“I would never underestimate you, but I appreciate the warning.” A deep laugh rumbled in his chest. She was delightfully sharp-tongued today.
“I’m glad we understand one another,” she playfully mocked, then walked in with an elegant ease that marked her as a lady. “Follow me.”
He’d follow her anywhere right now. If he had his druthers, they’d spend the entire day together, meandering the city streets and eating from the street vendors. Perhaps she’d show him the markets where she bought her trims and odd pieces of furniture. It sounded like heaven.
Katherine stopped in the middle of the floor and turned in a slow circle. A gorgeous smile lit her face. “It’s perfect, don’t you think?”
For an instant, he thought they were looking at two different things. Dreary was the only way to define the space, but the excitement in her voice was irresistible. “Define perfect.”
She shook her head. “You’re not seeing the potential.”
The main room was huge with several offices in the back. Windows on one side of the room were coated with a film of grime, but the sunlight filtered through, highlighting the dust that coated the floor. Several pieces of lumber and a few discarded desks were stacked against the other wall. “With the battalion of servants I’ve recently hired, I could send over a crew. They’d have the place clean and everything set up within a day.”
“Exactly.” Without waiting, Kat strode to the back of the building. She pushed the latch on a windowed door, then entered. “This is the main office. I thought your head foreman could use this.”
The room was pitch black, but he followed. He took two steps then stopped when something, much like a ghost’s hand, brushed across his face.
Katherine wrestled with something. Within a few moments, the room was flooded in light. A lit candle sat on the desk next to a flint box. She turned around, then stared at him as if he had two heads. “You’re … you’re wearing a cobweb.”
“That’s what I felt. I thought perhaps the place was haunted.” He chuckled as he tried to wipe his face.
“Allow me.” Kat pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and came to his side. “You look like…”
He bent until they were eye to eye, his gaze locked with hers. “A gothic creature? A monster from the marsh?”
A hint of pink tinted her cheeks, and for the first time that he could ever recall, she seemed flustered. “I might suggest a beast from the bog.”
“You know me so well.” He laughed.
“I need to touch your face,” she said softly.
“Please,” he murmured.
The fingers of one hand swept across his cheek with the tenderest of touches as she gently brushed the other side of his face with the handkerchief. Without thought, he placed his palm over her hand, stopping her movement. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the warmth and silkiness of her palm.
“What’s wrong?” Her voice trembled slightly.
“Nothing.” The urge to kiss her grew nigh unbearable. “And everything.”
They both grew closer until an inch separated them. Before he could ask if he could kiss her, Kat made the decision for them. With a slow deliberate movement, she swept her lips against his.
His heart pounded so hard, he thought it would break through his ribs. At the touch of her lips against his, Christian cupped her face to deepen the kiss.
“Is anyone here?” a voice rang out.
At the sound, Katherine instantly pulled away. “Of all the rotten luck,” she said under her breath.
“Who is it?” His voice had the roughness of sandpaper. Such was the effect of Katherine on him.
“The devil’s own spawn,” she hissed. “It’s Skeats.”
* * *
Kat smoothed her dress, but it did nothing to slow her pounding pulse, not to mention her slight panting. She was in trouble if such a small kiss could provoke such a strong reaction. She took a deep breath and prayed she didn’t appear out of sorts.
Her competitor was horrible. For his timing, his interruption, and his general disposition. “Marlen Skeats is my main competition for the Prince Regent’s business,” she whispered to Christian.
“We should greet him.” He gently pushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.
His light touch caused her pulse to pound even harder. But the calmness in his gaze provided some much-needed poise. With a decisive nod, she turned and went to face her nemesis.
Not that she couldn’t handle her competitor, but it was nice to have Christian beside her. “Good day, Mr. Skeats,” she called out.
“Good morning, Lady Meriwether. A vision as always.” Though the words were harmless, they sounded much like a snake’s hiss before it attacked. Tall with red hair and a ruddy complexion to match, Marlen Skeats reminded her of a balloon she’d once seen. They were both filled with hot air.
“What a surprise to meet you here.” Kat caught herself before she started twisting her fingers together.
“Is it really? I’m certain we’re here for the same reason.” He smiled, but it held little humor.
She huffed a silent breath, then turned to Christian. “Your Grace, this is Marlen Skeats. He owns a fine bedding shop similar to mine.”
Christian didn’t extend his hand for the customary shake. Instead, he swept his arms behind his back, making himself look menacing. He nodded once in acknowledgment.
“Mr. Skeats, may I present the Duke of Randford?”
“Your Grace.” Skeats bowed deeply with an effusive greeting that made her stomach churn. He didn’t fool anyone. “It’s an honor to meet an officer of your caliber.”
Christian stood motionless, but his eyes narrowed.
Skeats, who was completely oblivious to Christian’s unfriendliness, took a quick glance around the room. “This place is perfect.” He smiled and addressed his comments to Christian. “Lady Meriwether and I are in competition for the right to outfit the Prince Regent’s Royal Pavilion.” He turned to Katherine. “The real reason I’m here is to see about letting this space when I receive the contract.” He noticeably paused. “I meant if I’m the successful winner.” He tilted his head and offered a sickly sweet smile.
Katherine resisted the urge to smirk at his insincerity.
“I’m afraid you’re too late, sir.” Christian’s deep voice sharpened. “We’ve already taken the space.”
“We?” Skeats’s eyes grew round.
“Lady Meriwether is helping me organize a charity business for my men who’ve returned from war in need of employment.” Christian eased his rigid stance and edged closer to Kat.
For the first time since Skeats’s arrival, she relaxed somewhat. As much as one could when in her competitor’s presence.
“You’ll have to look elsewhere,” Christian said.
“Such benevolence on your part, Your Grace. Well, I guess you’ve proven that the early bird catches the worm.” Skeats’s gaze narrowed, then extended a hand to Kat. “May I see your handkerchief? Is that your handiwork?”
“Yes.” Kat extended the cloth she’d used to clean the cobweb from Christian’s face.
“What exquisite needlework.” Her competitor examined it for several moments. “Not a stitch out of place.” His thumb traced the simple pattern of a flower that Kat had learned from her mother. Eventually, he handed it back to her. “Beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She placed it in her pocket. “If you’ll excuse us? We’ve another appointment.”
“Of course.” Skeats walked toward the door. Halfway there, he turned on the ball of his foot and faced them. “Lady Meriwether, I’ve seen that pattern before, but I can’t recall where. It’s very unusual.” He tapped his finger against his lips. “May I ask where you found such a thing?”
Everything within Kat stilled to a grounding halt. How could she have been so careless? The pattern was a variation of the Yorkshire rose. It was the first pattern her mother had taught her. Only on her personal possessions did she use it.
&n
bsp; She debated what to say. Finally, she decided upon the truth. “My mother taught me the pattern. She learned it from her mother. I really can’t say where it’s from.” She smiled but feared it was rather weak.
Skeats nodded. “Thank you for sharing it.” He waved a hand and left.
She blew out her breath. She was overreacting. Even if he did recognize the rose, he would only believe her family to be from Yorkshire. The pattern was hers alone.
Besides, he didn’t know her real name, Katherine Elise James, the thief who had been caught stealing and convicted within an hour.
* * *
Christian locked the door before he gave the key to Katherine. As they started the opposite way from where Marlen Skeats went, Christian caught Kat glancing over her shoulder. Her earlier ease had scattered to parts unknown.
“Let’s stop for a second.” He took her hand then ducked under an overhang covering a doorway. It allowed a momentary break from the bustle of the busy street behind them where they could chat somewhat privately. Still clasping her hand in his, he studied Kat’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She bit one perfect lip. “I’m perfectly fine.”
And he was the King of England. “Kat, you were wringing your fingers in the shop. You looked over your shoulder to see Skeats’s direction.” He smiled in reassurance, then lowered his voice. “You’re definitely paler than when you kissed me.”
“Really, I’m fine.” She tilted her gaze to him with a smile. Finally, her cheeks were starting to color again. An excellent sign, except for the twitch below the left corner of her eye. It was exactly how she looked when he’d first met her after they both discovered Meri had three wives.
“Does Skeats worry you? Has he done something to you?” The thought that she was scared of the man brought forth the need to find Skeats and have a very frank conversation with him. If that didn’t work, then Christian thought it fair game to beat him to a bloody pulp.
“He’s harmless, but his business has been a staple in London for decades. He’s probably the odds-on favorite, but I know my goods are superior to his.” She stared at the ground as she adjusted her satchel. “That’s all.”
The desire to erase whatever bothered her and comfort her became overwhelming. He wanted to hold her, but they were next to a busy street. Instead, he squeezed her hand. “Kat, look at me,” he coaxed.
She didn’t move for a second, then finally, tilted her gaze to his.
“If and when you ever need someone to talk to or if you’re scared, all you have to do is ask. I’ll be there. Even if it’s in the middle of the night. Promise me, you’ll ask.” He stared into her eyes, the swirls of gold and green mesmerizing. Only when she nodded did Christian exhale.
“Let’s go to my workshop.” She dropped his hand and headed toward the street once more. She turned and smiled, this time a real one. “We can walk. It’s only a couple of streets over.”
As she led him through the streets, Christian’s own internal compass shifted. He’d always possessed an innate awareness of the world around him, but now everything seemed a little more in focus. Katherine was the cause of it.
To lure her out of her musings, Christian said, “I understand that men aren’t allowed in your shop. Does that include me?”
“Of course.” She adjusted her portfolio under her arm again. “I’ve found that without men, the shopping experience is all the more delightful for my customers. It’s by appointment only. Women can express their wants and desires more honestly. Bedrooms are very important.”
“For sleep?” He slowed slightly. He’d never given much thought to the importance of linens, or bedrooms in general.
“Among other things,” she said.
“Like what?” He waggled his eyebrows. It was wicked to tease her so, but he couldn’t resist.
She waved her hand in dismissal. “Reading, resting.” With a grin twitching, she stared down the street, then slid her gaze to his. “Use your imagination.”
Right then, he wanted her to completely outfit his bedroom. “You don’t think men have the same appreciation of such fine things? Or is it that men lack the capability to choose such necessities? What about bachelors like myself who would want to shop at your establishment?” He truly wanted to know her answers. “Don’t you want our business?”
“I do, but I would suggest you either get married or find a sister or an aunt who could shop for you.” She slowed to a stop. “Otherwise, you’re not receiving any of my linens. It’s the way I choose to run my business. Unless you’re the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber.” Without waiting for his reply, she continued her walk. “This is my workshop.” She pointed at a handsome red brick building. “Of course, you’re allowed in here.” She opened the heavy wooden door, then strolled right through. “By the by, Your Grace, have you heard any news from Mr. Hanes?”
“No,” he said slowly.
“I would appreciate it if you’d keep me informed.” She stopped inside a small entry hall that led into another room and looked up at him. “Even if you don’t have any news, you should have at least sent around a note to that effect.”
“You are a difficult person to please, Katherine.” He chuckled slightly.
She took a step forward then stopped suddenly. “No, I’m not,” she protested.
He took her hand in his and held it for a moment, the touch an incredible sensation that made him smile in earnest. “Then I’ll have to try harder.”
A beautiful grin graced her lips in answer. He could have sworn that angels started singing from heaven at the sight. “I would like that, Your Grace. Let’s start anew, shall we?”
“We shall. Now, how will you make it worth my while?” he asked softly.
Her breath caught, sending his pulse pounding at the sound.
He held up his hands in surrender and laughed. “Katherine, you have the uncanny ability to make me utter the most outlandish things to you.”
“A rare talent I wasn’t aware I had.” Her lips tilted in a saucy smile.
“Oh, you have many rare talents, I wager,” he murmured with an answering grin. “As soon as I return home, I’ll see what Hanes has discovered.”
She swept a hand forward in invitation. “Come inside.”
Christian stepped into the room, then stopped. The entire place was filled with light from windows that were installed in the roof. The brightness gave the appearance of being in another world. Work desks were placed strategically next to one another in several rows. Bolts of linen, silk, and velvet in a myriad of colors lined the back wall. Embroidery threads were arranged by color in specially made cabinets against another wall. There wasn’t a single scrap of dirt or salvage of material on the wooden floors.
“Good day, Lady Meriwether.” At the last desk at the end of a row, a slight woman with brown hair stood and waved.
Katherine waved in return with a huge smile. Christian’s gut tightened at the sight. For an irrational moment, he wanted that smile for himself. What did that say about him, a duke and a war hero, to be jealous of a woman who’d captured her employer’s notice and received such a beautiful smile in turn? It said he was ill-equipped to handle his responses to Katherine.
“If you’ll excuse me?” Without a hint that she was aware of his dilemma, Katherine strode across the floor.
The sunlight followed her, and dust motes frolicked in her wake as if welcoming her back. He ran a hand down his face, upsetting his beaver hat in the process. Good God, where were his manners? He should have taken off the bloody hat when he entered. This was what happened when he allowed romantic dribble to spew through his brain.
No, that wasn’t true. This happened when Katherine took center stage. Everything else fell away.
Katherine brought the woman over to him. “Your Grace, this is Miss Mary Anne Lucas.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Christian said with a bow.
“Miss Lucas, this is the Duke of Randford.”
The
woman blushed, then dipped a deep curtsey. “Your Grace.”
“Miss Lucas and I won’t be but a moment.” Katherine led the woman back to the work area. The woman hung on every word Katherine uttered. While Katherine appeared to be praising the woman’s work, the employee smiled. It reminded Christian of the times he’d given his regiment praise over a difficult battle won. As she pointed to several places on the linen, the woman nodded her understanding. Then the woman bowed her head and said something.
Katherine’s brow furrowed for a moment as she listened, then she embraced her employee. Christian wasn’t surprised at her response. From what he’d seen of her, Katherine was truly unique and had a sense of empathy that most of the members of the House of Lords should emulate. Perhaps then they could finally get some bills passed into law.
She nodded to the woman, then turned and strode to his side.
Christian had the most inconvenient, not to mention irrational, thought. He wanted to damn Meri to hell for finding her first. But of course, that was redundant. Christian had little doubt that his brother was currently sitting beside Lucifer and basking in his eternal flames.
“Would you mind if I run upstairs for a moment? Mary Anne will be working at home today. I’m going to fetch a special project for her.”
Christian’s eyebrows shot upward. “You allow your employees to work from home? How do you keep track of their hours?”
“I trust them.” She held up her hand to stay any argument from him. “I know what you’re going to say. They’ll steal from me or say they work more hours than in actuality.” She lowered her voice as she looked over her shoulder at the woman. “Mary Anne Lucas is one of my most conscientious employees. She’s an unmarried mother with two small children. She needs this position. She would never jeopardize it or her family’s welfare.”
“She lost her husband in the war?”
“No.” Katherine turned back to him. “She never had one.” The challenge in her gaze caught him off guard. “Some women survive on their own.”
A Duke in Time--The Widow Rules Page 14