Kitty didn’t know, and she had no desire to find out.
***
The rich cacophony of mumbled voices mingled with the music the musicians continued to play, light and merry. Well-dressed men and women in colorful gowns and suits swayed back and forth on the dance floor, while other partiers crowded around the dessert table, clutching half-full glasses of wine in their gloved hands. The pungent scents of dessert and drink, candle smoke and cologne wafted from person to person, until the whole room nearly reeked of gaiety.
Standing in the corner behind the refreshments, Kitty’s nervous stomach continued to turn, though in truth the gathering had turned out more delightful than she would have imagined. She smiled and nodded at the few revelers that looked her direction, but it had been hours since she’d conversed with Eliza’s friends, and they were now all pleasantly entertained with either male company or other females with whom to converse.
Kitty picked out the clock on the wall near the exit and squinted to identify the time. She twisted her mouth to the side. It had been too long. Where was Eliza? She had taken her leave more than half an hour ago, complaining of an irritated belly. Not surprising, as that happened much of late thanks to the babe that thrived within her. But still, Eliza’s lengthening absence did not bode well. Had she taken ill? Had she gone outside to cast up her accounts and was now weak and unable to move? The unknown held too many questions, and Kitty started for the exit. ‘Twould be best to discover the answers, both for Eliza’s sake and for the sake of Kitty’s fragile sanity. Fighting the urge to peek over her shoulder every few minutes to discover if Nathaniel would possibly look her way had all but depleted her sound judgment. She had almost walked over to him several hours past, but sensibility had prevailed and now ‘twas three in the morning and they would likely be on their way home within the hour. Really, Kitty. She shook her head ever so slightly as she continued toward the exit. And now, with an urgent reason to make her escape, there was no possibility of having to speak with him. Thankfully.
Nathaniel had arrived just a few minutes after the three of them had, and her heart hadn’t stopped twirling since. Just as her mind hadn’t stopped thinking of him—wondering where he was, who he was talking to. Though she knew ‘twas foolish. Every time she peered across the room, pretending to make a casual perusal, there he was surrounded by at least four or five women all giggling and beating their fans hard enough to create a windstorm.
Carefully moving along the perimeter of the ballroom, Kitty found Thomas at the edge of the doorframe, another tall, handsome man at his side.
She curtsied low when she reached them, and they bowed.
The tall, blonde gentleman grinned. His eyes danced over her, and a pleasant smile lifted his face.
Keeping her attention on Thomas, she touched his arm. “Forgive me for interrupting—”
“Aw, Joseph this is who I was just speaking of.” Thomas grinned at her as he tapped the broad-shouldered man on the back. “Allow me to introduce my sister-in-law, Miss Katherine Campbell.”
Joseph bowed, never taking his gaze from her face. “’Tis a great pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”
Kitty’s face grew hot as she curtsied. “Thank you, Mr...?”
He stood straighter. “Wythe. Joseph Wythe.”
Horror clutched Kitty’s windpipe until she almost couldn’t breathe. The room
faded in and out and for one terrible moment Kitty thought she might drop to the floor. Wythe? Shifting her stance, Kitty rallied every thread of strength and remained erect. Forcing a grin, she strained to keep the crack from her voice. “Wythe? Are you any relation to Mr. Cyprian Wythe?”
His features turned instantly taut, though his tone remained cool. “Aye, though I must admit I’m sorry to say it. He is my brother.”
His brother. Blood trickled away from her face. She stared out the door, eyes wide, head reeling, until Thomas tugged her elbow. “Kitty, is everything all right?”
She touched her head, and forged a fraudulent laugh she hoped would ease the sudden tension that threatened to stifle her. “Aye, forgive me, I am well. But I have great concerns about Liza.”
Thomas straightened and his brow plunged. “What do you mean?”
Kitty shook her head. “I fear she is not well. She excused herself over half an hour ago and I haven’t seen her since.”
Lips pressed tight, Thomas nodded and scanned the room before touching Joseph on the shoulder once more. “Please excuse me, I need to find my wife.”
He darted away and was out of sight before Kitty could follow.
“You are not fond of such gatherings?”
Kitty jumped as Joseph’s deep timbre awakened her from her inner dialogue.
She breathed a quick laugh and smiled, embarrassed for having forgotten her manners. “Is it so obvious?”
His smile grew wide, brightening his entire face as if her answer amused him. “I’m afraid so.” His height and the solid cut of his features made Kitty yearn to peek over her shoulder. Did Nathaniel see with whom she spoke? Would he wish he were by her side instead of Mr. Wythe?
She breathed away the sinful, yet desirable thought and placed a gentle grin on her lips.
Joseph gestured toward the dancers with the glass he held in his gloved hand. “Many people receive great enjoyment out of fancy parties and endless merrymaking, but I do not.”
“You do not?”