Kate turned to see the man who had made her mother blush, and was pleasantly surprised. She had never met Giles Pomeroy-Smith, but everyone in the neighbourhood knew of him and his philanthropic works. His family had once owned several mills on the banks of the River Lea and had made a fortune in milling flax seeds for linseed oil. The mills had been sold long ago, but the money had been invested by one of his forebears, who had more than doubled the family fortunes. Kate was not impressed by wealth or position, but Giles Pomeroy-Smith was a good-looking, mature man, with an impressive presence and a charming smile. Kate could see now why he was considered to be the county’s most eligible bachelor, and from the look on her mother’s face, it was obvious that she was of the same opinion.

‘Arabella, there you are,’ Elaine cried delightedly. ‘I think the whole village has turned out to wish the happy couple well.’

‘We certainly have a houseful,’ Arabella said drily.

‘I don’t think you’ve met my dear friend Giles, have you, Arabella?’

Arabella shook her head mutely.

‘How good of you to come, sir.’ Kate stepped forward, seeing that her mother was suddenly struck dumb. ‘Welcome to Warren House.’

Elaine shot a warning glance in Kate’s direction. ‘Arabella, may I introduce Giles Pomeroy-Smith? Giles, this is my dear friend Lady Martin.’

Arabella extended her hand and Giles held it briefly, bowing to her with a smile that would have melted the coldest heart.

‘How do you do, Lady Martin? It’s a pleasure to meet you. Elaine has told me all about your charitable work in the village.’

‘How do you do, Mr Pomeroy-Smith?’ Arabella fluttered her eyelashes. ‘You are something of a legend locally.’

Kate cleared her throat. ‘I’m Kate Martin, sir. How do you do?’

She received icy stares from her mother and Elaine, but Giles Pomeroy-Smith turned to Kate with a twinkle in his dark eyes.

‘How do you do, Miss Martin? I believe I’ve seen you riding round the village on a chestnut gelding.’

‘Yes, indeed. I find the whole area very interesting, and I’ve been studying the history of Walthamstow.’

‘I have an extensive library at Pomeroy Park. You’re welcome to use it at any time, Miss Martin.’

Kate inclined her head. ‘Thank you, sir. That’s very kind.’

‘Haven’t you things to do, Kate?’ Arabella said pointedly.

‘Yes, of course, Mama. You’ll excuse me, I need to make sure that the food is being laid out in the dining room. Otherwise we might have a riot on our hands if the guests get too hungry.’

Giles chuckled. ‘The cold weather certainly whets the appetite. Perhaps you and your mama would accept an invitation to dine at Pomeroy Park in the near future?’ He glanced at Elaine, who was beginning to pout. ‘That includes you and Humphrey, of course.’