Dawn Annis Read Free Page B

Kathryn never had to walk out the front door again, she’d be perfectly happy.’ She was right. Sidney may have thought he was gaining his freedom by sending me to Scotland. Truth be told, he gave me mine.”
    “I miss my mother. Somehow this all would have been easier with her by my side. She seemed to know the right words to say. The right course of action to take.” She sighed.
    Emily leaned in close, then whispered, “You know, I never believed her carriage rolling over was an accident.”
    “I never believed it either. Father and Sidney would hear none of my suspicions. They wouldn’t even answer my questions,” Kate said quietly. “I felt so alone when she died. Perhaps she would have allowed me to leave Sidney and come home. Although, Father would never have allowed it. He arranged the marriage because the Colquhouns were friendly with the English monarchy. Father wanted Sidney’s royal and social influences for his shipping business. He’s lost that now.”
    “I should not be too surprised. Father never cared for me,” Kate said, dabbing her eyes. “I was valuable when I married to Sidney. Father is a harsh man and has very little time for his daughter, particularly if she is unable or unwilling to further his own ends.”
    The tedious day eventually drew to a close. Lady Colquhoun stood in the foyer once again, this time to say farewell to her guests.
    “Kate, you are exhausted. Get a good night’s sleep. We will see you soon,” Emily said as she hugged her.
    Gerald kissed her hand.
    “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine once I get home. I’ll come back and visit.”
    The last of the mourners left, stuffed with food and drink, toting their gifts and giving their sympathies.
    Kate waved as Emily and Gerald stepped into the night. She took in a deep breath. To hell with her father, and Sidney, for that matter. She was going home. Home to Scotland. She would see to her father’s business when it suited her, not at his dictate. She would take care of closing the house and Sidney’s will. He didn’t want a nuisance; she wouldn’t be one.
    Kate finished up her duties and slowly climbed the staircase, dragging the hem of her gown, too tired to pick it up. Her legs felt like iron. She plodded down the hall past Sidney’s rooms and made her way to the second door and went into her bedchamber.
    Kate rubbed her temples, trying relieve the pressure from the day’s events and from the constant smell of the black dye used to transformed most of her wardrobe into mourning gowns. Kate sighed with exhaustion. Her hands shook slightly as she slipped out of her gown. She had never liked having a maid dress her and would not call for one now. She undressed herself down to her shift and slipped into her floor-length, finely woven cotton robe then stepped over to the window and opened it several inches. She sank gratefully into the heavily cushioned chair close to the curtained window with her legs tucked beneath her and took a deep breath. She could hear the drumming of rain as it fell onto the roof. The wind blew the trees, the leaves fluttered wildly. Kate shivered as she inhaled the cold, fresh air. A brief knock broke the silence and the door opened without her response.
    “You’ll catch your death sitting by an open window.”
    Kate smiled her first genuine smile of the day. John Smithers, her manservant, carried a silver serving tray into the room. He set it on the polished table beside her, then picked up a linen napkin and placed it on her lap. Their eyes met. She saw sympathy in his.
    “It has been a long, arduous day. Your supper, m’lady,” Smithers said softly as he removed the silver covers from his offerings. “I have tea and hot soup for you.”
    Kate lifted the cup to her lips and blew on the hot tea. She sipped and smiled. The taste of chamomile flowers, blackberry leaves, and lemongrass was sweet. Her tension eased. The brew would help her sleep.
    “Thank you, Smithers. I believe this