Chapter 4

As a well-sprung carriage moved down the streets of London's fashionable neighborhoods, its occupant felt good to be back in London for a long visit.

Katharine, Duchess of Glenshire now, by the decree of Queen Victoria, had been honorary given the title. With no brothers, that legacy would have been broken, but when the queen found out her father had given her a copy of his cornet ring, the queen considered it sufficient to show a favored status. The legacy would continue through her father's grandson.

At least part of this trip was to get away from expectations. The family elders wanted her to marry Andrew, Uncle Steven's son. That would wrap estate planning up nice and neat. The two heads of houses, once married, would combine the two halves of their island home under one roof. She was warming up to the idea.

But we are cousins, twice removed, but still cousins. Aunt Eleanor doesn't like that.

Maybe Aunt Eleanor will try to get Phileas Fogg over for tea?

Katharine giggled at the prospect. The chances were zero such a thing would happen. Despite his declarations of devotion at the Embassy ball, Phileas had accepted none of Eleanor's invitations if he knew she would be there.

Doesn't bother me any. I'm over that infatuation, green-eyes and all.

Eleanor still talked him up in letters, but Katharine had turned herself against it. In the informal atmosphere of a masked ball, Mr. Fogg had been quite charming, but a rogue. She had deduced that he was the sort of man Uncle Steven warned her to avoid, a handsome, charming, confirmed bachelor.

No need for me to join his long trail of broken hearts.

Eleanor had never been told about their meeting. Uncle Steven's succumbing to a second seizure had cut her visit off abruptly.

The carriage slowed and stopped at Eleanor's house in good time. The driver handed her out of the carriage onto the walk and followed her to the door.

Aunt Eleanor's butler swung the front door open before the man could touch the knocker. "So splendid to have you back, my lady. Your aunt has guests. She asks that you go upstairs to freshen up before coming in for tea."

Katharine headed upstairs to wash and switched from her traveling gown to a light spring dress with a lacework bodice. It had been the quickest thing already in the wardrobe to change into from last season. She smoothed her hair and headed back downstairs.

Mr. Tims opened the door for her. Inside, Katharine hesitated a step. Eleanor had four guests sitting in attendance on her. Only one of them, Lady Bucknum and her gentleman friend, were what she had expected. In the center of the couch, sitting beside Eleanor, was a red-headed beauty Katharine had never met.

Facing away from the door at the opposite end of the tea table was a gentleman whose family were long-time friends of her aunt. There had been no need to see his face. Katharine would have known Phileas Fogg anywhere.

She did it. Aunt Eleanor finally did it.

The hostess called her grandniece out of her surprise. "Do come in, child; join us on the couch here," she motioned, offering Katharine the seat at the opposite end of the sofa, directly in front of Phileas. She put on her best social smile and maneuvered past the gentleman standing in greeting.

"You know Lady Jane Bucknum," Lady Eleanor said. "This is her friend, Mr. John Morris. This is Miss Rebecca Fogg," she said of the red-haired women, "and Mr. Phileas Fogg. May I present you all to my grandniece, Lady Katharine, Duchess of Glenshire?"

In group, but she has finally made the introduction. Five years ago, Katharine would have swooned in excitement. Now, all she felt was amusement at the man's stiff posture as he bowed over her hand. He was making a good show of it, but she could tell he was discomforted about being netted. Phileas gave her a smile, but it did not quite reach his eyes.

Katharine finished her greetings and took the seat she had been directed to. Her aunt's maid handed her a cup of tea as the conversation resumed. Phileas Fogg looked down in his cup, looking somewhere between cornered and annoyed. Rebecca Fogg and Lady Bucknum were just holding their composure. Lady Bucknum was a long-time friend and knew the situation. Miss Fogg seemed to know what had just happened, although Katharine did not know her connection. Mr. Morris chattered along happily, without a clue.

"How long will you be visiting, my lady?" he asked, drawing her into the conversation.

"Two months."

"Wonderful!" Lady Bucknum said. "You have not had an extended stay in so long! You must come to some receptions and parties I am giving."

Certain her itinerary was already set in stone, Katharine said, "I would love to."

"You and your dear cousin are also coming to a few of my parties, are you not Rebecca?"

"Oh, we would not miss it," Rebecca said, giving the elder lady a bright smile.