Charles noticed the attention paid to his sister, but was not concerned. She had attracted many admirers, so much so that he knew Sarah was growing jealous. A beautiful woman attracts the good and bad in everyone, he mused. He came to believe that his mother was correct, that Katharine needed to marry. Of course, Baron Adams was out of the question since he was a married man. But the sooner his sister married, the better.
The Earl of Benton was available and unwed, yet he too was much older than Kat and he cut a poor figure. Charles mused on the subject. He wanted Katharine settled and happy, not only for the family’s sake but for her own. She tended to be very free compared with the average woman and was far too educated; on that, he was in complete agreement with his mother. But then, his father had spoiled the girl and there was nothing that could be done now.
Things could have continued along and Katharine might have married a lord of the realm and lived happily ever after. But one event altered her life’s path forever.
***
One evening, a close friend of Charles’ who lived in the fashionable Mayfair district invited Katharine, Charles and Sarah to a ball. Charles readily accepted. Katharine would enjoy dancing and mingling with her friends and even Sarah was looking forward to the evening.
Katharine dressed in a deep red dress with a low neckline and elbow-length sleeves. The gown split in the front to reveal the petticoat worn beneath it. She wore a delicate diamond choker and diamond earrings.
Kat looked elegant in her red gown and diamonds. Sarah was dressed similarly, but in a golden yellow color.
The ball was well underway when the trio arrived. An orchestra at one end of the long gallery played a piece Kat recognized as Johann Sebastian Bach’s. It was a delight for her ears.
Upon entering the ballroom, she made eye contact with several of her new female friends and excused herself to join them. Standing apart from the group, slurping his third glass of champagne, was Baron Adams. He had been eyeing Katharine when she made her entrance and he was excited.
His wife Hettie was completely oblivious to his plans, and he preferred it that way. He would never divorce Hettie. Not only was the bovine woman a good mother, but as a Catholic, divorce was unthinkable. However, she was not pleasing to the eye and a man had needs.
Many a night he had laid awake thinking of the beautiful blonde and devising a way for them to be together. He had placed money aside for a townhouse in London and set up an account with a fashionable dressmaker in town as well. He had everything ready. Tonight, he would let her know that she need not worry about her future. He was prepared to offer her the position of mistress.
Baron Adams had found himself stroking his member many nights, imagining the blonde on her knees and taking him everywhere he wanted. He could not wait for their first night together. He knew she would be a pleasure-seeking woman. Her zest for life and intelligence told him everything he needed to know. She would please him in all ways.
Truth be told, he did not value education in women and he figured all of her fancy lessons had been for naught. He believed her father should have known better. But that was in the past, and perhaps he could find a use for her education.
He had wanted to choose his time perfectly and tonight’s ball would be the night. He would make the offer and he was sure she would be thrilled and honored. As a baron, he was a good catch, even to associate with as a mistress. He watched her the entire evening and waited for the moment when she was alone.
Katharine was enjoying herself. The music was lively; Bach’s Six Concerts à plusieurs instruments drifted through the rooms to delight the listeners. She had one glass of champagne but didn’t really care for the taste. She had lost eyesight of Charles and Sarah, and all her new friends were dancing. She had only danced one Minuet to Handel’s Watermusic before deciding she wanted to explore the house.
She walked along the gallery in the huge house where the portraits of past ancestors hung. At the end of the gallery, a large balcony opened up and overlooked the vast gardens. She stepped out onto the balcony. The chilly air felt refreshing after the warmth of the ballroom. She closed her eyes and thought of Willow Manor. She missed the safety and loveliness of her home.
“My dear,” she heard behind her and spun around.
Katharine tried to steel herself against the revulsion she felt at seeing the baron before her. She had met him at several parties and balls and was polite, but she did not like him. She felt he was dishonest and arrogant and he seemed to look at her in a distasteful manner.
“Lord Adams,” Katharine replied.
Horace smiled, revealing tiny white teeth. “Come, my dear. I’ve told you that you may address me as Horace.”
Katharine smiled in return. “Yes, but I cannot,” she replied. “That would not be proper.”
Horace’s eyes feasted on Katharine’s dress and watched as her breasts moved up and down over the neckline. He couldn’t wait to taste them.
“Proper, my dear? I am old enough to be your father. What could be improper about a young lady addressing an older man by his Christian name?”
Katharine gritted her teeth at the mention of her father. Edward was good and kind, nothing like this man before her, she was certain.
“Nevertheless, my Lord. I will address you as befits your rank.”
Horace chuckled. He would love to break the little chit’s pride. She thought too much of herself. “As you wish, my dear,” he replied.
Katharine watched as he stood between her and the gallery and wondered what he wanted. He seemed intent on keeping her on the balcony.
“Was there something you wished, my Lord?”
Horace watched the beauty in the dark night sky. The diamonds at her neck flashed in the night and her eyes were luminous. By God, he would have the little bitch on her knees before the night was done.
“Yes, my dear. You are most perceptive. Intelligence is a quality not often found in women.” He strove to play on her vanity even though he hated educated women.