Paddy barked a laugh. “Boyo, haven’t ye learned anything living with those women? They always know when it comes to matters of the heart. Anyway, why don’t I send Nora over tonight? I’ll be making two of my children happy with one act.”
“That would be excellent. Thanks, Paddy.” He knew Kitty would love the big furry beast. Hopefully, Nora would bring back a good report to Maggie.
“Rumor has it ye’re at Chapelle’s most nights now.” Paddy’s large hand squeezed Ben’s shoulders. “Ye’re keen on dis lass, eh?”
“Yes, sir.” Blast! Don’t blush. “I hadn’t realized how much I needed the company.”
“Dat’s what a good woman does to ye. I’m happy for ye. Her father’s a good man. Ye could do worse, as my pater always said.” Now he slapped Ben on the back. “I was wonderin’ how long it would take ye to figure out she wasn’t da wife. Poor woman died a few years back.”
“It was a pleasant surprise,” Ben said, remembering back to the first day he’d seen her with her hood down. Is that when he’d fallen? Had it happened so quickly?
Kitty worked on a pair of gloves for the shop while Ben read Byron aloud. He stopped reciting and closed the book.
“You don’t enjoy Byron, do you?” he asked.
Kitty shrugged, giving him a side-glance. “He’s fine. I’m just not much for poetry. I enjoy listening to you, though.” She wore a pale-yellow muslin that complemented her eyes and dark hair by contrast. “Don’t stop.”
He sighed, then checked his pocket watch again just as a knock sounded on the back door. He rose to answer it but realized it wasn’t his house. Genie and Lydia had gone with Mr. Lockwood to a concert. Ben hadn’t seen anyone as smitten as the stablemaster. The man doted on Lydia Peckton.
“If you don’t mind, may I answer that? I’ve arranged for a surprise for you.”
Kitty’s head jerked up. “A surprise? For me?” She set her work on the table and stared at him. “Is it a delivery?”
“Of a type. You’ll see,” Ben said, excited to see her reaction. He dashed down the stairs and opened the door.
“Took you long enough,” said Nora, pushing past him and heading up the stairs with the great gray beast at her side. Her long red hair was pulled back with a ribbon and shone copper against the black of her pelisse.
“Wait for me. I want to see her expression!” Ben hurried after his sister. “And you haven’t been introduced properly.”
Nora grinned at him over her shoulder. “Do you really think that’s necessary?”
Then Kitty was at the top of the stairs, gasping and clapping. “This must be Aonarach!” She held the door wide for the guests to enter.
“And you must be Miss Felton,” said Nora, her green eyes studying Kitty. “I’m the famous sister.”
“The actress who will be on the same stage as Charles Macready!” Kitty took her hand and shook it. “I’m honored to meet you, Miss O’Brien.”
Nora waggled her brows at her brother as they followed Kitty into the parlor. “Let’s not be stiff. I’m Honora, Nora to my friends. If Ben is officially courting you, we’ll soon be closer than the latest passengers on a stagecoach.”
“I’m Katherine Felton, Kitty to my friends. Please make yourself comfortable.” Kitty turned her attention to Aonarach. With two hands, she scrubbed the animal’s ruff. His wet tongue ran up her face in gratitude. She wrinkled her nose at the smell, wiped her cheek with a sleeve, and chuckled. “I’m afraid if I sit down, you’ll be taller than me.”
“Da has taught him to mind his manners. He’ll sit, so it won’t be so awkward. Meant to warn you his breath is atrocious. Gus gave him a sardine before we left.” Nora shuddered. “I hate those salty fish.”
“Would you like some tea? Wine? I believe we have some sherry in the kitchen,” offered Kitty.
“Sherry would be lovely, thanks,” said Nora, laughing when the wolfhound followed Kitty.
“I love you, Sister,” Ben said, the ridiculous grin forming again. “I knew Kitty would enjoy this.”
“I’m to bring back every detail of this visit with a meticulous description of Miss Felton. She’s lovely,” whispered Nora.
“Let me go help her with the drinks,” he said, pleased that Nora approved. “She may have difficulty maneuvering around the beast.”
When he entered the kitchen, Kitty turned with hands on her hips. “You thoughtful, wonderful, dear man.” Then she handed him the tray. “We’ll be right in.”
Ben stood, the compliment still penetrating his brain as Kitty held up a biscuit and tried to get Aonarach to lay.
“Lie down,” she commanded, the treat in hand as she added a motion to the order. The dog’s head moved with the biscuit.
