Kathryn shook her head. “You and your sister are so very kind. She asked the same thing, but this is something I need to do myself.”
“Of course.”
As luck would have it, when she and Grace returned from their walk in the garden, they learned Lady Devon wanted to rest before dinner.
“Mama, let me escort you to your room,” Kathryn said.
“Thank you, my dear. That would be most welcome.”
Kathryn linked arms with her mother, and they climbed the stairs together.
Once they were inside Lady Devon’s bedchamber, she turned to Kathryn. “Darling, you look quite flushed. Are you unwell?”
“No, Mama. I’m perfectly well.”
“Hmmm… something is different about you. You have a sparkle in your eye I haven’t seen in a long time.”
“May we speak for a moment?”
“Of course. Come sit by me in front of the fireplace.”
Kathryn took a seat in a wingback chair next to her mother, but she couldn’t help but wring her hands.
“My darling girl, whatever is the matter? Why are you troubled?”
Kathryn needed to be brave and confess her feelings to her mother. She couldn’t imagine her life without Sam. “There is something I need to tell you, but I’m afraid.”
Lady Devon grasped her hand. “Do not be afraid, my darling. Whatever it is, I shall surely listen.”
That gave Kathryn an ounce of courage. “Mama, you know I had a terrible Season.”
“Well, I wouldn’t exactly say that.”
“It’s true. I know I’m not a beauty like Eleanor, and gentlemen only asked me to dance because of my dowry.”
“My darling girl, I have complete faith that you will find a gentleman who values you for who you are,” Lady Devon said.
“I don’t believe such a gentleman exists in London.”
“I’m sure things will be different next Season.”
“Mama, you’re not listening. Things will never be different for me on the marriage mart, but here in Reading, I’ve found a gentleman who truly sees me as I am.”
Lady Devon clapped. “A country gentleman? Where is his estate? I’m so pleased for you, my dear.”
Kathryn shook her head. “No, Mama. He’s not gentry, but he is a true and honorable man who loves me, and I love him.”
Lady Devon frowned. “Kathryn, speak plainly. What are you talking about? Who is this man?”
“His name is Mr. Sam Clifford, and he’s the son of a baronet. He’s helping Lord Fletcher with the garden design here at Dandridge Manor.”
“A commoner! Surely you cannot be serious, Kathryn.”
“But I am, Mama. I didn’t mean for this to happen, but now that it has, I want to marry him.”
“Your father would never approve of such a match. He’s far below your station.”
“I’m afraid of that, but might you find it in your heart to try and persuade him to approve the match? Mr. Clifford is the heir to the Faulkner Baronetcy, and he loves me. That must count for something, doesn’t it?”