Unveiled. Part 17

He thought he knew everything about her. He'd forgiven her deception about her ident.i.ty, but could he forgive this? If she was certain of his feelings, she would tell him, but until he said the words, it was just too frightening. If he sent her away, especially after last night, she just didn't think she could bear it.

Katie slipped from the bed and put on a robe. She stood in front of the long paned window, looking out onto the grounds. It was cold and gray, the sky the color of pewter. Summer had long since waned; she could see the curling wisteria vines, naked of leaves. Soon it would be winter. Her family would need coal for the fireplace, Sean needed new shoes. Somehow, she'd have to find a way to help them, without Christopher discovering her secret. She'd tell him, she had to. But not yet. Their intimacy was too new, too fragile to risk with such a confession.

He roused slowly, and looked around the bed in confusion. His eyes met hers as she stood beside the window, and he smiled invitingly. He was so d.a.m.ned handsome, Katie thought.

"Come." He indicated the bed. "It's cold in here without you."

Katie grinned and came to stand close to him. She looked childlike, shy and not at all like the bold woman from the previous night. She indicated the window reluctantly. "It's morning. You have to go to work."

"I know." He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bed. Shrieking, Katie tumbled beside him, then rose on one arm, giggling with him.

"What am I going to do with you, Christopher Scott?"

He grinned, tracing her freckled profile with his finger. "Last night you managed quite well, Mrs. Scott. Now if you just keep doing that-"

Katie swatted him playfully as he swept her into his arms. "We have to get up. Eunice will be awake, and I have to get breakfast."

"Breakfast will wait." His lips nuzzled her neck and Katie couldn't resist the tingling sensations that thrilled within her at his touch "Till later..."

It was much later when they descended, flushed and giggling like two children, carefree and innocent. Their mood remained exuberant until they reached the kitchen, where Eunice sat with a worried expression. She was wearing her reading gla.s.ses, and spread around her were several sheets of ominous-looking papers.

"What's all this?" Christopher took a seat beside her and lifted one of the notices. Eunice peered up from her reading and sighed as Katie removed a tin of flour.

"These are bills," Eunice said with a scolding tone. "I've been going through them. Some can wait, but our taxes are due. You know what that means."

Christopher groaned. "They will publish the fact that we're late in the Ledger. Everyone will know of our financial state. Dammit, how did we get so far behind? I thought with the dowry..."

Katie stopped beating the biscuits long enough to hear Eunice's answer.

"The dowry helped catch up the most pressing bills. I withheld some of it because we have to eat and get firewood for the winter. Katie's been wonderful, she's stretched the food beyond belief, but we're still running low." Adjusting her gla.s.ses, Eunice gave Christopher a penetrating glance. "And we just don't have enough money coming in from your jobs yet."

"I see." Christopher and Katie refused to meet each other's eyes and stared at the paper Eunice held in her hand, as if wishing it would disintegrate. "When will they publish the notice?"

"Within the week. Eunice said quietly. "I've kept it out for as long as possible, but the bill is just too delinquent."

"We'll have to think of something else," Katie began.

Christopher glanced up. "Oh, no. No more ideas. No more jobs. I'm not scrubbing floors and neither are you. Don't even consider it."

"But-"

"We're going to do things my way this time. We need some fast cash-there's no getting around it. And that means there is one solution. We gamble."

"What?" Both Eunice and Katie looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"We're going to the Ingersolls' party tonight, correct?" Christopher continued, undaunted by their reaction. When Katie nodded, he added, "There is always a gentleman's game that takes place at those parties. I'll play a few hands and win us enough to pay the taxes."

"And what will you use for a stake?" Eunice said bluntly. "You need money to enter a card game, I believe."

"This." Christopher indicated his gold pocket watch. "I can p.a.w.n it at the shop in town, then redeem it when I win. It will bring more than enough for a stake."

"But what if you lose?" Katie asked, obviously concerned.

Christopher grinned. "With you on my side, how can I? All I need is a little luck. Don't worry." He saw their faces and hastened to rea.s.sure them. "What's the worst that can happen? If I lose, I'll pay out and quietly leave. I'm no worse off than I am now. If we don't do something, we'll be disgraced."

Katie and Eunice exchanged looks. "I don't like it," Eunice said firmly. "I didn't mind your gaming when we had the resources to support it. But now-"

"It's the best way I know to make money fast," Christopher said. "Have you two any better suggestions?"

They looked at each other in silence. No one could think of anything else. No one offered anything else.

"Good." Christopher rubbed his hands in antic.i.p.ation. "I know we'll score tonight. It will be an affair to remember. I just feel it."

The Ingersolls had one of the loveliest houses on the Main Line. Entering, Katie handed her wrap to the servant who stood waiting in attendance, then glanced around the room in appreciation. Black and white marble gleamed from the floors, while the chandeliers tinkled overhead, blazing with gaslight. A long white marble staircase led down into the magnificent hallway, and portraits of ancestors stared down from the wall above like silent guests.

"Fan! I'm so glad you could come." Emily Ingersoll was one of the nicest girls Katie had met. Plain but friendly, she extended her hands. "Come in, everyone's been asking about you. Bertrice is here, Nellie and Mary...I think you know just about everyone."

Katie shrugged at Christopher's expression and giggled, helplessly drawn into the crowd of women. Bertrice, who was officially engaged to Charles, broke off from her conversation and rushed over.

"Fan! I kept asking when you'd be here. Isn't this house beautiful? And you look so lovely, let me see that dress."

Katie twirled, silently grateful that Ella had sent Fan's old clothes. The older woman would be returning from the seaside shortly, and Katie was looking forward to seeing her again. Ella was a positive force in this world for her, and she honestly missed the older woman.

"You look pretty, too." Katie admired Bertrice's rose-colored gown, delighted to see how nicely she was dressed. In truth, since her relationship with Charles had deepened, Bertrice had bloomed. She looked radiant and happy.

"Mother didn't like this gown, but the dressmaker and I did, so I insisted. It is pretty, isn't it?" Glancing up, Bertrice's expression changed to chagrin. "Oh, look, that Margaret Chester is here. She is always so hateful, isn't she?"

"I haven't seen her since Cape May," Katie responded. She wasn't looking forward to seeing her, either. Every time Katie thought of Margaret on Christopher's arm, she just wanted to strangle her.

As if knowing they were talking about her, Margaret gave Katie a superior smile, then turned back to her conversation. Katie felt oddly disquieted by that glance. Margaret was never happy unless she was causing some kind of trouble. Something was amiss, but Katie didn't have the faintest idea as to what. But knowing Margaret, she knew she wouldn't have to wait long to find out.

"Dinner is served," a servant announced, indicating the dining room. Katie took Christopher's arm as he approached, and she thought he never looked so handsome. There was a jaunty c.o.c.kiness about him, a lack of seriousness that made him especially appealing amid so many solemn men. Winston Pepper dominated the conversation, advising everyone concerning their investments, and Katie saw Christopher and Charles exchange an amused glance. She smiled, accepting a seat, aware that whenever she was in his company, Christopher provided the fun.

"Is everyone present?" Emily asked, glancing around the room before signaling for the meal to begin. Margaret gazed up, then, with a smirk, indicated the door.

"I believe Mrs. Eldridge is just coming in. Why, Florence, you will have to tell us that amusing story again, only this time for everyone's benefit. You know, the one about the maid you hired who looks just like Fan Pemberton? The one who recently disappeared?"

Katie felt the color drain from her face and she turned quickly, aware of everyone's eyes on her. Florence Eldridge, obviously the worse for drink, stared at her, but recognition lit up her gaze. She pointed an unsteady finger at Katie and spoke in slurred tones.

"That's her! My maid! What are you doing here? I have floors to be cleaned!"

Katie cringed, unable to think of a decent response. She saw Margaret's face, twisted into a vindictive smirk, then heard the gasps of the other guests. Eunice stood up and faced Florence slowly, like a ship pulling into harbor and preparing to do battle.

"Why, Florence, how dare you insult my nephew's wife that way! Not that being a maid isn't a n.o.ble profession, but the woman married to my nephew would scarcely be a menial! Are you suggesting such a thing?"

"Why, I-"

"Now, Florence, why don't you lie down for a while. You look a little peaked. You always do before dinner, don't you, dear?"

The other guests hid their expressions. Everyone knew Florence's reputation for drinking, but had never seen her so openly drunk. Florence clung to the doorway for support, then stared at Katie in confusion.

"I know it's her! I know it! She was here, up until I saw you." The facts seemed connected to Florence, but after three brandies, they were much less clear. "Katie O'Connor. That's her name!"

The guests looked at each other, then chuckled quietly in open amus.e.m.e.nt. Christopher laughed along with them, then turned to Katie with an affectionate smile.

"Isn't that funny-that's my pet name for her. Kate, you haven't been scrubbing floors while I'm away, have you?"

Everyone openly laughed while Margaret turned away, defeated. Florence stared at the laughing guests, the color rising to her cheeks. Even in her inebriated state, she knew she had done something foolish. Eunice went to the doorway and gestured to a servant, indicating Florence. "I think Mrs. Eldridge might use a rest and a cup of tea. Would you mind taking care of her?"

More confused than ever, Florence accepted the servant's a.s.sistance. "Yes, I think a cup of tea would be nice. Especially with some brandy. Medicinal purposes, you know." She gazed one more time into the dining room, then back at Eunice. "Remarkable resemblance. Looks just like her! Please accept my apologies, Mrs. Scott."

"I'm sure." Eunice smiled as Florence left the room, still shaking her head. Returning to the table, she smiled discreetly at Katie, then accepted a gla.s.s of wine and laughed with the guests at the impossibility of Florence's claim.

"Too d.a.m.ned much drinking for a woman," Winston said sternly, then drank deeply of his own cup. "Now, what was I saying regarding the advisability of railroad bonds?"

The conversation resumed, and Katie gave a sigh of relief. Christopher alone noticed and squeezed her hand rea.s.suringly under the table. No one noticed or cared that Margaret was silent, her plan to embarra.s.s Katie backfiring.

Bertrice grinned rea.s.suringly and Katie smiled back. Margaret had tried and failed, and for the time being, her secret was safe. But the incident cast a pall over the evening. The meal didn't taste quite so good, nor did the conversation seem so brilliant. Katie began wishing it would end long before it was time.

"Gentlemen!" Mr. Eldridge clapped his hands as the servant pa.s.sed around coffee and dessert. "There is brandy in the sitting room and my cigar box. I know you ladies find both of them offensive, and rightfully so." He waved the air with a smile. "So if you don't mind, we'll retire."

"No, not at all," Nellie said cheerfully. "I can't stand cigar smoke! It makes me...unwell," she added delicately.

Katie nodded at Christopher, but her tension mounted. This was the signal for the game to begin. Christopher had told her all about it on the way to the party. While the women and few remaining men sang songs and demonstrated their talent on the pianoforte, the gentlemen indulged in brandy, cigars, and poker. It was a closed game, and only the specified guests were invited to indulge. She watched as the men disappeared into the adjoining sitting room while Emily rose and indicated the parlor.

"We'll let them have their fun. Nellie, I hope you were going to play tonight. And Margaret, I believe you were going to recite? I'm sure we're looking forward to both treats. And Fan, you must promise us a song."

"Kate," Eunice said with a grin. "Christopher calls her Kate."

"That's right." Emily took her arm and led Katie toward the parlor. "We'll all have to call her Kate from now on. It's just too funny."

Katie smiled and accompanied her to the parlor. She gave Christopher a concerned look, but he was already entering the sitting room. Everything Irish in her was filled with dread.

But there wasn't a thing she could do.

He guessed they were right about needing the money. As Christopher lost his third hand, he was forcibly reminded of what Jack had told him so long ago, about successful gamblers not needing their winnings. It seemed nothing was going his way. If he was conservative, he won and couldn't benefit. If he was impulsive, he lost grandly.

And he lost.

When his chips began to dwindle seriously, Charles offered a loan, but Winston slapped his son meaningfully on the shoulder. Christopher declined. The last thing he needed was to owe more debts to the Peppers. Drinking deeply of his whiskey, he realized that he should have gotten out of the game a long time ago, when he first started to lose. But dammit! He kept hoping that somehow the streak would end.

He didn't want to come home broke. He didn't want to admit another defeat to Katie and his aunt. Somehow he had to find a way to win, no matter what.

"Card?" Charles Eldridge asked.

He should stop now, he should decline, finish out the hand, and leave while he still could. In that moment he condemned himself. Nodding, he tossed in another chip, then accepted the card.

"Sure." He grinned and leaned back in his chair as if everything was fine.

Christopher Scott was never known as a quitter. And he wasn't about to start now.

"I am so sorry about what happened. I'm sure Florence will feel terrible tomorrow. She always does."

Katie smiled in response to Emily, then glanced around the parlor. Inside, it was bright and cheerful. The servants had arranged sherry and cakes, and the ladies indulged, some of them grateful for the respite from their mates.

But Katie could only worry. As she sipped her coffee and listened to the music, she wondered what was happening in the next room. Women were forbidden to enter; that was a rule that she didn't dare break under normal circ.u.mstances. But this wasn't normal, she reminded herself. Christopher was gambling with their lives and she had a feeling that something was wrong.

"I need some air." Katie rose, speaking softly to Emily, who instantly looked alarmed.

"Are you laced too tightly? Would you like to lie down? That dinner was a little heavy, perhaps that was the cause?"

"I'll be fine," Katie said softly. "I just need a turn in your lovely garden, if you don't mind."

"Not at all." Emily signaled for the servant to bring Katie's shawl. "Would you like me to accompany you?"

"No, please. Stay and hear the music. I apologize for not being able to sing, but I just need a walk. I'll be fine."

It took a little persuading, but when Emily realized that Katie was serious, she nodded and resumed her seat. Katie slipped out into the garden, then walked slowly around the house.

The parlor faced east, the sitting room west. Katie circled around the back of the huge mansion, hearing the bustle of servants inside. As she approached the sitting room, foggy with smoke, she could see the outline of a servants' door, just beyond the main wing of the house.

Katie entered the room and glanced about as if surprised to find herself in the middle of a card game. Charles looked up at her in confusion while Winston gave her a stern glare.

"Mrs. Scott! What a surprise!"

Katie looked abashed, then glanced apologetically at her husband. "Christopher, I'm so sorry. I must have come in the wrong entrance. I wasn't feeling well...I think I must sit down. Does anyone mind?"

"Not at all." Charles hastened to relinquish his seat while Christopher came to her side.

"Kate! Are you all right?"

"I'm not sure." She accepted a gla.s.s of water, then smiled weakly at the men. "It's just all the excitement. I suppose. Christopher, will you help me back?"

"Sure." He led her from the room, closing the door behind him. As soon as they got a few feet away, Katie stood up and turned to him, her pallor gone.

"Is it going all right? I was so worried!"

"Katie!" Christopher said sternly, aware that he'd been taken in. "Do you mean to tell me that was all an act?"

"Charles has a full house, and Winston has three aces. Do you have anything?"

Christopher paled. "Are you sure?"

Katie nodded. "I saw them. My father gambled, I know what I'm talking about." She glanced at him questioningly. "It isn't going well, is it?"

Christopher shook his head. "No, but I just need to catch up."

"What if you don't?" Katie asked quietly. "Nothing is worth it, you know that."