, I suspect, than most people give you credit for. In short, you are a survivor.’

‘Am I?’ Kitty’s head was spinning and she steadied herself. She looked up at Drummond. ‘Are you drunk?’

‘Hah! That’s rich coming from you, Miss Kitty-Kat. Perhaps a little, but people tell me I’m an affectionate drunk. Now, I have something to say to you.’

‘And what might that be?’

‘You must know as well as I do that plans are afoot to make sure you join our family on a more permanent basis.’

‘I . . .’

‘Don’t pretend you have no idea what I mean. It is quite obvious to everybody that Andrew is in love with you. I have even heard my parents discussing it. Father is all for it; Mother – for whatever churlish female reason – less so. But given that my father’s word goes in this house, I’m sure it won’t be too long before a proposal is forthcoming.’

‘I can assure you that no such thought has crossed my mind.’

‘Then you are either full of false modesty, or more stupid than I took you for. Naturally, as the eldest, he gets the first shot at you, but before you decide, I wanted to throw my hat into the ring and tell you that, for a woman, you have a number of qualities which I admire. And . . .’

For the first time since Kitty had known him, she saw uncertainty in Drummond’s eyes.

‘The thing is this.’ Then he took her in his arms and kissed her hard upon the lips. Whether from shock or sheer pleasure, Kitty did not immediately pull away, and her entire body proceeded to melt like a knob of butter left out in the Australian sun.

‘There now,’ he said as he finally let her go. Then he leant down to whisper in her ear. ‘Remember this: my brother can offer you security, but with me, you’ll have adventure. Just swear to me that you won’t make a decision until I’m back from Europe. Now, I’m off to The Edinburgh Castle to celebrate until dawn with my friends. Goodnight, Miss McBride.’

With a wave, Drummond left her on the veranda and headed to the back of the house. As she heard the pony and cart trotting out of the gate, Kitty moved her fingers tentatively to her lips. And relived every second of the pleasure she had felt at his touch.

* * *

Kitty did not see Drummond the next morning – he’d gone early to the steamer to supervise the loading of the trunks. Kitty handed over the letters that Stefan Mercer had kindly said he would post to her family when he reached Europe.

‘Or in fact,’ he said with a wink, ‘I may even go and deliver them personally. Goodbye, my dear.’ He kissed her on both cheeks. Then, with the household waving him off, he climbed into the carriage.

Kitty ate breakfast alone with Andrew, as Mrs McCrombie was taking hers in her room and Edith had gone to the dock to wave her husband and son goodbye. Given the various conversations that had taken place yesterday, she felt uncomfortable sitting there with him. He seemed unusually subdued.

‘Miss McBride . . .’ he said eventually.

‘Please, Andrew, we agreed you must call me Kitty.’

‘Of course, of course. Kitty, do you ride?’

‘I do indeed, or rather, I did. I learnt as a child when we went down to stay with my grandparents in Dumfriesshire. Some of the ponies were rather wild, coming from the moors, and I spent quite a lot of my time being thrown off. Why do you ask?’

‘I was just thinking how there’s nothing like a gallop to clear out the cobwebs. We keep a bungalow up in the Adelaide Hills with a small stable attached to it. How say you we go up there today? The air is clearer and cooler, and I think you would like it. Mama has given her full permission for me to chaperone you, by the way.’

They arrived up at the Mercer family bungalow two hours later. Having expected little more than a cottage, Kitty was amazed to see the low-lying house was nothing less than a one-storey mansion, set in lush gardens and surrounded by vineyards. She made a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn, seeing the way the green hills dipped and rose around them. It reminded her a little of the Scottish Lowlands.

‘It’s beautiful,’ she breathed, meaning it.

‘I’m glad you like it. Now, let me show you the stables.’

Half an hour later, the two of them set out for a ride. As they trotted down the valley and onto a plain, Kitty chanced a canter. Taking the lead from her, Andrew kept pace, and Kitty laughed out loud in delight at the fresh air on her skin and the verdant green all about her.

When they returned to the bungalow, she saw a light lunch had been laid out on a table on the veranda.

‘This looks delicious,’ Kitty said, still panting from exertion as she flopped into a chair, and without further ado took a slice of bread, still warm from the oven.

‘There’s fresh lemon cordial for you too,’ Andrew offered.

‘Who made all this?’

‘The housekeeper here. She lives in all year round.’

‘Even though you told me on the way here you rarely visit?’

‘Yes. Father is very rich, and I intend to be too.’

‘I am sure you will be,’ Kitty said after a pause.

‘Of course,’ Andrew continued hastily, realising he had made an error, ‘it is not my main goal, but especially here in Australia, money can help.’

‘It can help anywhere, but I truly believe it cannot buy happiness.’

‘I couldn’t agree more, Kitty. Family and . . . love, is all.’

They ate the rest of their lunch in virtual silence, Kitty simply concentrating on enjoying her surroundings. And trying not to think of the probable reason for this outing.

‘Kitty . . .’ Andrew eventually broke the silence. ‘Perhaps you know why I’ve brought you up here?’

‘To show me the view?’ she answered, sounding disingenuous even to her own ears.

‘That, and . . . it cannot come as a complete surprise to you to know how . . . fond I’ve become of you in the last ten days.’

‘Oh, I am sure you would tire of me if you knew me for longer, Andrew.’

‘I doubt it, Kitty. As usual, you are just being modest. I have spoken to my aunt at length, a woman who has known of you for most of your life, and she could not find a bad word to say about you. In her eyes, as well as mine, you seem to be perfect. And, having already told my father and mother of my intentions, and them both agreeing . . .’

At this, Andrew stood up abruptly and came to kneel in front of her. ‘Katherine McBride, I would like to ask you to do me the honour of becoming my wife.’

‘Goodness!’ Kitty said after a suitable pause, which she hoped denoted ignorance of such a proposal. ‘I am shocked. I never thought . . .’

‘That is because you are who you are, Kitty. A girl . . . woman, in fact, who does not recognise her own beauty, either inside or out. You are beautiful, Kitty, and I knew the first moment I saw you that I wished for you to be my wife.’

‘Did you?’

‘Yes. I would not say that I am of a romantic nature, but . . Andrew blushed. ‘It was truly a case of love at first sight. And then,’ he chuckled to himself, ‘I knew that it had to be right when you showed such enthusiasm for the dinosaur footprint in Broome. Most girls wouldn’t even know what a dinosaur was, let alone be interested in its fossilised footprint. So, what do you say?’

Kitty looked down at Andrew, at his undoubtedly handsome face, then raised her head and surveyed the beautiful estate that this man would presumably inherit. Her thoughts travelled back to Leith and her father, who had professed to adore her, but then, because of what she knew, had banished her to the other side of the world.

‘I . . .’

Her demon mind issued a vivid picture of Drummond, and subsequently began to play a selection of memories across a frame in her head. The way he teased her, treated her less like a china doll than an equal, how he made her laugh despite herself . . . and, most of all, how she’d felt when he’d kissed her only a few hours ago.

The question was, did he bring out the best or the worst in her? Whichever it was, she was certainly a different person when she was with him.

‘Please, I understand that this is a shock, coming so soon after we’ve met,’ Andrew persisted into her silence. ‘But I must return to Broome in February or March, and as Mama pointed out, that leaves little time to prepare for any wedding. That is, not that I want to rush you into a decision, but . . .’

Andrew’s voice trailed off and she thought what a sweet soul he was.

‘May I take a little time to think about it? I had planned to go home to Scotland and my family. And this would mean . . . well, staying here. For the rest of my life. With you.’

‘Dearest Kitty, I understand completely. You must take all the time you need. Aunt Florence has told me what a close family you come from and I know the sacrifice you would be making if you were to marry me. And of course, at least for the next few years, you would be living in Broome.’

‘A place that your mother loathes.’

‘And one that I believe you would grow to love. It has changed much since she last deigned to visit. Broome is thriving, Kitty; the ships that arrive daily from all over the world bring luxuries and precious things that you would not believe. But yes,’ Andrew agreed, ‘it is still an unformed society, where many rules of normal social behaviour don’t exist. Yet I feel that you would embrace it as strongly as my mother derided it, simply because of your egalitarian and generous nature. Now, I must stand up before my kneecap breaks in two.’ Andrew stood, then grasped Kitty’s hands in his. ‘How much time do you need?’

‘A few days?’

‘Of course. From now on,’ he said, kising one of her hands softly, ‘I shall leave you be.’

* * *

During the ensuing three days, Kitty discussed the situation with herself, a magnificent parakeet in the garden and, of course, God. None of whom were able to give her any further insight on the subject. She longed for her mother’s wisdom, whose advice would be given purely out of love and her daughter’s best interests.

Although would it? Kitty pondered, as she paced up and down her bedroom, realising there was every chance that Adele would urge her daughter to jump at the opportunity to marry such a handsome man from a fine, wealthy family, given the frugal life they lived in Leith.

The bald truth was that even though Kitty had known marriage was the next stage of her life once she turned eighteen, it had always seemed far away in the future. Yet now, here it was. The question she asked herself over and over was whether one must love one’s future husband from the first moment one set eyes on him. Or whether initially, the excitement of an engagement came from a far more pragmatic angle: that of knowing one had been plucked from the tree of single young ladies – especially being as poor as she was – and that one was secure for the rest of one’s life. Maybe love would grow through the sharing of an existence together, which would one day include a family.

Kitty was also sure that if the Mercers had seen the straitened circumstances in which her own family lived and realised she was less than a ‘catch’, they may have viewed the union very differently. Yet this was not Edinburgh but Australia, where she and everyone else who reached its dusty red soil could reinvent themselves and be anyone they chose.

What was in Scotland in the future for her anyway? If she was lucky, marriage to Angus and a life as a clergyman’s wife that would be little different from her first eighteen years, except perhaps harder.

Despite Drummond’s words about having ‘adventure’ with him, Kitty realised that marrying either twin and following them up to the north of this vast land mass would provide that.

Yet . . . the way that her body had dissolved when Drummond kissed her. When Andrew had taken her hand and kissed it, it hadn’t been unpleasant, but . . .

Finally, completely exhausted from equivocating with herself, Kitty decided to go to Mrs McCrombie. Biased though she may be, she was the nearest thing Kitty had to family here.

She chose a moment when Edith had gone out to pay some house calls. They took tea together and Mrs McCrombie listened while Kitty poured out her mind’s machinations.

‘Well, well.’ Mrs McCrombie raised an eyebrow, to Kitty’s surprise showing neither pleasure nor distaste. ‘You already know that I expected this to happen, but, my dear, I do feel for you. Neither of us can be as naive as to believe that your decision won’t have an irrevocable effect on the rest of your life.’

‘Yes.’

‘How much have you missed Edinburgh since you’ve been here?’

‘I’ve missed my family.’

‘But not the place itself?’

‘When the sun burns down, I long for the chill, but I like what I have seen of Australia so far. It’s a land of possibility where anything might happen.’

‘For better or worse,’ Mrs McCrombie interjected. ‘Young lady, from my perspective, I will repeat what I said on New Year’s Eve. I can only say that you have blossomed since you have been here. I do believe Australia suits you and you suit it.’

‘I have definitely felt more free here, yes,’ Kitty ventured.

‘However, if you marry Andrew, you must resign yourself to not seeing your family again for perhaps many years. Although, my dear, no doubt you will start a family of your own. It is a natural progression, whether it be in Edinburgh or Australia. One way or another, once a woman marries, her life changes. And Andrew himself? Do you like him?’

‘Very much indeed. He is thoughtful, kind and clever. And from what he has told me, hard-working too.’

‘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 loves you already.’

‘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, I have decided, 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.

‘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.’

‘That might be so, but this wedding is important to Mother. So, we shall tell her and Aunt Florence this very evening.’

Kitty nodded, then turned away from him and walked upstairs, knowing her eyes were brimming with tears. When she arrived in her room, she threw herself on the bed and sobbed, because everything she had believed about her father wishing to get rid of her for good had just been proved right.

* * *

On the morning of her wedding to Andrew a month later, Kitty stood in front of the long mirror in her wedding dress. Edith had indeed pulled strings, and she was wearing a white gown fit for a princess. Her waist had been cinched into a whisper of itself, and the high neck set off her auburn hair, which Agnes had piled fetchingly on top of her head. The rich Alengon lace was bedecked in hundreds of small pearls that gleamed and sparkled with the slightest move.

‘Ye look beautiful, Miss Kitty. I’m wanting to cry . . .’ said Agnes as she straightened the tulle veil over Kitty’s shoulders.

‘Good morning, Kitty.’

Kitty saw the reflection of Edith walking into the room behind her.

‘Good morning.’

‘Doesn’t she look a picture, m’um?’ said Agnes, wiping her nose.

‘She does indeed,’ Edith replied stiffly, as if it hurt her to say the words. ‘May I have a word with Katherine alone?’

‘O’ course, m’um.’

Agnes scuttled out of the room.

‘I came to wish you good luck, Katherine,’ said Edith, walking around her daughter-in-law to be, checking the dress was perfect.

‘Thank you.’

‘I once knew your father when I was much younger. I met him at a ball in the Highlands. I believed that he was as smitten with me as I was with him. But then, your father always was a charmer, as I’m sure you’re aware.’

Kitty’s heart began to beat faster. She did not reply, knowing Edith had more to say.

‘Of course, I was wrong. It transpired that he was not only a charmer, but a chancer. A cad who enjoyed seducing women, and once he had done with them, he would move on to the next. To put it bluntly, I was left high and dry by him. I will not go into detail, but along with breaking my heart, he almost ruined my reputation. I . . . well, suffice to say that if it hadn’t been for Stefan arriving from Australia and us meeting by chance in London – and him having no knowledge of any . . . “notoriety” I had acquired – my future prospects would have been ruined.’

Deep breaths, Kitty ordered herself as she felt the heat of both embarrassment and shock prickling on the skin beneath her dress.

‘I can assure you, what I am telling you is true. I hope you can understand why I was less than pleased when my sister wrote to me telling me you were accompanying her and that I had to welcome you into my home. For of course, the truth of the matter was brushed under the carpet and my sister had no idea of what her sainted Ralph had done to me. And now . . .’ Edith came to stand in front of her. ‘You – his daughter – are to marry my eldest son, and we are to be related. The irony is not lost on me, as I’m sure it isn’t on your father.’

Kitty looked down at the yards of white lace pooling about her elegantly slippered feet. ‘Why are you telling me this?’ she whispered.

‘Because you are joining our family and I want no further secrets between us. And also to warn you that if you ever hurt my son the way your father hurt me, I will hunt you down and destroy you. Do you understand?’

‘I do.’

‘Well, that is all I have to say. I can only hope that you have your mother’s nature. My sister tells me she is such a sweet woman and very stoic. In retrospect, I have realised I had a lucky escape, for I am sure that your mother has suffered during her marriage to that man, just as I did. Him! A minister?!’ Edith chuckled hoarsely, but then, seeing Kitty’s obvious distress, regained her composure. ‘Now then, Kitty, we will never mention the subject again.’ Edith moved closer and kissed her tentatively on both cheeks. ‘You look beautiful, my dear. Welcome to the Mercer family.’