The Seventh Suitor by Laura Matthews Page A

your breakfast, and we’ll drive over together.”
    It lacked but a few minutes to ten when Mr. Montgomery and his daughter arrived at Winter Manor. They were shown into the White Parlor, where Lord Winterton joined them immediately. “Sir, Miss Montgomery, your servant. Ralph is badly bruised and has broken an arm, but I assure you he is mending already. He consumed a truly remarkable breakfast.” He smiled charmingly at them.
    Kate could not help returning his smile. “May we see him now?”
    Her father raised an admonitory hand. “We have not thanked his lordship yet, my dear. We are once again in your debt, Lord Winterton. How did the accident come about?”
    “He probably drove Ralph off the road,” Kate murmured, to her father’s astonishment and Winterton’s amusement.
    “Not this time, I assure you, Miss Montgomery. I found your brother had had an accident but a short distance from my gates. I’ll take you to him, and he can answer your questions himself.”
    As he led them through the house, Mr. Montgomery regarded his daughter with a puzzled frown. Winterton left them alone with Ralph as soon as they entered the room. Kate hastened to her brother’s side to avoid the question on her father’s tongue. “How are you feeling, Ralph?”
    “I’ve been better,” he grumbled with a crooked smile.
    “What happened?”
    “Benjamin and I were having a race. Tried to overtake him on a corner, more fool I. Made it all right, you understand, but I had to pull over quickly to avoid a horse and rider. Horses stumbled. M’ curricle was thrown into a bank and I was tossed out. Most undignified. Winterton came along after a bit and here I am. Dr. Armitage set the arm, I remember, though I fainted before he finished.”
    “That was fortunate,” his father grunted. “I thought you had given up such pastimes, Ralph. Racing at night in the dead of winter, indeed! Perhaps Dr. Armitage should examine your head,” he suggested sarcastically.
    “I admit it was foolish, Father. It was just . . .” Ralph’s face became suddenly sad and he finished lamely, “just a lark.”
    “I shall enjoy telling your mother so,” his father retorted.
    “Can we take you home, Ralph?” Kate interjected.
    “Winterton says Dr. Armitage suggested I stay here a day or two. My bruises and arm do not take well to a jolting. But I dare say I could manage it,” he proclaimed stoutly.
    “There’s no need to rack your body about,” Mr. Montgomery stated gruffly. “I’m sure Winterton won’t mind you here for a day.”
    “No, indeed,” Kate said. “I am sure he must be the perfect host.”
    “Well, as to that, Kate, you should know that he stayed here with me last night. I thought it very obliging of him.”
    “I think it astonishing,” she returned pertly.
    “What did I do to deserve such skip-brains for children?” Mr. Montgomery lamented. “Winterton is excessively proud, to be sure, but he is also a remarkably intelligent and generous man. We have seen examples enough of his kindness in our family to overlook his manner, surely. I expect both of you to treat him respectfully in future. Am I understood?”
    “Yes, sir,” they replied in unison.
    “Excellent! We must go and advise your mama of this latest scrape, Kate. No doubt she will call to see you this afternoon, son. She can bring any necessities.”
    On their way out of the room they were intercepted by Mr. Single, who advised them that Lord Winterton would welcome their waiting on him in the library. He was frowning over a document when they entered, but readily dropped it and greeted them. “I hope you have found Ralph in satisfactory condition. Dr. Armitage suggested he spend a day or so here, and I trust you will avail yourselves of my home. No doubt Mrs. Montgomery will call this afternoon.”
    “We’re grateful to accept. Ralph says you sat with him yourself last night. That was extremely kind of you,” Mr. Montgomery remarked.
    Kate was intrigued to