Shannon Drake - Reckless

That he made most of his income doing individual and family portraits was not a waste, for he was excellent at such work, as well; it was evident in the oils he had done of his daughters, framing either side of the firelight. Just as he caught the wind and the fury of the waves in his seascapes, he had caught something special in his subjects in his portraits. There, in Eliza, was the pride, and in Kat’s face the recklessness in the eyes, the dreams in the slight upturn of the lips.

And, of course, it was true, absolutely, that his daughter showed hints of his talent in her quickly dashed-off sketch.

“My dear, Sir Hunter has come to ask the family to breakfast. It seems that Lord Avery is most insistent on meeting you, and seeing that you receive his patronage, as well. I have explained that no thanks of any kind is necessary, but it seems that Sir Hunter and Lord Avery wish what they consider a favor from me in return.”

“A favor?” Kat said. She smiled, but her eyes narrowed slightly, letting Hunter know that she was wary of this “favor.”

“I’m a tremendous fan of your father’s work,” Hunter said.

“Yes, and…” William began, still looking a bit uncertain.

“Oh, Father!” Eliza cried. “You mustn’t be so stunned.” Eliza spun on Kat with a brilliant smile. “Sir Hunter, did you know, is close friends with the Earl of Carlyle—who has one of Papa’s paintings on his walls at his castle! So Sir Hunter knew who Papa was when they met, and he wants to commission several oils from Papa, and…and he thinks you show equal promise! Mr. Thomas Atworthy, one of the finest tutors from the college, will be accompanying the group with which Sir Hunter is associated on their dig this season, and he wants to take you on as a pupil, and in return, of course, you will be at the excavations, serving as an assistant for Sir Hunter, helping in many ways—sketching and keeping notes. Papa has assured him that you can act in the capacity of secretary with diligence and capability!”

He watched Kat spin around, look at her father, and then at Lady Daws.

Hunter had been afraid that his entire scheme—though rather clever, he thought—might still be far too overwhelming for William Adair.

But he’d discovered that he had an ally.

Lady Daws.

He’d never been overly fond of the woman himself, not that he knew her well. He had seen her on occasion at various social events. Since the death of her husband, perhaps five or six years past, she had been into a number of strange enterprises. He’d heard that her husband’s son had completely alienated himself from his stepmother, and that she had therefore been left scrambling to make a living. A sad state of affairs. Except, there had been rumor that she had married the old fellow in the hopes that he would make a quick exit from the world of the living.

Apparently, she had sometime ago befriended William Adair. Hunter knew that she had put herself forward to him as something of an art expert and had been busy selling his work.

He had a strong suspicion that her commissions were well above the artist’s take.

But at the moment, he was certain, the woman was eager to assist him. Perhaps she didn’t care for competition from the man’s rather extraordinary daughters.

Kat looked at him then, her hazel eyes burning with excitement. “So…this is all true. I would accompany your group on the voyage and during the entire season in Egypt?”

“Yes, of course,” he said pleasantly. “I know that I am asking a great deal to tear you away from your home and your family.” His sarcasm was certainly audible only to her. “And there are long days at sea. A few stops along the way…perhaps a week spent in Rome. And you will have to work, I’m afraid, but in return, you’ll have time most days with a man considered to be one of the finest art tutors in our country. Of course,” he lied, “I haven’t the least idea if such an arrangement appeals to you. You—and your father—must give the concept grave consideration.”

She glanced immediately at her father.

Lady Daws was also looking at him. He still appeared uncertain.

“Yes, well, please, think on it,” Hunter said. “In the meantime, I entreat all of you to come for breakfast at my town house. And there, Mr. Adair, should you have more questions or concerns, you can speak with Lord Avery himself. So, please, do come.”

“Oh, yes!” Eliza answered for them all.

“Papa?” Kat said.

“Sir Hunter, thank you for your kindness. It would be churlish of me, I suppose, to refuse such an invitation,” William Adair said. “But if Kat accompanies you, she will fulfill all the tasks that you have for her. I do stress that there will be no reward given or accepted.”

“I will make your wishes known to Lord Avery,” Hunter assured him. “My carriage awaits,” he reminded them.

“But we’re an entire household!” Eliza pointed out.

“I’m returning now, on my own. I rode my horse behind the carriage. I think that the four of you will find you’ve plenty of room.”

Kat’s eyes were on his again, alive with speculation. He inclined his head slightly in her direction, bid them all farewell and departed.

They would, he was certain, follow.

ELIZA, KAT KNEW, WAS NERVOUS about meeting the great Lord Avery. But she herself was in a similar state about another momentous meeting.

With David, of course. It did occur to her that Lord Avery’s lovely daughter might be there, as well. But she had watched David Turnberry from afar for so long, and she was certain in her heart that Margaret could not really love him. In fact, surely, she was being pressured into the marriage but was doubtless in love with someone else. Kat had convinced herself that if she could somehow make David fall in love with her and end his relationship with Margaret, the young woman would be entirely grateful.

The carriage pulled up under the porte cochere.

“The house is magnificent, isn’t it, Papa?” Eliza said. To Kat she whispered, “Ah, and so is Sir Hunter!”

Kat looked up. As they exited their host’s carriage, the man himself was there. Kat had to acknowledge that Hunter made quite a striking picture. He wore a gray suit, cut admirably to his lean and muscled form, a brocade waistcoat, white shirt beneath. His stance was nonchalant, yet still tall and imposing. His eyes were filled with humor, and Kat found herself resentful despite his largesse—this was all a game to him. She had amused him, and he would be further amused to watch her as the weeks wore on. Was he hoping that she would fail? Did he mock her quest, find it ridiculous?

Yes, well, the majority of the sane world would, an inner voice warned.

And yet what did it matter? He mocked her, yes, maybe was even betting with his friends on when she would realize her position in life. And whatever that might be, it wasn’t among these elite.

Still, her father could prosper from Sir Hunter’s patronage. And if Lord Avery were impressed with her father’s work, a truly decent living could be found.

Moments later, they were all inside, and Hunter was leading the way to the drawing room. Kat hadn’t realized that there were already visitors within and was at a disadvantage when Hunter instantly said, “David! I’ve brought your mermaid. Lord Avery, Margaret, may I present Miss Katherine Mary Adair, her father, William, sister, Eliza, and I believe you’ve met Lady Daws.”

Whatever other introductions went round, Kat did not know. She was completely unaware of all else, because David Turnberry was standing and looking at her, his smile deep and full of admiration. He walked to her, taking her hands—touching her!—and she was aware of nothing but the force of his eyes.