Easton stood behind her, letting Kathryn speak first.
That got her father’s attention, and he directed his piercing gaze at her. “What important matter?”
Kathryn took a deep breath, remembering Sam’s words. She could do this. “Papa, Mama, I wanted to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with a wonderful gentleman.”
“What gentleman? You’ve not written about anytendreyou felt while you’ve been at Dandridge Manor,” her father said rather brusquely. “This is all rather sudden.”
“I know. I wanted to tell you in person.”
“Kathryn, what gentleman?” her father demanded.
“His name is Mr. Sam Clifford,” Kathryn said.
“I’m not acquainted with him. Does he own a country estate nearby?”
“No, Papa, he does not. He’s a fine man and he helps Lord Fletcher with overseeing the garden design here at Dandridge Manor.”
“A gardener? Have you taken leave of your senses? No daughter of mine will marry a gardener. I will find you a husband when we return to London.”
“Papa, please—”
“There is nothing more to discuss.”
“Please let me explain.”
This was going as horribly as Kathryn had feared. Her father wouldn’t listen to anything further. She was relieved when her brother entered the conversation.
“Father, why would you condemn a beloved daughter to a life of misery?” Easton interjected before the conversation ended in a shouting match and a great deal of tears. “I’ve seen firsthand this past Season how cruel thetoncan be to Kathryn. Some of those gossipmongers take great delight in causing her undue pain.”
“Surely that’s not true,” Lord Devon said.
“I’m afraid it is. Has any gentleman come to you to request permission to court her?”
“No.”
“Exactly, and I’m afraid the only ones who would step up are merely seeking control of her dowry. They don’t care about her, but Mr. Clifford does.”
Kathryn was relieved to see her mother place her hand on her father’s sleeve. Maybe there was a glimmer of hope after all.
“My dear, I’ve seen Kathryn’s torment as well, though I’ve tried to shield her from the worst of the gossipmongers. They’re a vicious bunch,” Lady Devon said.
“Exactly,” Easton said. “Father, I would add that Mr. Clifford is heir to the Faulkner Baronetcy, so while he is a commoner, he is in line to inherit the baronetcy. Kathryn loves Mr. Clifford, and he loves her. Can you not see you will be punishing her for the rest of her life if you don’t allow them to marry?”
“I’ll find a peer to marry her. There’s no need for her to marry this man,” Lord Devon said.
“Papa, please. Mr. Clifford loves me,” Kathryn pleaded. “No other man has even spared me a glance until they learned I had a large dowry.”
“But a commoner? Kathryn, you can’t be serious,” the earl said with a little less conviction than before.
“A common who loves and respects her,” Easton repeated.
Lady Devon squeezed her husband’s arm. “Darling, Easton is right. All I ever wanted for our children was for them to have a love match like the one we share. Does it really matter who they marry?”
“Of course it matters. Can you imagine the gossip when the marriage is announced? My daughter marrying a commoner? I’d be a laughingstock.”
“Father, why would there be any gossip?” Easton pressed on. “There’s no need to put the engagement announcement in the London paper. Kathryn will be living here in Reading, far away from the prying eyes of theton. If she stays here at Dandridge while the banns are read, they can marry at St. Mary’s parish. Once they’re married, it matters not who knows.”
“This is highly unusual, and I like it not. What do we know of this Mr. Clifford?” the earl asked.