In a much louder voice, he said, “Kitty, it’s Nathaniel? Can you hear me?”
Something thumped against the other side of the door. The sound came from down low. Was she lying on the floor?
“Keep away from the door. I’m going to try to break in.” He waited heard more shuffling and then silence. After a few more seconds he called. “I’m coming in.”
He didn’t even spare a glance for Kitty’s sisters who were surely on pins and needles a few yards away wondering what was happening.
He backed up a few paces and ran at the door, commanding his lame foot not to fail him. His shoulder hit the wood hard. Something cracked on the door, but it remained intact. “Stay back, Kitty. I’m going to try again.”
He backed up even more, grit his teeth against another impact and ran as fast as he could. As soon as he rammed his shoulder into the door, it burst open. Nathaniel fell to the floor and coughed. When the dust cleared, he looked up. Where was—
There. She was curled up in a ball near the far corner. “Kitty!”
When he reached her he nearly wept. The first thing he did was remove the handkerchief stuffed in her mouth. She took a deep breath. “Thank you for saving me. I feared no one would find me. That I’d have to—”
“Hush now. Let me get these ropes off of you.” Nathaniel untied her hands and then her ankles. He wanted to sit and hold her, tell her how much he loved her, but was too afraid her abductors might come back. “Can you stand?”
She frowned. “I… I can try.”
He helped her to her feet but she collapsed. “My feet are numb.”
“No worries. I’ll just—”
“Kitty!” Lydia ran in and hugged her sister, followed closely by Patience. The three chattered over one another like magpies.
“Ladies, I know you have much to say to one another, but we need to leave before someone finds us.” He didn’t want to frighten them, but they simply had to go.
“Of course.” Lydia returned to her no-nonsense self. She stood and nodded her head at Patience, who did the same. They stepped outside the small enclosure.
Kitty’s eyes teared up. “Oh, Nathaniel, I’m so relieved you figured out the clue I’d left. I wasn’t sure that—”
“I know. But let’s get you out of here first.”
She nodded. “But I can’t walk.”
“Don’t worry about that. I can.” He bent down and reached for her. She wrapped her arms around him and he pulled her close, one arm around her back, the other beneath her knees. He stood, waited until she was ready, then moved out into the sunshine. Kitty squinted her eyes against the brightness and pressed her face into Nathaniel’s chest.
He gave her a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll have you home in no time. I promise.” It took several minutes for them to reach the course again. Kitty was very tall for a woman and a might heavier than most, but Nathaniel cared not a whit. He could have carried her all day and not have grown tired. His Kitty was safely in his arms.
When they were once again at the main gate, the same young man was there. He eyed Nathaniel and Kitty. When he opened his mouth to speak, Patience hurried to his side. “Thank you again for your help. Imagine my embarrassment when I realized it was not my hat I’d left behind, but my sister.”
The man’s eyes opened wide and then he blinked. But Nathaniel shooed the girls out through the gate before there was time for the worker to say anything.
Quickly, they rushed to the waiting carriage. Patience untied the horses’ reins and held them until Nathaniel was in the carriage with Kitty on his lap and Lydia next to them. It was a tight fit, but they all found a place to sit.
As they headed away from Epsom, Nathaniel finally allowed a moment to take a deep breath and relax. He glanced down at Kitty. She’d fallen asleep.
Chapter Twenty-two
Kitty knew she should be embarrassed at the impropriety of lying in Nathaniel’s lap in her family’s sitting room, but she couldn’t conjure up the energy to care. Lydia and Patience were in the kitchen making something for tea, as Kitty hadn’t eaten since she’d been taken and was quite hungry.
Nathaniel held her in his arms and stroked her face. “You cannot know the terror I had in my heart when I learned of your disappearance.” He grasped her chin gently and angled her head to the side. “You’ve a bruise, just here.” He ran his finger lightly down her jaw. “They struck you. How I long to pummel the person responsible.”
“Don’t think of it now. I’m… I’ll be fine. I just need some food. And rest.”
“Of course. Forgive me for putting my need for vengeance before yours of healing and the comforts of home.”
“I’m so very tired, but I wanted to tell you about Robert.”
“What of him? Your sisters said that when they tried to find him to tell him of your disappearance, he couldn’t be found.”
“I think I know why.”
“You do?”
She nodded slowly, trying not to cause her head to ache any more than it already did. “I overheard the men talking.”
“Did you recognize them?”
“One of them. He’d come to the bazaar demanding to see my panoramas, then got angry when I didn’t have what he sought.”
“How strange.”
“I thought so too, at the time. And he’d frightened me. It made no sense why he was so upset about a panorama. But when I was in the racecourse shed, I kept my eyes closed and held very still, hoping they’d think me asleep. They must have, because they began talking. And then they mentioned Robert’s name.”
“But how could that be? Your own cousin?”
She let out a sigh. “I’m afraid so. It appears that Robert was involved in some nefarious business dealings and was using the panoramas for his pursuits.”
“I don’t understand.”
“A short while ago, he demanded that we incorporate a strange symbol, sort of a triangle shape, into the panoramas. But only in certain ones. And only when he instructed us to. We were too frightened of him to disobey, so we all agreed. He’d told me to put the symbol in one of the Tower of London. I did as instructed but didn’t question him any further as to why.”
“Why would Robert want you to do that?”
“As I listened to the kidnappers, I found out. Apparently, whatever painting had the symbol, that was where the people he did business with would find some money he’d left for them.”
Nathaniel nodded his head. “Go on.”
“When that man, the kidnapper, approached me for a panorama, the ones I’d done of the Tower of London had both been sold. He became irate and threatened to come back. I’d assumed he’d meant that he’d return to the bazaar on another day. Much to my chagrin, he came to the house. For me.”
Nathaniel leaned down a pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “How scared you must have been.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “Yes. So frightened I might never see my sisters again.” Or you… The need for sleep was quickly threatening to overtake her, but she forced herself to stay awake, not wanting to miss a moment of being in Nathaniel’s arms. He was being so sweet, so caring. Was that only an expression of his relief at finding her alive? How she wished it was more.
“Once I leave here today, I will go straight to the constable and tell him everything you’d be just told me. Hopefully, the men responsible will be caught.”
She nodded. “Sad to say, including my own cousin.”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “I must admit that this day is completely upside down from what I’d intended.”
“It’s not every day a woman who works for your uncle’s magazine is kidnapped.”
He chuckled. “True, that. But… When I’d come to collect you this morning for your assignment, I actually had another intention as well.”
“You did?”
“Since the day I first met you, you’ve captured my interest. When Stratford brought you into the office, I knew my life would never be the same. Your beauty
captivated me. I… I found I couldn’t stop looking at you. While you are lovely to behold, what I found to be true was that I admired your spirit. Your gentle laugh. The way you create beauty simply by putting a pencil to paper. But what really drew me to you was the way you make me feel. When I’m with you, I’m not simply someone’s nephew, or cousin, or worker. I’m more than a man with a limp who plays second best to his much-adored cousin. You’ve changed me, from the inside out. You make me feel as if I can do anything in the world. Anything. I’ve never felt that before. Never felt special before.”
Kitty blinked. Had he just spoken those beautiful words, or had the bump on her head distorted her thoughts? One thing she did know, however, what that Nathaniel was a rake. Even if his words were sincere, could she trust that he’d stop his wild ways? “You’ve acted the rake since we met.”
He lowered his eyebrows. “About that—”
“With a few exceptions where you were sweet and sensitive, you’ve flirted with me, but led me to the conclusion that in that way you’re like your cousin.”
Nathaniel hung his head. “I must confess that I’ve been living… a lie.”
“You? But—”
“That first day I met you, you acted so enamored of Stratford.” He balled his hand lying across her legs into a fist and then relaxed it.
Kitty squirmed, uncomfortable at the reminder of acting like she was more interested in Stratford because her uncle had demanded it.
“My cousin is a known rake, as I’m sure you’re well aware.”
She nodded. She’d known he was a rake from the start, but until Robert had made his demands, Kitty hadn’t had any intentions of showing him any interest beyond innocent flirting.
“I’d decided that to gain your attention, the only way to compete with him was to try to be like him.”
She tried to sit up, but her aching head discouraged it. “You mean you’re not—”
“I’m as far from a rake as one of your sisters.”
Kitty giggled. “Well, they certainly are not.” She sobered. “So the way you acted with me isn’t…”
“No. That’s not who I really am. I’m sorry to say I misrepresented myself. But I’m not sorry for my reason. To try to win your attention.”
She pressed her shoulder into his chest. “I must admit… I believed you to be a rake, but there were times when you were also sweet and sensitive.”
He scowled, as if he’d been found out and didn’t like it.
“No, don’t be upset. I… I like that about you. Your sweetness. And caring.”
Nathaniel blinked slowly. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she uttered without even thinking. Because it was true. She did trust him. Heart and soul.
He let out a sigh, leaned forward and pressed his forehead briefly against hers. “I have three things to tell you.”
She lifted the corners of her mouth in a smile. It felt good to be a little lighthearted in the midst of turmoil. “Only three?”
He chuckled. “Yes, but they are three very important things.”
“Very well. Go ahead.” She wanted so much to close her eyes and sleep but what he was saying was too important to miss.
“The first one is, yesterday was my birthday. I am five and twenty.”
She gazed up at him, wishing she’d known so she could have done something special for him. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you. The second is, I received something in the post.”
“Oh?” She let out a yawn. “Something for your birthday?”
“In a way, but it will also be of interest to you.”
He acted so excited about whatever it was, but what could it possibly have to do with her? With what she’d just been through, she wasn’t sure she could take much more upheaval.
“What I received was something that will change my life. For the good.”
“That’s wonderful.” Any good news was welcome even if it didn’t involve her. How could Kitty want anything but the best for this sweet man?
“It is wonderful.” He held up one finger to make his point. “And let me explain why.”
She nodded and waited, happy to see him so full of joy.
“I received a letter from a solicitor. In it, he stated that since I am now five and twenty, I will receive my inheritance.”
Kitty’s heart gave a little bump. “Inheritance? But I assumed—”
“As did I. I had no idea my father had set this up when I was born. You can imagine my surprise when I found out.”
She pressed her hand to his cheek. “I’m so pleased for you.”
“You should be pleased for yourself as well.”
“And why is that?” Kitty’s eyelids fluttered closed and back open.
He took both of her hands in his. “Because the third item of interest I wanted to tell you is this. Kitty, I love you.”
Her breath caught in her throat. Had she really heard those words from his lips? Or was she so tired she was hallucinating?
“Oh, I’m not finished.”
She nodded and blinked. Her mind was suddenly hazy. Had the bump on her head made her feel that way?
“I love you and want you to be my wife.”
Before she could answer, darkness crept over her.
Chapter Twenty-three
Second thoughts had been plaguing Nathaniel ever since he’d asked Kitty to be his wife. She hadn’t answered. Instead, she’d falling into a deep sleep. Not that he could blame her for that. The poor girl was understandably exhausted.
Still, tired as she had been, he couldn’t be sure if she’d heard his proposal before she’d succumbed to sleep. What was he to do? Ask again? Hope she brought it up? If he restated his question and her answer was no, he’d be heartbroken. He wasn’t at all sure he had the confidence in her affirmation to ask a second time. Perhaps she had heard him and didn’t want to hurt his feelings by refusing. Had simply allowed herself to drift off instead.
But he must know.
He stopped the carriage in front of the Sullyard’s house. By now, his horses probably knew the way by heart.
Nathaniel climbed down and walked briskly to the door. He knocked. And waited. Would Kitty be well enough to answer the—
The door opened and there she was. The bruise on her jaw was starting to fade from black to purple, but neither diminished her beauty in the least. “Nathaniel. I’m so pleased you’re here.”
“You are?” Did that mean she had heard his declaration after all? Was going to accept his suit? His heart thudded almost painfully at the possibility.
“Please, come in. Don’t want you standing out in the elements.”
He chuckled, remembering the first time he’d come. After stepping inside, he waited while she closed the door and came around to face him.
“Are you well?”
She glanced down and back up. “With the exception of sore limbs and jaw, yes, I can say I am well. My sisters’ tender ministrations, as well as yours, have done me a world of good.”
“I’m so glad.” He removed his hat and fidgeted with the brim.
She reached for it with a smile. When he handed it to her and she turned and shuffled to a nearby table to place the hat there, Nathaniel scrutinized her movements. She was limping a bit.
That makes two of us. Though thankfully, hers would heal and improve.
Wish I was so fortunate.
“Won’t you sit down?” Kitty indicated two chairs by the window and he took one. He waited while she sat in the other and arranged her skirts before saying more.
Now what? Should he propose again? Hope she’d heard him and came forth with a positive answer? He glanced at her and grinned, so thankful she was mostly unharmed and safely back at home.
“What is it?” She touched her fingers to her cheek. “Have I something on my face besides the bruise?”
He shook his head. “Just happy to have you back.”
She blushed. “All thanks to you.”
“N
o. If you hadn’t left that clever drawing for your sisters to find…” He let the sentence dangle, not wanting to speak of what might have become of her had he and her sisters not found her.
The color in her cheeks deepened even more.
He frowned. “What’s amiss? Have I said something?”
She shrugged. “I…”
“What is it?”
“The drawing I left. Of your hand on my…”
He chuckled. “Yes, clever as your clue was, I must admit to a slight bit of embarrassment when I had to explain it to your sisters.”
“I’m shocked Lydia hasn’t scolded me for it yet.”
“Give her time. Perhaps she’s allowing you ample opportunity to rest before she does.”
An adorable giggle came from her lips. “You’re probably right.”
Several seconds of silence brought him discomfort. What should he do now? Repeat his question of yesterday?
Don’t be a coward. You won’t know unless you ask.
With a nod for self-encouragement, Nathaniel leaned forward on his chair and placed his elbows on his knees. “Kitty…”
“Yes?”
“I’ve… that is… When last we spoke, I had asked you a question. An important one.”
She frowned. “You did? What was it?”
He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling as if he couldn’t catch his breath. “I…um.”
“Go on. You may say anything to me. Haven’t you earned the right after rescuing me?”
Do it now… just say it. “Yes, well… Right before you’d drifted off to sleep, I’d asked you a question.”
She tilted her head and waited.
He tugged at his cravat, wishing it didn’t feel so tight. “I had asked you if you would…um…” He coughed once and cleared his throat. He took a deep breath and let it out. Ask her you fool. This is your last chance. “I wasn’t sure if you’d heard my question or not…”
She bit her lip. “Hmm. I’m not sure I recall to what question you’re referring. Would it be too much trouble to ask again?”
No trouble at all…. I just feel as it my heart wants to leap from my throat. “Very well. I had asked… I…” He clutched his hands together and forced his gaze to meet hers. “Kitty, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Color of Deception (Sullyard Sisters Book 1) Page 16
