Page 11 of Summer Storms

She laughed. “It is not the men who are the problem. I simply crave more than flattery and a handsome chap on my arm. It is not easy to find someone who wants to be seen with me and not Christina Silk.”

“Hmm,” he pondered, his dark eyes penetrating, as if she had surprised him with her candour.

“And what of you?” Christine asked. And then went on in a teasing voice, “Don’t tell me there are no lovely ladies in Barton Lacey that Mr Zek Nash would like to tip his hat to?”

He considered her question, but he looked unexpectedly serious. “I have not met the woman of my heart’s desire yet, nor even looked for her. I have been concentrating on making as much money as I can. That must sound very avaricious to you. My apologies.”

She shrugged. “It is understandable. You were poor, and you have worked hard to become otherwise. One does not simply switch off that kind of drive and determination.”

“You sound as if you speak from experience.”

“I suppose I do.”

“Perhaps you are right. But seeing Reeve and Abby just now, I felt as though something was missing in my life. I believe you felt it too?”

She looked away, but nodded grudgingly.

“Well, I suppose it will give me something to think upon. Do I wish to end up a lonely old man, like my uncle? Or do I want a family to love, even if I must forgo my ambitions, or at least set them aside, to have it?”

Christine felt he made a good point, but he was still looking at her, and she wondered what he was thinking. Perhaps he thought that she would end up a famous but lonely old woman? Or was that warm glow in his eyes something else entirely?

Her heart gave a little jolt. She had hated Zek for so long. How could she now be having feelings for him? And why was she gazing so intently into his eyes!

“I should take you home. You must be longing for some proper sleep.” He said as they moved down the stairs. They had been standing at the head of the staircase for quite some time, deep in conversation, and starting another staring contest without realising it. She shook herself and followed him.

They found her father sprawled on the sofa in the library, snoring. No doubt Lady Meg was in one of the bedrooms, catching up on her own sleep. Christine wanted to accept Zek’s offer, but she was also beginning to wonder if it might be a better idea to distance herself from him.

Zek was making ripples in her notions of what she was and who she was and what she wanted in life. She wasn’t even sure when it had started. First there had been her homesickness for Barton Lacey, then the baby, and now Zek’s veiled hints of interest. They had all combined to send her off kilter, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.

But it had been a long night. Her emotions had risen to a level she wasn’t sure she understood completely.

Outside it was still cool, and her borrowed cloak was nice and warm. She wondered if she could bear to part with it as they started the short journey back to Starling Hall. The sun was still inching above the horizon, and the light across the land was nothing less than magical.

“I often forget how beautiful this place is,” Zek said quietly. “I am always telling myself I should visit more often.”

“As should I,” Christine echoed.

They grew silent, both deep in their own thoughts, and it wasn’t until the coach turned into the driveway of the Hall that Christine bestirred herself to speak.

“Thank you for taking me to the Keep, and for driving me home. It was very kind of you.”

“You sound as if you are surprised I can be kind?” he said, amusement in his voice but also something else. Memories of the past, perhaps.

“I’m not surprised at all,” she denied. “I know you are kind. At least... I do now.”

Zek jumped down and reached up to take her hand and help her to the ground. As she stepped down, she tripped on the step and fell against him. His arms came around her, and for a moment they were pressed close together. She caught her breath as she looked up at him, his face all shadows in the early light. Then he bent down and kissed her.

Christine was so surprised she did not respond for a moment. His lips were warm, and the kiss was very pleasant. And to her amazement, she found she wanted more. She lifted her arms to encircle his neck and kissed him back. It did not feel strange or wrong. It was as if they had known each other forever, and this was just the logical next step in their relationship.

She might have kept on kissing him, he did not seem loathed to stop either, except a voice called out from the doorway of the Hall. “Christine! How is the baby? Quickly, come in and tell us all about it!”

That made them both draw back in surprise. Zek took a breath. “Should I apologise?” he asked her, his gaze searching hers.

She shook her head. “No,” she said. “It was just the emotion of Abby and the baby, I’m sure that is it.” But was it? Was that the real reason they had been kissing when they had spent so many years hating each other?

“You’re probably right,” he said after a pause, but sounded disappointed.

“Oh, your cloak!” She began fumbling with the clasp to remove it, but he reached out and stilled her hands with his.