“I can.”

“Can you imagine how lonely the wind must be up there with only the birds for company?”

“It’ll have your leaves to toy with once the trees grow.”

She smiled with pleasure at the acknowledgment her meager efforts would have far-reaching consequences, just as the reading lessons she taught did. It was impossible to know how the smallest of actions might eventually make an incredible difference. “Yes, it will, but that is years from now. Shall we take the kite a bit higher, give it more freedom?”

“If you like.”

“We’ll slowly turn the reel, letting out more string but carefully. We must pay attention to ensure we don’t lose the interest of the wind. Otherwise our kite will fall.”

“Did your siblings teach you that?”

“They taught me everything of importance. They also made sure I had everything they didn’t: dolls, tops, kites. My mum says they lived their childhood through me. They never really had one of their own, you see. It wasn’t Mum’s fault. It’s just the way it is in the rookeries. I think we’ve given it enough lead.”

Glancing back over her shoulder in order to glimpse his joy, she discovered his intense gaze focused on her and was left with the impression he’d been studying her profile for some time. “You’re not watching your kite.”

“I’ve found something far more interesting.”

“Wouldn’t you rather be up there with it?”

“I’d rather be down here . . . with you.” His sun-weathered skin growing darker as though he was quite possibly blushing, he gave his attention back to the kite. “I rode in a hot air balloon once.”

“Really? I’d love to do that. It must have been grand to see the world from up there.”

“It was like stepping into the pages of a book, visiting an entirely different realm. At the time I wanted to stay up there. Now I’m glad I didn’t. Otherwise I’d have never learned how to fly a kite.” He slid his hands from hers and quickly stepped back, leaving her feeling somewhat abandoned and forlorn. “Thank you, Miss Trewlove, for sharing your kite with me.”

Turning around partially, she faced him as much as possible while still maintaining control of the kite. “You’re welcome to borrow it anytime you like.”

“You’re far too gracious, Miss Trewlove. I’ll see you Monday night.”

It felt as though her heart was about to follow the way of the kite and go soaring. “You’re willing to teach now?”

“I’m willing to see what it’s all about. Seven, correct?”

“Come a little early, so I can explain a few things before people arrive.”

He doffed his hat. “Monday.”

As he strode off, she realized she didn’t need to travel in the wicker basket of a balloon to know what it felt like to float on air.

Chapter 9