Alastair looked as if he would very much like to give Devon the boot, but the Viscount withdrew.
“I still do not understand why you dislike such an amiable fellow,” she said to Alastair but was glad to see him before she left. “Have you come to admonish or warn me one last time?”
He drew in a long breath. “I came to tell you that I have reconsidered your request.”
“My request?” For a moment, she thought she had asked him for more of what had occurred last night.
“Concerning your dowry. I have decided to add the condition that I must approve any engagement, as well as any settlements, for the dowry to qualify.”
She stared at him. Did he jest? No, he was not the sort of man given to jesting. When she was fairly certain that she had heard correctly, she said, “My lord…thank you, but I am engaged already.”
“I fear any misunderstanding was my error. I had not made my condition known to your father but will make it now. Have your father bring Mr. Haversham, whom I met but briefly, to meet with me once more.”
“And you will…?”
“I have a better understanding of the sort of man who would make Miss Abbott a suitable husband.”
She had the urge to embrace her cousin. “Thank you! Thank you, Alastair!”
He bowed.
“Well, Andre!” Lady Katherine declared. “Are you riding with us to Bath?”
“Only to see you safely to your destination, m’lady, as you have no other escort.”
“Fabulous! We will wait for your horse to be sent for.”
Alastair bowed again and went to make arrangements with his valet.
“Mon dieu! He is not quite the scoundrel in your presence,” Madame Follet remarked first to Lady Katherine, Then to Mildred, “Nor yours, mademoiselle.”
All his more tender moments flashed before Mildred.
“It is lovely to see how our sex can inspire the better parts in men,” Madame Follet added.
“I can claim no credit,” Mildred replied, looking at Lady Katherine. “I think his aunt must have all to do with it.”
“I?” Lady Katherine responded. “I merely acquainted you with the wonders of Château Follet. The rest was up to you.”
They did not have to wait long for Alastair. Soon Mildred and Lady Katherine were ensconced in the carriage, with Alastair astride his horse beside the vehicle.
Mildred looked out the window at Château Follet. It was a place that held great significance for Lady Katherine, for she had met her husband here, and for Mildred, it would occupy a special place in her heart and mind as well. Within its walls, she had been taken to such heights as she could not have imagined.
As the carriage pulled away, Mildred considered that perhaps Lady Katherine would prove correct. Perhaps this was not to be her last adventure.
THE END