And Those Who Trespass Against Us (28 page)

"There's no harm done. In fact she's told me of your arrangement."

Katherine's eyes widened slightly, and despite her best attempts she fidgeted, something she hadn't done since she was a teenager. Gripping one hand in the other, she at last managed to get her nervousness under control.

Katherine cleared her throat. "She told me all about you as well."

Miss Cooper raised a hand to her throat, as if to conceal the colour rising there.

"She told me you were the one who taught her how to paint the lovely watercolours around the house. She has a real eye for detail. Her mixing of colours makes the paintings come alive. They're truly wonderful."

Miss Cooper released a breath. "She was a good student with an eagerness to learn. I don't think anything I taught her about painting helped her though. Her talent was always there. It would have been uncovered sooner or later at an opportune moment in time."

"That may be so, Miss Cooper, but it's certainly not how Catriona tells it. When I was living here she spent many an evening discussing your influence." Katherine motioned toward a chair.

Miss Cooper took time to smooth her skirt and then met Katherine's enquiring gaze. "I thought Susan mentioned you were living at the store. I didn't realise you've also lived here. It's a shame you're still not out here, Sister Flynn. I'm sure we could have had some wonderful discussions during the course of an evening. Between the two of us we may have even convinced that stubborn woman to paint again."

"Miss Cooper, I'd feel a lot more comfortable if you'd call me Katherine. Sister Flynn is so out of place out here, don't you think?"

Miss Cooper nodded. "And you must call me Adele," she said, a smile lighting her features. "I believe there's enough formality in the world without imposing it where it needn't be."

Katherine felt herself warm to Adele. Given her previous employment, it would be very interesting to spend the rest of the afternoon speaking with her. She was sure Adele would have some wise words on the ways of teaching children. "I'm sorry that I have to head off so abruptly, especially since we've only just started to get to know each other. But if I'm to get to town before dark, it's best I leave now." She stooped and picked up the books she needed for the coming day.

"That's a shame. I'm sure we would have had a lot to talk about." Both women walked out through the kitchen to where Katherine's wagon was tethered.

"If you find yourself out this way in the near future, Katherine, I'd really love it if you would call again. Maybe I could share some stories with you about Catriona."

Katherine was grateful her back was to Adele when those last words were spoken. She felt her features change to petulance, somewhat annoyed that Adele had taken her place in Catriona's household. She seated herself and reined in her emotions. "That would be wonderful. Although I don't think I'll be out here in the next week or so. Thank you for the offer all the same."

ADELE WAVED AS the wagon pulled away from her. She lowered her arm and frowned. "That was an interesting turn of events," she murmured. "I'm sure Susan didn't mention you had lived out here. And
why
hasn't Catriona said anything?" She headed back to the house wondering why Katherine was so nervous and uncomfortable in her presence.

AS KATHERINE NEARED the entrance to the property, she took stock of her meeting with Adele.

For all intents and purposes Adele was a lovely woman. Yet, despite this Katherine had a niggling feeling. Was it because she'd usurped Katherine's position? Or because she resented the fact that Catriona now had a guest and no longer needed her company? What makes me think I have sole ownership over Catriona? Those are selfish thoughts.

They're more than that, a voice inside her intoned. They're the words of a jealous woman. Angry at the stupidity of such introspection, she urged the horse into a canter, nearly causing it to collide with a rider coming toward her.

Catriona struggled to rein in her horse. "Slow down! You'll do yourself some damage, knock someone over or both."

"I'm sorry. I'm in a hurry to get home before dark and wasn't looking where I was going. How are you?"

Catriona finally managed to get her horse under control and reined in next to the wagon. "I'm not too bad. I'm keeping busy with the current crops and new planting at the moment. Between that and going into town there just aren't enough hours in the day."

Katherine made pretence of wiping dust from the front of her habit. "It must be a relief to have someone in the house then."

"Er, yes. Adele's visit was unplanned. I'm thankful for her company all the same."

Katherine tried to judge whether Catriona's last comment was related to her exit and dismissed the thought. "She's a lovely woman. She was your last governess, wasn't she?" Catriona nodded. "It's a shame I had to leave so soon for I'm sure we could have found a number of things to talk about."

"I suppose so," Catriona noncommittally replied. "By the way, I was speaking with Susan this afternoon and she mentioned a wonderful idea. She suggested we all get together for a dinner party. I've organised the meal preparation side of things with Mrs.Johnston."

"That's a relief." Katherine smirked. "The idea of you serving steak and eggs to your guests is probably not what they had in mind for a dinner party."

"Thank you very much for your vote of confidence," Catriona humorously chided. "Will you come?" she asked, her tone somewhat subdued.

Katherine looked into Catriona's pleading eyes, and she reached across and gently touched Catriona's leg. "Of course I will. Just because I no longer live here doesn't mean we can't be friends." Despite her words, the feelings welling inside her at their sudden contact felt like something more than friendship. She removed her hand as inconspicuously as possible. "It'll give me an opportunity to get to know Adele."

Catriona sat back on her horse, suddenly distant. "I expect it will. Could you tell Susan I've scheduled the dinner to be next Friday--that's if it suits you all? If not then let me know and we'll arrange it for another time." Drawing the reins of her horse toward her, Catriona nodded and continued up the drive.

Katherine shook her head at Catriona's sudden distance and, at a loss to find a root cause for it, turned horse and wagon for home.

CATRIONA WASHED HER hands at the kitchen sink and gathered her thoughts. Having Katherine out for dinner had been a wonderful concept when Susan had raised the idea. But where did it leave her and Adele?

She sat and rested her chin on her hand. Am I chasing something I'll never have, when what I want is with me now? A soft pair of hands affectionately kneaded the knotted muscles of Catriona's shoulders.

Adele leant down and gently kissed her cheek. "Hello, stranger. You've been gone a fair while. I had a visitor while you were away."

Turning around, Catriona placed her hands on Adele's waist. Her hands traced a lazy path up to the fullness of Adele's breasts. Catriona pulled Adele to her and rested the side of her face on her soft stomach. She relished the feel of the smooth fabric on her skin. "I know. I saw Katherine on her way home."

Adele idly traced a pattern in Catriona's hair. "She's quite a nice woman, a bit nervous though. She acted surprised to find anyone out here. She mentioned you had told her all about us. I trust you weren't
altogether
candid about our relationship?"

Catriona raised her head. "Of course not. She's a nun for heaven's sake." She returned her face to the planes of Adele's stomach while her hands casually played with the ribbon on the back of Adele's skirt.

"Katherine said she used to live out here," Adele replied, her tone conversational. "Funny--I don't remember you mentioning it."

Catriona was glad for the concealment afforded by Adele's stomach, for she was suddenly afraid of what her eyes might betray. "She did, but the arrangement was only temporary. She now lives with Susan in town, and this gives her the freedom to tend to the families of the district without interference from the ladies' committee."

Adele's hands briefly stopped. "Strange--I thought she'd have been able to achieve the same out here."

Catriona removed her hands and stood up. "She did." She looked deeply into Adele's eyes. "But, she decided to move into town."

Adele glanced around the room, as if searching for a way to frame her next remark, then again settled her gaze on Catriona. "Was there anything between the two of you?"

Reticent to admit what had occurred, Catriona tried to answer as truthfully as possible. "We are close. But there'll never be anything more than a strong friendship. She's a nun, and I wouldn't jeopardise our friendship for something else."

Adele leant against the table and drew Catriona into her arms. "So, now she's living with Susan?" Catriona nodded. "Does she know about Susan?"

Catriona blinked. "I'm surprised. How did you know about Susan?"

"I know the difference between a cursory glance and the fine appraisal of another woman whose tastes are the same as mine. Let me say on the day of my arrival Susan's appraisal of me was very flattering."

Catriona threw her head back and laughed. "I can't wait to tell her she's been caught at her own game. She always reads me so well. It'll be ever so delicious to tell her she's been found out for once."

"I must say in her defence the assessment was reasonably mutual," Adele added, a twinkle in her eye. "She's an incredibly attractive woman."

"If that's the case you'll get a second look next Friday. She's coming out to dinner, as is Katherine. Be aware though, Susan's bringing her partner. I don't think
she'll
be as appreciative of your roving eye as Susan."

IN THE DAYS leading up to Friday, Katherine kept busy teaching the children on the farms surrounding the town. Fortunately, this left her insufficient time for the persistent ladies' committee or Father Cleary. She knew she should allocate her time more evenly. But as her stay in the town grew, her focus had shifted. She was well aware of her calling as a nun and that certain things were expected of her. Her habit was a daily reminder of the religious demands on her life. Despite these demands, in the precious moments when she had time to think, she questioned her initial decision to become a nun. Such thoughts haunted her and remained unresolved as she, Susan, and Me Lin left for the dinner party.

ARRIVING AT THE doorstep of Gleneagle, Katherine tried to recall the last time she'd been invited to such an evening. She sighed, remembering how long it had been and how things had changed since then. The group made its way up the stairs and were greeted at the door by Adele.

While the introductions were made, Katherine surreptitiously viewed Adele. Her black hair had been fashionably gathered into a chignon, raising it clear of her long slender neck. Her dress, with its gold hues dancing in the porch light, perfectly accentuated her figure.

She brought herself back to the present when she sensed Adele's gaze upon her. "Hello Adele. At least this time we haven't surprised each other. That's a lovely dress you're wearing," Katherine said, extremely conscious of her own drab attire.

"Thank you." Adele motioned them through the open door. "Why don't we go into the parlour? Catriona's checking on the meal."

"I don't mean to be rude," Katherine said, "but before we get too carried away with the evening's activities, would you mind if I gather some books from the study? It would be silly to waste an opportunity while I'm here not to pick up some more books."

"Certainly," Adele replied. "You know where the study is. Why don't you join us in the parlour when you're finished?"

Katherine continued down the hall, happy to have been given breathing space to gather her thoughts which, to say the least, were at war with one another. An irrational part of her mind kept insisting the role of hostess Adele was so capably filling should have been hers. Shaking her head in agitation, she raised the light on the trimmed lamp by the study door and went inside, grateful for the solitude.

"GOOD EVENING, LADIES," Catriona said as she made her way into the parlour. She took Me Lin's hand and gallantly placed a kiss on the back of it. "Me Lin, you bring light to what would otherwise be a dull occasion."

"I expect you radiate enough of that yourself-- sometimes more than you can handle." The group laughed, and Susan's eyes twinkled at her partner's repulse of Catriona's mock pass.

"Tonight should be a fine evening thanks to Mrs. Johnston's good cooking." Catriona poured herself a drink. "I must tell you, though, about something that occurred when I was organising for her to do the cooking. Susan, after speaking with you about the idea of a dinner, I decided to approach Robert Johnston, to see if his mother was available to cook for us tonight." Catriona turned to Adele. "He's the blacksmith's apprentice. When I went to speak with him, I found him in what could only be, by the body language of the two, a close conversation with the caretaker's son, William Gilchrist. When they heard me approach they both stepped clear of each other looking rather guilty as they did so."

Susan sipped a sherry. "It's funny you should say that. I've seen them together on a number of occasions and they certainly look like a lot more than just friends."

The group shared a knowing laugh. The door opened, admitting Katherine. "Who looked like more than friends?" Katherine glanced around the room. "What a lovely group for a dinner party. I'd almost forgotten what fashion looked like. Susan, I know I've said it already, but that blue silk dress would do any Irish drawing room justice. And Me Lin that maroon dress is beautiful. It matches you perfectly."

Me Lin tilted her head in acknowledgement. "Thank you. It took me quite a while to make both our dresses." She spared a glance at Susan. "But the effort was certainly worth the reward."

Catriona's breath caught when Katherine's gaze came to rest on her. She was pleased at the approving look she saw in Katherine's eyes. Despite Katherine's penetrating inspection, Catriona tried to remain as casual as possible.