Lifting the kite a bit higher, Calista turned the spool just enough to relax the line, then held her breath in anticipation of the right moment. A breeze swept under the kite and she released it, almost as if she were placing the kite on top of the rising air. It fluttered gently, dipped as if preparing to fall, then swooped up again with increased strength.
“Release the line a little bit more,” Steven instructed. His hand settled over hers to gently guide her movements. His warm breath tickled the side of her neck when he leaned in closer, the press of his arm against hers creating a series of invisible frissons beneath the fine muslin of her gown. “Give it more freedom.”
If she turned, she’d be in his arms – a tempting notion though a ruinous one in light of their public setting. She caught her breath and turned the spool, her fingers brushing his as she watched the kite climb higher. A grin tugged at her lips. “I did it.”
“Yes. A perfect first attempt.”
The approving murmur released a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. The breeze caught his scent so it filled the air, surrounding her with him and leaving her slightly dizzy. She tightened her grip on the spool and kept her eyes on the kite. Ever conscious of the man who stood beside her. He’d withdrawn his hand, but had not added further distance.
In a way, there was comfort in that, but there was also more – a buzzing awareness of what was to come if they dared cross the line between friendship and more.
“I came across Grafton during my afternoon ride,” Nigel said while they travelled toward the Theatre Royal that evening. “He was with his sister, Lady Katherine.”
Steven held Calista’s gaze. Hell, he’d not been able to keep his eyes off her since their conversation that afternoon. He also had an increased need to touch her all the time now, which was something their kite flying had allowed for though he was now forced to sit opposite her in the carriage. Because Nigel was with them. Had he not been, this journey would have been far more enjoyable.
“We met them as well when we visited Vauxhall last night,” Steven informed his brother. He sensed where this was going and determined to address the topic before Nigel managed to do so. “They were extremely pushy, using their positions and our good manners against us. In the end, we told them we were betrothed since it seemed like the only way for me to avoid Lady Katherine’s grasp and for Grafton to abandon all thought of seducing Miss Smith.”
“I see.”
Nigel sounded as disgruntled as Steven expected. Clearly, he’d hoped to catch them off guard, possibly with the hope of being able to accuse them of lying to him. It saddened Steven that Nigel invariably looked for ways in which to trip him up or ruin what joy he found in life. Hell, if their positions had been reversed, Steven would have been proud of his brother for what he’d built. Instead, Nigel always looked for flaws.
“If you were to change your opinion on marriage, Lady Katherine would make an excellent match,” Nigel said. “She’s an earl’s daughter after all, and you are but a third son.”
A funny sound came from Calista’s direction. It had the rumbling effect of a low growl. Steven grinned. She made no secret of disliking his brother. Not that he blamed her. Nigel could be difficult to get along with, but he was blood and they shared a past, which was why Steven chose to tolerate him.
“I’d have to be demented to attach myself to such a woman forever,” Steven said. “In fact, I’d rather slit my own throat than live out the rest of my days with her by my side.”
Nigel snorted. “She’s nobility, Steven. As are you. Sacrifice comes with the territory.”
“If I marry,” Steven clipped with rising anger, “it will be because my heart is invested, not because I seek to form an alliance based on some meaningless pedigree. You saw the effect of such a union on Mama and Papa. They were both miserable.”
“They did their duty,” Nigel protested.
“To what avail? So they could appease their parents and earn high praise from all the other titled idiots? You know my position, Nigel. It hasn’t changed.”
“You’ll want an heir though, won’t you?”
Steven turned to the window and stared out into the blackened street. “Not unless it’s with the right woman.”
Thankfully the carriage rolled to a halt, effectively ending the conversation. He hated Nigel for pressing the issue in front of Calista. It had clearly been done with the aim of making her seem not only like an inferior option but like an impossible one. And since Steven wasn’t ready to make any kind permanent commitment yet, Nigel had placed him in an awkward position where she’d been at risk of getting hurt.
Steven studied her closely as he helped her alight from the carriage, desperately hoping his firmly held opinion on marriage had put her mind at ease. It was too soon for him to declare his intentions toward her. He’d certainly no desire to do so with Nigel present. But an idea had begun taking root last night, cementing itself more fully today.
The fragile smile she gave him when she placed her hand in his made him wish he could share this idea with her now – quash her fears of spending the rest of her days with Mr. Thorkilson in precisely the horrid sort of union he’d just denounced.
Christ. He shouldn’t have let Nigel rile him.
Clenching his jaw, he led Calista forward, escorting her inside the theatre while doing his best not to lash out at Nigel. Why did he have to come to London now of all times? It was damned inconvenient.
Thankfully, chilled champagne was served as soon as they arrived in his box. He offered a glass to Calista, then took a sip from his own glass while Nigel made himself comfortable in the seat Steven generally favored, heedless of the fact that Calista still stood. Inhaling deeply, Steven savored the tartness of his drink and forced himself to stay calm.
“Where would you like to sit?” he asked, the question a touch rougher than he’d intended.
She shrugged one shoulder. The lilac gown she’d elected to wear this evening complemented her light blonde hair and creamy complexion. If only they’d been alone…
“Over there?” She indicated the seat farthest from Nigel since it was located behind him and on the opposite side of the box.
Steven sent her a knowing smile and swept his hand toward the seat nearest the wall. “Please. I’ll be right back.” He crossed to where Nigel lounged and turned his back to the rest of the theatre so no one would see his expression or make attempts at reading his lips while he spoke. “You are my brother, and as such I am forced to love you, if only out of duty. But I will not tolerate your attempt to drive a wedge between myself and Miss Smith. My relationship with her is none of your concern. Do you understand?”
“I only seek to protect you.” Nigel cast a glance in Calista’s direction, then added, “She is a nobody, Steven. An American to boot. So unless you tell me she has an impressive fortune she’s willing to share through marriage or that she hails from a family putting up hotels all over the world, I fail to see what you stand to gain from your acquaintance. The same, however, cannot be said of her.”
As much as Steven wanted to smash Nigel’s nose in for speaking so harshly, he could see his point. So he kept his arms firmly at his sides when next he said, “I merely aim to show her some kindness. She’s alone here, Nigel, in a foreign country with no friends to turn to for help.”