Unveiled. Part 20

Katie shrugged. "Sometime within the next week or so, I imagine."

"Good." Moira nodded. "Don't you worry. I think he's angry now, and rightfully so. But sometimes the best thing to do with a man is to give him enough rope to hang himself. Let him have his way and let him find someone else. She won't compare with you, Katie. Perhaps he'll see that for himself."

She followed Moira back into the house. Sean played with Eunice on the floor while the kitten marched amid a tangle of yarn, Patrick and Tom were still arguing over the checkers, and Moira took a seat at the piano. Everything seemed so normal and yet...

She heard the door slam as Christopher left. He wouldn't be home tonight. Her bed would be empty, and as Moira said, she couldn't sleep with her pride.

She had to stop this, she had to do something positive. Instinctively she knew that if she confronted Christopher now, when he was still so angry, she would only push him away from her. She had to change his mind, had to make him see what he was doing. And she had to make him want her back, and accept her child.

It was a formidable task and Katie knew it. But the thought that had occurred to her when she talked to Moira kept coming back to her, nagging at her as if it contained an answer....

Christopher wanted to meet someone else, someone without a past, without a flaw, who had nothing to hide from him. Someone of the same societal stature, no doubt, and who would have an income that could solve his financial problems.

A slow smile came to her face. No, she couldn't. It would be too...impolite. But the alternative, living without Christopher, was much worse. Katie bit her lower lip, wondering if she had the courage.

Christopher wanted to meet someone else, someone who had all of his qualifications.

And Katie thought she knew just the girl.

"La la la la la," Gertrude bellowed, her voice loud and without the slightest interest in tone or beat. Katie winced, then stopped the music.

"Let's try again," she said patiently, aware of Gertrude's sigh of disgust. "I'll play the notes, like this, and you try to sing them the same way."

Katie lightly struck the keys of the beautiful grand piano and the air was filled with the lilting song. "Now you try," she said encouragingly.

Gertrude frowned, her unattractive face looking even rounder and fuller. It wasn't that she was downright ugly; it was just that she went out of her way to neglect herself, making her plain features seem worse. Her hair, a coa.r.s.e brown, was pulled into a simple braid that made her face look moon-shaped, while her thin lips and hearty complexion drew unwarranted attention. She was burned from too much sun, and her aunt had spent the last few weeks using milk compresses and cuc.u.mbers, trying to minimize the unfashionable effect.

"La la la la la...This song is boring," Gertrude said, flopping down on the sofa and reaching for a tin of bonbons. "Can't we go outside and feed the ducks?"

"When we're done," Katie said, trying to maintain her patience. "You know your aunt wants you to learn music. And you've made so much progress." Instantly Katie wondered if G.o.d had heard that lie, and wished that He hadn't. "Let's just give it another chance."

Gertrude groaned, then clapped gleefully as her aunt Isabelle entered the room, carrying a lunch tray.

"You two have been working so hard, I thought you could use a break. Thank you so much, Kate. Gertrude sounds lovelier every day."

Gertrude beamed, then without the benefit of a napkin or silver, devoured the lunch with her hands. Katie swallowed hard as the young girl picked up a chicken leg and gnawed on it like a dog with a bone, then tossed it casually onto the plate and reached for another.

Isabelle forced a smile and spoke softly. "You know, Gertrude is from the country. She hasn't been exposed much to life in the city, nor to society people. I've been trying to teach her the social graces, but without much success."

Katie nodded. Gertrude's eating habits were the talk of the town. She had to turn her head when the young girl gulped three helpings of potato salad, then drank a full gla.s.s of milk to wash it down.

"That's why I'm so grateful to you for the lessons, and so pleased that you will accept some remuneration. I couldn't possibly have a real tutor like the maestro; he just wouldn't understand."

"No, I can see that." Katie suppressed a giggle as Gertrude wiped her hands on her dress and then reached for a slice of chocolate cake. Smearing it liberally over her face, she devoured the cake, smacking her lips as the last crumb disappeared. Katie was fascinated. Then, finishing it all up with more milk, the girl belched loudly and contentedly.

Isabelle forced a smile. "Now, Gertrude, I've told you that isn't polite. Young ladies don't...belch in public."

"Then what do they do?" Gertrude asked, looking puzzled.

"They eat slowly, and sensibly. When one is wearing stays, one cannot gulp down food. One must take little bites. Men like women who eat like birds. It makes them seem...delicate."

"Rubbish," Gertrude said, belching again. "It's a good thing I don't wear stays then. Contraptions, that's what I call them. Keeps a body from enjoying good food." Getting to her feet, the young girl yawned. "I'm ready for a nap now. Good-bye, Kate."

Gertrude bounced from the room while Isabelle sighed. "She really doesn't want to fit in here. Her mother was hoping that she would meet a nice young man, but I'm afraid none of them will look at her."

"She's not unattractive," Katie said thoughtfully. "If you dressed her hair, and she wore a pretty gown-"

"That's just it," Isabelle said softly. "Gertrude has her heart set on a young farmer who lives out in the country. Dorothy, my sister, married quite well, a country gentleman. They have so much money, but that isn't enough. She wants better for Gertrude and is trying to impose a life that doesn't suit the girl. I know eventually Gertrude will return to the farm and everyone will be happy. But until then..." Isabelle looked helplessly at Kate. "It's like trying to make a silk purse..."

Katie smiled. "Isabelle, we are having a housewarming party this week. Why don't you let Gertrude attend? I can watch out for her and see that she meets people."

Isabelle smiled gratefully. "That would be wonderful. At least Dorothy would know that I tried. But if you are certain you don't mind..." She looked doubtful. "She can be embarra.s.sing, you know."

"Don't worry." Katie grinned. "For what I have in mind, her manners are absolutely perfect."

TWENTY-TWO.

A sleek black carriage pulled up to the doorway of the Main Line mansion, and an elderly woman stepped out, her face shrouded against the chill with a veil. Pausing for a moment, Ella Pemberton surveyed the immaculate lawns, the manicured hedges, and the neat shrubs of the great house. She walked slowly to the door and rang for the servant.

Eunice Scott opened the door herself and stared in surprise at their guest. "Ella! I didn't know you were back! Come in!"

"I just returned," Ella said, then entered the house and stared with astonishment at the lack of furniture and the addition of the O'Connors. The four of them comfortably took up the living room, and Eunice glanced back, understanding her confusion. "What in the world..."

"A lot has happened recently," Eunice continued. "Our finances, unfortunately, haven't fully recovered. But we are confident that they will. And this is...well, I'll let Fan explain." Eunice looked helplessly at Katie, suddenly remembering that Ella still thought of her as her niece.

Katie rose from the floor where she sat with Sean and ran to envelop Ella in a fierce embrace. "I'm so glad you're back!" she whispered, and she started to see tears on the old woman's face.

"I've missed you, too." Unaccustomed to displaying emotion, the older woman sniffled, then wiped quickly at her webbed cheeks. "Look at us, two blubbering fools! Do you think we might have a cup of tea and spend some time talking? Alone?"

"Of course." Katie smiled, then returned to the kitchen to boil the water. Ella gingerly removed her shawl, then followed, watching her with a puzzled expression.

"You do not have servants yet?"

Katie shook her head. "No. We used the money you sent for the most pressing bills, but the debts were in dreadful shape. Everything is really wonderful, though," Katie rea.s.sured her. "I'm making a little money singing, and Christopher is doing so well at investment banking. We just need time."

"I see." Ella's sharp eyes took in the quiver of Kate's lip when she mentioned Christopher's name. There was a wistfulness in her voice, and Ella could have sworn she seemed about to cry. Accepting the tea, Ella stirred the liquid thoughtfully and waited for Katie to join her.

"Fan, what's wrong?" Ella placed a parchmentlike hand over Kate's. "Now, don't try to tell me that everything is fine. I can see that it isn't. Where is Christopher?"

Katie stared at the tea, then suddenly raised her head, tears starting in her eyes. "I don't know," she whispered, then broke into sobs.

"There, there." Ella patted her hand comfortingly. "Tell me all about it. I knew something was amiss. As soon as I got here, I had to come see you. I sensed that you needed me.

Katie choked back tears. "Oh, Ella, everything is as bad as can be. No one will take me seriously as an instructor, and I've only managed to convince one woman to really pay me. Christopher is doing well, but Winston Pepper is taking most of his salary to pay off his loans. As it is, we've scarcely two pennies to rub together."

"Winston Pepper-that old fool! Why didn't you tell me this?" Ella demanded. "Fan, I would have helped you! You know that! I only forwarded part of your dowry because of the problems between you and Christopher! He has come to his senses, hasn't he?"

Katie remained silent for a moment, then spoke softly. "Aunt Ella, I have to tell you something. You are going to be shocked'-you may even hate me forever and never want to speak to me again. If that is the truth, then I understand, but I've learned that lies only destroy all trust and I can't keep this from you."

"I would never hate you, no matter what." Ella's hand tightened and the older woman made Katie look at her. "Fan, when you were a child, I never listened to the rantings of our family about you. You've made some powerful enemies; I'm sure you know that. But from the time you were a little girl, I've always felt you and I had a kinship that could never be broken. Tell me the truth, dear, and I promise to forgive you."

Katie sighed, then looked at the sweet old woman, her blue eyes br.i.m.m.i.n.g with pain. "Ella, I have a child. A son. And...I'm not married to his father."

"The little boy I saw you playing with?" Ella asked softly, and Katie nodded.

"Yes, that's Sean. I'm sorry, Ella. I know how disappointed you must be."

"Don't say another word." Ella turned toward the parlor. "Eunice, bring in that young man so I can meet him."

Katie stared at the woman across from her, wondering if she could possibly have heard correctly. Eunice brought Sean to the makeshift table, allowing Katie to perform the introductions.

"Sean, this is Ella Pemberton. Ella, Sean."

"How do you do, young man?" Ella extended a hand, and Sean took it, confusion on his small freckled face. "You don't know me, but you are about to. You see, I love your mother very much. I always took care of her, and I will always take care of you."

Katie felt her throat tighten, particularly as her son gazed up at the elegant woman in wonder. "You will?" Sean asked, incredulous. "Why?"

Ella smiled, then ruffled his blond hair. "Because your mother is very special to me. She gave me back my life, Sean, and though I know you don't understand that, someday you will. She is a very special person, Sean. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently."

"I won't." Sean grinned, then fished into his pocket. "Do you want to see my frog? Paddy says I'll get warts, but I don't think so."

"I don't think so, either." Ella extended her hand and solemnly inspected the creature. "He's a very nice one." She handed the reptile back to the boy. "But I know where you can catch frogs that will make him look like a tadpole. There's a creek behind my house, and my gardener will be more than happy to show you. Would you like that?"

"Mama, can I?" Sean asked, his eyes round with excitement.

Katie nodded, trying to repress a smile. "Yes, you can. I'd like to finish talking with Ella now. Why don't you help Eunice with the dishes?"

Sean sped away, being careful to replace his frog first. Ella smiled fondly, then turned to Kate. "He is a fine boy."

Katie hugged her, feeling safe and secure in her embrace. "Oh, Ella, thank you. I'm so grateful that you accept him."

"What are you talking about? He's a wonderful child. Is that the reason you and your husband are quarreling?"

"Yes," Katie admitted. "Christopher cannot trust me now. I know I should have told him about Sean-I just couldn't. And when he found out-"

"He self-righteously took himself off," Ella finished.

Kate nodded. "The worst of it is that he wants an annulment. He also wants to start looking for someone new. We're having a party this Friday just for that purpose. I still can't believe it."

"What nonsense is this?" For the first time ever, Katie saw Ella get really angry. "He can't be serious! Wait until I get hold of that boy. Doesn't that man understand what a vow is?"

"He wants to start over. I've tried to reason with him, but he's too angry."

"We'll see about this." Ella rose to her feet, looking formidable in spite of her small stature. "Do you know where I can reach him?"

"At his offices during the day. I believe he's staying at his club. But Ella, I don't know if he'll see you-"

"He'll receive me," Ella said purposefully. Then she turned to Katie and wrapped her arms around her. "Now that I'm back, I want to see more of you. And I'm having some furnishings delivered here-I won't have you living like this! You are, after all, my niece!"

Katie sighed. It seemed she had to tell everything, much as she hated to break this woman's heart. But she couldn't let Ella learn the truth the way Christopher had. The woman might truly hate her now, but she had to be honest. Taking a deep breath, she took Ella's hand once more, her own trembling.

"Ella, I have to tell you something else. I'm not Fan Pemberton. I am Katie O'Connor. Those people are my family. I never was your niece."

Ella smiled, then tears filled her eyes. "My dear, don't you think I know that?"

Christopher didn't want to return to the club. He sat behind his desk, staring at the endless paperwork, wishing that everything could be different. But he couldn't go home, couldn't walk through that door as if nothing was wrong, as if he hadn't been lied to and deceived, as if there wasn't a h.o.a.rd of O'Connors where peace had once reigned.

The few times he had stopped by to get some personal things, he'd been deeply insulted. No one seemed to miss him. Eunice was delighted with her newfound family. He'd never realized how lonely her life had been until he saw her with the O'Connors. Patrick had taught her to drink gin and play checkers, and now she was becoming formidable compet.i.tion to him and Tom. Moira and she were writing a three-act play, with the two women taking turns at the various parts. Katie, Eunice had always loved.

And then there was Sean.

Frowning, Christopher recalled his aunt's obvious affection for the boy. It was as if Sean were truly her grandson, for all the attention lavished on him. The facts surrounding his conception didn't bother Eunice in the least; apparently she had longed for the sound of children in the old house, and now she had that.

The O'Connors themselves didn't seem to notice or care that they were infringing on his territory. Patrick had done a marvelous job with the gardens and provided some needed income. As a result, some of the bills were actually getting paid. Moira didn't seem to have a firm grip on reality and merely blushed and fluttered whenever she saw him.

And Katie. Christopher's frown grew even deeper. Katie treated him with all of the coldness that one would treat a stranger. She was unfailingly polite, but that was all. And she didn't seem at all troubled by the thought of leaving him. She acceded to his every wish, but made no move to reconcile their differences.

So now they were going to have to go through with their plans, and find other mates. Christopher could only surmise that he'd been right all along. Katie had married him for a name and, of course, the money. Now that she would have neither, she was already mentally apart from him, a situation that didn't seem to concern her in the slightest.

d.a.m.n her! Christopher flung his papers to the floor just as the door opened and an elderly woman stared back at him.

"Ella!" Rising to his feet, Christopher saw her looking at the papers scattered around him. "This is a surprise."

"So I see." Ella softly closed the door behind her and stooped down to help him gather up the files.

"There was a draft," Christopher explained feebly. The last thing he wanted to explain was his own confused emotions. "They blew off my desk."

"Ah." Ella glanced at the closed window, but did not comment. Taking a seat across from him, she gave him a weak smile. "It is good to see you again."

Christopher slowly sat down, becoming alarmed. Ella didn't look well-there were odd circles beneath her eyes and a gray pallor to her complexion. "Are you all right?" he asked, his own anger forgotten. "Would you like some tea or something?"

"No, thank you," Ella said. "I'm just tired. You know, that's the problem with being old. There are so many things I would do differently. I'm beginning to think it's a fool's joke the Good Lord plays on us. Why is it we become wise when it's too late to be of use?"

There was a wistful quality to her voice and Christopher grew more alarmed by the moment. "Ella, have you seen a physician? I would like my doctor to speak with you."

"Bah!" Ella waved her hand at the suggestion. "Yes, I have seen a doctor. And he has seen me." The older woman coughed delicately, then shrugged as if in answer to an unspoken question. "It's done, dear. One knows that. But I'm not afraid. I've lived a good life. And there are times when I've been very happy."

"I'm glad." Christopher found his throat tightening with emotion. Good G.o.d, if anything happened to Ella...he cursed himself for thinking about Katie. When would his thoughts stop filling with her?

"But lately I've been very concerned," Ella continued softly. "Christopher, I've been to see Fan. She told me everything."