Katherine’s mother answered. She looked surprised. “Oh, Susan,” she cried out and burst intotears.
“Mrs. Howe…” Susan said embracingher.
“Come in. I’m sorry. It was just such a shock seeing youafter…”
“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t let you know I was coming, as it was somewhat last minute. Is Katherinein?”
“Oh, yes. She’s in thekitchen.”
Mrs. Howe led Susan to Katherine, who looked up in surprise and then smiled. “Oh, Susan… I’ve missed you so much.” She rushed over and took Susan in herarms.
“How are you doing?” Susanasked.
“Well enough. It’s been a difficult time, but things are leveling out now that Daniel’s getting treatment. Did you come to see your parents?” she asked, wiping her hands on herapron.
“Yes, and you. Do you have time to sit with me for a spell? I need to talk to you,” Susanasked.
“Of course, do you want sometea?”
“Not now. Mamma has been trying to ply us with soup allmorning.”
“Us?” Katherineasked.
“Yes, and that’s what I want to talk to youabout.”
“Oh… all right. Let’s go to my room. There’s a nice firethere.”
They went to Katherine’sroom.
“Come sit with me. I’ve missed you so much since Daniel’s breakdown,” shesaid.
“And how is hedoing?”
“It’s too early to know. But the institute’s doctors are hopeful that he might eventually recover. Although they say it may never befully.”
“I’m so very sorry. I know your family must bedevastated.”
“It’s like losing him all over again,” Katherine said, tucking her legs under her, as she settled into thesofa.
Susan sat beside her and took her hands, looking into hereyes.
“I have some good news, but it may upset you,” Susanbegan.
Katherine looked at Susan askance. “Why would it upsetme?”
“It’s about John… the Duke, and I. There’s no easy way to say this except to say we’reengaged.”
It was clear Katherine did not expect that, and she put her hand to hermouth.
“I know. It’s a shock. But John and I have been getting to know one another for many months now. Working together, sharing the care of Elizabeth together. Our affections just grew. And then Daniel was away and we had so little communication until he returned soexpectantly.”
“Do you think this still would have happened if Daniel hadn’t had histroubles?”
“Yes, Katherine, I believe it would have. I cared a great deal for Daniel, but while I admired him and was deeply grateful for his attentions toward me, I have to honestly say it was not a passionateromance.”
Katherine was silent and gazed into her lap. “But Ithought…”
Susan took Katherine’s hand again. “John and I… we’ve become so closely knitted together. And Elizabeth has become such a deep part of my life. I cannot imagine not being with her and caring forher.”
