Chapter Sixteen
Kate met her cousin in the corridor outside her room. She thought it was typical that Augusta should choose now, of all times, to emerge from her bedchamber.
“Kitty! Good gracious. Look at the state of you. Your clothes!”
“Don’t worry, cousin,” Kate said, opening the door to her bedroom. “I assure you I’m all right.”
Unfortunately Cousin Augusta followed her. “But your gown! And your boots. What have you been doing? You look like a wild woman! And where’s your bonnet?”
Paton came through from the adjoining dressing room. “Miss Kate!” she said, her eyes widening.
“Yes, Paton. I’m quite a mess.” Kate managed a smile. “I do apologize. And . . . I believe I need a bath.”
“I should say that you do, Kitty!” cried Cousin Augusta. “You are filthy beyond imagining. The state
