A few days later, I was ready to call on Miss. Eliza Kingsley. I wore a floral gown with a flower crown on my hair.
Butler: Miss. Katherine Hawthorne to see you, Madam.
Eliza: Oh, Miss. Hawthorne, to what do I owe this pleasure?
Kitty: Good day, Miss. Kingsley. I remember telling your brother I would call on you the day of my birthday ball.
Eliza: And you were so good to keep your word. Come, sit. How have you been?
She eyed me curiously as she rested her hands in her lap.
Kitty: You know, don't you?
Eliza: Oh, dearest, the entire county knows. Gossip spreads like wildfire here. I only want to know how that rake Radcliffe managed to convince you.
Kitty: Er...um..
Eliza: He is rather easy on the eyes, i must admit.
Kitty: Eliza!
Eliza: Just because I'm a spinster doesn't mean my eyesight is broken, dear.
Kitty: You're not a spinster.
Eliza: That's sweet, Kitty, but tell that to the rest of the ton.
Kitty: The rest of the ton is stupid.
Eliza: But you did not answer my question. How did Radcliffe manage to steal your heart?
Kitty: The only thing that man stole was my pride.
Eliza: Ah, it's all a ruse.
Kitty: How did...
Eliza: Katherine, the moment i heard i knew it couldn't be real. You've always spoken quite fervently of your disgust for marriage. But even more than that you've spoken of your dislike for Lord Radcliffe.
Kitty: How is it that you know me better than my own family?
Eliza: Because being alone has taught me to listen. Or perhaps I can think of something less depressing. Well, this have been quite enjoyable.
Kitty: It has been. Thank you for spending time with me.
Eliza: Don't mention it, dear.
After my conversation with Eliza, I found myself in the village about half a mile from the estate on a stroll. I only came here a few times a month as I wasn't overly fond of the noise. Coincidentally, The universe made me bump into Dante. I'm convinced I have rotten luck.
Dante: Did you get my note?
Kitty: Good day to you too.
Dante: Good day, Miss. Hawthorne. The weather is most fine. Do you like my new hat? Well, did you?
Kitty: Yes, Lord Radcliffe. I got it.
Dante: And?
Kitty: And?
Dante: Have you forgiven me? Not that I care. I just don't want to deal with your attitude while we try to figure out a plan.
Kitty: I forgive you.
Dante: Really?
Kitty: Yes, Dante.
Dante: Have dinner with me?
Kitty: You've already asked me, Lord Radcliffe.
Dante: I want to dine with you.
Kitty: Why?
Dante: Because I...
He stepped closer, before glancing around and cursing under his breath as if suddenly remembering we were on a bustling street in the village.
Dante: Because I need an opinion on my food...
Kitty: Your food?
Dante: Yes, cooking is a hobby of mine, but I don't really let people know. My cook has been teaching me, but I've had no one besides her try out my skills so...
Kitty: I never though I'd hear a Duke say he cooks.
Dante: Shhh. Not so loud. The last thing I need is people talking. I have a reputation to uphold.
Kitty: Fine.
Dante: Oh thank God.
Kitty: But if you poison me with your terrible cooking I'm going to haunt you until you die.
Dante: I always knew you'd be there with me forever.
Kitty: When will this dinner happen?
Dante: Next week. I'll need time to prepare everything.
Kitty: Alright. I should go now, though.
Dante: Oh right, right. I'll see you soon, Kitty.
Kitty: I'll see you soon, Dante.
Mrs. James: Miss. Hawthorne! I am most surprised to see you out and about.
Kitty: How dare you even talk to me?
Mrs. James: Pardon?
Kitty: You told people about the engagement even though we told you not to.
Mrs. James: No I didn't, dear. I might be a gossip but I know how to keep certain things a secret.
I don't believe her one bit.
Mrs. James: Wait a minute. Why are you so upset about it? Shouldn't you be ecstatic about your engagement?
Well, shit.
Kitty: Er, well, I just don't like my secrets to get out?
Mrs. James: Mhm. Well, I'm afraid I must be off, Miss. Hawthorne. Good day.
After that very uncomfortable conversation, i walked home to meet my Papa in the sitting room reading a book.
Kitty: Hello, Papa.
John: Hello, Kitten. How has engaged life been treating you?
Kitty: Oh, well...
John: I think you'll be pleased to know I've invited your Lord Radcliffe to doe with us tonight.
Kitty: You did what?!