Reckless. Shannon Drake

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.

      “I cannot convey what a pleasure this is,” he said, and his voice was such a tremulous tenor, so full of emotion, she was afraid that her knees would give up. “You saved my life. And I am eternally grateful.”

      Perhaps her adoration, despite the fact that she had been quite certain she could hide it, was far more apparent than she would have wished, because he quickly stepped back, releasing her hand. “You risked your own life. Truly, I will never thank you enough.”

      She, who was usually so quick with words, found herself speechless.

      “My God, and what a beautiful mermaid from the sea!” Another voice extolled, and then a second man, tall, lean and dark with deep blue eyes, stepped between her and David. She recognized him as one of David’s regular companions. “Robert Stewart, at your service. And may I say, should I ever so sadly fall into the drink, as well, Miss Adair, that you would be there to do me like service?”

      “Miss Adair!” And now, it was Margaret who spoke, her voice as soft as the touch of her hand. “I’m Margaret Avery, and I, too, must express my deepest appreciation. Were it not for you being there, being so capable, brave, poor David might not… Oh, how easily he might have drowned!”

      Kat felt her cheeks color; the young woman sounded so sincere, so sweet and so very admiring. The praise was beginning to make her uncomfortable. She had thought that she would revel in this moment, glory in it, and instead, she felt the need to protest.

      “Please…it was…I swim very well,” she said simply.

      She felt a touch on her shoulder. Hunter was behind her. She longed to shake him off, but he murmured, “Ah, but the thing of it is, you did not save just any life. You saved David’s! So here, we are all grateful—as would be the friends and loved ones of any man’s—or woman’s—life that was saved.”

      Then Kat realized that Hunter was directing her toward an older man. “Miss Katherine Mary Adair, Lord Avery,” Hunter said.

      She managed to offer her hand. “My Lord.”

      “Jagger to my friends, my dear,” the fellow said, smiling. She liked him instantly. He was tall and gaunt, white-haired, and with a gentle smile that reminded her of his daughter’s. She felt her cheeks flame slightly as she realized that both these people, who were being so kind to her, would be appalled if they were aware that her humble sights were set on David.

      Who would be affianced to Lady Margaret.

      And still…

      They were rich. Titled. The world was theirs. They could have anything.

      She wanted only one thing in the world.

      And she could not give up her quest.

      “It’s a pleasure meeting you…Jagger,” Kat said softly.

      “No, no, my dear, the pleasure is mine. In so many ways! We were eager to offer a reward, but it seems, according to Sir Hunter, that none will be accepted. And it