Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Kitty Bennet enjoyed the feeling of the breeze on her face, even if she was forced to wear the ridiculous bonnet to control her hair. Her brown curls had begun to show streaks of grey, so she didn't mind hiding that from the world. As much as she tried not to let her vanity get the best of her, Kitty still hated to see that reminder of her aging in the mirror.

"Miss Bennet?"

A woman's voice behind her made Kitty turn away from the store window she was peering into.

"Georgiana Darcy," she replied in a tight tone.

"It's Lady Aston now." The other woman appeared to be just as uncomfortable as she was, but dressed in dark somber colors that Kitty detested. "I stopped being a Darcy when I married my late husband. That was a very long time ago."

Kitty started to remind her that it had been a very long time since they spoke but thought better of it. No need to bring up bad memories if they were not needed.

"You did not attend the funeral of your own sister or my brother," said Georgiana.

"I was performing in a travelling show that was in America," Kitty told her. "I just recently arrived back in London. Which made it odd that I was able to receive your message."

"I saw a flyer that you were going to be opening your own theatre company here. I thought you might be the perfect person to assist me with a delicate family matter." Georgian tucked a strand of hair, still a sunny blonde despite her age, behind her ear. "We are still family."

Georgina's eyes blinked rapidly for a moment, and Kitty wondered if she might be about to cry. Georgiana wasn't known to be overly emotional.

"Perhaps we could go inside and speak in private?"

Kitty rented a room above the milliner's shop, which was where Georgiana wanted to meet. It was small but respectable and Kitty had cleaned up her clothes that morning. She knew it wouldn't seem impressive to the widow of a viscount, but she was proud to call it home.

"I am in a predicament that I can't seem to find a way out of."

Those words burst from Georgiana as soon as the door clicked shut. It was just the two ladies in the small set of rooms, but Georgiana still spoke in hushed tones, as if worried someone else might hear.

"What kind of predicament? Financial?" It was rumored that when Viscount Aston died he had left her with a substantial amount to live on.

"No, no. something much more… personal."

Georgiana's pale skin flushed a soft pink as she spoke. Kitty rushed to offer the woman the only chair in the room, while she chose to continue standing. She might be well into her sixties, but she was still the younger of the two of them by a few years.

"It is my son that I am worried about. He is having a house party this weekend and has told me he intends to announce his engagement at the end of the party."

"Isn't he at the age that it should be expected?"

"Yes, but this girl is… distasteful. "

Kitty watched Georgiana's elegant feature twist into a sour expression.

"I believe you thought that of my sister at one time and you were wrong about that."

"I never had a quarrel with Elizabeth," said Georgiana." That was all my brother's opinion. This woman's family and manners in public are impeccable."

"Than what do you find so objectionable?"

"She is false in her intentions. She claims to love my son and wants to join our family."

"But you don't believe her?"

Georgiana sighed, lifting her hand to press against her forehead. Kitty became aware of what a bad hostess she was being and wondered if she should offer some refreshments. She had very little to offer compared to what Georgiana would be used to, but would be more than willing to share. She didn't get the chance to ask though.

"I overheard a conversation between her and one of her companions discussing her hopes to recieve a proposal soon. She didn't speak of love, but only what a fortune he had."

"Many young ladies are concerned about marrying well."

"Yes, but she mentioned her hopes of getting me put out of the house so she could spend his wealth as she pleased."

Even Kitty had to admit that sounded mercenary for the marriage market.

"Have you told him about it?"

"I can't. He is so smitten with her that he wouldn't believe hearsay."

"Gossip can often be misleading."

The two women locked gazes as they both knew what Kitty referred to.

"I am certain that she is attempting to trap my son and dispatch me. I need to stop him before he proposes. Once he does so publicly, I know his sense of duty will force him to go through with the marriage and it will be too late. "

Kitty could see the genuine concern written on Georgiana's face. Having children was a blessing Kitty had never enjoyed, even though she'd had three husbands in her lifetime. She knew that all of her sisters felt that sort of concern for their children as well. Being a parent must be a constant concern.

"How can I be of assistance?"

"I need one of your girls."

Kitty blinked rapidly. She must have heard that wrong.

"My girls? I don't run a brothel."

"No, but you run a theatre, so you are acquainted with actresses. I need one of them to play the part of a lady and catch his eye. Perhaps if he finds someone who is a better match, he will realize how unsuitable his current choice is."

"What will become of my girl? Once she has his affection?"

"She will have to turn him away, but I will make sure she is well compensated. Her and the theatre company."

The theatre had been doing well, but not well enough for the potential it had. A generous benefactor such as Lady Aston would help tremendously.

"All she has to do is flirt with him and pretend to show an affection for him, but nothing more?"

"If you are referring to seduction, I don't think it needs to go that far. She simply needs to convince him not to announce his engagement at the end of the party."

Kitty thought about the other woman's offer. If Georgiana was correct about her son's beloved, Kitty would be rescuing him from a loveless marriage. Unlike her brother, Georgiana had always shown to be a good judge of character.

"Send the invitation to the theatre. We will be there."

"Do you know who you plan to bring?"

"I know the perfect girl for the part."