Color of Deception

by Ruth J. Hartman

  Chapter Seventeen

  Nathaniel had ruminated on little else but Kitty. And the fact that he loved her beyond reason. But his jaws clenched whenever he remembered seeing her in Stratford’s embrace. Did she love his cousin? Nathaniel wanted more than anything to go to her, tell her of his feelings. Profess his undying devotion and offer for her hand.

  And he would do just that, were it not for two things.

  First, if she was in love with Stratford, she might not want to settle for second best. And that would break his heart.

  Secondly, Nathaniel’s income was meager compared to Stratford’s. He could provide for a wife, but barely. Is that the life he wanted for Kitty? Is that what she would want? With all she had been through with her cousin’s demands and the fact that she had no money to speak of, surely she wanted something better for her and her sisters.

  Balling his hands into fists, Nathaniel strode the short distance from one side of the gamekeeper’s old cottage to the other. After he’d seen the way Stratford had acted toward Kitty, Nathaniel had grabbed a few necessary items and moved in there. He couldn’t stand the thought of being around his cousin and hearing him speak of Kitty. Though neither had told Uncle Gilbert what had happened to cause the rift, the older man was wise enough to know that something of importance had occurred and that the two young men needed to be separated at least for a time.

  Thank goodness he no longer had to share an office space with his cousin. Nathaniel had gladly taken a small room down the hall in which to do his work, leaving Stratford the large room to himself. Uncle Gilbert had even mentioned keeping a closer eye on his son lately. A tiny smile graced Nathaniel’s lips at the image of poor Stratford having to put in an actual workday. Would he even know how?

  His good humor fled just as quickly when he remembered Kitty wrapped in his cousin’s embrace. How Nathaniel wanted to offer for her hand. Make her his wife. Love her forever. He glanced around the tiny room. But what could he offer her? Even if by some miracle Kitty accepted his proposal, she was obviously smitten with Stratford. Besides, Nathaniel had no home of his own, no large salary. No inheritance. If what Kitty said about her cousin demanding money was true, Robert wouldn’t be satisfied with Kitty marrying the likes of Nathaniel. No, from that standpoint, Stratford would be a better provider. But the admission was like a knife to his heart.

  A knock on his door startled him. It only took him a few steps to reach the door and open it.

  “Annabelle?”

  His cousin stepped inside and gave him a timid smile. “I didn’t want you to think we forgot.”

  “Forgot… what?”

  She held out a small covered plate. “Your birthday, silly.”

  Nathaniel blinked. He’d lost track of the date. It was his birthday. He glanced down at the plate and then uncovered it. “A lemon tart.”

  Annabelle giggled. “I know it isn’t a cake, but…”

  “No, it’s wonderful.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for remembering me.”

  She glanced around the small room. “Are you… comfortable here?”

  He shrugged. “I have everything I need.”

  “I miss you… at the house.”

  “I miss you, as well. All of you…” He turned his head, peering out of the small window instead of finishing his thought.

  “Except, you don’t miss Stratford?”

  Nathaniel placed the plate on the kitchen table. He then faced Annabelle. “If I were to say I missed him, it would be a lie.”

  “I see.”

  “I’m sorry if that upsets you, but—”

  She held up her hand. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but I’m wondering if it perhaps involves a woman?”

  Nathaniel stiffened. How could she possibly know that?

  “I’m guessing a matter of love is the only thing that might tear family members apart. Am I right?”

  “Yes.”

  “You love her, then.”

  Nathaniel let out a long sigh. “Very much.”

  “Would you like to tell me about her?”

  A warmth enclosed Nathaniel’s heart. He’d had no one with whom to talk about Kitty. No one to confide in. Or pour his heart out to. As much as he would have liked to have continued to see Kitty, it hadn't seemed a wise thing to do. He couldn’t offer for her. Still, his pent-up feelings and frustrations about not being with her had to come out at some point. Some way. “I would love to tell you about her.” He took Annabelle’s hand and led her to the worn settee against the opposite wall.

  Once seated, Nathaniel felt suddenly shy about speaking of Kitty. “I don’t know where to begin.”

  “Why not start by telling me her name?”

  “Her name is Katherine, but she goes by Kitty.”

  “Kitty.” Annabelle tilted her head. “What a sweet name. I don’t suppose she likes cats?” Her mouth tipped up at the corners.

  He chuckled. “As a matter of fact, she loves them.”

  “Then she and I would have something in common.”

  “Yes, you would indeed.”

  “And her appearance? Is she beautiful?”

  “Oh, yes… She has the most lovely red hair and green eyes. She’s tall. Not that much shorter than I.” He could almost see her sitting there beside him, an impish grin when she teased him.

  “Kitty sounds exquisite.”

  He sighed. “Very much so.”

  “Nathaniel, I don’t mean to pry, but would this by any chance be the woman who was doing some work for the magazine? I’d heard Stratford describe her to Mother.”

  He let out a breath. “Yes. So now you’ll know that she’s—”

  “It matters not her status, if you care for her.”

  “Thank you so saying that. It’s exactly how I feel, but some wouldn’t agree.”

  Annabelle raised her eyebrows. “Stratford?

  “He doesn’t see Kitty the same way that I do, I’m afraid. His motives don’t appear to be sincere.”

  Annabelle narrowed her eyes. Was she figuring out more of the puzzle? “Well, you’ve said you care for Kitty. Does she feel the same of you?”

  “I believe so. I mean… I believed she did. But then… Stratford came along and, well…”

  “You don’t need to say more. I know of my brother’s reputation.”

  Grateful he wouldn’t have to elaborate, Nathaniel gave her a small smile.

  Annabelle glanced across the room. “You haven’t eaten your birthday tart. Let me get it for you.”

  A chuckle escaped from Nathaniel. Leave it to his sweet cousin to try to cheer him up when things were going so badly. Annabelle returned with the tart and a fork. She held them out. “Here. I hope you enjoy it.”

  “I’m certain I will.” He took a bite. “Delicious. Thank you again for remembering my birthday when even I forgot. And also for listening.” That was an even more special gift in his opinion.

  “I didn’t mind. Not in the least.” She reached up to swipe a wayward lock of hair from her eyes, and then she glanced at the small reticule fastened to her wrist. “Oh, I nearly forgot. Something came for you today at the house.”

  Curious, he held out his hand as Annabelle retrieved a letter from her bag.

  She raised her eyebrows as he opened it, acting excited about what it might be, as though it might have been something for her instead of him. He grinned at her. “Shall we find out?”

  She clasped her hands together in her lap.

  He read the name of the sender. “Mr. Smyth. I’m not sure I know of…”

  Annabelle frowned. “That’s the name of father’s solicitor, I believe.”

  “What in the world would he be contacting me about?”

  Annabelle pointed to the letter. “You won’t know until you read it.”

  “True.” He flipped it over and broke the waxed seal. Squinting in the low light of the cottage, he read the words. He shook his head slowly and read them again. “There must be a mistake. Perhaps
this was meant for Stratford.” He held it out to Annabelle.

  “No, I was certain the footman said it was to be given to you. Is it bad news? Do… you want me to read it?”

  “If you wouldn’t mind. I… I’m not sure I can believe what’s written there. Perhaps you can tell me if I understand it correctly.”

  “Of course.” Annabelle squinted as well, her eyes moving to and fro as she read the letter. She reached out with one hand and grabbed his sleeve. “Nathaniel. This is wonderful news!”

  He swallowed. Could it be true?

  “According to this, since you’re now five and twenty years, you’re entitled to your inheritance.”

  He stared, seeming unable to blink for a moment. “But I never knew I had one.”

  She read a little farther. “It’s listed as a trust that would only be made known to you on this very day.” Annabelle handed him back the letter. “Congratulations, cousin. I guess it’s a happy day for you, after all.”

  Nathaniel read the letter again for himself. Just to be sure. He’d already done so, and Annabelle had assured him of its contents, but it all appeared too wonderful to be real. He’d have enough money to purchase his own home. He would have sufficient funds coming in annually to augment his salary from the magazine.

  A wide grin crossed his lips. He could afford to marry Kitty.

  But what if she didn’t want him? Didn’t love him? His mouth pulled down at the corners.

  “What’s wrong?” Annabelle grabbed his hand.

  “I’m… having doubts about Kitty. About her feelings. What if she doesn’t feel the same?”

  Annabelle gave a one-shouldered shrug. “It’s kind of like your letter. You won’t know the truth until you see for yourself.”

  His cousin was right. He’d never know how Kitty felt about him unless he spoke with her in person.

  He hugged Annabelle. “You, my darling, are the sweetest cousin there ever was.”

  She laughed as she gave him a squeeze around his shoulders. “As are you.”

  He rose suddenly. “Please forgive my abruptness. There are some things to which I must attend right away.”

  She stood, as well. “Go. Now. Find out how Kitty feels.”

  “Thank you, dear heart. I shall call on her first thing tomorrow.” He grinned, placed the letter in his pocket, and hurried from the cottage.