Their reception was rapturous. As soon as the door opened the room erupted in cries of relief. Ann flew out of her seat and enveloped Kitty in a tight hug before insisting that she come and sit down with her on the sofa. Everyone was talking at once, demanding to know what had happened. After the calm silence of their night ride Kitty found the cacophony of voices far too confusing. She was content to remain still and silent, sitting between Ann and Lady Leaconham while Daniel explained everything.
‘Well, I am relieved that no harm has been done,’ declared Lord Harworth, pouring brandy into a glass and handing it to Daniel.
‘Except poor Lizzie,’ put in Ann. ‘She was so distraught that she took to her bed as soon as we got home.’
‘I was obliged to give her a little laudanum,’ added Mrs Camber, nodding. ‘I am sure she will be fully recovered by the morning.’
‘This would all have been avoided if they had stuck to their original plan and come straight home,’ stated Mr Camber, frowning direfully at his son.
George Camber shrank down in his chair, looking sheepish.
‘In Harworth’s absence I should have taken responsibility,’ put in Garston. ‘I should never have agreed to it. It was a mistake, and I admit it.’
‘You were not solely to blame, Cousin,’ added Ann, ‘we were all of us eager to go to Chapeltown, except Kitty.’
‘Then she showed more good sense than the rest of you put together,’ retorted Lord Harworth. ‘I can only thank Providence that Blackwood was on hand.’
‘If I had not been there I am sure Hamilton or Lord Leaconham would have gone after Miss Wythenshawe,’ remarked Daniel.
‘Aye, of course we would.’ Martin Hamilton nodded. ‘Not that we didn’t have the devil’s own job finding our way back to the road, even in daylight.’
‘But we were only a little late for dinner.’ Ann cast a soulful look at her brother.
‘Aye, well, that was some relief, to have most of you home,’ he agreed. ‘And when it grew dark and the ladies began to fret about Miss Wythenshawe I told ’em not to worry. “Mark my words,” I said, “Blackwood will look after her. And when darkness falls you may be sure he will take shelter at some inn or tavern until there’s moonlight enough to see the way.” And I was right, you see. But you’ll not be riding back to Hestonroyd tonight, my boy? The least we can do is give you a bed for the night.’
‘Thank you, my lord, I would like to stay,’ replied Daniel. ‘Very much.’
Kitty knew his eyes were upon her but she dared not meet his gaze.
‘Did you dine on the road?’ enquired Garston.
‘No, we did not stop to eat,’ said Daniel.
‘Oh, how remiss of me!’ declared Lady Harworth, tugging at the bell-rope. ‘You must be quite famished! I will order something to be brought in immediately.’ Kitty disclaimed, wanting only to go to her bed, but Lady Harworth insisted and when the servant came in she gave orders for soup to be prepared and sent up to Kitty’s room. ‘And for Mr Blackwood, too, but ask Cook to send up a plate of ham and some pickles as well for him. I am sure you must be very hungry, sir,’ she added as the servant withdrew. ‘But now it is very late, and I am sure we should all be in our beds…’
‘Not quite yet, Mama, if you please, I would like to say something.’ Lord Harworth moved to the centre of the room. ‘In all the anxiety of this evening we have not been able to divert ourselves with charades, or billiards as is customary, and it has given me time to consider. I have made a decision and do not wish to put things off a moment longer. My mother and Aunt Leaconham are well aware of my intentions, and approve, so I think it is time to speak.’
Kitty was looking at her host, trying to appear attentive when all she wanted was to go to sleep. From the corner of her eye she saw Garston lean down to whisper something to Ann, who giggled. She hoped Lord Harworth would hurry up and finish whatever it was he had to say so that she could retire to her bedchamber.
‘Mama has been telling me for years that I should do this, and since I am assured by my aunt that there is no impediment I see no reason to wait. We’ll have the lawyers discuss settlements and jointures and what-not later but I want to get this off my chest so I might as well do it now, while everyone is here, eh?’ Bemused, Kitty watched as Lord Harworth crossed the room and lowered himself on to one knee before her. ‘Miss Wythenshawe, will you do me the honour, very great honour, of accepting my hand in marriage?’
Kitty stared at him. Beside her, Ann was clapping and laughing, her godmother gave a gusty sigh and everyone else crowded round, eagerly awaiting her answer.
All except Daniel. Briefly raising her eyes from the figure kneeling before her, she looked across the room. Daniel remained by the door, his face pale and drawn with fatigue. Apart from a muscle twitching in his cheek he might well have been made from marble, so cold and indifferent was he. Lady Leaconham gave her a little nudge.
‘Well, Kitty, answer his lordship.’
‘I—um—I am honoured, my lord, and, and flattered that you should think me worthy…’ She cudgelled her brain for the right words but it appeared she had said enough.
‘Oh, my dear, I am so pleased!’ cried Ann, enveloping her in another of her fierce hugs. ‘Now I shall be able to call you sister!’
As soon as she emerged from Ann’s embrace, Lady Leaconham pulled her close and kissed her cheek.
‘Kitty, my love, how happy I am about this! And I cannot wait to tell your mama—you know how delighted she will be.’
Lord Harworth, having risen to his feet, held out his hand to her.
‘Miss Wythenshawe—Katherine—Kitty.’ He pulled her up to stand beside him. ‘You have made me the happiest man on earth!’ He raised first one hand then the other to his lips before leaning forward to plant a kiss on her cheek.
‘My lord, this is not—I mean—I must speak with you.’
He beamed at her.
‘Of course, my love, of course, but everything else can wait until the morrow. We must let our guests go and get some rest now, eh?’ He looked around. ‘But where’s Blackwood? Gone to bed already, has he? Young dog, not staying to congratulate me, but there, I suppose he is tired after all the adventures of the day!’
‘I was concerned for a while today that he might cut you out,’ remarked Lady Harworth, stepping forward to give Kitty a congratulatory peck on the cheek.
‘Goodness, yes,’ cried Ann, putting her hands to her mouth. ‘Just think. If you had not returned until the morning then Mr Blackwood would have been obliged to offer for you!’
‘Do not look so horrified at that, my dear,’ said Lady Harworth drily. ‘He would not be such a bad catch, rich as he is.’
Lady Leaconham bent an enquiring eye upon her sister.
‘But, Clara, a manufacturer…’
‘Not just a manufacturer, Letitia, although he has some very wealthy connections in the trade—one of his uncles is the richest wool merchant in Leeds and another owns several cotton mills in Lancashire, not to mention his father’s interests in both wool and the cotton spinning. But not only that, he is to inherit a very sizeable property. Harworth tells me his father bought the Hartleydale estate last year.’ She glanced speculatively at her daughter. ‘Mr Daniel Blackwood stands to inherit a business worth in excess of forty thousand a year. To my mind that makes him a very eligible bachelor.’ She added after a moment, ‘He does not have a title, of course.’
‘Well,’ exclaimed Lady Leaconham, fanning herself briskly. ‘I never would have thought it. He is extremely well presented, of course, but there is never anything ostentatious about the man.’
‘But he is very much a gentleman, Aunt, do you not think so?’ said Ann, looking thoughtful. ‘A few more fobs and seals, a little more time in Town…’
‘Enough, enough!’ cried Lord Harworth jovially. ‘What care I how rich Blackwood may be? There is one prize he does not possess.’
He lifted Kitty’s hands to his lips again, then stood beaming down at her. Realising she was expected to respond, Kitty could only think of one thing to say.
‘Sir, I am very tired…’
‘Oh, my poor child, of course you are!’ Lady Leaconham was on her feet in an instant. ‘Say goodnight, my love, and I will take you upstairs immediately. A betrothal, and after such a day of excitement, it is no wonder you are worn out.’
‘Yes, I am, Godmama. If you will all excuse me…’
Lady Leaconham put one arm about Kitty and led her away and as she picked up a bedroom candle from the bottom of the stairs she gave a little chuckle of delight.
‘Oh, my dear, was anything so fortunate? I was afraid at first that it was all up with you when Garston returned with the others and told me what had happened, but once it became clear that no blame was attached to you then Bertram was all concern. And to make you an offer here, in front of everyone—’
‘He does not know my circumstances,’ muttered Kitty. ‘It must be explained to him how very poor I am—’
‘Yes, of course, my dear, but what can that matter now?’