“He’s such a good man that he can’t imagine anyone else isn’t,” Catherine told them. “He has the best intentions.”
“Misguided intentions,” Josie spat.
“And now you have to deal with her,” Maddie said.
“But not alone.” Josie waved her arms expansively. “We’ll be right beside you. Lizzy’s no match for any of us. We’ll keep her from doing anything horrible.”
“I know you will,” Catherine said with a weak smile.
“If you know that, then why do you still look so sad?” Maddie asked.
“You’re hurt that he still can’t see who your sister really is,” Ashley said suddenly.
Catherine shook her head, but Ashley put a hand on Catherine’s arm. Ashley always saw too much.
“You think, given the chance, that he’d trade you for her. He won’t, Catie. You said yourself that he is a good man.”
“I’m tired.” Catherine drew away. “I need to get some rest.”
Josie grabbed her arm before she could turn away. “Wait a moment. We are your cousins. Don’t try to avoid us.” She looked closely at Catherine’s face. “Are you in love with him?” This last was whispered as though it were a mortal sin.
Catherine refuted it without thinking. “Of course, I’m not in love with him.”
“You’re lying,” Josie said. “You love him.”
“Is that true?” Ashley demanded.
“She said it wasn’t.” Maddie at least defended her. “She didn’t even want to marry the man; she would never fall in love with him. She’s a founding member of the Spinsters’ Club.”
“That was a child’s game,” Josie said, still staring at Catherine. “She’s in love with him. I know the signs.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Maddie said.
“I’m not! I know the signs of love and pining, and she’s got all of them.”
“No, I don’t,” Catherine said.
“Oh, yes, you do,” Josie countered. “Look at you, you’re moping around all day, but when Valentine walks in the room your face lights up. And you’re even hosting this ball for him, and you hate balls. If that isn’t love, then what is?”
“How do you know so much about it?” Catherine asked. “Are we about to lose another member of our club?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Josie turned away.
Ashley grabbed her shoulder. “You had better not be in love, Josephine Linet Hale.”
“I’m not!”
“But there’s a man, isn’t there? You’re not telling us everything.”
“Stop harassing me. We’re trying to help Catherine.”
Catherine was perfectly happy with the attention off her for once, but when the three girls’ eyes swung back to her, she quickly changed course. “I think we’re all tired and ready for bed. Let’s start again with all this in the morning.”
“You’re avoiding us,” Ashley accused.
“Of course, she’s avoiding us,” Maddie said, “but she has a point. Let’s give it a rest for tonight. We’ll be back in the morning for more preparations. I think your dress will be here by then, and I can’t wait to see it!”
Chapter Twenty-one
