Free His Obsession by Ann B. Keller Page B

Kate averted her eyes, retreating
into her room. “I’d rather be alone just now, thank you.”
    One of the maids paused to peer inside and
Edgar gruffly waved the woman away to pursue the rest of her
duties. Frowning with concern, Edgar followed Kate inside her room
and closed the door. He sensed that his daughter was hiding
something.
    “What is it, Katie girl?” Edgar softly asked,
using the name he’d called her when she was very small. “You don’t
seem yourself.”
    Kate managed a weak smile for her parent.
    “I’m fine, Father. Really,” Kate assured him.
“It’s just a headache.”
    Edgar chuckled.
    “As I recall, you said much the same thing
the day you fell off the garden wall and cut your leg in three
places,” Edgar remembered. “And all that your mother could see was
that you’d ruined your gown.”
    “I remember,” Kate chuckled in agreement.
    Gently, Edgar took her slender shoulders in
his hands.
    “Tell me what’s bothering you. I can see that
you’re upset about something,” Edgar pleaded.
    “No, I – Oh, very well. I don’t know how to
say this, but - I don’t want to marry Viscount Marbury,” Kate
finally admitted.
    Edgar frowned.
    “Did he say or do something to --”
    “No, no. Nothing like that,” Kate quickly
assured him. “I just need some time to be alone right now, to think
things over.”
    Edgar nodded slowly.
    “Very well. I’ll make your apologies then.
Rest well,” Edgar bid her, placing a gentle kiss on her
forehead.
    Edgar left Kate’s room, puzzled by her words.
Kate said the viscount hadn’t insulted her, but he wasn’t
convinced. If that young pup had so much as touched her
inappropriately or said a vulgar word in her hearing, he’d call him
out!
    Gritting his teeth and mentally readying
himself for battle, Edgar descended the stairs and purposefully
strode for the garden. Suddenly, someone stepped in front of him
and Edgar drew up short.
    “How is she?” a low masculine voice
asked.
    Edgar frowned up at the man standing before
him, ready to pummel the viscount within an inch of his life. He
was surprised to see the Earl of Devonshire instead. Quickly, Edgar
pulled himself together.
    “Better, my lord. Kate is better today,”
Edgar told him. “Thank you for asking.”
    It could have been a trick of the light
perhaps, but Edgar thought that the earl appeared vastly relieved.
His interest was unexpected, yet certainly not unwelcome. Could it
be that his Kate and the earl --? For a moment, Edgar allowed his
imagination free rein. The result of his thoughts was so fantastic,
so utterly delightful that he nearly crowed with happiness.
    “If there is anything that I can do, you have
only to ask,” Richard graciously offered.
    “You wish to help Kate?” Edgar queried.
    “Yes, of course,” Richard readily
replied.
    Edgar grinned. The earl spoke with such
conviction. Overton was well pleased.
    “Believe me, my lord, you’ve already helped
immensely,” Edgar promised him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have
the distinct pleasure of telling that conceited young pup that he
cannot marry my daughter.”

Chapter 6
    Once Viscount Marbury was told that his offer
had been refused, he did not linger at the Overton mansion. Kate
was grateful. Edgar told her that Lionel had made his excuses. Some
sort of “family business” had apparently called him back to his
estate and he wasn’t certain that he would be able to return.
    Kate happily exited her room. She paused at
the top of the steps, however, smiling as Helen and Lord Winslow
raced out the front door, arm in arm. It was clear to see that they
were deeply in love. Their faces positively glowed with happiness.
It was sweet and almost painful to watch them.
    Halfway down the steps, Kate felt as though
she were being watched. Already sensing the identity of the
gentleman observing her descent, Kate hopefully lifted her
eyes.
    Richard Warwick stared up at Kate, transfixed
by the graceful young woman