“A big girl like me doesn’t get very many eligible suitors. Are you seriously thinking I wouldnot?”
“I thought you probably would, but it’s been a long time coming, hasn’tit?”
“And he’s a terrible brute for making me wait solong.”
“But there were money issues, weren’t there?” Susan asked. “He wanted to be certain he could support you,yes?”
“I’ve got a modest living tooffer.”
“But Katherine, you must remember a gentleman’s pride—particularly with a fine man like Roger. He wants to feel he’s supportingyou.”
“True.”
Katherine leaned back in her chair and gazed up at the sun speckling through the leaves of thetree.
“Any idea when you might have the wedding?” Susanasked.
“Oh, no. We’ve not gotten to that point yet. But your darling sister’s wedding is coming up quickly now,no?”
“September. Nice time for awedding.”
Katherine tread carefully, but had to ask. “And how do you feel aboutit?”
“Delighted, why wouldn’t Ibe?”
“Well… there was that episode with Simon a few years back. And that reminds me, any further thoughts on SirJasper?”
Susan bowed her head. “Oh, Katherine, I just had to finally sayno.”
Katherine leaned forward in her chair. “You didn’t. And how’d he takeit?”
“He was a perfect beast. He stormed off without even saying good-bye. And good riddance, Isay.”
“Were your parentsfurious?”
“I think my father took it in stride, but Mamma nearly capsized withdisappointment.”
Katherine laughed. “Well, at least you’ve got Louisa’s event coming up. Maybe you’ll meet just the right gentleman for you at herwedding.”
“I wouldn’t count on that. For now, I’m quite content with teaching mykids.”
“But Susan…” Katherine looked at her with just the faintest hint ofpity.
“Now, don’t be horrid, Katherine, there is absolutely nothing wrong with spinsterhood,” Susan said with a wrysmile.
“Never, never. You are too gifted and charming to go long without a suitable gentlemancalling.”
Susan sighed. “The tea was delightful and the pudding cake a marvel, however, I must begoing.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help with Louisa’s wedding, please let meknow.”
“I’ve nothing to wear. Perhaps you might help me withthat.”
“Ah… Let’s walk toHowell and Barton’s. They have a new shipment of French fabrics in. Let’s select the perfect materials, and we’ll construct you the perfect dress for thewedding.”
Katherine picked up the tea tray and they headed back toward thehouse.
“Brother Daniel has written to say he’ll have shore leave in the next month or so. I’ll be so happy to see him. It’s been over twoyears.”
