Free The Made Marriage by Henrietta Reid

their father’s side, but, as far as Nicky’s escapade was concerned, it was merely high spirits, though of course I don’t condone his conduct for a moment,’ she added piously. ‘However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t settle this situation once and for all by getting rid of the girl and putting an end to gossip.’
    As she was studiously ignoring Kate and speaking of her as if she had suddenly become invisible, Kate wondered indignantly whether she should stalk from the room or offer more sherry. Deciding on the latter course as perhaps more dignified, she found that her polite inquiry was met by dead silence and an averted profile.
    Mrs. Fitzpatrick got to her feet and prepared to depart. ‘I can see that I’m wasting my time,’ she said tightly, ‘although I can assure you that, as your aunt, and having your best interests at heart, my visit was well intended.’
    ‘I’m sure it was,’ Owen replied a little wearily, ‘and if it gives you any comfort I’ve sent for Aunt Florrie. She’ll act as a sort of chaperon, I hope.’
    Mrs. Fitzpatrick laughed shortly. ‘Florrie act as a chaperon? Why, a woman like Florrie Lawlor is much too self-willed and unconventional to be of the slightest use in hushing up gossip. The woman is an utter freak and a laughing-stock, and if your uncle had had a scrap of sense he would never have married her.’
    ‘All the same, I think she made him happy in spite of her eccentricities,’ Owen said thoughtfully.
    Kate glanced at him in surprise. It was the first time she had heard him speak of marriage in terms at all complimentary.
    Even Mrs. Fitzpatrick, taken up as she was with her grievances, appeared to be faintly astonished. ‘Well, I must say I’d never have given Florrie credit for bringing any man happiness. However, she’s right about one thing: it’s time you were married and settled down—with a girl from a suitable family, of course,’ she added hastily, and seemed gratified that Owen made no protest. Although Kate, who had learned to sense his moods, guessed that he was no longer listening.
    When his aunt had gone Owen wandered back into the sitting-room where Kate was clearing away the glasses. ‘Poor Aunt Alice! I was just able to prevent myself telling her a few home truths. She lives in the old days when h er husband’s family owned the Ballyfeeny Mills and tries to impress people with her past glories—although, as far as she’s concerned, they’re very much present.’
    He watched abstractedly as Kate collected the glasses and placed them on a tray and plumped cushions. She kept her face averted, but when at last he caught a glimpse of her profile, her snub good-humoured features looked clouded and unhappy, and to his annoyance he discovered that the spectacle for some strange reason, disturbed him. ‘And now what’s wrong? Don’t you think that a visit from Aunt Alice is enough for a man to endure without you flinging the vapours as well?’
    ‘I’m not flinging the vapours,’ Kate sniffed dismally, and ran her finger around the rim of a glass, ‘but how would you like it if someone talked about you as if you weren’t present?’
    ‘If you mean my Aunt Alice—as I think you do—I’d be extremely grateful. I get too much of her attention as it is. Anyway, you must have realised that if you stayed on here my relations would betray a certain amount of interest, if not opposition.’
    ‘If they’re all going to betray that type of interest I think perhaps it would be better if I left,’ Kate said, with a show of spirit that she was far from feeling.
    ‘Oh no, you don’t,’ he retorted, to her relief. ‘I need you now. You simply can’t decide to clear off, just because you’ve taken a dislike to my foolish aunt.’
    Kate’s eyes brightened. ‘Then you really want me to stay?’ She glanced up at him eagerly. She was close to him and he was aware that only the tray of glasses separated them. She looked very young and her