Out of breath once they stopped, Nathaniel pulled out his handkerchief and mopped the perspiration from his brow. He glanced around. Where was—
Lydia pointed. “There, beside that tree.”
Nathaniel’s heart nearly stopped, for there by the stream stood Kitty. In Stratford’s arms.
And they were kissing.
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 happened 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 either. Nathaniel had gladly taken a small room down the hall in which to do his work, leaving Stratford the large room to himself. Amazingly, Uncle Gilbert now kept a closer eye on his son since he was the only one working in the room. 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 in which he now lived. 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?”
He nodded.
“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 nodded. “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 once 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 nodded slowly. 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, Stratford 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 from the kitchen. 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 her glance landed on the small reticule fastened at her wrist. “Oh, I nearly forgot. Something came for you today at the house.”
“I’m certain it isn’t for my birthday, since no one outside the family would have known it was today.” 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 nodded and 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 opened his eyes wide, 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 sounded 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.
Chapter Eighteen
The drone of people’s voices swam around Kitty as she impatiently waited for someone, anyone, to buy one of her panoramas. She knew she and her sisters did admirable work. Hadn’t they been told that very thing time and again? Going against her cousin’s rules, she had stepped out a little onto the path that wound between the artisan’s booths. Who cared if Robert found out and got angry? If Kitty didn’t do something to make money, and quickly, she might just find herself without a home.
At least she had been honest when Robert had questioned her about Stratford. Yes, she had been nice to him. Yes, she had flirted. And to her mortification, the man had snuck in a kiss when she wasn’t expecting it. She’d been livid, but had done her best not to let it show in her expression. At least for the present, she needed to make sure Stratford said nothing against her to his father.
I need to keep this position.
Though she had talked Lydia into going with her to keep Nathaniel company while she was pleasant to Stratford, Kitty would not be alone with him again. She’d consent to an outing only if her aunt, Lydia or Patience were in company. And she wouldn’t go off with him by herself again.
Poor Lydia had apologized over and over, because she’d given in taken Nathaniel back to the stream. Apparently, they’d approached right as Stratford grabbed her and pressed his lips to hers. When Kitty had heard a shuffle of boots and had seen her sister and Nathaniel, him with an expression of sadness mixed with disbelief, a piece of her heart had chipped away. After witnessing what he had, surely Nathaniel would lose any interest he might have had for her. Not that she could blame him.
A part of her wanted the employment to end soon so she could give up the ruse of any interest in Stratford. But when that day came, would she ever have an opportunity to spend time with Nathaniel again?
Chances were exceptionally good that she would not.
With a sigh, she looked to her left, perusing the people strolling past. A group of three well-dressed women was followed a few feet behind by a young man and a strikingly lovely brunette. Kitty forced a smile she didn’t feel, hoping to entice someone to at least step closer and view her work. Perhaps, then she—
“Pardon me.”
Kitty jumped and pivoted to her right. An older, well-dressed gentleman with thick white hair stood before her, a pleasant expression on his face. Kitty nodded.
“I’d like to see your work, if you please.” His glance floated to the unrolled panoramas on the counter behind her.
“Certainly.” She edged closer to them and picked up the one nearest to her. It was a scene of a stylish young couple descending from a carriage pulled by two black horses with shiny coats, and a majestic, white house in the background. She had so enjoyed painting the equines. “This one is quite nice.”
He leaned forward and placed spectacles on his nose, still squinting at the image. “No. Not that one, I’m afraid.”
She blinked. To each his own. “I have several others if you would care to see them. My sisters and I paint a wide variety of subjects.”
He nodded and his thick eyebrows lowered. “Yes. Show them all to me.”
Kitty bit her lip. He had acted friendly when he’d first arrived, but now appeared to be agitated. His foot tapped against the floor and his hand fidgeted at his side. “Of course.” She reached for one of a jester performing at Astley’s Amphitheatre. “How about—”
He took a brief glance, shook his head. “No. What else?”
The man had barely given it his attention. Why was he being difficult? He’d seemed so interested to see her paintings. If he didn’t care for her style of work, why did he want to even see any more of them? Surely a person would assume that an artist’s way of painting would remain consistent from one subject to the next?
“Here’s another.” She unrolled one she had just finished the night before of The Tower of London and held it out to him.
He practically snatched it from her hand. As he studied it, taking his time, he even ran a finger tediously over the image, as if wanting to memorize the whole panorama. Then, his pleasant countenance returned as he looked peered up at her. “This one.”
Finally, a sale! She could practically hear her cousin chuckle in delight at her earning some money for him. “Very good choice, sir. Is it to be a gift? I can wrap it for you in a lovely—”
“No, no. I’ll take it as is.” He reached for his small purse.
She told him the amount, delighted that he’d not squawked about the price. Some tried to barter with her, but she rarely gave in unless it would be her only sale of the day. Robert was very much against taking less money than the price he had set. There were times Kitty wished she could accept less for her work. Not that she wanted to, but wasn’t a smaller amount preferable to earning nothing? “Thank you, sir. Good day and—”
“Good day,” he said in a clipped tone.
With that brief sentiment, the man turned abruptly and hurried away toward the building’s entrance as if he had a previous appointment he’d forgotten about until that instant.
Kitty shook
her head slowly. What a strange encounter. She glanced down at the money in her hand. But she’d made a sale. Surely that was worth putting up with odd characters. And he’d been mostly pleasant except when he’d grabbed the last panorama from her grasp. One could endure a little rudeness if it ended in the desired result.
It wasn’t until she’d stashed the coins in her reticule that she realized the panorama the man had chosen was one that Robert had instructed her to add in the triangle shape. Had the man noticed it? He’d studied it quite thoroughly. She shook her head. Surely not. Why would he? They hid the symbols well and people rarely saw them unless they were told what to look for. Even then, some never did find the miniscule items they inserted.
Except for Nathaniel. He’d found the letter S right off, without even knowing there was something he was supposed to hunt for. Her body warmed at the memory of sitting so close to him at the racecourse. The corners of Kitty’s lips lifted. She couldn’t help it. Anything to do with him made her feel lighter, happier, more alive than she’d ever felt before.
But blast it all… Why couldn’t she keep in mind he was a rake? It was as if her mind pushed that part of him away so she could concentrate on his goodness. Sweetness. Kind nature. His combination of rakish behavior coupled with that of a kind gentleman fascinated as well as perplexed her.
Best to try not to think of him at all. Nothing would ever come of it in any case.
Easier said than done, unfortunately.
She tapped her boot on the floor as she watched Patience speaking to an older woman at the next booth. Had her sister sold a panorama with the triangle as well? The three sisters had tried in vain to figure out why Robert wanted it added, and only to certain paintings. There didn’t seem to be a reason. At least not a sane one.
But Robert didn’t always act as if he was in control of his senses.
Lydia was on the other end of the arcade with their great-aunt, who was probably already napping in some corner but they were too far away for Kitty to see them.
Color of Deception (Sullyard Sisters Book 1) Page 13
