Page 13 of One Bed for the Bluestocking
Nathaniel studied her for a beat.“You’re not overwhelmed with your studies?”
Kate felt her cheeks heating.She was the only one he’d asked to stay behind—did she really seem so incompetent that he was worried she was falling behind?Worse, even, thanRoderick?
“I don’t believe so, no.”
He leaned forward.“In that case, how would you feel about taking on an extra project?”
Kate let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.At least he didn’t think she was incompetent.“What kind of project?”
“Some field work.I’ve received a tip from a farmer who lives about an hour outside of town that a family of badgers has taken up residence in one of his haystacks.”
Kate leaned forward.“A family of badgers?”She had seen badgers before, but they were shy creatures and her glimpses had been fleeting.But if they knew the location of their den, perhaps she could study them long enough to make a proper sketch…
Nathaniel’s chuckle interrupted her reverie.
“What?”Kate asked, startled.
His smile was soft.“Nothing.Just… I wish you could see your expression.You look like a child in a confectioner’s shop.”
“Oh.”Kate rubbed the back of her head, startled, as usual, when her hand met her queue.Someday, she would grow used to wearing her hair that way.“It’s just that I’ve never observed a badger long enough to make a proper sketch before.It’s an exciting prospect.”
“You are going to make such an outstanding naturalist.”At Kate’s surprised expression, Nathaniel continued, “It’s not just that you have talent.You have passion.And nothing beats passion.”
Kate’s heart was pounding in her chest.He would saypassion.Not enthusiasm, or diligence, or perseverance.Passionsent her thoughts careening in the wrong direction, brought to mind what would happen if she were to rise from her chair, step between the vee of his thighs, wrap her arms around his neck, and press her lips against?—
“Kit?”She blinked and found Nathaniel frowning at her.“Are you all right?”
“Yes!”she squeaked.“Why do you ask?”
“Your face has gone red.Should I open a window?”
Now her cheeks were really on fire.“I’m fine, thank you.So, when do we set forth?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.We’ll get there at dusk and hopefully catch them as they emerge from their nest.Badgers are nocturnal, after all.And there’s a full moon.It will be our best chance.”His handsome face split into a rueful grin.“If the Scottish weather will accommodate us.”
“Seems unlikely.”Kate grinned.“But let’s give it a shot, anyway.”
“Perfect.”Nathaniel placed his hands on his thighs and pushed himself to standing.“I’ll arrange for transportation.Meet me outside this building at, say, four o’clock?”
Kate inclined her head.“Four o’clock it is.”
“Perfect.”With a graceful wave of his hand, he indicated that she was dismissed.
Fumbling her satchel, she rose awkwardly from her seat.She had her hand on the doorknob when Nathaniel called, “Oh, and Kit?”
She glanced over her shoulder.“Yes?”
He flashed her that grin again, the one that made her heart flop around inside her chest.“Bring extra paper this time.I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”
Chapter8
As Nathaniel pulled the gig he’d rented up to the curb, he was pleased to see that Kit was ready and waiting, a stack of drawing pads clutched in his hands.
He waited while Kit climbed up and found a spot to tuck his oversized sketchpads.“Ready?”
“Ready,” Kit confirmed.
Nathaniel clucked to the horse, and they started forward.“Although I am eager to observe those badgers, it’s not the only reason I asked you to join me tonight.I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to practice working together.That way, there will be fewer surprises when we embark on our special project next month.”
