Color of Deception

by Ruth J. Hartman

  Chapter Sixteen

  The door to the outer office opened then closed. Nathaniel didn’t pay it much mind. But when he heard female voices, one of whom he felt sure was Kitty’s, he pushed away from his desk and walked toward the open doorway to the room he shared with Stratford.

  Kitty and her sister — Lydia, was it? — were talking so intently to each other they paid no attention to where they were headed.

  “Ah, good day!” Nathaniel caught Kitty’s shoulders before she would have crashed right into him.

  One side of her mouth rose but just as quickly lowered. “Good day, Mr. Bexley.”

  Why did she appear not at all pleased to see him? He forced a pleasant expression. “What brings you lovely ladies to the magazine today?”

  Kitty touched Lydia’s hand and gave it a squeeze as if for reassurance. Was one or both of them nervous? “Have you met my sister, Mr. Bexley?”

  The fact that Kitty addressed him formally grated on his nerves. Yes, it was the proper thing to do since they weren’t alone. Still… “Not officially. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Sullyard.”

  She gave a brief curtsey and smiled. She was lovely. Just in a different way. Where Kitty was red-haired with light freckles across her nose, her sister had dark hair and eyes.

  Time to dispense with the annoying Mr. Bexley. He took the sister’s hand and bowed over it. “Please call me Nathaniel, as you sister does.” Usually.

  “Well…” Her face reddened. She darted a glance at Kitty. “I…” She cleared her throat. “I’m Lydia.”

  “What a lovely name.”

  “Th-thank you Mr. Bex— er that is, Nathaniel.”

  He knew neither why they were there nor the reason for all the seemingly nervous chatter, but he was thrilled to see Kitty again nonetheless. “Would you ladies like to sit down?” He waved his hand toward a small grouping of chairs in the corner.

  Kitty clutched her reticule tight against her chest. “No. That is, I need to speak with your uncle… about my panorama.”

  Nathaniel smiled. “The one from the race? May I see it?” He held out his hand but lowered it when she didn’t comply.

  “I… I really would rather show it to him first. You understand, don’t you?”

  Do I have a choice? Embarrassment burned in his chest. “Certainly.”

  Kitty raised one eyebrow at her sister. “But if you wouldn’t mind keeping Lydia company for a little while? While I’m gone, that is.”

  “Of course.” What in the name of heaven was going on? Was he now a nursemaid for her sister? He watched, forlornly, as Kitty left the room.

  Lydia walked across the room and claimed one of the chairs. She smiled but didn’t say anything else.

  It appears I must entertain her. With a pleasant expression he didn’t feel, Nathaniel took the chair next to Lydia. Should he play the rake with her, as well? If his guess was right, the sisters talked about everything together. He’d better act the same way with Lydia as he did with Kitty.

  To a point.

  There certainly wouldn’t be any touching or hand holding. Still, he could put a little bit of the rake in with his speech and mannerisms, couldn’t he?

  “Tell me, Lydia. How is it that two such beautiful women can come from the same family? Surely that’s unfair to other families whose daughters are plain.”

  She raised one eyebrow and sat up straighter. “I’m certain I couldn’t answer that, Nathaniel. It’s not something I’ve been asked before.”

  Why do I feel that I’ve been scolded by my governess for misbehaving?

  Lydia’s posture and prim expression made him think she was perhaps more serious than her sister. “Surely you jest. How could your beauty not be commented on by every man who meets you?”

  Her scowl deepened as if he’d somehow insulted her. She tapped her finger several times on the wooden chair arm, the sounds as evenly spaced as that of a metronome. “Is this the way you speak to my sister?”

  Only because I have to, to keep her attention. “And why shouldn’t I? Have you any idea how rare it is for two sisters to be so—”

  She held up her hand, cutting him off. “I’m not comfortable hearing such sentiments.”

  Lydia might as well have slapped him. “I… well, I beg your pardon.”

  A small smile crossed her lips. “You are excused.”

  What proper miss she was. Acting the rake with her apparently would do no good. I wonder if Stratford would have any better luck speaking thusly to her? Could it be that I’m just not convincing enough in the role?

  It was time to change direction. “Kitty mentioned that you as well as your other sister—”

  “Patience.”

  “—Patience, paint panoramas.”

  “That’s true.”

  He waited for her to elaborate. She didn’t. “Er… what do you like to paint?”

  “Whatever Robert instructs me to.”

  He frowned. With her words and what Kitty had already mentioned, Robert sounded perfectly delightful. “What’s something you’ve painted recently?”

  Her round-eyed stare reminded him of an owl. “You certainly are full of questions.”

  Nathaniel nearly laughed. Quickly, he halted the inclination. Lydia was quite serious. “I suppose I’m just interested. In your family’s area of talent.”

  She blinked but didn’t reply.

  Why was having a simple conversation with the woman so vexing? There was never any trouble speaking to Kitty.

  But then, he was genuinely interested in Kitty. With Lydia, he was only trying to pass the time until Kitty—

  Footsteps approached from the hall. Kitty entered the room, a giant grin on her face. It was like the room had been dim in her absence but brightened with a burst of sunshine.

  Relieved for her return, Nathaniel smiled. “Good news, I trust?”

  Kitty took a seat on Lydia’s other side. Disappointed, Nathaniel held back a frown. Why hadn’t she sat in the unoccupied chair beside him?

  She set her bag on the floor next to her chair. “Your uncle was very pleased with it.”

  “I’m not in the least surprised.”

  Kitty giggled.

  Now there’s what I like to hear. He gave Lydia a quick glance, noticing she neither laughed nor cracked a smile. Odd, that.

  “Your uncle is a charming man,” continued Kitty.

  Nathaniel did chortle at that. “I’m not sure I’ve ever heard that adjective paired with him before.”

  “But he is.” She leaned forward to see around Lydia, who shook her head in Kitty’s direction. Did Lydia scold her sister as she’d done to him?

  How strange that the two women are so different. “Did you tell him of others you’re working on?”

  She nodded and her face colored. Suddenly, Nathaniel remembered the day when he’d gone to collect her in his carriage and Stratford had already been to the house. Where had they gone? Had she painted something while with him too?

  I hope so. Nathaniel’s hand fisted in his lap. Because if she wasn’t painting, what else had they been—

  More footsteps approached. Stratford rounded the corner and stopped short when he saw the group. He stared at Kitty but didn’t appear to be pleased. Usually he did all he could to be near her. Had something happened between them? Do I really want to know what it was?

  Kitty cleared her throat and looked up at Stratford. “Good day.”

  He gave a nod, but that was all. Then he shifted his gaze to Lydia. A grin, the kind he usually wore with Kitty, snaked across his lips. “And a very good day to you.” He bent over, retrieved her hand, and placed a kiss on the back of her glove.

  Kitty’s mouth fell open, and she let out a gasp. Lydia, however, instead of giving Stratford a stern glare, fluttered her eyelashes.

  Why didn’t she react that way toward me? Perhaps it was a matter of Stratford being a successful flirt, whereas Nathaniel was only just attempting the art.

  Kitty let out a huff an
d stood, putting herself between Stratford and her sister.

  What was she up to?

  With a grin, Kitty placed her hand on Stratford’s arm. “I’m so pleased to see you again.”

  He scrunched up his features. “Are you? I wasn’t so sure the last time we were together.”

  Nathaniel longed to punch something. Preferably his cousin’s nose. What had happened between them? Had Stratford tried something inappropriate with Kitty? Of course he had. He’s Stratford, for heaven’s sake.

  Kitty pressed closer to Stratford. “Of course I’m pleased to see you.”

  Stratford’s mouth drew up on one side. “Glad to hear it.” He looked at her mouth.

  Pardon me. There are others in the room. Nathaniel’s jaws clenched so tight, he feared he might shatter a tooth.

  Kitty winked — winked — at Stratford and then released his arm. Turning to her sister, she stepped close to her. “Lydia…” Kitty tilted her head in Nathaniel’s direction. Lydia glanced at him then back.

  What in the world is going on?

  While Nathaniel shook his head and gaped, Kitty once again took Stratford’s arm. They headed out of the office. Where were they off to? He jumped when Lydia suddenly appeared beside him. Without a word, she angled her head in the direction of the empty doorway. Did that mean she wanted to go along?

  And am I meant to accompany her?

  Not quite believing what he was doing, he watched in amazement as his elbow lifted for Lydia to take. It was as if his arm knew something of which he did not. Why am I doing this? Where are we going?

  And why am I not the one with Kitty?

  Lydia took a tighter hold on Nathaniel’s arm and practically dragged him behind Kitty and Stratford. When the other two climbed into Uncle Gilbert’s carriage, Kitty glanced down at her sister and gave a slight tilt of her head.

  Without preamble, Lydia addressed Nathaniel. “Well?”

  “Well…”

  “Aren’t you going to assist me into the carriage?”

  “Uh… certainly.”

  The coachman rolled his eyes but made no attempt to offer his services. Had he tired of Nathaniel always shooing him away when he’d assisted Kitty in the past?

  Nathaniel forced a pleasant expression and helped Lydia up. She sat down opposite Stratford and Kitty and watched Nathaniel expectantly.

  With a glance back at the building — Who would take care of today’s duties? — he climbed in and sat next to Lydia.

  The carriage pulled away from the building. Nathaniel fumed as he watched Kitty press closer to Stratford’s side. Why was she doing that? Was the time she’d spent with Nathaniel meaningless?

  Perhaps I wasn’t at all convincing at being a rake. He glanced to his side. Lydia certainly had acted immune. She kept her stare locked on her sister. Was she waiting for something important to take place? It almost felt as if the sisters had planned it.

  Whatever it was.

  Kitty chattered on about everything and nothing, but only to Stratford. He appeared amused by her antics and winked at her so often Nathaniel wondered if his cousin might lose an eye. Lydia, on the other hand, didn’t talk. To anyone. She did however keep staring across the carriage at the other two. Was she waiting for something to happen? But then, she had come across to Nathaniel as being very proper. Perhaps she didn’t approve of the way her sister was fawning over Stratford.

  I certainly don’t.

  Nathaniel spent so much time watching Kitty, and watching Lydia watch Kitty, he failed to notice where they were headed. When he finally glanced out the window, shock rolled through him.

  Stratford had instructed the coachman to take everyone to the Bexley mansion?

  Nathaniel edged forward on his seat and pressed closer to the window. Why on earth was that their destination? What could Stratford possibly be thinking? And wouldn’t Uncle Gilbert be irritated if he found out that the reason his son and nephew weren’t in the office was because they were at his home? With women?

  Perspiration gathered around Nathaniel’s cravat. He had no wish to anger his uncle and possibly lose his position. Unlike Stratford, who got away with everything, Nathaniel didn’t have rich parents who would give him funds whenever he asked. Hopefully the subject wouldn’t come up.

  Are you really so daft that you expect Uncle Gilbert not to notice your office is empty of workers?

  But there was nothing for it now. If Nathaniel put up a fuss about missing work in front of Kitty, she’d have even less reason to believe him a rake. No, he needed to keep quiet about it. Act as though missing work and doing as he pleased was his normal habit.

  He forced a smile and tried to relax. On the inside, however, his stomach churned and guilt niggled at his mind.

  You’re doing this for Kitty. She must believe you are who you pretend to be. He glanced again across the carriage. She only had eyes for Stratford. Competition was fierce for her attention.

  Have I already lost my chance?

  The carriage angled at the fork in the long drive. Instead of heading toward the house, they went to… Nathaniel frowned. The stream? What on earth would they do there?

  Kitty grabbed Stratford’s arm as soon as the carriage had rolled to a stop.

  Stratford raised one eyebrow at her. “In a rush, are we?”

  Kitty blushed and winked.

  Something akin to queasiness beset Nathaniel’s stomach. It really was too late. He’d lost his chance with Kitty. Obviously, she preferred Stratford. If only she knew what his cousin usually had in mind for women he’d taken a fancy to. But perhaps she did know. And that was why she was with him now?

  With sadness, Nathaniel followed the others from the carriage. He vaguely noticed that Kitty and his cousin had headed off by themselves. Nathaniel couldn’t even summon the energy to try to follow them. What good would it do? Obviously, Kitty had her heart set on Stratford.

  Something nudged his arm three separate times in rapid succession. He glanced down. Oh. It was Lydia. He’d nearly forgotten she was even still there.

  She narrowed her eyes. “Would you care to take a walk? Or… something?”

  He raised one eyebrow. What an odd young woman. But what else did he have to occupy his time? Stuck there, with her, until Stratford and Kitty returned from wherever they were going to do whatever it was they’d be doing.

  However, he had a pretty good notion what it would be.

  With a heavy heart, he held out his arm to Lydia. He peered around the area, glad not to see anyone that far from the house. Perhaps no one would have to know that he and his cousin had taken off, chaperoneless, with two young ladies.

  As she tugged him in the opposite direction from her sister, Lydia kept peeking over her shoulder.

  “Is something amiss, Lydia?”

  She jumped? “Pardon? Um, no… not really.”

  “You just seemed to be watching Kitty.”

  “I wasn’t watching her.”

  “You weren’t?” Nathaniel wondered why Lydia’s steps had quickened. And since she had a tight hold on his arm, his hastened, as well, but his limp made that quite difficult. Why was she in such a hurry to take a walk?

  Her cheeks reddened. “No, I was looking at…” Her voice trailed off.

  “Sorry. Didn’t quite catch that.”

  “Never mind.” She hurried even more. What was she doing?

  “If you’re of a mind to run, I’ll let you go on alone.”

  “No, I’m not of such a mind.” But she didn’t slow down. In fact, she nearly pulled Nathaniel from his feet in her haste to get wherever it was she was headed.

  In the wake of Kitty going off with Stratford, Nathaniel cared not at the moment for politeness. “What on earth are you doing?” His words came out as almost a shout.

  That got her attention. “What?”

  “You act as if your skirt is on fire.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Obviously, you’re troubled. It’s al
most like you’re running away from something. Or someone.” He turned his head toward the direction in which Kitty had gone. “Are you trying to distance yourself from your sister?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” But as she said it, she once again tugged him further down the path.

  Too morose about Kitty to care, Nathaniel didn’t say anything more to Lydia about dragging him away from the others. Finally, after they must have gone at least a half-mile, Lydia stopped. She glanced around. “Where are we?”

  “You’re asking me?”

  “Isn’t this your uncle’s property?”

  “Well yes, but… you’re the one who was determined to come this way.” He narrowed his eyes. “Or was it that you didn’t have this destination in mind, just as long as it was away from Kitty?”

  Lydia glanced down at her boots. Her cheeks and neck deepened to an apple red.

  “Lydia?” Nathaniel placed one finger beneath her chin and raised her head. “What has you in such a state?”

  “I… I can’t tell you.”

  “Why not? Is it a secret?”

  She lifted one shoulder. “In a way.”

  “Does this have to do with Kitty or Stratford?”

  Lydia hesitated. “Both.”

  “I see. Tell me first about Stratford.”

  “I’d rather not.” If it was possible, the color of her cheeks deepened.

  “You dragged me all this way and don’t even know where you are. To pass the time you could at least converse with me.”

  She let out a deep sigh. “There’s something about your cousin. I don’t know… He’s—”

  “Handsome, charming, and irresistible to women. Yes I know.”

  Lydia twisted her hands together. “Besides that. There’s a wild quality about him. It makes me want to…”

  “To what?”

  She lowered her voice and whispered, “Tame him.”

  Nathaniel shook his head. Speechless, he could only stare at the prim miss in front of him who’d uttered those words. Tame… him…

  She fidgeted her fingers at her waist. “I can’t help it. I’m so drawn to him.”

  “Isn’t everyone?”

  “No.”

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing.”

  He grabbed her shoulders. “Lydia. What did you mean, not everyone? Did you mean Kitty?”

  “I wasn’t supposed to tell you.”

  He gave her a slight shake. “You’re going to tell me everything. Now.”

  “Perhaps it would be easier if I simply showed you.” She spun abruptly and headed back up the path the way they had come.

  What was she doing? She’d dragged him all the way out there, and now she was practically running back? He did his best to keep up, his foot nearly dragging along the stones in his haste.

  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.