So True a Love (Daughters of His Kingdom Book 2) Page 3

  She nodded at the servant who took her cloak at the door, and Thomas motioned for her and Eliza to enter the large hall. Skirting the fringe of the crowd, Kitty brushed arms with well-dressed ladies and men, all enraptured with the speech in progress. The three of them quickly found an obliging spot near the windows in the back, and Kitty swallowed, struggling to fit in, as if somehow her political leanings were as obvious as the emerald green of her gown. Glancing around, she reminded herself they would never have to know her true beliefs. She stood straighter. Though, if they did, they would likely ridicule her and throw her into the streets. How bad could that be? She stifled a grin at the ridiculous vision. Well, at least then her feelings would be out in the open. This time an easy smile washed over her face and a jovial sensation shot though her nerves like a brush of wind against a lonely meadow. Inhaling a relaxed breath, the sound of the speaker’s voice tugged at her ears. Stopping, she gathered her senses, her heart suddenly racing as if it remembered something more than her mind. Leaning quickly from side to side, she strained to look past the sea of white wigs and feathered coiffures to find the owner of the voice.

  Could it really be him? She glanced at Thomas and Eliza who whispered to each other as they listened. They didn’t seem to be surprised. But then, why should they?

  Kitty licked her lips and lifted on her tiptoes. Perhaps her memory played tricks upon her heart. It had been over a year since she’d last seen him. Perhaps, it wasn’t him after all, and was only—

  The group parted slightly and Kitty’s heart stopped. She dropped back on her heels, and sucked a quick breath through her lips.

  There, on the far side of the room Nathaniel stood, his chiseled features made even more alluring by the yellow glow of candle-light. Kitty’s mouth went dry. She tried and failed to focus on his words. His commanding presence dominated her will. She couldn’t pull her gaze from his eyes that danced with passion as he spoke, and the muscular frame that filled the fabric of his burgundy suit.

  Extinguishing her irrational excitement, Kitty brushed a long curl from her neck and did her best to keep nothing more than a moderate measure of surprise in her tone when she cupped her mouth and spoke into Eliza’s ear. “You didn’t tell me Nathaniel would be here.”

  Before Eliza could answer, Thomas bowed toward Kitty, the glimmer of a chuckle lighting his eyes. His tone remained low. “He is the most out-spoken of patriots.”

  Shrugging, she tried to show her nonchalance, not the thrill that heated her neck and ears. Kitty exhaled through tight lips and looked down at her dress. Why didn’t I wear a nicer gown?

  Leaning forward, Thomas whispered something to Eliza and she nodded before he ducked away toward the refreshment table.

  “Nathaniel will be thrilled to see you.” Eliza turned her attention back to Kitty, keeping her volume low. She winked. “He speaks of you often, you know, asking how you fare and if we’ve heard from you.”

  Kitty’s heart leapt at the news, but she pretended not to feel it, hoping the pleasure of her sister’s words didn’t make their way to her face. “I’m sure he is all politeness.” For surely ‘twas nothing more.

  A motion to the side drew Kitty’s attention and she turned. A tall man stood alone in the corner, wine glass in hand, his gaze floating across the crowd as if he were looking for someone. His icy-black stare then landed on Kitty and her blood chilled. No matter how her inner-self reacted, she forced her outer appearance to remain collected. She raised her chin coolly, and turned to her sister speaking close to her ear. “Liza, who is that man in the corner to my left—don’t look too quickly.”

  “I needn’t look.” Eliza’s face lit with a silent laugh as the actress came to life, completely masking the real subject of their conversation. “I already know who you mean. I saw him when we came in.”

  “Who is he?”

  “His name is Cyprian Wythe, and a more loathsome man you will never meet. At least that’s what Thomas has said. I’ve never formally met him. His wife is gravely ill, poor dear. That’s all I really know.” Eliza motioned to the front of the room. “If I were you I would focus my attention on someone much more interesting.”

  Kitty followed Eliza’s gaze and her breath halted. Nathaniel’s expression was lit with the same passion that filled his voice, and though she did her best to focus on his words, Kitty’s heart had been snatched by a flurry of delightful and dangerous emotions. Would he be pleased to see her? What would she say? What would he say?

  Kitty! Get hold of yourself.

  The fleeting attraction she’d felt for him those months ago had been folded and neatly put away like a gown she was too fond of to wear. So why were these emotions now emerging from their place of security?

  Nathaniel continued his spirited speech and the hushed room seemed absorbed in his presence. The more he spoke, the more his face brightened and his voice strengthened. A few rounds of “huzzah” and “hear, hear” were the only sounds, other than the periodic swish of skirts and quiet tap of shoes.

  “Freedom is ours for the taking,” he said, scanning the crowd. “Can we much longer stand by and succumb to these oppressions as an ass would submit to an unruly master? Nay! Who can stand these afflictions and not be soon shaken into a realization of our awful state? The king wishes us to believe that we do not struggle; that your existence is not made more difficult by his hand; that your day-to-day living is not challenged by his rule. But our lives do change daily and we do feel it, and we will not ignore the truth!”

  The room boomed with applause. Men rapped their canes against the ground and women clapped gloved hands in wild agreement.

  “I for one cannot remain idle,” he continued. “It falls upon each of us to stand up in the cause for which our futures depend. I will not forsake my country. Will you?”

  Another more passionate ovation exploded from the group. Kitty sank back against the wall behind her. How could these God-fearing people believe that discord and arguments were sanctioned by the Lord? These patriots should submit to their leaders and be peace loving. Wiggling her toes in her shoes, she squirmed and took a side-ways glance at Thomas who stood near the refreshment table. Had he wanted to bring her here in hopes of changing her mind? Kitty quickly glanced to Eliza. Her sister’s face shone and she alternately nodded and smiled as she listened with rapt intent. Had she brought Kitty here for that reason as well? The thought left a painful prick in Kitty’s heart.

  Her posture slumped as the pressing realities trapped her between idealism and fact. Being home with family was a blessing indeed, but the challenges that lay ahead rose like a storm on the horizon. She shook her head. If she kept silent, as they all should, then there would never be a reason to argue issues that should not even be entertained in the first place.

  After a cleansing sigh, Kitty lifted her chin and choked on her breath when Nathaniel’s gaze locked with hers.

  ***

  Nathaniel struggled to keep the words flowing. He blinked to clear his vision. From his position it was difficult to see to the very back of the room where the lights were more dim, but he would know those radiant eyes from a hundred miles away.

  Kitty.

  Why was she here? Wasn’t she supposed to be in Boston?

  Her slight smile unraveled his carefully woven strands of focus and for a moment he nearly walked straight to her. He would never forget the moment, over a year ago, that he’d first seen her in that emerald gown. It still hugged her perfect curves the same way and emphasized the rich auburn ringlets that dusted her neck.

  Pleasant thoughts from those many months ago emerged from a forgotten pocket in his mind and his pulse jumped. The scent of her hair and feel of her hand against his arm ignited his memory. Had it really been so long since they’d spoken? Somehow it seemed like only yesterday. Yet in the same moment, it seemed like a lifetime.

  With a quick shake of his head, he found his pace again and continued with more earnest. The excitement of her presence increased his zeal and the crowd responded to his energy. When he finally concluded his speech, his entire body hummed with passion for the cause he cherished. And, if he would allow it, from the pleasant thought of Kitty’s company.

  Applause thundered through the room and he offered a polite bow, impatient to make the journey across the room to the back where she stood. Keeping his eyes fixed on his destination he struggled to make his way through the crowd.

  “If you have a moment, Dr. Smith, I’m anxious to speak with you about the—”

  “Forgive me, Mr. Barker, but there’s someone I must see.” He pushed past three others, but the group kept pressing.

  “What a rousing speech, Dr. Smith,” another one said. “Patrick Henry himself couldn’t have been more stirring.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” He kept moving.

  “There you are, Doctor.” Caroline Whitney, a tall, regal blonde snatched his arm with a polite grin and a gentle tease in her voice. “You promised me a dance and the music is about to begin. Will you go back on your word?”

  “Forgive me Miss Whitney, but—”

  From the side three more women surrounded him like an enemy force, their weapons of low-necklines and flirtatious smiles at the ready.

  A brunette sidled-up far too close for propriety. “I believe you promised me the same.”

  “And I,” a short one pouted.

  “You have caught me, ladies.” He shot a quick look in Kitty’s direction. “I fear I must beg your forgiveness for I will be unable to keep that promise at the present moment.”

  “I cannot pretend I am not wounded,” Caroline said, producing half a grin. “Though, I understand that you are a man in high demand. I shall hope for a dance later on. Thankfully the evening is just beginning.”

  Yes, thankfully. Hopefully Kitty would be there for the whole of it.

  Then his peripheral vision caught the movement of a familiar figure and Nathaniel’s subconscious unsheathed an armor of defense jerking him to full alert. Tall and loathsome, Cyprian Wythe walked straight toward Eliza and Kitty, his air of superiority resting on his shoulders like a coat of thorns. Nathaniel’s ire flickered to life.

  Caroline continued talking though Nathaniel could hardly make sense of her words as his vision reached out to strangle the enemy. “Is everything all right, Doctor?”

  “Hmm?” Had she said something? I’ll drag that devil away from here by his queue and—.

  “Doctor Smith?”

  “Forgive me, Miss Whitney. I must take my leave.” Tension barreling down his limbs, Nathaniel darted toward the back of the room.

  Cyprian trapped Kitty and Eliza as if they were under investigation for high crimes. What could that man possibly have to say to them? Nathaniel’s neck corded. If only this were his home and he could do as he pleased with his guest. Where was Andrew? He should know about this...

  Nathaniel pressed through the crowd, moving skillfully between partners and avoiding full glasses of wine as he hurried to the rescue. From the set of Eliza’s shoulders and the roundness of Kitty’s eyes, Nathaniel could almost guess Cyprian’s conversation.

  As he neared the threesome, the general mumble of voices behind him cleared and he honed his hearing on the conversation in progress.

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” Kitty’s feminine voice remained stoic, though the flash of color on her face revealed her surprise.

  “You’re a Tory, Miss Campbell.” Cyprian raised his chin. “I recognized the look of disgust in your face when we were forced to endure Dr. Smith’s traitorous drivel. I too share such sentiments. You do not wish to be here among people such as these, I believe.”

  “Forgive me, sir, but you cannot possibly—”

  Cyprian raised his glass. “You do a great credit to our king, Miss Campbell. Unlike those in your family who have chosen to take the path of treason. They’ll pay for their deeds, but you and I shall be rewarded for our loyalty.”

  Nathaniel reached Cyprian just as he finished his slander. With reserved rage, he coolly placed a hand on Cyprian’s shoulder and squeezed, speaking through gritted teeth and a hard smile that barely masked the fire of emotions that blazed beneath his waistcoat.

  “I’ll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself, Mr. Wythe, and to leave these women alone.” It was all he could do to not shove the man away and kick his sorry breeches into the road.

  “Coming to the rescue, Doctor Smith? How chivalrous.” Cyprian grinned and sneered down at Nathaniel’s hand that still gripped his shoulder before he turned toward Kitty. “If you ever care to converse with someone of the same mind, please call upon my wife. She is bedridden, and in terrible need of company. We Tories must stick together.” He nodded and smiled as if they were all the most amiable of friends.

  Nathaniel released his grip and clenched his fists so hard he feared his bones would shatter. “Leave these women alone and find someone else to torture.”

  “The only person I care to torture would be you, Doctor, but it appears I must postpone that enjoyment for another time.” After a swift bow Cyprian disappeared into the crowd.

  Working to soften his breathing, Nathaniel turned to Kitty and touched her arm. “Are you two all right?”

  Eliza nodded, indignation written into the soft lines of her face, while Kitty’s lips remained tight and her expression drawn though she offered a weak smile.

  With a light chuckle, Nathaniel assumed a more relaxed stance, though inwardly his anger popped and fizzled like meat on a spit. He nodded in the direction Cyprian had gone and lowered his voice, relying on his charm to brush away the tension that lingered. “That fellow can make even I, the most courageous and stoic of gentleman, quiver in my boots.”

  Kitty’s stirring smile sprung to life, somehow bringing light to the entire room. “Quiver in your boots, Dr. Smith? I don’t believe it.”

  A carefree laugh tumbled out from deep in Nathaniel’s chest, chasing away the remaining bits of unease. “Aye, fair maiden, you have caught me. I never quiver.” Nathaniel glanced behind to make sure the man had truly left them before allowing his gaze to wander over her. His words slowed. “Kitty, this is quite a surprise. I had no idea you were in Sandwich.”

  The candlelight shimmered in her blue-green eyes like the sun on a summer sea. “Eliza and Thomas surprised me as well. I didn’t know you would be here, though I suppose I should have gathered as much. This is a—” She stopped and dipped her chin, the unspoken words made clear thanks to the flush in her face.

  Nathaniel sent Eliza a quick look before placing his fingers against the soft lace around Kitty’s elbow. “You are welcome here, Kitty. I know Andrew and his wife would say the same. You can’t know how pleased I am to see you and I plan to flog a certain brother-in-law of yours for not informing me of your arrival.”

  Kitty grinned. “He didn’t know I was coming.”

  “Either way, I shall find a reason to punish him just the same.”

  She nodded with a mock expression of agreement. “Well, I’m sure he deserves it for some unrepentant crime.”

  “No doubt of it.” He smirked and refused to lift his eyes from her face. Knowing she could feel the heat of his gaze, Nathaniel made the most of the moment and winked. Her mouth toyed upward ever farther and she stared at him in return. An unfamiliar warmth began in his chest, but instead of extinguishing the sensation with reason, he allowed it to simmer.

  Thomas entered their small circle, relieving Nathaniel of the spell Kitty cast upon him. “So I see you have been acquainted with our guest.”

  “A remarkable surprise indeed, and ‘tis a mercy you hadn’t known of her coming or I might be forced to punish you for not informing me.” Shaking his head, Nathaniel thumped Thomas on the back with a grin that widened his mouth. “I should have made it my business to drop by early and arrive with you. What gentleman wouldn’t want to have the loveliest woman in Massachusetts on his arm?”

  Kitty shook her head with a wry smile. “Nathaniel, you do tease me.”

  He exaggerated a hurt expression though the emotions that burst to life in his chest were surprisingly real. Keeping a tone of jest in his voice, he chuckled. “You wound me, Kitty. I speak only the truth.”

  “I know how you are, Nathaniel.” Her eyes beamed, toying with him, as a stifled grin perched on one side of her mouth. “Do not think I didn’t see your harem following behind you as if you were an Arabian prince.”

  “We shall argue about this another time.” Nathaniel pointed a finger at her, using a slight laugh to hide his unusual embarrassment at her having witnessed such a display. He motioned to Thomas, his blithe spirit dipping. “While you were sampling the fine food, your wife and Kitty had their first encounter with the infamous Cyprian Wythe.”

  Thomas winced. “That’s an unpleasant experience for anyone.” He released an over-exaggerated grunt when Eliza tapped him in the stomach with her elbow.

  “Thomas, you must watch what you say.” She tried to appear insistent, but the way her eyes grinned, Nathaniel could see she found the humor in Thomas’s statement.

  Kitty remained subdued, slowly spinning the almost empty wine glass against her gloved fingers. The shine in her smile faded. “Is he really a Tory? Or does he simply say that to cause a scene.”

  “Nay, he’s a Tory of the worst kind.” The disgust in Nathaniel’s deep response weighed heavier than he intended. He hoped the gentle melody of the minuet playing behind them would help assuage his tone. “Cyprian has informed me many a time that he prays continually for the demise of the patriot cause.”

  Thomas’s expression darkened. “Aye. ’Tis not a secret to anyone who has the displeasure of being acquainted with him. Mr. Wythe makes his sentiments very well known. The man is a snake.”

  “Well said.” Nathaniel nodded, failing to stem the surge of irritation bleeding into his good humor. “He is uneducated and thick-headed. Impeding our progress at every turn. Anyone with half a brain can see the need for freedom is paramount.”

  “’Tis because of Tories like him that we cannot more fully defend the freedoms that are rightfully ours.” Thomas raised his glass and took a sip. “And why we must put all our energies into guarding the magazine.”