They ran up the steps and into the house. Katherine stopped dead in her tracks and looked around the impressive entryway with its marble staircase and painted cupola with its Greek gods, goddesses, and paintedcherubs.
“Oh, my, Susan. You livehere?”
“I do. Impressive isn’tit?”
“It certainlyis.”
Just then Bentley and Patricia descend the staircase on their way to a latebreakfast.
“Hello,” Patricia said. “I don’t believe we’vemet.”
“Susan Wilton. I’m the nanny tutor for John’s littlegirl.”
“Oh, charming to meet you,” Patricia said, but obviously shocked to be speaking with ananny.
“Good day,” Bentley said, nodding and leading his wifeaway.
Katherine looked at Susan and mugged.“La dee da. But aren’t we the hoipalloi?”
“Now, Katherine, these are John’s guests. They can’t help themselves,” she saidmischievously.
They giggled and ran up the stairs to Susan’sroom.
“Oh, my case, I left in the trap,” Katherine said as they entered Susan’sroom.
“Not to worry, someone will bring itup.”
Katherine wagged her head. “I keep forgetting I don’t need to do everything myselfhere.”
She went over to the window and looked out at thepark.
“How beautiful. Can we go for a walklater?”
“Certainly. You are my guest, and your wish is mycommand.
Katherine threw herself into one of Susan’s chairs. “What time do you need toteach?”
“Not until ten. Have you hadbreakfast?”
“I have. My single egg and a piece of toast. No butter, no jam.Ugh.”
“I’m sorry, but you do lookwonderful.”
“Thankyou.”
Katherine suddenly became animated. “Oh, oh, I have something for you.” But she stopped herself. “I forgot. It’s in my case. I’ll give it to youlater.”
“What isit?”
“A little present from Daniel. He drove us all crazy before he left trying to find just the right memento to giveyou.”
“What isit?”
“I don’t know. He had itwrapped.”
“And how are your wedding plansgoing?”
“Slow. But I don’t mind. We still have months yet,” Katherinesaid.
