Once outside, she walked past the mews and the street upon which Mr. Sommersby lived, carrying on past other streets and residences until she reached the park. Mick had set aside several acres of land where people could take a leisurely stroll or children could play without worrying about being trampled. A pond had been created in the center of it, saplings planted here and there that would eventually provide shade.

She sought the open area where already kites were soaring. Lifting hers, she tested the wind before taking a quick jaunt, hearing the snap of the breeze catching her kite, feeling the tug. Reeling out the spool of string, she slowed, finally stopped, and watched as the kite took flight, wishing she could be up there soaring with it. As excited as she was about the coming ball, she dreaded it as well, feared disappointing her family, disappointing herself. What if no lord—

“Are those books on your kite?”

Swinging her head around, she was taken aback by the joy that spiraled through her at the sight of Matthew Sommersby standing beside her, gazing on her almost affectionately. The thick carpet of grass had muted his approach. “My brother Aiden painted them on the paper for me. He’s terribly skilled, created all the framed artwork in my shop.” And she was babbling. “You didn’t dine at the Jolly Roger last night.”

“No. I dined at my sister’s.”

“You have a sister?” For some reason, she’d had the impression of him being all alone in the world.

“I do. She’s older. Can be a bit dictatorial and interfering at times.”

As the youngest in her family, she could certainly relate. “Was she so last night?”

He chuckled low, and it was a sound that reached deep within her to warm her soul. “She was, as a matter of fact. Took me to task on a number of matters.”

“Will you avoid her, then?”

“No. It’s only the two of us now, as our mother has also passed. My sister is married to a good man. Has a daughter. A rambunctious little thing. It occurred to me too late that I should have stopped in your shop and purchased her a book. I shall remedy that the next time I go to visit.”

“I look forward to helping you select the most perfect book.” But then she was beginning to realize she looked forward to any excuse to be in his company. Not wanting to give him a reason to move on, she asked, “Do you not have a kite?”

“No.”

“Would you like to fly mine for a bit?”

“I’d not deny you the pleasure you’re obviously enjoying from your own efforts.”

“My pleasure would only increase if you were enjoying yourself.”