The Viscount Needs a Wife Read Online Free PDF

are,” Ruth said, opening the door into a bedroom.
    The room wasn’t as large as the one Kitty had in Cateril Manor and was much plainer, but as with the hall, she liked it better. Ruth had stenciled a rose design in places on the pale pink wall to simulate wallpaper. The bed had no posts or hangings, but a pink and white coverlet matched the curtains at the window, and a lively fire burned in the hearth.
    â€œPerfect,” she said, putting Sillikin down to explore. “Thank you.”
    â€œI hope you’ll enjoy it. But not for long,” Ruth added with meaning.
    Kitty untied her bonnet and put it aside. “The prospect hardly seems believable.”
    â€œIt is, Kitty. Completely. As long as you’ll be practical.”
    â€œPractical?”
    â€œYou can act so impulsively. Kindly, but . . . Never mind. I’m sure you’ll find Lord Dauntry unobjectionable.”
    Kitty considered her as she unfastened her pelisse. “That sounds grudging.”
    â€œI don’t mean it that way. I don’t know,” Ruth said helplessly. “I can’t know if you’ll suit. It’s a long time since we were schoolgirls together.”
    â€œI suppose so, but it doesn’t feel like that now.”
    â€œIt doesn’t, does it? Oh, let me hug you again!”
    Kitty happily complied, but then asked the important question. “When will I meet him?”
    â€œWe’re to send a message when you arrive, and he’ll call the next day.”
    Tomorrow. Thank heavens.
She had time to work out how best to present herself.
    She took off her pelisse, and Ruth pulled a face at the gray gown beneath. “I know we’re all dressing soberly, but complete gray?”
    Kitty didn’t want to tell Ruth she’d been in half mourning forever. “It’s practical for traveling.”
    â€œYou, being practical?” Ruth teased. “But it’s true. Let’s see what else you have. Unlock your trunk.”
    â€œBossy boots.” Kitty said it with a smile, however, and found the key.
    Ruth flung back the lid. “Violet,” she said, putting that aside. “And fawn with black trim. Ah-ha!” She pulled out the blue and cream stripe. “This will suit you.”
    â€œIs it too bright? I hadn’t realized until the journey how many people are still wearing somber colors.”
    â€œI know, and I hear it’s worse in London. Very bright colors are looked at askance everywhere. Andrew and I think it’s gone beyond reason, but what to do? The blue is quiet enough, and this russet brown, too.” But then she sniffed. “Camphor?”
    â€œI hoped that would fade. They’ve been stored away.”
    â€œDo you mean you’ve been wearing half mourning all this time?”
    There’d never been hope of keeping secrets from Ruth. “It seemed easier. I’ll spread them around the room to air.”
    â€œBetter to hang them out—and most of the rest. The smell has spread.”
    â€œFoolish of me.”
    Ruth rolled her eyes, but Kitty hadn’t been as foolish as Ruth thought. She couldn’t have aired the colorful clothes before she packed them or Lady Cateril would have heard of it.
    â€œThere’s an hour or two of daylight left and a breeze.” Ruth lifted out an armful of clothing. “Come along.”
    Kitty grabbed the rest of the clothing, called Sillikin, and followed downstairs, feeling both happier and more anxious. It was wonderful to be with Ruth again, but the only way to hold on to that was to present the perfect appearance to Viscount Dauntry—definitely without the pungent odor of camphor!

Chapter 4
    T hey passed through a cheerfully busy kitchen, and Ruth introduced her to the two women and the lad there. But then Sillikin saw a cat and trotted over to a new friend. The cat hissed, and Sillikin escaped under the table, tangling in the cook’s feet. The woman