Read Online The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers - Free Book Online Page B

mentioned how much I had grown. It was all done in a humorous manner.” Kate looked pointedly at Nicholas. His face was again expressionless, the same as the first time she saw him. “There was nothing improper in our embrace. It was reminiscent of one you might share with a family member or close friend, nothing more.”
    “I see. I will add this to the information I have my men looking into on your behalf.” Nicholas stood from the desk, intent of escorting her to the breakfast room.
    “There is something else.”
    He cocked his head and raised his left eyebrow. “Oh?”
    “Rose has offered me a position as her assistant. I am ever so grateful for all you have done for me, but I cannot expect for you to provide for me indefinitely.” Kate realized her words were rushed, that she was nearly breathless when she finished.
    “I see, is that all?”
    “Well, yes.” Can he say more than just “I see”?
    Nicholas proceeded around the desk and offered his arm to her. Kate took it, but with a slight uneasiness that she had not felt with him before. His replies had been stilted, his expression had been masked. Was he upset or relieved? How she wished he would say more. He kept up his stoicism through lunch. When he did speak it was only in regards to their meal, the weather and other general topics.
    When the meal was over, Nicholas invited Kate to take a stroll through the garden with him. She gladly accepted. She hoped that the walk would help to lighten his spirit – or at least get him to talk more. She once again took his proffered arm as they made their way beyond the spring gardens, taking a turn towards the east. They walked in silence through a light forest of trees that soon opened up to a clearing. In the center of the clearing was a small man-made pond. On the side nearest them stood a stone bench that looked as though it pre-dated the manor. On the opposite side, yellow, pink and purple wildflowers lined the bank. Kate found the sight so serene, so peaceful.
    “Oh Nicholas, have you ever seen anything so beautiful?” As Kate turned to face him, her face was glowing. Her voice had become soft and he was feeling the same way he had the night before. Only this time, he did not stop himself from acting upon his impulses. He took his free hand, gently cupped her chin, and then lowered his lips to hers. Dash it all, but she was sweet! Her lips were as smooth as silk. He was glad they had both forgone wearing gloves, and hats so he could feel her skin with no impediments and it was so soft to his touch.
    At first , Kate was in a state of surprised shock, but it soon gave way to the emotions that were engulfing her. Her breathing quickened along with her heartbeat. When they paused for a brief moment, she looked into his eyes. She thought she might lose herself in their depths. She was barely aware that she had released his arm, that her hands were wrapping around his neck, and that her fingers were entwining his hair. She was, however, very aware of his one hand as it stroked her face, and of his other hand as it pressed into the small of her back.
    Nicholas was internally chiding himself for taking such liberties with her; a woman entrusted to his care. But he was overcome and she was not protesting. Quite the contrary. He soon felt a heated stirring and pulled back from her. Hopefully she had not noticed – how terrible that would be! When he looked at her, he saw how flushed her face was, how dark her eyes had grown, and how full her lips had become. At that moment he could not remember ever seeing anything more beautiful. His breathing sounded labored as he spoke.
    “Forgive me. I should never have done that. It was not my intention to compromise you when I suggested this walk.”
    “I should hope not. I suppose I should ask your forgiveness as well, for I did nothing to stop you.”
    “Be that as it may, this was totally inappropriate, and you have my assurance that it will never happen again.” As he