The Critchfield Locket Read Online Free PDF Page B

Katherine.”
                  “And you may call me Nicholas. Now then, about the garden…”
                  “Oh yes, I found a kitten. He was lost and all alone and I just had to help him!”
                  “I see. This story has a sense of familiarity to it.”
                  Kate pondered his words before blushing once again.
    “I had intended to tell you now at dinner. I would have informed you directly, but I knew you were busy working and I did not wish to disturb you.”
                  “Indeed” Nicholas was thankful that she had not found him while he was in such an embarrassing state. “He may turn out to be a great mouser. Perhaps it would be good to keep him around.” A smile brightened Nicholas’s face.
                  “Stormy.”
                  “What is?”
                  “The kitten’s name is Stormy. I will see to it that he is cared for.”
                  “Make doubly sure that Stormy stays out of trouble. Mrs. Thompson will need some convincing as to the merits of keeping him.”
                  Kate frowned before she realized she was doing so.
                  “Do not worry, I will speak to Mrs. Thompson myself regarding this issue.”
                  “Thank you… Nicholas.”
                  “You are welcome, Katherine.”
                  After dinner, they retired to the music room.
                  “Do you play the piano-forte Ms… Katherine?”
                  “I…” Kate stopped mid sentence. Try as she might, she could not remember.
                  “I am sorry, I was not thinking…”
                  “No, there is no reason to apologize, it is a correct question to ask. At present, I cannot recall my musical knowledge or abilities.”
                  “Perhaps if I played a tune, you might at least remember if you even like music at all.”
                  Nicholas began to play “The Fountain in the Park” by Ed Haley. When he got to the chorus, he also began to sing. Kate was pleased to hear his rich baritone voice as she watched his fingers gracefully move across the keys. She lifted her gaze to his face, locking eyes with him. Without any thought, Kate surprised both herself and Nicholas as she joined him in singing on the second chorus.
    "I know this song!" Her face beamed as she smiled excitedly at Nicholas. "I remembered something!"
                  "So you have." He happily remarked. "Perhaps more memories will come back to you in the same way."
                  "Perhaps... perhaps I will remember that I am set to inherit a wealthy estate, or maybe I will remember that I am just a lowly servant who secretly dressed in her madam's clothing."
                  They both laughed in unison at her remarks. The laughter felt good to Nicholas. It had been a long time since a woman had made him laugh that way.
                  "Well Kate, even if you are a wolf in sheep's clothing, we have been invited to dine with the Dickson's tomorrow, and I have accepted the invitation.
                  "Thank you." Her sweet smile softened her face. "I am looking forward to it." She yawned uncontrollably. "Oh, excuse me."
                  "You must be tired after your adventurous day. I think it is time you turn in for the evening."
                  "I think I shall." She began to walk out of the room, but stopped and turned so that she was facing him. "Thank you for all that you have done for me. I do not know how I will ever repay you for your kindness.
                  "Think nothing of it. Helping the lost and lonely is the right thing to do." He smiled warmly at her. Kate smiled back, and then quickly exited the room before he could see her