Page 13
“You see, just as I told you, brother. I do not know that area that well.”
“Do you think I believe a single word? You? Were lost?” demanded Preston. “You’re like a hound—you will find your way anywhere.”
“We were never alone,” said Kelford. “There were other officers. You have no reason to doubt her reputation.”
“But the ton surely does!” said Preston. “What is the reason for your visit, anyway, Kelford?”
Kelford’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, appearing to be at a momentary loss. “Lady Calliope forgot something,” he said. “Her umbrella.”
“Well?” Preston looked him up and down. “Where is it?”
Kelford looked around himself. “Forgive me, I broke it on the way here. I came to inquire, Lady Calliope, if I may buy you a new one and which is your favorite manufacturer.”
That was a great reason. She had to give him credit.
Calliope’s heart slammed hard. The way he looked at her made her feel as if her bones were melting. How could a man speak about an umbrella and yet cause her to overheat as though their drawing room was suddenly ablaze? She appreciated that he was in her corner and hadn’t betrayed her. He’d kept her secret.
“She can buy her own umbrella,” spat Preston.
Grandmama stood up with a mysterious expression on her face. “She can, but I had planned to go shopping on Bond Street, anyway. Calliope, Kelford, would the two of you like to accompany me? Then, sir, you could buy my granddaughter a new umbrella.”
When Preston opened his mouth to protest, Grandmama raised a single elegant dark eyebrow. The look that Calliope knew from her childhood—the one that had always managed to stop whatever mischief she and her siblings were up to.
That glare froze Preston and briefly brought out the expression of a naughty boy who was caught.
And all he could say was “As you wish, Grandmama.”
6
Nathaniel walked by Lady Calliope’s side, meandering among elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen strolling along Bond Street and filling the air with lively chatter. The dowager walked behind them, at the right distance for a chaperone—close enough to show that she was part of their trio, but not close enough to eavesdrop. Horse-drawn carriages maneuvered past each other, the clip-clop of hooves echoing on the cobblestones.
Luxurious shops displaying the finest wares lined both sides of Bond Street, offering everything from bespoke clothing and hats to exquisite jewelry, high-quality timepieces, and ornate silverware. The rich scent of exotic teas and spices wafted from specialty grocers, while the sweet aroma of French pastries and confections enticed passersby from the windows of exclusive patisseries.
Nathaniel noticed Calliope’s gaze linger on the latest publications on offer at a bookshop they passed. She could afford it; any whim she had on this street, she could allow herself. He didn’t remember the last time he’d gone shopping here.
And with his last hope of overturning the will dead, his only chance of accessing his fortune and providing for his sisters was to find a wife and to impregnate her as soon as possible. God in heavens, how he hated his father for this.
Anything of luxury, like the dresses his sisters would need to make a proper appearance in the best ballrooms of London, would sink him deeper and deeper into debt.
“We shouldn’t miss an accessories shop.” Calliope chuckled. “What would I do without that umbrella you broke?”
He chuckled back, warmth spilling through his whole body. Just her presence, just walking next to her did that to him. What a pleasant change from the last two days of dark desperation.
“Your brother wouldn’t forgive that umbrella to me.”
Calliope threw a careful glance over her shoulder at Grandmama. “So, what is the real reason you called, sir?”
He leaned closer to her, lowering his voice. “To ask you to give back the page you stole. Otherwise, I assure you, I’ll get you in enough trouble that your brother won’t allow you to see the light of day without his presence.”
Calliope frowned. “Page? What page?”
“Please, Lady Calliope. I understand your need to come up with excuses before your grandmama and your brother, but let’s not play games between us.”
“Kelford, I assure you I didn’t steal anything.” She looked into his eyes without wavering. “I only looked through two ledgers, and both were for the wrong months, anyway. When I picked up the third one, you came in.”
A large gentleman and three ladies walked towards them. The gentleman wasn’t looking where he was going and was heading straight for Calliope. The street was so busy, there was no room to avoid being trampled. Nathaniel stepped to his side to shield Calliope from collision and take most of the gentleman’s strike on himself. The impact knocked the breath out of him.
“Pardon me!” said the gentleman, but his attention was diverted by something one of his companions said, and he quickly passed by.
