Free An Artful Deception by Karen Cogan Page B

a flush of color stained her cheeks at becoming the object of their attention.
     
    She rose and said, “If you wish to entertain, I can take this mending to my chamber, my lord.”
     
    Philip waved her back to her seat. “You may as well stay. We are only here for a moment. I came to leave word with Mother that I will be going out to dinner with my friend, Mr. Trevor. Would you be so kind as to tell her?”
     
    Katharine sank back upon the settee. “I would be pleased to do so.”
     
    Philip hesitated a moment, as though reluctant to leave. “I shall not be late. I plan to go for an early ride tomorrow in Hyde Park.”
     
    Katharine nodded, wondering why he sounded as though he wanted her approval.
     
    She smiled. “That sounds lovely. I shall relay the message.”
     
    He looked uncertainly from Katharine to his companion. “I shall just run upstairs and change. There is a nice fire in the library. I could have our butler bring you a drink,” Philip offered his friend.
     
    The shorter man shook his head. “No thank you. I shall be perfectly content to wait right here.”
     
    Looking less than pleased, Philip nodded and strode away.
     
    Mr. Trevor appraised Katharine in a somewhat forthright manner and then said, “Have you been in London long?”
     
    She glanced up. “No. I arrived with the Charlesworth family.”
     
    She went back to her mending and hoped that he would amuse himself with the contents of the room. Unfortunately, he seemed a young man of single mind and right now his mind was upon Katharine. He stepped closer and said, “I met Lord Charlesworth at the club. I am in London on business. My family is very old gentry. I own an estate in Sussex.”
She looked up, meeting his hopeful gaze. She had learned long ago how to tell when a young man was trying to impress her. He probably imagined that a maid with no connections would be eager to make his acquaintance.
     
    How she could discourage him without offending him eluded her at the moment. So she merely said, “I am sure you have a lovely home.”
     
    The simple comment started him on a detailed description of his holdings that continued until Philip entered the room, looking dashing in a black waistcoat and spotless white cravat. He had brushed his dark hair back from his brow, making his high cheekbones look chiseled and tantalizingly masculine.
     
    He took in the scene and frowned. “Let us be off, Mr. Trevor. Ginny, be so kind as to remember my message.”
     
    As they entered the waiting coach, Mr. Trevor turned to Philip. “What a winsome creature. Wherever did you find her?”
     
    Philip briefly explained the circumstances of Katharine’s arrival.
     
    Mr. Trevor rubbed his chin. “Though she is currently in service, I should like to know her background. Should it prove unblemished or perhaps even distinguished in some way, I should like to know her better. She is an intriguing creature with that burnished hair.”
     
    Philip felt vaguely disturbed by Trevor’s interest. “All I know is that her parents were in service to Lord and Lady Kirby.”
     
    “ Humm... Well, I should like to know her better.”
     
    So should I, Philip thought, admitting to himself that he had the distinct impression that she was guarding a secret. And he would give a good part of his estate to find out if he was right.
     
     
     
    The next morning, Katharine came downstairs from tending Lady Charlesworth to find Philip pacing the portico in his fanciest double-breasted riding coat. He looked so disgruntled that she wondered if he had not enjoyed his ride.
     
    Their eyes met and she dared to ask, “Was your ride not pleasant?”
     
    He scowled. “My ride was fine. It is sitting still for days that I do not relish.”
     
    Katharine cocked her head, feeling puzzled. “Sitting still for days?”
     
    “ Yes. Mother has decided that while I am in London, I am to have my likeness painted. She hired an artist who came highly recommended by her