“Nay.”
The easy way he spoke, and the unpretentious sparkle in his striking eyes put Kitty at immediate ease, allowing her breathing to move slow and soft.
He took a sip of his drink. “I feel more comfortable beside a tower of flames and with a hammer in my hand.”
Kitty tilted her head. A hammer?
He must have sensed her unspoken question, because he answered with a pleasant chuckle. “I’m a blacksmith.”
“Blacksmith? I would never have guessed.”
The moment the words tripped out of her mouth she cringed. Never would have guessed. What an inconsiderate—
“Do I not appear as such to you?” Joseph’s jolly laugh pulled a giggle from her chest before she had a chance to constrain it. He smiled so wide, Kitty could see nearly all his straight white teeth. “Do not worry, Miss Campbell, you have not offended.”
Being the town’s blacksmith would certainly answer for the muscles that pushed against his waistcoat and jacket. But were blacksmiths often so wealthy? Joseph’s suit was one of the finest she’d seen on any gentleman all evening. Against her will, her gaze dashed across the room, finding Nathaniel near the large fireplace on the opposite wall, still surrounded by a gaggle of women. His dark gray jacket and cream breeches had pulled her attention all evening. Now, thankfully, she had someone else to occupy her time and thoughts, just as Nathaniel had plenty of ladies to occupy his.
An uncomfortable quiet settled between them before Joseph cleared his throat. “You are acquainted with my brother?”
Blinking, she could only nod her response.
He looked forward and shrugged. “Cyprian and I have never been close, not even as children.” The shocking statement made Kitty’s brows shoot skyward, but she kept silent as he continued. “But I am very fond of Jacob, Cyprian’s son. I do my best to keep the peace between us.”
Kitty stared forward, knitting her fingers at her waist as relief and worry battled within her chest. What would this kind man think if he knew what his brother was forcing her to do?
She quickly forced the thought from her mind and focused on the conversation. “I have not met Jacob, but I am sure he is delightful.”
A blissful smile split his face. “Aye, he is.” He looked up briefly and laughed. “He wishes to be my apprentice and works at my shop any spare moment he can.” Joseph stopped and suddenly his vision seemed to memorize her face. Not once did he move his eyes from her. “Miss Campbell, would you think me too forward if I—”
“Joseph!”
Nathaniel’s voice and sudden presence made Kitty gasp. Her eyes shot open wide and she clamped her teeth together to keep her mouth from following suit. What in mercy’s name was he doing here?
Unfazed, Nathaniel smacked Joseph on the shoulder and nodded approval as he scanned the man’s suit and breeches. “You are always my inspiration for proper fashion, Joseph, I must say. You are dressed far finer than any other gentleman here, including myself. I’m surprised you don’t have a chorus of women clamoring for your attention.”
Joseph grinned as if well acquainted with Nathaniel’s humor, then his smile rested slightly and he looked toward Kitty. “That honor is reserved for you Nathaniel, for I am much more content with only one.”
Kitty’s heart tapped against her ribs. Raising her lips in the most tantalizing smile she could create, she turned her head. Flirtatiousness was never her strong suit, but somehow at this moment the ability proved almost innate. And not, she told herself, because it might make Nathaniel wish he’d come to speak to her sooner.
The music began again and Joseph bowed, offering his hand. “It appears another dance is beginning, Miss Campbell. Would you do me the honor?”
Kitty stepped forward, brushing her fingers across Joseph’s, bursting to life with all the charm she knew how to use but so rarely did. “I’d be honored, Mr. Wythe.” Quickly shooting Nathaniel a smile she hoped would broil him, Kitty followed Joseph onto the dance floor.
Nathaniel dodged in front of them, his expression drawn. “Forgive me but I’m afraid your brother-in-law sent me looking for you, Miss Campbell.”
Kitty frowned. “Is Eliza unwell?”
He shook his head. “Thomas is with her at the fainting couch and asked me to see if you would be available to bring her something to drink.”
Worry replaced every other emotion as she gently gripped Joseph’s firm hand. “Forgive me, Mr. Wythe, but I need to see to my sister. May we postpone this dance until a later time?”
Joseph nodded, his mouth tipped at one side. “Of course, Miss Campbell. Another time then, and I shall look forward to it.”
Chapter Twelve
Nathaniel tried not to glare as he watched Joseph’s gaze follow Kitty as she exited the room. Joseph’s boyish smile grew wider and he let out a long breath. Nathaniel bit his tongue when Joseph looked back and spoke, his sound tainted with an airy kind of music. “I should have gone out of my way to speak with her long ago.”
Offering a polite stretch of the lips Nathaniel counted the many ways his past-self had been a fool. He’d tried to keep himself occupied all evening, tried to keep his mind from tilting Kitty’s direction, but no matter how he employed his thoughts otherwise, she consumed him. He’d looked her way a hundred times or more—her shimmering coral gown, creamy skin, and that bright, alluring smile beckoning him—but not once had she peered in his direction. All those smiles were gifted on other, less appreciative recipients. Nathaniel blinked and gave a quick shake of the head. Women were a mystery no man would ever unravel. Thankfully, he could at least maintain his glowing reputation as one who attracted ample female attention. With that reliable diversion, he would protect his heart from the one attraction it wanted.