Dawn Annis Read Free

waiting footman handed her in. Glad to be away from the watchful eyes, Kate nestled into the squabs, pulling the woolen blanket across her lap. She tucked the soft fabric around her legs. The carriage tilted as her father entered and settled himself on the opposite seat. The footman closed the door, jumped onto his perch, and yelled to the driver to be off. The carriage started forward with a jolt.
    “I don’t think your smile was appropriate. People will think you are improper.”
    “I apologize, Father. It wasn’t my intention,” Kate said quietly.
    He frowned. “I expected to see Andrew at the grave site. Did you send a message?”
    Kate grew irritated but kept her temper in check. She’d learned from her years with him and later Sidney to hide her true emotions. “Yes, Father. Of course. I hoped Andrew could help me notify the rest of Sidney’s family. I sent a message to his uncle in Leeds. I have not received a reply.”
    Her husband’s brother had not made an appearance at his funeral. Some might find it odd. She did not. Andrew did nothing unless it furthered for his own gain.
    “Well, when you receive an answer ask Andrew to contact me. With Sidney’s death, there is much to do.”
    “Yes, Father,” Kate said. Given the opportunity, her father would use Andrew as he’d used her husband. Much like Andrew, her father was very good at taking care of himself and his business arrangements. Not that she cared.
    After what felt like an eternity trapped in hell with her father, they finally arrived at Sidney’s home. She didn’t think of it as her own. She never had.
    Lord Sidney Colquhoun had not been a popular man but he had a great deal of money and family ties to King James and the English Court. Both the lying-in-state and the funeral had been lavish. They’d had to be. Kate arrived at the estate to a flurry of activity. Almost immediately, Sidney’s housekeeper, Mrs. Garth, hurried up to her.
    “Ah, Mistress. I hope the funeral went well.”
    “Yes, it did. How are things here? You weren’t given a great deal of time.” Kate placed a hand on Mrs. Garth’s plump arm.
    Mrs. Garth deftly slipped out from under Kate’s touch. Sidney’s household staff was not accustomed to kindness. They did not know her. She had been living in the country when they were hired. The turnover was great in Sidney’s house.
    Mrs. Garth gestured to the receiving rooms, formal dining room, library, and immense hall on the ground floor showing they were draped in black fabric. Kate walked from room to room. The mirrors in the dining room, hall, and parlor had been removed.
    “The House of Colquhoun will have a great feast to honor our lord,” Mrs. Garth said, with disgust. She caught herself and straightened. “Begging your pardon, ma’am.” Mrs. Garth bobbed her head.
    Kate gave a slight smile and nodded. A look of relief spread over Mrs. Garth’s face. Kate understood. She mustn’t blame the woman, she felt the same way.
    The candles in the candelabras had been lit to bring light to such a cold and dreary day, the smell of burning wax pungent. The folding doors between the formal dining room and receiving room were open to provide a good-sized area for the mourning guests. Stuffed pheasants, fresh fish with creamy sauces, and plenty of thinly sliced beef and poultry covered the highly polished mahogany table. The sideboards were loaded with wines, champagnes, and punch. The smell of the food sickened her.
    The guests arrived and gathered in the main hall. Kate straightened and inhaled a deep breath.
    “Welcome to Colquhoun House.”
    “Lady Colquhoun, my deepest sympathies,” Mr. Cochran said as he kissed her cold hand.
    His kiss wet, Kate shuddered and resisted the urge to wipe her hand.
    “Pray call on me if I can do anything to ease your pain.” Mrs. Kettering took her hand and held it to her breast.
    Sidney had bragged about a liaison with Mrs. Kettering, a buxom brunette who didn’t mind showing her