Color of Deception

by Ruth J. Hartman

  Chapter Ten

  Nathaniel glanced out the carriage window, barely taking in the green countryside before he looked back down. When had his hands tightened into fists? Probably shouldn’t be surprised, since he’d wanted to beat the life out of his wayward cousin. The nerve of him racing away to collect Kitty early the previous morning before Nathaniel could even get there. His face heated remembering Kitty’s sister’s expression when she told him that another Mr. Bexley had already arrived in a carriage for Kitty.

  When he’d spoken to Kitty the first time they met, teasing about how sometimes he wished he hadn’t a cousin, he’d been joking. Mostly. Today, however, he’d love nothing more than to vanquish Stratford to someplace unbearably hot or hostile. Why not both?

  Forcing himself to calm down, Nathaniel relaxed his hands. He couldn’t, however, stop his boot from tapping so hard it might have left a bruise had the floor been a person. Since Stratford hadn’t shown his face at the office, Nathaniel had once again been forced to stay and complete all the tasks for both of them. When he’d discovered his cousin’s duplicity, he’d made quick work of making sure his uncle knew about it. But Nathaniel hadn’t told Uncle Gilbert. No, that would have come across as being a tattler. Instead, he slipped some coin to one of the magazine’s workers, instructing him to let it slip to Uncle Gilbert that Stratford hadn’t been at work that day.

  Nathaniel snorted. Couldn’t that be said of most days? Stratford made himself scarce as if the concept of work might cause him to break out in some terrible disfiguring disease.

  But knowing his cousin as he did, it wouldn’t surprise him to learn that Stratford really did feel that way.

  After taking a deep breath, Nathaniel finally succeeded in keeping his feet still. No use showing up on Kitty’s doorstep with evil intent in his heart. She might think his sour mood was due to her. Nothing could be further from the truth.

  Nathaniel’s body heated at the thought of Kitty. Holding her as they’d lain on the ground after the horse had escaped caused perspiration to form beneath Nathaniel’s cravat. Dire circumstances to be sure. It had allowed him the opportunity to embrace Kitty as he might not have had the chance or the bravery to do it otherwise. At least not yet.

  The carriage pulled up in front of Kitty’s house. Nathaniel had gotten halfway to the door when it opened. When he glanced up and saw Kitty with a huge grin on her face, he relaxed. As glad as he was to see her, he was nearly as glad that he wouldn’t have to endure seeing her sister again so soon. Had she assumed him a sad kind of buffoon for coming for Kitty when his cousin had beat him there? Kitty’s great-aunt slipped past them and headed for the carriage like she owned it. The coachman raised his eyebrows at Nathaniel but said nothing as he helped her onto the seat.

  Nathaniel turned back. “Miss Sullyard, how wonderful you look today.”

  She stepped nearer and whispered, “Hadn’t we agreed to address each other by our Christian names?”

  Leaning down until his lips nearly brushed her ear, he said, “Only when we are alone.”

  She glanced up at him. “Oh.” Her cheeks colored, a very becoming sight indeed.

  He hadn’t exactly meant the comment to come out as rakish, but had she taken it that way? So much the better. As difficult as it was for him to act the part of the rake, he’d take any help he could get.

  Kitty took his proffered arm. “Where are we to go today?” One side of her mouth curved up in an adorable teasing manner.

  All he wanted to do right that moment was to grab her, whisk her away, and kiss her senseless. After he removed her great-aunt from the carriage…

  Was playing a rake beginning to take over his mind? Or was it that Kitty was so delectable, so irresistible that he couldn’t stand not to be near her.

  “Are we ready to depart?” Kitty peered up at him, her long lashes framing her eyes, her auburn hair glinting in sunshine as a few of the many clouds parted for a moment.

  He swallowed. Stop woolgathering. “Of course.” Get a hold of yourself, man. You mustn’t allow her to see you as you really are. How do you hope to compete with Stratford if she thinks you’re cork-brained?

  Nathaniel tugged her a little closer, purposefully brushing his arm against the side of her breast. If her intake of breath was any indication, he’d hit his mark. He pushed aside a vision of what she might be like beneath the worn dress. Because if his mind kept pursuing its current course, he’d become a rake in more than name only.

  He helped her into the carriage and assisted her to her seat. Once he sat down and made sure Mrs. Caruthers wasn’t eyeing him, he leaned forward to be a little closer to Kitty. He gave her a wink and a slow seductive — at least he hoped it was seductive — smile.

  Her fingers fidgeted with the fastener on her large cloth bag. “Where are we headed today… Nathaniel?”

  His name from her lips caused something warm and delightful to course through him. How could a woman’s voice speaking his name cause him such a reaction? He reached for her hand, pulling it away from her bag, and cradled her fingers between his hands. “We are going to the London Tower Zoo. Have you ever been?” As soon as he uttered the words, he wished he could reel them back. How thoughtless. While she might not have been, everyone in his set would have attended multiple times.

  “Well, no. I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure.”

  He squeezed her hand, rubbing his thumb across the back of her glove. “Then it will be doubly delightful for me to be the first to show it to you.”

  Show it to you… Inappropriate visions of them disrobing and showing each other their—

  Kitty gave a small gasp, almost as if she’d heard his inner voice. When she glanced toward the window, Nathaniel got a delightful view of her graceful, ivory neck. He longed to stroke his fingers along the soft skin and then spread light kisses down the same path.

  Something was definitely coming over him, but it wasn’t simply lust. No, this went much deeper. To the center of his heart. How had he lived a whole life before meeting Kitty? Because when he was with her, colors appeared brighter, the air smelled more fragrant, the—

  “—today?”

  Nathaniel blinked. “Pardon?”

  “I asked if you had something specific you wanted me to paint today.”

  Your self-portrait as a gift to me. “I guess you’ll have to wait until we arrive.”

  She raised one eyebrow. “Are you being a tease?”

  “Is that something you’d like?”

  Her mouth dropped open and she just as quickly snapped it shut. A pinkish hue traveled from her face to the top of her bodice. He didn’t even try to stop himself from following the path with his gaze.

  The coachman guided the carriage to the entrance of the Tower Zoo. After Kitty, her great-aunt, and Nathaniel stepped down, Nathaniel gave a nod to the coachman, who drove the carriage a few hundred yards down the street.

  Kitty tilted her head and watched the conveyance roll away.

  Nathaniel furrowed his brow. “What’s the matter?”

  She glanced over her shoulder at her great-aunt, who was standing nearly in the middle of the pathway, forcing others to step around her as she read her book. “My dear great-aunt is not the most attentive, but I’m relieved we have a chaperone accompanying us. With Stratford…” She cleared her throat and then quickly focused on his shoulder.

  Anger jolted through Nathaniel. She also addressed Stratford by his Christian name? And what was that business about the chaperone not being with them? He bit the inside of his cheek and took a deep breath until the anger subsided. No use upsetting Kitty when she’d done nothing wrong. No, surely all the blame would rest with his cousin.

  He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

  They entered through the main gate, sidestepping a large group of men and women who corralled some rowdy children. An earth-shattering roar came from their left. Nathaniel jumped but was fairly certain Kitty had jumped higher. The way she clutched his arm made him wo
nder if he’d made a mistake bringing her there.

  He angled his head toward hers. “Are you frightened to be here?”

  “No… no, I love animals, especially cats. The lion’s roar was so loud.”

  “Indeed.” He guided them to a nearby bench. When he indicated to Mrs. Caruthers that she could take a seat, she shook her head and headed to a bench a few feet away. Did she not care for Nathaniel’s company, or was she that way toward everyone? He shrugged. What did it matter if it gave him more opportunities to speak with Kitty alone?

  Kitty stopped in front of the bench and spun toward him. She stared at him for a moment then away, fidgeting her fingers. Was she nervous about something? About being with him with her aunt not sitting on the same bench? But she hadn’t seemed nervous at the race.

  He blinked. “Is something amiss?”

  She jumped, even though the lion wasn’t roaring. “I… No. I brought something for…”

  “For…”

  She opened her reticule and pulled out a small roll of paper. “It’s not much. I had a few moments before I retired last night and, well…”

  “May I?”

  “Of course.”

  He reached out and took the offered paper, sucking in a breath as he unrolled it. Done in pencil, the majestic black stallion pranced with one front leg up, its tail whipping, caught in a strong breeze. The horse had no rider but was saddled, as if waiting for someone to climb on. “It’s amazing.”

  She brushed some strands of hair from her cheek and bit her lip. She said nothing but waited. Was there something she wanted him to notice about the drawing?

  Nathaniel leaned closer to the foolscap, running his gaze slowly over the image. Long tail, rippling muscles, flared nostrils, thick neck… It was a masterpiece but he didn’t see anything—

  Wait.

  Right at the corner of the dark eye, which was surrounded by a white patch, was a dark wavy sort of line. It was a…

  He grinned. “It’s an N.”

  She let out a breath and smiled. “Yes. I knew you would find it. You saw the S in the one from the race so easily when most people, except for my family, never do.”

  He couldn’t believe she’d taken the time to draw something especially for him. And to add his initial was a most precious gift. “I will treasure it always.”

  Color rushed up her cheeks. She waved a hand. “Oh, well… I just imagined since you’d discovered the letter in one, it might be fun to have one with your initial from a place at which you’d recently spent time.”

  “It is, indeed. I thank you.” He gave her a bow.

  She giggled and accepted his help to sit on the bench. Nathaniel gently rolled the paper and tucked it into his coat pocket.

  Once he got Kitty settled on the bench, he sat down, but not too close. So many people were coming and going, he’d not want anyone to think there was anything improper going on. Still, Nathaniel wasn’t sorry Mrs. Caruthers had a mind of her own and enjoyed being a little apart from her niece.

  No, not in the least. His lips curved up until he remembered what Kitty had said about not having a chaperone while with Stratford. But then, why wasn’t he surprised? It was Stratford’s usual way, was it not?

  Aren’t you hoping for the very same thing? Glad that the great-aunt is not sitting with you?

  It wasn’t the same. Not at all. He glanced at Kitty, a few wisps of her red hair dancing about her forehead as she dug into her cloth bag for supplies. No, what Stratford wanted was what he always wanted from women. To have them, use them, and then throw them aside.

  I’ll not do that. Not to Kitty. Never to Kitty. While he might be playing the rake to try to compete with his cousin for Kitty’s attention, Nathaniel’s ultimate intentions were much, much different.

  “Are you going to tell me?”

  He startled. Had he spoken his musings aloud? Please not that. “Tell you—”

  “What is it you wish for me to draw for the magazine?”

  He let out a breath. “It’s really no secret. I’ll let you choose.”

  “Truly?” Her face lit up.

  “It that such a novel concept?”

  “Actually, yes. The small drawing of the horse was an exception. I never get to choose what I draw and paint.”

  What a shame. “Well today, my dear, the choice is yours. Choose any animals here you’d like and capture their likenesses on a panorama.”

  Kitty’s eyes squinted at the corners. Her expression was one of someone who had just been presented with a special gift. But if she never got to use her talent for her own pleasure, perhaps it was a gift of sorts.

  Warmth filled Nathaniel’s chest at being the one to give her something she’d love. “Which animals will it be?”

  “Hmm…” She glanced to her right.

  Nathaniel looked that direction. The majestic lion sat on his haunches licking a massive paw. “Splendid choice.”

  “Do you think your uncle will approve of the lion? I can choose something else.”

  He patted her hand, careful not to leave his there too long, though he wanted to. “He will approve of anything you paint, I assure you. My uncle’s magazine often has pictures of animals, both wild and domestic. I’d say any creature residing here will do. I realize I’m merely one of his workers, but I made sure to get his permission before our outing today.”

  “I can’t tell you what a pleasure this will be.” After retrieving her pencil and paper from somewhere in the murky depths of her huge bag, Kitty prepared to draw.

  “What is it about the lion that captures your interest?”

  She lifted one shoulder in an adorable shrug. “I adore cats. All kinds. However, I must admit this is my first chance to actually see a wild cat. Up until now, it’s only been in pictures I’ve had the chance to view.”

  Nathaniel watched, fascinated, as Kitty sketched the outline of the giant cat, using the sharp point of the pencil. Then came the face, with large eyes, a regal nose, and a muzzle with whiskers. The paws were next, followed by the tail. She flipped the pencil on its side and shaded in a few shadows beneath the eyes and around the whiskers. He smiled when he watched her draw a tiny S in the lion’s mane, his heart warming again that she’d taken time to draw him the horse.

  Kitty had only sketched in the barest of details so far, but already it was a masterpiece. What a shame that she’d never experienced even coming to the zoo. But then, if her cousin was as she’d said, there wouldn’t be time for Kitty and her sisters to do much beside work.

  Determination filled Nathaniel’s mind and heart. Kitty, I make you a vow. You shall have an abundant, happy life in the future. I’ll see to it personally. He watched the lion in its enclosure for a moment and then peered back down to see the progress of the lion coming to life on the paper. Incredible. “How many cats will you draw?”

  She blinked and peered up at him. “I may draw more than one?”

  “Of course. Draw all of the cats if you’d like. You could create a wild cat parade. They could all be carrying parasols and wearing pink slippers.”

  Kitty snorted. Several people turned to glare at her. “Oh dear.”

  “Don’t mind them,” whispered Nathaniel. “Many of the ton were born without hearts.”

  With a loud pop, Kitty smacked her hand over her mouth. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, and moisture gathered on her lashes. Trying not to laugh? He handed her his handkerchief.

  Kitty dabbed at her eyes. Her grin was infectious. “You should not do that out in public.”

  “Hand you my handkerchief? I assure you, it’s a common thing. Everyone does it. I hear it’s all the rage.”

  “No,” She giggled. “Make me laugh so hard I… I—”

  “You… what? Appear even more beautiful than before? Which I hadn’t imagined could happen, yet you’ve proven me wrong.”

  “I…” She blinked. “Thank you.”

  “I’m only speaking the truth, Miss Sullyard. But, as I see I’m hindering your wor
k, I’d best let you get to it.”

  She touched his sleeve. “You’re not leaving… are you?”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

  “Good. I’m glad.”

  “As am I.” You have no idea.