Miss Queensbury’s gaze darted in the direction of Nathaniel and back.
With a shrug, Kitty eyed the other woman. “I know not what you mean. I’m here on business, as… Mr. Bexley previously stated.” Thank goodness she caught herself before saying Nathaniel’s name.
“Oh, I think you do. You’re dressed as a pauper, but I see some intelligence behind those eyes.”
She fisted her hands in her lap. Not that she’d strike the woman. But she’d certainly enjoy doing so. “Pardon me for the inconsequential state of my home. Not everyone can come from money.”
Miss Queensbury raised one eyebrow. “My my… Such a scathing tongue you have.”
Kitty flipped a hand in her direction. “We all have at least one talent, I suppose.”
Miss Queensbury’s gaze drifted down to the sketch in Kitty’s lap. “Such a pity you’ve only got one.”
If I grit my teeth together any tighter, they are sure to snap off. “What is it exactly I can do for you? I am here on assignment. Some of us must work to put food on the table.”
As she leaned closer, so close Kitty was nearly overwhelmed by her scent of roses, Miss Queensbury lowered her voice. “You can stay away from Nathaniel Bexley.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“You heard every syllable.” She jabbed her finger at Kitty’s face. “Stay away.”
“That’s a difficult request considering I’m doing work for his uncle’s magazine and he has accompanied me here.”
Miss Queensbury tapped her boot on the ground again. “You thought what I’d said was a request? It was an order.”
Kitty snickered. “Really, your sense of humor is quite absurd.”
“Sense of … Absurd?” Her mouth opened and closed unattractively like a dying fish.
“As nice as this little conversation has been, I really must return to my work. That mane won’t sketch itself, you know.”
Moving her head slowly, Miss Queensbury eyed the lion in question and blinked. She appeared to be quite out of sorts. Perhaps no one had ever dared speak to her like that before.
In that case, I’m pleased to be the first.
Miss Queensbury shook her head as if trying to rid herself of her sudden lethargy. With eyebrows lowered, she stared at Kitty. “You will regret that.”
Kitty, legs trembling slightly beneath her skirt, lifted her chin. “I think not.”
“Let me use small words so even you can understand.”
Kitty’s fist tightened to the point that her knuckles grew white. “Just because you’re wealthy and I’m not doesn’t give you the right to be so condescending.”
“My, my. What a large word. I’m shocked you know what it means.”
The pencil in Kitty’s hand was in danger of being snapped in two. “Say whatever it is you feel you must, and go.”
“Very well. You will stay away from Nathaniel Bexley because he is mine.”
“I highly doubt he sees the situation as you do.”
“He’s mine, even though he sports that embarrassing limp. But I can put up with that if I must.” Miss Queensbury gave a toss of her head. “He just doesn’t realize yet that we shall be man and wife. Oh, but we will.”
“And you think to convince him?” Kitty wanted to strike the woman for her comment about Nathaniel’s limp. The nerve. It wasn’t all that noticeable. But even if it was, Kitty found everything about the man to be endearing.
“Do you think he’ll take a second glance at you instead?” Miss Queensbury laughed but it held no humor. “Such a simple girl you are, painting your little pictures, desperately hoping someone will buy one so you won’t starve.”
“If you’re so concerned about discussing money, perhaps you’re sniffing around the wrong cousin. Nathaniel doesn’t claim to be wealthy one, not being the son.”
“I know that.”
“Then why—”
“My father insists that I wed one of the Bexley men since our families have been long acquainted and Father’s lands are adjacent to theirs. He says he won’t give me a large dowry unless I do. If it came to that, I wouldn’t be able to find a suitable husband.” She gave a haughty sniff. “Walter is much too young. I find Stratford to be a distasteful womanizer. But Nathaniel on the other hand…”
“Did I hear my name mentioned?”
Kitty sucked in a breath. She hadn’t realized just how close she’d been to Miss Queensbury until she spotted Nathaniel standing in front of them. How must that have appeared? She sat up straight, wishing the other woman would leave. How was Kitty going to explain what Nathaniel had interrupted?
With as artificial a smile as Kitty had ever seen, Miss Queensbury simpered and batted her eyelashes at Nathaniel. He angled his head a little to the left, studying her as if she was some rare creature he’d never seen before. And wasn’t at all impressed with.
Kitty bit her lip, hoping to keep hold of her mirth. So much for the other woman having claimed to have Nathaniel’s interest. I take that back. He does appear interested, just not in the way she might wish.
“How… pleasant to see you today, Miss Queensbury.” Nathaniel gave a barely imperceptible bow. Was that to discourage her, or embarrass her?
Miss Queensbury, expression frozen in place, put out her hand for him to take. After Nathaniel scarcely made contact with the air surrounding her glove, Miss Queensbury glanced over at Kitty. “It appears I’ve once again happened upon your office worker. Slaving away on her little painting.”
Having already heard the woman’s derisive evaluation of her work, Kitty forced a grin. Was that the best the woman could do? Simply repeat her thinly veiled insult from before?
Such a pity. The woman was a raving beauty, but didn’t act very clever. Not at all.
Nathaniel let go of Miss Queensbury’s hand and straightened. With a warm smile for Kitty, he glanced down at her drawing of the lion. “I happen to think our Miss Sullyard is a genius.”
Genius? Kitty nearly swallowed her tongue. What lofty praise. Or was that only for Miss Queensbury’s benefit?
“Well, I…” Miss Queensbury sputtered a few unintelligible words and finally snapped her mouth closed.
Thank goodness.
With her spine as straight as a fireplace poker, she stood. “I’m afraid I mustn’t tarry any longer.”
“Oh?” asked Nathaniel. “What a shame.”
“Yes, you see…” She pointed vaguely in the direction of a group of people a few yards away. “They are… um, expecting me and I—”
“Please, don’t let us keep you.” Kitty said the words with a sober countenance, but wasn’t sure how she’d managed it.
A brief frown crossed Miss Queensbury’s face and then she batted her eyelashes at Nathaniel. “Until later, then?”
He gave a bow, this one a little deeper than the last. Was he relieved to see her go?
With a flounce of her skirts, she sailed off in the direction of the group. Kitty watched for a moment. It was just as she’d imagined. When Miss Queensbury reached the party, she stopped briefly, glanced back toward Nathaniel, and slid by them to disappear around the corner.
Good riddance to—
“So,” Nathaniel reclaimed his seat on the bench. “Have a pleasant time with Miss Queensbury?”
Kitty’s mouth dropped open. It couldn’t be helped. She stared at Nathaniel. And waited. One second. Two. There it is! The left side of his mouth twitched. “I’d say, Mr. Bexley, that I enjoy her company—” She raised one eyebrow, “—every bit as much as you do.”
His laughter startled the lion, which roared.
Kitty shook her head, giving a mock frown that would have done Lydia proud. “Now see what you’ve done. The lion has changed positions. My drawing is ruined.”
He leaned over to study her work. “But surely you can—” With a quick glance at her, he blinked. “Oh. You’re having me on, aren’t you?”
“Your quickness astounds me.” Her lips quivered, asking, pleading to be set free
to indulge in a smile. Her mirth faltered. How am I doing this? Speaking in such a way to someone like him? What if she angered him and he—
Nathaniel reached down and briefly squeezed her hand. “You, my good woman, are not only beautiful and talented, but a delight to converse with as well.”
Her face warmed, both from the compliment and his nearness. “Thank you.”
“I should be thanking you.” His gaze roamed over her face, neck, bodice and back up. “It’s not everyday I get to be in such close quarters with someone who—” He glanced away and back. “—makes a man wish he and the lady were somewhere more private.”
Kitty swallowed, remembering being alone with Stratford by the stream. What would it be like to spend time with Nathaniel? The men were cousins after all. Wouldn’t they be somewhat alike in certain ways? “I… that is…”
He leaned close, keeping his voice low. With people moving about along the path, Kitty doubted they’d hear his words anyway. “My dear, do you have any idea the effect you have on me?”
She widened her eyes and stared at him. His eyes were half-closed, his breaths coming in rapid puffs on her cheek. It was as if he meant to kiss her… but he wouldn’t. Not here!
Kitty gave the paper in her lap a rustle. “I really should get back to my sketch. Unfortunately, it won’t complete itself.”
Nathaniel blinked. And gave a slow, lazy grin. “As you wish.” He leaned back against the bench and crossed his arms, his focus now on the passersby and not her. A part of her was relieved. Yet disappointed.
But wasn’t that what she’d wanted?
Rakes, under no circumstances were to be taken seriously.
Chapter Twelve
When Nathaniel offered Kitty his arm, she took it gladly. Spending time with him was becoming a very pleasant habit. Though he’d done some things rakish in manner, somehow she didn’t mind as much. Why was that? When other men had behaved in that fashion, she’d backed away when afraid it might go in an undesirable direction. She glanced up at him, his warm smile causing her own lips to curve upward.
The coachman had the carriage parked a few yards ahead. Great-aunt Anne hurried toward it. Was she afraid she wouldn’t miss a nap if she didn’t get there in time?
A loud screech made Kitty jump. The sound had come from around the corner of a small building. As they made their way closer, she noticed a stone wall. She gasped and tugged on Nathaniel’s arm. “Oh my. It’s a cat.”
Nathaniel’s brow lowered. “I believe it may be caught in something.” He let go of her hand and hurried toward the wall that stood a few feet high.
Following in Nathaniel’s wake, Kitty rushed to see for herself. The poor cat did appear to have its paw stuck in a crevice between two stones. Kitty longed to reach out and comfort the animal and try to free it.
As soon as she knelt down beside Nathaniel, the cat screeched louder.
“He’s scared,” she said.
“Yes.”
Before she could lay her hand on the white fur, Nathaniel’s large hand pressed lightly on the cat’s back. With his voice kept low, Nathaniel spoke encouragingly, telling the animal that everything would be fine.
Calm, immediate and startling in the sudden lack of the cat’s howls, surrounded them, even as people walked past on the path. Huge green eyes peered up at them from a dirty, white face.
A low rumble came from the cat. The sound grew louder the more Nathaniel stroked the matted fur.
“Extraordinary.”
Nathaniel startled and blinked as if he’d forgotten she was there. “What’s extraordinary?”
I spoke that aloud? She bit her lip. “Just… how you seem to have a way with the cat, calming it.”
A slight frown came over his face and he gave a small shake of his head. Was he irritated at her words? “It must be… well… perhaps the cat is partial to men. Yes, that must be it.”
Was Nathaniel ashamed for Kitty to have witnessed his display of tenderness? It appeared to have come naturally to him even though he also acted the part of a rake. Why would that be?
“Why do I keep finding you two together?”
Kitty turned at the sound of the familiar voice. Stratford, arms crossed, stood behind them with a fierce scowl.
“Good day, Mr. Bexley.”
He stiffened at her address but surely he didn’t expect her to call him Stratford in public? “Good day.” He waved a hand in their direction. “What have we here? Why are the two of you crouched near the ground?” With a glance around as if caught doing something wrong, Stratford stepped closer.
Nathaniel eyed his cousin but didn’t bother to stand. “This poor cat has gotten itself caught in the stone.”
“So?”
So? Kitty stopped herself before letting her mouth drop open.
“Yes,” said Nathaniel. “And our hope is to free it.”
“You and your sensitivity.” Stratford barked out a laugh.
Sensitivity? Kitty’s gaze switched to Nathaniel, whose face had gone suddenly red.
He didn’t remove his hand from the cat, but kept glaring at Stratford. “That is neither here nor there. A creature is suffering, so help it, we must. What would you have me do, simply allow it to stay here and starve to death? Even you—”
“Such a waste of time, Nathaniel. When there are far more pleasurable pursuits to be had.” Stratford eyed Kitty, but his eyes didn’t stay on her face for long.
Her skin nearly burned as the intensity of the man’s glaze roved slowly over her form. Didn’t he care that there were people close by? That his own cousin could witness the way he leered at Kitty?
All she wanted to do was clout him, hard, for his words about the poor cat. How dare he?
“Stratford.” Nathaniel’s voice came out so loud, so sharp, that even those passing by paused to stare. Finally, he stood, helping Kitty to stand as well. Giving his attention back to his cousin, he stepped closer to the other man. When they stood side by side, Kitty was once again struck with their resemblance. Remarkable, really. Since they weren’t even brothers. She and her sisters were all so different in appearance. “If you’re not of a mind to lend assistance, perhaps you should go.”
“Go?” Stratford’s chest puffed out and his jaw tensed.
Oh no… are they going to fight? Here?
“Listen,” Kitty stepped between them. “Why don’t we help the poor cat and be on our way?” She lowered her voice when she noticed that some of the passersby had stopped and were openly staring at the exchange.
Stratford blinked and peered down at Kitty. “If that’s what you wish, Miss Sullyard.” Why had his voiced sounded so stern, so distant? Had she angered him?
With a nod, she stepped away, hoping the two men would end the tension and move apart. The cat behind then squalled. Was it frightened again now that Nathaniel wasn’t calming it?
Nathaniel ignored Stratford, but gave Kitty a brief smile. “Now that the drama is past, let’s free the cat, shall we?” He held out his arm to her. With a brief glance at Stratford’s glowering countenance, Kitty accepted Nathaniel’s gesture.
Crouched near the ground once again, Kitty suddenly wondered why Nathaniel hadn’t simply asked a zoo worker to perhaps take care of the cat. Their job was to see to animals needs, after all. But when she glanced at his face, she had her answer. His features had changed from his aggravation with Stratford, to a softening, a… could she say a tenderness?
What a captivating idea. Could it be that Nathaniel was more than a rake? More than she’d originally thought? Or was he simply a lover of all creatures and couldn’t stand seeing one suffer?
Nathaniel reached toward the cat again, so slowly Kitty had to concentrate not to miss the movement. “Here, little one,” he said. “I’m only trying to help you.” As Nathaniel grasped the paw, the cat gave a hiss.
Poor creature, how his paw must pain him.
Kitty touched the cat’s head, gently rubbing the fur between its ears. “It will be fine, kitty
.”
A chuckle caught her attention. One side of Nathaniel’s mouth rose as he said, “Do you realize you just called the cat by your own name?”
“I…” She glanced back to the cat. “Oh.” She giggled. “Unintentional, I assure you.”
“Adorable, none the less.”
Adorable?
“Now,” He leaned down a little more. “I’m going to give a tug and try to make it quick. No need to scare the poor thing more than he already is.”
She nodded and moved closer as well.
“If you would, please gently grasp the cat around its middle. Be ready to hold on when the paw comes loose. Ready?”
She swallowed. “Ready.”
Quick as lightning, Nathaniel tugged the paw free. The cat yelped once. Kitty did as instructed and held on tight. Paws and a tail went in five different directions as Kitty pulled the cat away from the stones. But when she pressed the cat close to her chest and petted the soft fur, Kitty felt the animal go limp.
“Ah,” Nathaniel reached out to rub the cat’s nose. “Finally relaxed?”
She nodded. “Poor dear. How scared he must have been, caught like that.”
“He appears a trifle thin too. Let’s get him to the carriage. I may have a morsel or two of food somewhere. I’m guessing he’s hungry enough to eat just about anything.”
As they headed toward the Bexley carriage, Nathaniel’s hand touched the small of her back and slid lower to rest just above her tailbone. A few moments ago, a sweet, caring rescuer of cats, and now a rake once more.
Kitty shook her head. The man was a conundrum. But an enticing one. She’d never felt drawn to a man like him before.
She glanced over her shoulder. Stratford stood there, arms crossed, a glower on his face. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her bare flesh. She needed her position. Irritating the owner’s son wouldn’t do her any favors. Much as Kitty disliked him at the moment, she needed to get back in his good graces.
Kitty cradled the cat even closer. “What shall we do with him?”
“I know not.” Nathaniel touched the cat’s pink nose.
“Perhaps you’d like to take him to your office? He could keep you company at your desk.”
Color of Deception (Sullyard Sisters Book 1) Page 9
