"You are a handsome young man, and I am very pleased to meet you. Ella has told me so much about you. When we go to the seaside next year, do stop by for a visit. I make a wonderful lemon ice that a little boy like you will love."

The wind expelled from Katie's body and she stared in wonder as the women all spoke to Sean, apparently accepting him. One by one they obtained an introduction and promised the small boy everything from candy to a ride on a new carriage. Even Mrs. Mitch.e.l.l, aware that everyone else seemed to know about Sean, was forced to smile politely and take his hand. Speechless, Katie felt a rea.s.suring pressure on her elbow and she turned to see Aunt Eunice smiling gently.

"Ella's been speaking to most of the women about your son. It took a little doing, but she's managed to circulate the story about his father dying. Most people willingly believed that, since they all thought Fan left for a man anyway. Sean's appearance only solidifies what they already thought." Her smile broadening, Eunice sighed. "People. Give them something to talk about, Kate, and they'll always forgive you."

Katie stared at her in amazement, then her eyes went back to Ella. It wasn't so much the gossip, Katie realized, or the story. It was Ella's nature that made people listen to her, in spite of her reputation. Even the other Pembertons looked duly quelled as they spoke to Sean and outwardly accepted him.

It was hard to believe, but tonight, the impossible had happened. Ella Pemberton made Philadelphia society accept her son. Her throat tightened, and Katie looked up to see Christopher watching her, his expression full of approval. Paddy smiled proudly, his own eyes glistening. Even Moira had stopped chatting and was beaming at Sean from across the room, her Lillie Langtry pearls dangling dramatically in her hand.

If nothing else, Katie thought chokingly, she would always be grateful for this. Sean would know that he was accepted. He would have other resources now if he should ever need them; he would have society contacts. Best of all, he would know in his heart that he was as good as other people, in spite of his parentage.

It was a gift beyond measure.

When Ella approached, Katie took her hands in grat.i.tude. "Ella, I don't know what to say-"

Ella flushed, but Katie could tell she was very happy with herself. "Nonsense! Did you actually think I'd let these old biddies treat Sean with anything less than respect? He's a fine young man, and you deserve much of the credit for that. You've done a wonderful job with him." Fixing Katie with a stern stare, she spoke firmly. "So, have you and Christopher come to your senses yet? Are you back together?"

"No," Katie admitted. "You know why he wanted to have the party tonight. He hasn't changed his mind."

"I see." Ella nodded. She lowered herself into a chair, and Katie noticed how pale she was, how fragile. Her complexion was like English china, translucent and pearl-like, while her eyes seemed wise and otherworldly. "Then I suppose there is nothing more to be said."

There was something queer in the older woman's voice. Katie started to comment, but Christopher called to her and she glanced up, startled. He indicated the young man who stood beside him.

"Come, Katie, there's someone I want you to meet."

Ella nodded to her, indicating that she should go. She pressed Katie's hand softly and smiled. "I want you to remember something for me, dear."

"Anything."

"What is the real reason you and Christopher married? Was it for money?"

Katie stared at her, surprised by the question. "Well, Christopher thinks-"

"Or for love?" Ella questioned, nodding to herself. When Katie looked at her in confusion, Ella smiled softly, her webbed cheeks wrinkling like an old summer rose. "I want you to remember that, dear. You married for love. No matter what else. Do you promise?"

"Yes." Katie nodded, more alarmed by the moment.

"Good." Ella sighed. "Run along now, dear. Your husband awaits. And don't forget. Ever."

TWENTY-FIVE.

"Katie, I want you to meet Theodore Worthington. Ted, this is Katie. I've been telling you about her."

"Charmed." Theodore bowed slightly, his eyes roving over her with little interest. He turned back to Christopher, indicating Winston Pepper. "Wonderful businessman, but I really can't admire his attire. One would think he'd realize that cravat pins went out two years ago, wouldn't you think?"

"True." Christopher looked annoyed, but managed to hide it from his guest. "I thought you and Kate might have some things in common. My wife has an excellent singing voice, and I know your love for good music."

"Ah, yes." Theodore turned to her out of necessity. "Is this so?"

Katie smiled, but her eyes did not meet her husband's. "I wouldn't call it excellent. I suppose when one is married, one exaggerates both the faults and the virtues of one's spouse."

Her arrow hit its mark. Christopher looked at her, his expression closed, then he nodded to Charles Pepper.

"If you two will excuse me, I have some business to discuss." Turning, he walked abruptly away, leaving Katie with his companion.

"So, Katie, would you care to dance?" Theodore asked, unable to refuse doing so without insulting his host.

Katie hesitated a moment, hating Christopher for putting her into this position. But she wouldn't cry, she wouldn't get upset. If he could treat her so coldly, she could reciprocate. "Yes, I would. Very much."

All eyes were on her as she walked to the center of the room and took his hand. She could hear the whispers and conjectures of the company as Mrs. Scott chose to waltz with this fussy old man instead of her husband. Her heart breaking, she forced a smile as the music began and she swirled on the floor, looking unbelievably lovely.

She couldn't resist searching through the whispering crowd for Christopher. He was standing against the wall, talking with Charles, but he didn't so much as glance in her direction. How could he be so uncaring? she wondered miserably. Katie held her head higher and laughed openly at something Theodore said, even though he was complaining about his chilblains. To all outward appearances, she seemed taken with this man, but to the person who mattered most, it was no cause for concern.

Patrick frowned disapprovingly, Moira glared, and Ella stared in dismay. Katie heard Margaret Chester's vicious laugh, and Bertrice's gasp of astonishment. The waltz seemed to last forever, and when the music finally slowed, she thanked her partner breathlessly.

"Thank you for the dance, but I must say this is a relief," Theodore said, fanning himself. "I can't wait to sit down."

"Then you'll excuse me. I have to see to my guests." Humiliated, Katie disengaged herself and walked to the table, where Gertrude indulged in every kind of food imaginable. Sending Isabelle a sympathetic smile, Katie took the young woman by the hand.

"Gertrude, there's someone I especially want you to meet. We'll be having dinner shortly, don't worry," Katie added.

Gertrude nodded, obviously reluctant to leave the table. Shoving a few hors d'oeuvres into her pocket, she obediently followed Kate through the crowd to where Christopher stood.

"Christopher, this is the young woman I've been telling you about. Her name is Gertrude Meade. She is Isabelle's niece, and is very well connected. Her father is a country gentleman. Gertrude, Christopher Scott."

Charles looked from Christopher to his wife and shook his head, confused. Gertrude stood before them, obviously unimpressed, her mouth still munching. Dressed in a dove-gray gown that hung shapelessly from her round form, she looked like a plump pigeon. Christopher stepped forward and, with perfect manners, took the young woman's hand and kissed it.

"Charmed, I'm sure." If he was at all upset by Gertrude's appearance, her figure, or her unattractive hairstyle, he didn't indicate it in the least. "May I have this dance?"

Fl.u.s.tered, Gertrude giggled then slipped her arm through his. Immediately a small square of toast covered with chicken pate fell from her pocket to the floor. Charles looked appalled, but the young girl shrugged as if it hardly mattered. Forcing a smile, Christopher kicked the offending morsel beneath the table, then led his fair lady out to the floor.

"Kate," Charles began slowly. "Have you and Christopher made up? What is going on here tonight?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that," Katie said apologetically, aware of Charles's confusion. "It's just that some men are extraordinarily stubborn." She had barely finished speaking when Theodore approached, obviously nudged by Christopher. He sighed, then indicated his arm once more.

"Will you dance, my lady?"

"Of course." Katie accepted his arm reluctantly, leaving a puzzled Charles behind. Charles shook his head and glanced at Bertrice. If this was what happened within a few months of marriage, maybe he wouldn't wed at all.

He could hear her laughter.

Christopher tried hard not to look, but he couldn't resist. Instead of fuming with jealousy, as he'd hoped, Katie actually seemed to be enjoying herself in another man's arms.

Anger streaked through him, and he forcibly reminded himself that this was his idea, that he had nothing to worry about with Katie and Theodore. He was sure the man was an old maid and quite happy with his present arrangement. Hadn't he verified that with Theodore's mother, who had long since given up on her son? Yet as he covertly watched them he couldn't help the stab of insane jealousy that coursed through him. She was his wife, dammit!

He forced himself to smile at Gertrude, even though she still stuffed herself whenever he turned his head. He held her close as they danced, the way Katie liked, and he paid her full attention, smiling and laughing, trying to appear infatuated with the young woman. But his eyes kept wandering to his beautiful Kate, who apparently was having the time of her life.

This was supposed to be her punishment, not his. She was the one who was to be writhing in outrage. Desperately he tried to think of a way out of his plan, but now it seemed hopeless, especially after everything she'd said.

And the worst part of it was he now knew she was right. He'd thought of her words many times in the past few hours, and they came back to haunt him. He was guilty as charged. He'd judged her for doing exactly what he'd done, and what several of his friends had done. Truly it was a man's world, but he couldn't fix that, but in his heart he didn't have to live by it, either. He owed her more and, for the life of him, didn't know how to undo what he'd done.

He saw Katie leave the dance floor, pleading fatigue, while several other men begged for her hand. She declined all of them, but it made him burn to see their interest in her, particularly with her husband so obviously distant. They were like dogs in heat, he thought furiously, watching as his friends were enchanted by her looks and vivacious personality. Laughing, Katie held them at bay and accepted another gla.s.s of wine, drinking it down as if it were water. When her eyes lifted to his, Christopher had to look away.

"Are they serving dinner yet?" Gertrude whined. "I'm starving."

Christopher forced another smile and answered in his most gallant manner. "No, but we can go to the table again if you really want to."

She nodded quickly in a.s.sent, then slipped her arm through his as he escorted her to the food. Christopher tried to hide his repulsion as she belched, then helped herself to more. While Gertrude ate, Theodore joined them and eagerly fetched a gla.s.s of wine.

"I must say your wife is an excellent dancer, though I think you are very wrong." When Christopher looked at him murderously, Theodore continued quickly: "She doesn't seem at all lonely. In fact, I had to fight off the men for her. I don't think you'll be needing me to dance with her anymore."

Furious, Christopher could barely speak, but somehow he managed. "Nonsense. My wife is really very shy. Why, without your help..." His voice trailed off as Katie accepted a dance with one of his college friends and was immediately swept off to the floor.

"See?" Theodore grinned happily. "Now we can continue our discussion. I've looked forward to it all evening, and I don't really socialize with anyone else here. Now, as I was saying about my sinuses..."

This couldn't be happening. Outraged, Christopher watched his wife laugh and dance with a league of men while he stood by and fumed, Gertrude on one side of him, stuffing her face, Theodore complaining on the other. What the h.e.l.l had he done?

Somehow this whole situation had gotten out of hand. Desperate, he looked around the room for help and spotted Kate directly across the floor from him.

Her eyes studied him, Theodore, and Gertrude, and her expression changed from confusion to...amus.e.m.e.nt. Theodore was wringing his handkerchief, reciting his woes, while Gertrude sat on the edge of the table, to be closer to the food. Fighting frantically to maintain her dignity, Kate, unable to help herself, broke into laughter.

Christopher was furious. The angrier he got, the more Katie laughed. He saw her fetch a handkerchief and try to control herself, but every time she glanced in his direction, fresh tears flowed down her face and she nearly collapsed with merriment.

"If you'll excuse me-" Christopher turned from Theodore and Gertrude, so outraged that he wanted to hit something. He strode across the room, intending to give her a real set-down, to tell her exactly what he thought, but even from a distance, he could hear her infectious laughter.

This time he'd really done it. He'd made a complete fool of himself, and Katie was enjoying it to the utmost. Deep down, he couldn't blame her. How could he be angry with her when, if he had to be truthful, it was funny?

A chuckle started somewhere within him, then a smile, then a full-fledged laugh. When Katie saw his expression, she appeared relieved, but it didn't stop her from giggling. She managed a semblance of a straight face as he approached, obviously expecting him to berate her. Instead, Christopher grabbed her hand, startling her.

"Madam," he said meaningfully, leading her onto the floor. "I believe this is our dance."

It was a gorgeous waltz. Ella smiled, watching the two young people she loved so much circling the dance floor. Other dancers moved, appreciating the handsomeness of the couple, Katie smiling beautifully at her husband, Christopher's eyes full of warmth.

"They are so much in love," Eunice remarked, taking Ella's hand. "It's so nice to see."

The older woman smiled, then coughed. She struggled to regain her breath and, when she could speak, nodded in agreement.

"Yes, but they are both stubborn. Christopher, for all his virtues, is extremely strong-willed, as is my niece. I just hope they learn to express that love before it's too late."

Eunice nodded, enveloping Sean in her arms as the young boy approached her. He watched his mother and Christopher for a moment, his blue eyes shining with admiration, then he turned to Eunice.

"Does this mean that he won't go away? Like my da?"

"I certainly hope so, Sean," Eunice said fervently. "I hope so."

"How could you laugh at me like that?" Christopher chided her as they glided beneath the chandeliers. The light brought out the rich blackness of Katie's hair and the brilliance of her eyes as she smiled mischievously.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. Christopher, when you plan a party, you don't forget anything. Even the drama."

"That's enough." He spoke firmly, but she could see the laughter in his eyes. "Kate, I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"

Those words meant everything. Katie looked at him, her heart pounding, wishing he would tell her how he really felt, what this really meant. But he didn't seem inclined to continue the conversation, and with a group of people surrounding her, she wasn't comfortable with the discussion, either. Instead she gave him a breathtaking smile and whispered, "Of course."

He held her closer, and Katie felt an overwhelming love for him. "Please G.o.d," she whispered. "Please let him love me. I won't ask for anything else, ever."

As if in answer to her thoughts, Christopher bent down and kissed her hair. It wasn't the response she was looking for, but it was a start.

The last guest finally left and Katie closed the door and turned to Christopher, utterly exhausted. "What time is it?" she questioned, feeling as if she would collapse in a heap right at that moment.

"About four," Christopher replied. "It seems the party was a success."

He took her hand, helping her up the stairs. He made her feel so special, so cared for, just like before. Katie sighed, then giggled.

"What?"

"I was just thinking. Who would have thought that Theodore and Patrick would hit it off so well? Teddy didn't seem like the type to appreciate gardening, but he apparently raises roses. He found Paddy's methods fascinating."

Christopher grinned. "I know. And Gertrude seemed very relieved when I left her alone with her food. It seems that only Isabelle wanted her to be courted."

"Don't you dare mention that again," Katie said, though her voice was filled with mirth. "The last thing I want to think about is you courting another woman."

They entered her bedchamber and Katie sank down onto her comforter, enjoying the soft luxury of rest. Christopher came up behind her and indicated her stays.

"The maids are all abed. Can I help you?"

"Please." Half rising, Katie turned her back to him, feeling the pressure of his hands as he expertly relieved her of the gown and undergarments.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you looked tonight?" Christopher whispered as he undid the laces of her stays, pressing a kiss along her spine.

Katie shivered, loving the feel of him against her bare skin. "No, not in so many words."

"Well, you did." Kissing her again and again, he pressed his mouth at each place where the laces came undone, down along her spine, until Katie was trembling. Holding her hair out of the way, she shivered with delight as he slipped his hands inside her dress, caressing her b.r.e.a.s.t.s until her nipples hardened beneath his palms.

Nearly shaking with suppressed want, Katie faced him and ran her fingers through his hair, wondering why, of all men, she loved him so deeply. Pulling his head down to hers, she whispered teasingly, "You looked lovely tonight, too. Especially dancing with Gertrude."

There was just enough sincerity in her voice to make him look up at her. Katie was still smiling, but it was an uncertain smile. Christopher grinned, then pushed back her hair from her throat, kissing the nape of her neck enticingly.

"I wouldn't talk. If I hadn't thought Theodore was a confirmed bachelor, I would have been even more furious. As it was, I could barely contain myself."

Katie caught her breath as he slipped her gown from her shoulders. Was he admitting he was jealous? His words penetrated her pa.s.sion-cloaked mind, and she suddenly felt wonderful. Christopher had planned this. He had deliberately selected the man, knowing that Katie was safe with him. Hitting him playfully, she saw his look of surprise as he struggled out of his own clothes.