But this morning, Katherine was neither dour nor sensible. She felt like a hummingbird, needing to be in constant motion as she flitted about the halls of her family home, attempting to complete her tasks for the day. Energy—electric and crackling—pulsed through her, making it impossible to sit.
With Grandmama Cora gone, no one at Whitley Court desired Katherine’s company, leaving her alone most of the day. Which was for the best, for they would think her bound for Bedlam. A great smile stretched across her face, and no matter how she tried, she couldn’t contain it. Even when she could, there was nothing to be done with the joy shining in her gaze, if anyone bothered to notice.
And no one ever did. Except David.
Now she was grinning again. For the briefest moment it dimmed, but the thing resurfaced the moment her control slipped, which was often as her thoughts remained fixed on the previous night.
Katherine felt as insubstantial as a cloud, floating about on a summer’s breeze. Had she known kissing David Archer would elicit such euphoria, she would’ve taken matters into her own hands long ago. That thought made her chuckle to herself, for it was entirely insensible. Despite having longed to do just that for some time, she never would’ve had the courage to act on that impulse.
David had kissed her! Despite having been party to that interlude, Katherine still couldn’t believe it. Though she’d imagined such a moment occurring and hoped that it might come to fruition someday, a part of her had never fully expected it to happen. It had been impossible. Improbable at best.
Lifting a hand to her lips, she flew down the stairs with little hopping steps as she beamed at everything and nothing. Arriving at the parlor, she schooled her expression: it wouldn’t do to draw Mama’s attention. However, it required a herculean effort when she spied David standing in the parlor. Alone.
“I thought that might be you,” she said with a casual tone, as though she hadn’t been listening keenly for the doorbell since the break of dawn.
“As you see, though I hope my far less dashing attire today doesn’t disappoint,” he said, giving a sweeping gesture towards his person. Katherine’s gaze followed the movement, and she couldn’t see anything wrong with the plain jacket and trousers. But then, David looked appealing in everything he wore.
The pair stood facing each other; his eyes smiled as they were wont to do, and Katherine felt like sighing in a manner as she was never wont to do. What did one say in such a moment? She was beyond the age of needing her father’s consent, and David knew her well enough to realize she wouldn’t welcome him speaking to Papa. But she had to admit that having some set course of action might be a blessing, for then she would know how to proceed.
And wasn’t that a laugh? Whether she knew the next step or not, she hadn’t the foggiest notion what to do with a beau. Her theoretical knowledge provided vague guidance but no true ability—like a lad in school studying the great battles of old and believing himself as skilled as Wellington.
What did one say to the man she had kissed?
“It is good to see you.” Oh, that was brilliant, Katherine. Revolutionary.
“It is good to be seen,” he replied with a cheeky grin.
She stepped closer, her hands itching to hold him close once more as her lips felt the phantom touches they’d shared last night. Would it be appropriate to simply launch herself at him? The impulse was certainly there. Katherine’s heart pounded at that audacious thought. Could she be so bold? But then, was it truly that shocking when they had shared such tendernesses last night? Several, in fact.
Lifting her arms, she reached for him.
“What in the world are you doing here at such an hour?” called Benjamin, striding through the doorway. “You pulled me from bed.”
David scoffed. “It is well past noon, you lazy fellow.”
“After last night’s festivities, it is a wonder I rose from my bed at all.” He punctuated that with a broad yawn that he didn’t bother to stifle. Glancing at Katherine, he raised his brows. “Have you been pestering David again?”
Katherine’s heart constricted, but before she could think of what to say, David leveled a narrow look at Benjamin.
“She has never pestered me. Not now, not ever.”
Benjamin’s brows pinched together, his gaze darting between the pair.
“Despite what my family believes, there are some who value my company,” said Katherine in a monotone.
Holding up his hand in surrender, her brother replied, “No offense meant, Katherine—”
“Is she being missish again?” called Mama, striding into the room to give her son a buss whilst entirely ignoring the subject of her question. Patting Benjamin on the cheek, the lady frowned. “What are you doing up at this hour? You were up so late, and you must get your rest, my dear, dear boy.”
Benjamin stiffened, his gaze swinging to David with an inaudible sigh, as though being the apple of his mother’s eye was the greatest of burdens. The poor, poor boy. Katherine forced herself not to scoff, though it was a near thing.
“I’m awake because my friend called at a wretched hour on the day after our sister’s grand masquerade,” replied Benjamin, slumping into an armchair.
“It is a matter of great importance,” said David. “Though I wouldn’t say it is life or death, it certainly feels like it.”
Katherine’s breath stilled, and she stared at the gentleman. His tone was far too significant to be ignored, and the rest of the Leighs clearly believed so, for they all watched David with varying levels of curiosity.
“I believe I am in love,” he announced with a laugh.
