Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Part 8

awn was breaking over the cliffs surrounding Lyme, her gentle beams glimmering just over the horizon. A stiff wind was blowing but a single figure standing on the beach did not mind.

Her small hand brushing a loose tendril of hair from her face, Anne thought of how the new life growing inside of her was somehow akin to these quiet moments. As the sun would make its steady progress into the sky above, their child would quietly grow and take shape.

"You are my constant companion now, my love," she silently said to the babe, her hand unconsciously brushing against her waist, covered with a light pelisse. "While your father is far from us, you must keep me mindful of his love for us."

Anne smiled at herself and leaned against the rock hill. She had awoken and felt so restless. Something selfish inside of her could not bear waking up to see her husband's eyes looking down at her for their final morning together. To kiss the sleep from her eyes, to hold her to his heart. To know that it would be weeks before such bliss was to be repeated. She knew she was being foolish but instead had slipped from the bed, quickly dressed and headed for the beach.

As the breeze stirred and groaned, Anne felt comfort from the sound of the water against the shore. There was something truly soothing and remarkable about the sea, she thought with relief. She always felt closer to Frederick when she was strolling along the shore, her eyes taking in the ebb and flow of the water. It gave her strength and courage to face what was to come.

She also took comfort in knowing that Katrina would be with her. The girl shared Frederick's quiet depth, his courteousness, and thoughtfulness of others. But Anne could also sense an unease in Katrina, a desire to find a place for herself. After years of being kept quiet at Hepplestone, Katrina was only now coming out into the sunlight, so to speak.

Anne grinned as she thought of how she had watched Katrina returning yesterday with Elise Stenning and Major McGrath. Her cheeks had been rosy and there was an animation in her blue eyes that had been very becoming. Anne guessed that the Major's attention had been behind this and was glad. Katrina needed to spend time with intelligent, gently bred young men like the Major. And Elise, while rather lively, was a kind, sensible young woman.

It had been a pleasure to watch Katrina in the Major's company, she thought as she began to walk slowly down the beach. "She has not learned the art of feminine wiles," Anne thought gratefully. "So it is little wonder the Major finds her charming and was gazing at her with something akin to fascination. He has likely never met someone as unaffected as Katrina in his travels."

Lingering near the edge of the water, Anne hoped that Katrina would grow to feel that the house was her home. She intended on speaking to Frederick about it when his travels were over. It was not right that Katrina should be living at Hepplestone when she could stay with her and Frederick. They had plenty of room and now that Frederick's family was her own she wanted them to be as close as possible.

A short bark behind her caught her attention and she turned round in surprise. A dog was galloping down the beach, brown eyes bright with light. Anne suddenly realized that it was Bess, her springer spaniel from Kellynch.

"Bess!" she exclaimed, kneeling to greet her old friend. How could it be that her dog was now in Lyme? Only Frederick could have performed such a thoughtful task, she thought lovingly.

The spaniel, her tail wagging happily, snuggled into her arms, tongue bathing her face with joy. Bess had been her only friend in her lonely days at Kellynch. And Frederick had known that. Anne looked up to find her husband standing not far away, a pleased grin on his handsome face. He had only taken a few moments to pull on his boots, breeches, shirt, and old waistcoat.

"A joyful reunion, darling?" he asked quietly, as he approached her.

"Frederick, you shall spoil me," she murmured happily, rising to put her arms round his neck. "How...how did you know to send for Bess?"

"I cannot take the full credit for it," he admitted, smiling down at her pleasure as he drew her up against him, her small feet lifting from the ground. "Sophy suggested it and I set about accomplishing the task at once. Charles was of great service to me She arrived last night and I wanted to surprise you this morning. But I awoke to find you gone and came in pursuit. Bess could not be stopped."

She lowered her eyelashes, feeling somewhat guilty. "I am sorry, Frederick, but...it was so difficult...imagining that it was our last morning together. So I came here to gather my courage."

The morning sun was bathing the beach in sunlight now and the hazel glow of Anne's eyes was lovely to behold. Frederick's heart softened at the sight of his wife, held close against him, her lashes dark against her cheek. "I felt you might come here," he admitted, kissing her forehead. "Come, let us watch the sunrise together before going back to the house."

Bess had wandered off, her attention diverted by a sea crab that was scuttling about. Frederick lowered Anne to her feet and turned her toward the sunrise, his arms going round her waist so that she was leaning against him. This would be their true farewell, she thought. Not the exchange of pleasantries at the coach in a few hours. Not in front of half of Lyme at the White Hart. No, these would be the last moments of relaxed peace she would know with her husband.

For a long time, they simply stood on the beach, watching the tide as the sun rose and Bess frisked about them happily. No words were necessary. Simply being close to each other was the deepest pleasure either could wish for. They savored these moments of being close to one another as if they were precious stones. Now and again, Frederick's hand would gently caress her waist as if to imprint his touch on their unborn child. Or Anne would turn her face closer to his heart, closing her eyes as she felt it beating strong and sure against her cheek. As if trying to memorize its very rhythm and sound...

"Thank you for bringing Bess to me," she said some time later, feeling utterly relaxed and content. "She will be excellent company." She added with a hint of mischief, "And take your place in our bed!"

Chuckling, Frederick held her tighter against him. "Saucy baggage! Already your affections have been transferred to another and I have yet to depart. This is a sad business. But perhaps my second gift will further delight you. And keep me alive in your memory."

His one hand still placed protectively at her waist, Frederick fished out a small box from his pocked and placed it in her hand. "Open it, love, and tell me what you think of it," he urged gently, watching her face.

Anne eagerly opened the small parcel and as she uncovered it, her smile faded and the paper dropped to the sand. It was a miniature of Frederick, his dark, flashing eyes captured vividly. The resemblance was so striking that she nearly gasped.

"Frederick, this is so lovely," she whispered, her delicate fingers tracing the frame with wonder. At the bottom were the words, "To my beloved Anne and our little one, Your Captain." The simple words were like an arrow to her loving heart and Anne felt tears rising in her eyes.

"Katrina did it for us," Frederick explained, seeing the tears glittering in her dark eyes. "She wanted you to have something tangible to hold onto and so she painted me at the Cobb. Darling, I hope--it has not upset you."

Anne did not speak right away. Her thoughts went back to another couple who had loved each other with what had seemed an unbreakable bond. Phoebe Harville and Captain Benwick. He had given his beloved such a picture before going to sea. To think that she might lose Frederick as Benwick had lost Phoebe was almost too painful to contemplate. It momentarily shook her.

As if reading her thoughts, Frederick's turned her round to face him. She looked up into the face of the man she loved more than her own life. The very love and honor she saw burning there calmed her fears and gave her peace. His hands were strong yet gentle on her shoulders.

"You must not think of that, Anne. I am in no danger. You will not lose me. That I promise you," he swore, his words low and urgent.

"She has captured you perfectly," Anne murmured, looking down again at the exquisite miniature. "I had no idea Katrina was so very talented. And this is exactly how I would have pictured you. So smart and handsome in your blue coat. I shall treasure this, Captain. Truly.

Frederick gently brushed away the tear that had escaped and with utter tenderness, he kissed the trail that it had left behind. Feeling her so near to him, her soft fragrance in the air, Frederick felt something almost break within him. With a slow, adoring movement, his arms reached out to pull her against him.

"My picture of you is drawn on my heart," he murmured huskily against her ear. "The softness in your dark, hazel eyes reflecting the glow of the fire, the flush of your cheek when the sea breeze brushes it...and the feel of your sweet body as I draw it near to me as I am now. These treasures are imprinted deep inside of me and I shall think of them every night as I turn in my bed to find you each night...and find you absent. How I love you, Anne!"

Her heart beating against his, Anne sighed against his chest with longing. Frederick had never been a man of romantic fancy talk or gestures but in quiet moments there were times when his simple words humbled and gripped her soul. And this moment was one of them.

"As I love you, my Captain," she murmured against his coat. "God will watch over the three of us," she murmured against his coat. "You...and me...and our child...and the time will pass...and soon it will be over."

Frederick's mouth caressed her hair as his arms enfolded her. This was his Anne, his sensible, warm, loving, wife who always sought to look toward the best in all circumstances. She would not allow them to fall prey to maudlin melancholy and fears.

And as the bright rays of dawn continued to spread out against the horizon, Frederick and Anne faced the next chapter of their marriage with love, trust, and courage to face whatever was to come.

Part 9

ajor McGrath, it is a pleasure to have you with us again," Anne pleasantly greeted her visitor as he entered the sitting room. "I do hope you are enjoying your return to Lyme."

Major McGrath studied his hostess with sincere admiration. Lady Stenning had been telling him how gracious Mrs. Wentworth was and as usual, his aunt had not been mistaken.

"I always look forward to my return to Lyme, Mrs. Wentworth," he replied with a boyish grin. "Uncle Charles and Aunt Rose have always made me feel quite at home at Stenning Hall, so I think of it as my second home. Lyme has always had a special place in my heart."

Looking rather arch, Anne smiled in return as if enjoying a secret joke. "Then we have something in common already, Major. This little town holds many interesting memories for me as well. Do come in and sit down for a moment. I assume you have come to visit Katrina?"

Martha, her mobcap slightly askew, came in with a tray laden with tea and biscuits. "Will that be all, ma'am?" she asked Anne, her eyes darting to the Major. She had a great interest in the gentleman's new friendship with Miss Katrina. The young miss had brought a breath of life into the house and she didn't want her affections trifled with.

Not missing anything, Anne gently told her, "Yes, quite all, Martha. I would be much obliged if you would take my note to Mrs. Harville, for she is awaiting my reply about dinner tomorrow."

Looking somewhat disappointed at having to leave the house when it was suddenly so interesting, Martha bobbed a curtsey and murmured her consent. After she had left the room, Anne smiled with good humor and poured a cup of tea for her guest. "We are not so used to guests yet, so forgive Martha's curiosity," she told him as she added sugar. "I think she feels she is something of a mother hen to us."

"Martha's protectiveness is commendable," the Major assured her as he took the cup from her, noticing how lovely she looked in a morning gown of sprigged muslin. There was a soft glow about her that indicated her recently announced pregnancy . "My valet has the same attitude about me. But I do hope to visit frequently whilst I am here, and that you will consider us neighbors and friends. That is one reason I have come. We are having a family party for Elise next week as it is her birthday. I have come to invite you, Miss Wentworth, and Mrs. Croft to join us."

Flushing prettily, Anne clasped her hands together in delight. "That is so very kind of you, Major. As you may know, Admiral Croft and Captain Wentworth are billeted in London for a time and so we are left to our devices. And having only recently settled in Lyme, the Captain and I have a limited acquaintance here. Your mother's musicale is still prominent in my memory as a highly enjoyable event."

"Aunt Rose so enjoyed talking with you and Mrs. Croft," the Major reported sincerely, his eyes darting to a small miniature laying on a nearby table. "She is quite eager to further your acquaintance, to talk of your life on the "high seas" as she calls it. I must confide to you that she enjoys a little drama now and then."

Laughing softly, Anne shook her head. "She will be sadly disappointed, I am afraid, if she is expecting adventure stories in my narrative. My premier voyage with Frederick was rather uneventful. But Sophy can fill her ears with many amusing tales, as she and the Admiral have done a great deal of traveling during their marriage."

She wisely noticed his attention to the miniature and provided him with the information he was silently seeking. "That is a miniature of my husband, Captain Wentworth. Would you care to see it?"

She had caught him out, he noticed. Now it was his turn to blush. Mrs. Wentworth was a discerning woman. Nodding, Major McGrath replied, "It would be a pleasure. I only regret I did not have the opportunity to meet the Captain before his departure last week. Uncle Charles spoke very highly of him and I have heard talk of him in my travels as being one of the best men in the Royal Navy."

Anne smiled with pride at hearing her husband spoken of so well. She commented as she handed him the oval framed picture, "I must admit I am indeed biased in my opinion, Major, so I shall not rattle on about Frederick's talents. He would tease me unmercifully for doing so for he disliked flattery of any kind."

Handling the small portrait with respect and care, the Major's blue eyes took in the skilled work. It was not a traditional, formal portrait but a lovingly rendering of a man who was obviously a sailor and loved his work. He had never seen a more charmingly painted work. "It is lovely, Mrs. Wentworth," he slowly remarked as he studied it. "I must know whom you commissioned to do this, so I might have one drawn of Elise for Aunt Rose, whose own birthday is fast approaching as I recall."

Feeling rather sly, Anne calmly informed him, "It was done by Katrina, Major. And I cannot rein in my praise in this instance. She is truly gifted in her painting and this is complete proof. She managed to capture Frederick...in his most natural setting."

Her voice trailed off slowly as she thought of how much she missed him already. Those dark, warm eyes that sent loving glances to her from the quarter-deck when no one was watching. The way his thick hair was cut back from his long, angular face. The laugh lines about his eyes and how the sun brought out their color. Katrina had captured it to a certainty.

"I was already aware of Miss Wentworth's intellectual prowess but I had no idea she was so talented as an artist," the Major quietly said, his eyes hardly able to lift from the miniature. It pulled at his soul to know that Katrina had such a clear vision of those she loved and could bring it to life through art.

"She has had little instruction in it, but I think it has been to her benefit," Anne confessed as she watched the Major's frank admiration of her sister's work. He was clearly struck by it and she was glad to have been a witness to his amazement. "I am certainly not a proficient in art criticism, but she is not swayed by conventions, and I must say I like it. But considering how dear the subject is to me, you may think my words rather suspect."

Ross looked up at his hostess with appreciation and a bit of wonder. He had rarely met a woman as obviously in love with her husband as Mrs. Wentworth. True, she did not gush out her feelings like a newly minted wife. It was more a subtle air about her, a quiet happiness as she moved about a room, the tilt of her small head. Almost with regret, he silently wondered if a woman would feel so deeply about him, then brushed the thought aside. The Army and his government service had been his "wife" for the last several years and would likely continue to do so.

"Not at all, ma'am," he kindly told her, handing the miniature back to her. "It is not mystery as to why you hold such a treasure dear."

Putting the picture on the table once more, Anne straightened somewhat and smiled. "Now you have not come here to listen to me sing my husband's praises. You have come to visit Katrina. She is on the beach below with my Spring Spaniel, Bess, at the moment. My husband had her sent here from my former home and the two have become fast friends, I think."

The Major relished a seaside stroll with Katrina and her canine companion. He put aside his teacup and stood, bowing gallantly. "Then I believe I shall join her, if I may, Mrs. Wentworth."

Taking the steep cliff path, Ross breathed in the fresh, salt air with pleasure. Katrina was a wise woman to be enjoying the morning sunshine and the strong air. It was a lovely day to be out of doors, not shut up inside the house.

Rounding the bend, Ross' sharp eyes caught sight of her small figure some ways down the beach. The sight of her made him halt a moment and drink in the pleasure of it.

Informally dressed in a light blue summer gown, Katrina was frolicking with the spaniel, her tiny feet bare amid the lapping surf. As she ran and played, Ross watched her with rapt contentment. How long had it been since he had enjoyed such a sweet sight, a young woman obviously carefree and full of life as Katrina was? Her chestnut hair pulled back with a wide ribbon, the sun bringing out the reddish highlights to a lustrous glow.

His involvement with women in the last years had been rather limited, meeting the wives and daughters of the men he met with in meetings. Most of the time it was in a formal setting. The conversation revolved around the same safe topics and was often stilted and very unsatisfying. He had often found himself wishing for Elise to pull him away for a coze before the fire.

But Katrina was nothing like them, he thought fondly. She had no artifice about her, no pretense. True, her beauty was not of a conventional nature but he found her quite charming in her own way. He had only known her a short time and already she fascinated him with her rather self-depreciating smile. Ross knew that his time in Lyme would be more enjoyable than he had originally thought, if he was to spend it in Katrina's company.

She was laughing at something the dog had done, the sound of it clear and uninhibited. To hear laughter like that again did Ross' heart good as he began to quicken his strides down the sandy path.

She must have heard his step because her skirts whirled as she turned round, her large blue eyes full of surprise. "Major McGrath!"

Laughing at her stunned expression, Ross knelt to greet the animated dog, her sandy paws lifting onto his knees as she licked his face. "I have come to meet your new house guest, Miss Wentworth. You must make proper introductions or I shall be quite put out."

His lighthearted words eased her embarrassment somewhat, and she gathered her wits about her quickly. He had seen her looking like a half wild girl, and she could not alter it now. No use worrying about it now. The damage was done.

"Major McGrath, I have the great honor of introducing you to Bess, my sister-in-law's dearest friend in the canine world," she told him with mock ceremony. "And Bess, this is Major McGrath, who likely knows many of your cousins and does not allow them to ruin his clothing with their messy paws as he is doing now."

At her words, Ross threw back his head and laughed with sheer pleasure. She was a changeling, he thought. A quiet, wise, little woman one moment and a satirical wit the next. "I am humbled and alarmed by that introduction, ma'am, but you are only half correct. I do own several dogs but care little what they do to my garments. Bess more than compensates for her faults in her effusive greeting."

Katrina saw how the spaniel took to the Major and was glad of it. She had always had a dog as a child and only until recently had kept one at Hepplestone. Barker, her huge mastiff, had died a year ago of old age and it had nearly broken her heart. "Bess knows good character when she sees it," Katrina remarked playfully. "Even if she is negligent of your tailor's displeasure at the moment."

Still chucking, Ross rose from the sand and lifted her hand to squeeze it momentarily. "I must commend her choice of companion as well. You are a lovely sight this morning, Miss Wentworth. I only wish I had your artistic ability to capture it on canvas as you clearly can."

Blushing furiously, Katrina felt like a gaping fish as she looked up at him. He was a good foot taller than she, but somehow it did not matter. Frederick had always towered over her. The warmth of his fingers on hers felt strong and wonderful, causing an odd jolt to trip her heart. "I...I don't know why you should say that," she managed to stammer as she looked away. "I am truly an amateur, Major. You are bamming me, I am sure."

"Come now, Miss Wentworth, you would not tell me a falsehood, would you?" he remarked gently, releasing her hand slowly and admiring that blush. "I saw that painting of your brother just now and was utterly charmed. It was beautifully done and a wonderful gesture for Mrs. Wentworth. She clearly adores it."

He offered her his arm gallantly and she took it, feeling a little ashamed. Here she was in her oldest gown, looking like a recalcitrant schoolgirl, and he was inviting her to stroll down the beach with him, as if she were one of the grand ladies he met around the world. At the same time, she was oddly glad to see him again.

"I am happy to be of any service to Anne," she confessed softly to him as they began to walk. "She has been so good to me since I arrived here. And she has made Frederick so happy. Painting his portrait was a small token of my joy for what she has done for our family."

She noticed he was measuring his strides carefully so that she could keep up with his longer legs. Silently, she appreciated his innate thoughtfulness.

"Your brother's happiness is important to you, isn't it?" he asked with interest. He was not surprised that she was close to her siblings. It was in keeping with her warm nature, despite her air of timidity at times.

"Frederick has always been so dear to me," she told him earnestly, stepping over a jagged shell. "And while we have seen little of each other in the last several years, he makes every effort to be a loving brother to me. To see him so happily settled bring me great comfort. Do you have brothers and sisters, sir?"

Nodding, the Major's pleasure faded a little. "I have two brothers, Andrew and Lawrence. Andrew is also in the Army, a Colonel. He and I have a strong bond between us, largely due to our love for our mother. But Lawrence...I am afraid that is another story. He is something of a rover and we see little of him."

It pained Katrina to hear the unhappiness in her friend's voice. She sensed there was a story behind it but did not wish to intrude. "I am sorry to hear it. Does your mother reside at the castle presently?"

"Yes, indeed she does," Ross replied with more enthusiasm, thinking of Castle McGrath. "I could not talk her into coming down just now as she is very busy. She is helping Andrew's wife, Angelica, in preparing my niece Sarah for her London come out. I do hope to see my mother in a few months, however. You will get along famously, I think, when you meet."

Katrina smiled ruefully to herself. There had never been any talk of her debut into polite society. Uncle Edgar knew nothing of such matters. Not that she had wanted it. But to have known her mother's excitement over it...to share such things would have been truly special.

She remembered the last time she had watched Mama prepare for a party, putting on a simple yet elegant gown that her father preferred. Mama had been so beautiful, so radiantly happy that night. They were in London on a rare visit and she had been humming as her maid helped her, teasing Katrina about staying up too late. Katrina had sat on the bed, eyes wide as she admired her mother. It was a picture that often came to mind.

Ross glanced down at his companion and saw the slight alteration in her features. There was a slightly haunted, wistful look in those dark blue depths, a memory of happiness long past. Was she remembering her mother? How he wished he might bring some comfort for that lonely aura she unknowingly possessed at times.

"Do you often wish you had had a season of your own, Miss Wentworth?" he asked gently, his hand touching hers lightly as it held onto his arm

Katrina was not surprised at his question nor that he asked it. She was becoming accustomed to the Major's honest frankness. "Not very much, sir," she murmured truthfully. "But when I was a child...my mother would sometimes talk of it. How much she looked forward to bringing me out. And I wish...she had been alive to see it."

Ross could well imagine the lack of feminine influence in her life, how strange that must have been. But Katrina suffered from no lack of manners or feminine grace. It came from her very presence, the softness in her voice and the measure of her steps.

"I have no doubt you would have been the belle of the ball," Ross told her sincerely, meaning every word. Her hand, her very fingers were so small and sweet beneath his.

Katrina did not hesitate to chuckle at his words, chasing away the serious nature of the moment. "The sun must have addled your senses, Major, for you and I are both well aware that I am no beauty. Nor do I know anything of fashion or polite chatter. I would have been a sad disappointment in Society, I fear. So as Shakespeare once said, 'all's well the ends well'. "

Ross watched her intently as she dropped his arm to go after Bess, who had found a sea turtle and was barking at it with curiosity. She was such a contradiction to him, he thought with wonder. "She is totally unaware of how charming she truly is, how refreshingly lovely," he mused. It touched his heart to hear that she did not think herself pretty or accomplished. Had her uncle never paid her a compliment in his life? Was the man a true blockhead?

"Bess, you must not harass the poor turtle," she was saying to the dog with sympathy. "He cannot move with your speed and be your playmate. Do come now." After much prodding, Bess was diverted enough to continue following their progress down the beach, her tail wagging happily.

"I have also come to invite you to the Hall for Elise's birthday party," Ross told her, remembering his errand. "My aunt especially wished me to invite you, Mrs. Wentworth, and Mrs. Croft. I do hope you will come. Or I promise you I will be staring at the ceiling in great boredom because Elise will be so occupied."

Grinning at the picture his words conjured up, Katrina thought off all the strangers that had attended the musicale at the hall and was quiet. Elise would be there so she would be comfortable enough. And Anne and Sophy. Why was she nervous about it? Her eyes darted away to find that Bess was starting to scratch at the sand nearby with interest.

"You need not fear being among strangers," Ross told her quietly, reading her thoughts in those expressive blue eyes. "I promise you shan't be left friendless by me."

Smiling in amazement at his kindness and sensitivity, Katrina remarked, "You must think me a quiz, Major, for even thinking of such a thing. I should be happy to attend Elise's party on such a happy occasion as her birthday. Thank you for inviting us."

Ross stopped and his hands fell lightly on her small shoulders, his eyes looking down into hers with intense honesty. "We must leave off with this "Major" business, my friend. Please call me Ross, as Elise does. We are friends now, are we not, Miss Wentworth?"

Katrina's eyes could not move from his gaze. A man had never looked at her as the Major was now, with such warm entreaty. What would it be like to have a friend like him? To share her thoughts and ideas. To laugh and walk together as they were now. She found herself overcome with gratitude, pleasure that he should ask it of her.

"I hope that we are," she finally breathed, feeling the controlled strength of his hands on her shoulders. "But I cannot call you Ross if you do not call me Katrina. We must have a fair bargain in this."

"Katrina," he said aloud, his slightly accented voice making it sound musical and alive. "A lovely name for an equally lovely lady. I am glad you are my friend, my dear. So no more worries about the party. We shall defend each other from bores and gossips, shall we not? Does that strategy meet with your approval?"

Unable to stop herself from smiling, Katrina nodded. "Those are orders I should be happy to obey, Major...I mean...Ross."

Releasing her shoulders, Ross smiled his pleasure. He liked how his name sounded when she spoke it in her clear, even tones. "Then it is as it should be. Now we must plan our strategy."

Turning back toward the house, Katrina tugged on his arm playfully. "Now we must turn round and head back, Ross, before dear Bess digs a hole to China. It would not do us well to lose her in such a way for dear Anne would never forgive me."

Part 10

"You're looking well, Anne," Margaret Harville told her friend as she cradled her sleeping infant in her arms. She was named after Anne, her godmother. "And in good spirits. I was rather worried about you."

Sophy, who sat beside her, winked playfully. "As was I, Margaret. But in the weeks the gentlemen have been absent, Anne had managed quite well."

A trifle embarrassed at such praise, Anne shook her head. "I have tried to bear it as best I can. And I am feeling more like myself now that the first bouts of nausea are past. That has made it all the more easier."

She did not mention that she did not always get the rest she needed. At times in the night she would awaken and unconsciously reach for her husband's warm, muscular body only to find Bess' soft fur. It was hardly an adequate substitute, Anne thought with a rueful smile.

Frederick and the Admiral had been in London for two months now but it appeared that they would soon be taking their first respite from the conference. Anne looked forward to it with great anticipation. Letters were simply not enough. She wanted her husband's arms round her again, to hear the strong beating of his heart beneath her cheek.

Captain Harville was attending a local council meeting so Margaret had invited the ladies to join her that evening. Her other children had been tucked up in bed and she relished the notion of a chat with her friends.

"I am glad to hear of it," Margaret remarked, her eyes missing nothing as they examined Anne. "After Martin was born, I hardly ever suffered from indisposition like that again when expecting. So I call him my little miracle. And now he is forever after his father to tell him about his naval journeys. I think the Royal Navy has a fast advocate in Martin."

Laughing softly, Sophy leaned back in her chair companionably. "I've no doubt he will be a good sailor with such an admirable example as his father. How is his leg faring these days, dear?"

"It is tolerably well," Margaret answered quietly, looking down at her sleeping child. "He seems happy enough to be ashore. But there are times when I know he must be anxious to be afloat again. It is doubtful that he shall ever return...with a wound such as his."

Anne watched her friend with sympathy. She knew that Margaret's kind heart ached for her husband's unfortunate situation. He was a sailor at heart, as was Frederick. To not be able to do what he had always loved was like being chained to the shore. Watching others come and go while he could do nothing. Yet he bore it without complaint and little regret, it seemed.

"He has taken an interest in ship building, however," Margaret told them, sounding more like her usual cheerful self. "So perhaps he could make a go of that, if someone were to ask him for his assistance. It is what I pray for."

"He is so very clever with his hands, Margaret," Sophy remarked, looking up on the shelf at a toy he had made for little Becky. "I've no doubt he would be a great success at it."

Anne's eyes fell on her little namesake, Annie, cradled so lovingly by her mother. She would be performing the same office in only a number of months. Would she know what to do? Would she instinctively realize what she must do and how? At times she grew fearful that motherhood would be a test she might fail.

As if sensing her feelings, Margaret softly offered, "Should you like to hold little Annie? You must gain practice, my dear, and there is no time like the present to do so."

Nodding eagerly, Anne moved forward to gently bear up the baby in her arms, noticing how warm and soft the bundle was. She hardly stirred or fussed as the transition was made.

Settling herself beside the parlor hearth, Anne gazed down at Annie, noticing how sweet she appeared as she slept, her little face relaxed and innocent. There was something indescribably moving about a child in sleep, so utterly dependent on those around her. So trusting of those who cared for her.

Sophy looked over at Margaret with a conspiratorial smile and nodded. "I think Anne shall deal very well with being a mother, despite all her protests. She takes quite well to playing aunt to her nephews, something I noticed from our first meeting at Uppercross. And now she is something of a mother to dear Katrina."

Shaking her head, Anne remarked softly, "Katrina is not a child, Sophy. She is a grown woman who knows her mind all too well. It is a joy to have her with me. I do not know how I should do without her now."

Margaret was enjoying the sight of Anne holding the baby, taking pains to hold her comfortably and speaking in low tones. Yes, Anne would make an excellent mother when the time came.

"I am sorry she could not join us this evening," Sophy explained. "But I am certain she is having a lovely time up at Stenning Hall with Miss Elise. She is finishing her portrait of her for Lady Stenning's birthday party."

"That is a friendship I was happy to see blossom," Anne told her, looking pleased. "Elise is just what Katrina needs. And the Stenning family has a good opinion of her as well. It is good that she should mix with young girls like herself."

"My thoughts exactly," Sophy seconded her sister-in-law. "I have no fear of leaving her here with you when I return to Kellynch. And in the capable hands of Major McGrath as well!"

Anne and Sophy exchanged knowing glances and Margaret's interest was ignited rapidly. "Now, now, ladies, you cannot keep a secret hidden from me for long," Margaret playfully chided them. "Does the Major have an interest in Katrina?"

"He is a good man," Anne truthfully remarked. "With an open, friendly manner that one cannot help liking. I do not think I am speaking out of turn to say that the Major finds Katrina vastly diverting. Who would not?"

Grinning, Sophy took a sip of tea and added, "I shall go further than Anne, Margaret. It would not startle me in the least if their friendship blossomed into romance. I should be quite happy to see Katrina happily settled with a man who loves her."

"Now Sophy, we must not speak too soon," Anne softly reminded her, but an affectionate wink softened her words. "They only met two months ago and she has that air of uncertainty, of reserve, as I often did."

"But the Major has not quit Lyme just yet, has he?" Sophy countered slyly. "He has found something to hold his interest, and I do not believe it is only his cousins that keep him here."

"I can well imagine," Margaret agreed, nodding as she rose to fetch her workbox. "Louisa Benwick just sent me a letter and I must fetch it so you may hear it. She and James are in London visiting his brother and they have seen Frederick and the Admiral."

Anne's spirits rose with the news. "How wonderful! What does she say of them? You must read it to us."

Unfolding the letter, Margaret read aloud, "We have had the pleasure of meeting with Captain Wentworth and Admiral Croft whilst we are in town. They were coming from a luncheon that some grand naval personage had held that day. James avoids such boring affairs like the plague. The gentlemen looked very well indeed."

Anne breathed an inward sigh of relief. She had worried that perhaps Frederick was not eating properly whilst he was working or getting adequate rest. She knew Louisa all too well to know that she would have said otherwise if it were not so.

Margaret continued, "I later saw the Captain at a party we attended in Grosvenor Square by the Earl of Salway, a former navy secretary. I must say he has not lost an ounce of his gallantry and we enjoyed a few dances together that were very enjoyable. Dear James was discussing Byron's latest poem with Lord Gillngham at the time..."

Margaret's voice trailed off as she spoke, realizing her error. Her brown eyes lifted from the paper, apology written plainly there. "Oh, Anne, I did not mean to read that to you. Please forgive me. I am sure she means nothing by it."

Anne brushed it off with a shake of her head. "No need to apologize, Margaret. Not at all. I am...glad that Frederick is enjoying himself whilst he is there. He and the Admiral are working so very hard. I am sure they have made the acquaintance of many important men and must...pay their respects when invited to such gatherings."

Sophy was not so diplomatic about it. "That is all very well but you are here in Lyme expecting his child and he need not be gadding off to balls and parties. Where is his head, I ask you? That brother of mine..."

"Sophy," Anne gently chided, rocking Annie in her arms. "You and I both know that they are in meetings from morning until night. It would be unkind to expect them to not seek some amusement when they might."

Margaret folded the letter away and Sophy stood to more closely examine one of the toys Captain Harville had made, leaving Anne to her thoughts.

"Louisa was most likely beautifully gowned, so slim and elegant" Anne thought with slight regret, knowing her own figure was filling out with the child. "Smiling, laughing, teasing as always. She was always...a lively girl. And of course Frederick would dance with her. He is a friend of her husband's."

Looking down at Annie, Anne gave herself a little shake and straightened her posture. Frederick loved her and their child, she thought firmly. A dance or two with Louisa Benwick would not alter that. No...it would not.

Dipping her brushes in a jar of water to clean them, Katrina drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She had just put the last touches on Elise's portrait and she felt as if she had run a marathon as a result.

She had never worked so hard or so long on a picture in her life. But the fact that Ross had asked her to do it for him and Lord Stenning had somehow given her the impetus to do so. She had no wish to disappoint him. Especially after he had proven so good a friend to her.

"It would be difficult to paint Elise badly," Katrina thought with a weary smile. "She is as lovely and fresh as a daffodil in springtime."

Rising slowly, Katrina stretched her arms over her head and walked over to the Terrace doors. Elise was upstairs with Lady Stenning, helping her with plans for her mother's grand birthday party at the end of the week. Elise's party had been a small, intimate affair, as she had requested. But Charles Stenning wanted all of his friends present for his wife's birthday. It was to be a grand affair, indeed.

Katrina had enjoyed the time she had spent at the Hall during her many visits to paint Elise. Ross had sworn the servants and the family to secrecy about the picture, for it was to be a complete surprise. They had taken to the plan with humorous delight for Lady Stenning was a kind mistress to her staff.

Looking out into the Garden below, Katrina grinned to herself at Ross' resourcefulness. He had taken it upon himself to divert his aunt's attention when Katrina came to the Hall. And at times he was quite ingenious. Lady Stenning loved to play chess and Ross had been forced to brush up his game in order to be a tolerable opponent. "She beats me soundly quite often," he told her with mock displeasure. "My ego is horribly bruised!"

Katrina opened the Library doors and walked out onto the Terrace. She had been cooped up in the house for much too long. The sun was setting and the air was cooling, one of her favorite times of the day. She decided to descend into the Garden and clear her head.

The neatly manicured paths were a perfect setting for dusk, she thought. What would it have been like to have grown up in a place like this, she thought silently as she slowly walked. To be surrounded by a loving family, to have the wide world open to you. Katrina sometimes wondered if Elise knew how fortunate she was.

A nightingale was singing its evening lullaby and Katrina wandered into a small clump of low trees near the fountain. One looked particularly inviting, its branches making a perfect seat. Feeling rather impetuous after her hard labor, Katrina spied a nearby bench and pulled it over the gravel to climb up into the perch. Yes, it was as she thought. Her small frame fit beneath the leafy canopy perfectly.

Uncle Edgar had never approved of climbing trees or trekking through the woods, she thought ruefully. It was not ladylike, he claimed. But then he hardly ever gave her adequate money for gowns, so she was not certain why he said such things. She was blessed with Sophy's letters, which always contained a cheque to provide her with enough to buy a few gowns every year. As the Admiral's fortunes had increased, so had the cheques.

Since she had come to Lyme, Sophy and Anne had spoiled her horribly. She had made two trips to the mantuamaker and the dressmaker, and Sophy was planning a third. There has been no getting out of it. Sophy had so enjoyed her first month in Lyme with she had chosen to stay another. Katrina and Anne had eagerly accepted the plan, for the three of them had grown quite close since the gentlemen had departed.

"It is time you were properly gowned, Katrina," Sophy had staunchly told her. "And I have missed all these years of your growing up. So you may as well surrender to me now or suffer my sighs and complaints. George specifically told me before he left to get you into some proper clothes or my head would roll."

Anne and Katrina had laughed at the very thought of the Admiral saying such a violent thing to his wife. So Katrina had given in to her urgings and was secretly quite glad. For some reason she could not properly define, she did not want Ross or Elise to think her a sadly dressed waif.

The evening breeze stirred the leaves and Katrina closed her eyes with pleasure. The sound of the bubbling water from the fountain was nearly as relaxing as the sea, she thought. Leaning back against the firm trunk, she felt content and at peace with the world. Until she heard a pair of boots crunching down the gravel path and felt a tugging on her small, slippered foot.

"I had no notion there were fairies living in the Garden but I believe I have discovered one hiding in this tree," a warm, amused voice spoke from below. "And this one has tiny, delicate feet!"

"Ross, go away," she ordered with mock severity, biting back a smile. "I am worn to the bone and have no patience for your teasing this night."

"Ah, but I am not teasing," the voice replied. "For I speak the truth. Do tell me, fair Titania, if you are sporting a pair of gossamer wings with which to flee from me?"

Unable to hold it back any longer, Katrina laughed out loud. Her laughter rippled down from the leaves like music and she bent her head to peer down at him.

"Alas, King Oberon, for it is not Titania but Puck you have found!" she told him triumphantly. "A wicked recalcitrant guilty of play."

"And a wiley, fey creature you are," he answered, his blue eyes glimmering with good humor. "I think I have seen you cavorting by the sea, your hooves leaping in the sand? Nay, lass, you are Titania, indeed. I am not fooled. The fairest of the fair rests in these boughs. Shall I assist you down, for I fear your wings have lately faded."

Nodding, Katrina moved forward in the tree and felt Ross' strong hands move to clasp her waist. Gently, capably, he lowered her onto the ground to stand before him. She was as light and aerial as the fairy he had named her, he thought fondly.

For a moment, Ross' hands lingered on that trim waist, the breath oddly catching in his lungs. She was mere inches away, the light scent of her hair entrancing him. She was a lovely, winsome creature, he thought to himself. Lately he found himself thinking of her at the oddest moments. Her smile. Her laughter. Her witty comments. Would that she could be with him all the time, he thought. To bring light and warmth into a life that had long known strange foreign cities and night after night of unfamiliar beds in expensive hotels.

Releasing her slowly, Ross quirked a smile. "Have you finished your work for the night, my dear? Coming here was a very wise choice."

"I doubt you have sat up in a tree," Katrina remarked, slightly shaken by the lingering feel of his hands on her waist. "Although with your skill for intrigue, you could have done it all too well and no one made the wiser for it.."

Laughing at himself, Ross offered her his arm and she took it happily. They began to walk down the gravel path around the large fountain. "You have an odd opinion of me, miss. The game of spying is not mine. I have not the patience for wearing disguises and delivering vital dispatches. No, alas, I seem to be the English government's first choice for planning new treaties instigating land development. Quite dull and boring, I'm afraid."

Considering his words, Katrina asked him, "If you were not in the diplomatic service, what would you do? What have you always dreamed of accomplishing?"

Ross took her question seriously, rolling it over in his mind with careful consideration. His work had always been there. To think of himself as doing something else was almost difficult to do. But the appeal of it rapidly grew.

"I would like to truly become landlord of Castle McGrath," Ross finally replied. "My agent does most of the work now, and is quite capable of continuing to do so. But I should like to increase the yield of the crops. Truly get to know my tenants. Perhaps build better schools for their children. To stay---in one place instead of tramping all over the globe like a gypsy."

Katrina heard the disguised weariness in his deep, vibrant voice. She could easily see him doing what he had described. His skill at making people of any rank or class feel comfortable was considerable. And he was always thinking of others. She knew in her heart that he would be a very good landlord.

"Then why do you not do it?" she asked softly, looking up at him.

Stopping abruptly, Ross turned on the path to look down at her. The dying rays of the sun were reflected in the dark, blue wonder of her eyes. The softness resting there, the concern, the care, moved him deeply. He did not think he had ever seen anything so innocently sweet in all his life. No one had ever cared to ask him these questions before much less wanted to know the answers. Until Katrina.

"You ask a good question," he finally said, unable to look away from her. "And I do not have an adequate answer for you. My work for the country, while at times tedious, has always given me pleasure. It has taken me so many places in the world. To stop doing so is almost impossible to imagine."

Katrina was held still, trying to analyze her feelings. A strange magical spell seemed to have fallen over them. Was it the amber rays of sunset that were affecting her emotions? The strength of his gaze was causing that odd flutter in her chest again.

But amid her confusion, Katrina heard the unspoken thoughts in Ross' answer. He would never give up his diplomatic service. It was too important to him. Even if it did grow tiring, it was almost a calling for him. Why did that disappoint her so?

"Now let us move away from talking about me," Ross remarked with a warm smile, taking her hand over his arm once more so they might walk back to the house. "Have you finished the portrait? I am quite anxious to see it."

"It is done," she murmured with pleasure. "I only hope that it pleases you, Ross. I should be most unhappy if you or Lord Stenning were disappointed. I should hate to lose your friendship."

"That could never be," he assured her, meaning every word. "I count our friendship one of the happiest accidents of my life. Nothing could alter that now. Shall we have a private showing, my dear?"

Blushing, Katrina agreed and soon they were mounting the Terrace steps so Ross could escort her back into the Library. She had wisely draped the portrait so that no one could stumble upon it and discover her work.

Her heart beating fast, Katrina walked over the easel with a feeling of fear and unease. What if Ross disliked it? Would he tell her so with his characteristic honesty? She hoped he would. She would not want him to think himself cheated. Her eyes met his as she turned round and slowly lifted the light drape from the picture, the cloth falling back with a soft sigh.

"Oh, Katrina," Ross breathed with delight, his eyes alight with amazement as he took in the picture. It was so lifelike, so realistic. Elise was standing at a round table, arranging wildflowers in a vase. It was one of her favorite activities and suited her to a nicety. The light, happy gaze on her oval face was reflective of her lively personality. And she was wearing one of her favorite gowns of light blue silk, so flattering to her tall figure. Aunt Rose was going to be in transports over it.

"Does it...suit?" Katrina asked, her voice hardly above a whisper. He did not look displeased but she wanted to make certain for herself.

Tearing his eyes from the painting, Ross realized Katrina was still nervous about his approval. The uncertainty in her expression was endearing, humbling. "I have never seen anything lovelier," Ross remarked truthfully, still somewhat in awe of what he has seen. "You have painted her...exactly as we would have done had we the talent. It is so...so...Elise!"

Moving toward her with sure, measured steps, Ross took her hands in his once again and lifted them, his lips brushing each one with slow, certain adoration. Katrina held her breath, hardly able to speak or think.

"How can I thank you enough, my fairy?" he asked gently, a soft glow in his eyes that she had never seen before. "You are a tiny miracle, dropped into our lives...my life. You leave me bereft of speech at such a moment."

The words were lodged in Katrina's throat but they could not be released. To have him standing so close, to feel her fingers meshed with his warm, strong ones was almost too much to bear. "Dear God," she thought with wonder. "I love him!"

Swallowing with difficulty, Katrina murmured, "I...I am so glad you like it, Ross."

Then a knock at the door broke the spell and Katrina pulled back from him, turning away. Her face felt hot and her pulse was racing like a clock set too fast. Feelings, thoughts, were flying pell mell through her mind. She was too shaken to speak or move.

"Miss Katrina!" a lowered voice called urgently, gleefully. "Is your task completed yet? It is I, Lord Stenning! May I enter?"

"Uncle Charles---will be so delighted to see this," Ross spoke rather raggedly as he ran his fingers through his red hair, feeling somewhat agitated himself.

Something had just happened that he could not explain or define. This little woman was entrancing him, distracting him as no other woman had before. Something deep inside of him was breaking into a thousand pieces, confusing, changing him. Making him feel utterly out of control.

Inwardly steeling herself, Katrina lifted her chin and her posture straightening so that her small height was at its best advantage. It was now time to face her most important critic. "Come in, my Lord," she called back, her voice strong and clear. "It is finished!"

Part 11

Sitting at her dressing table, Anne gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She essayed a smile but all that returned to her in the glass was some half-hearted attempt that would fool nobody.

"You must not be solemn-faced this night," Anne told herself, putting on her pearl earbobs. "It is a night in which Katrina will be happy and gay. You must not dwell on yourself."

Her hazel eyes fell on the letter than lay on the table, its contents still difficult to swallow. Martha had brought it to her just that afternoon and it was still at the forefront at her mind.

Dearest Anne:

London is growing cooler and darker as autumn approaches. It pales considerably to the fall foliage of Kellynch or the soft breezes of Lyme. And it surely could not hold a candle to your sweet, soft smile in the morning.

George and I are up to our neckcloths in documents, reports, and geographical studies. Never in my life did I see a greater waste of paper. But we are making some headway, God be praised.

That is why, unfortunately, I must send you this note. Our plans are such that George and I cannot come down to Lyme this weekend as we had hoped. A delegation from Germany is visiting and they insist on adding their thoughts to our debate.

Anne, this delay is as painful and wretched to me as it is to you. Has it truly been two months since I last saw you? It seems more like two years, I think. How I long to see you, little one, your figure now soft and rounded with our child. This bed is so very empty without you beside me.

Perhaps in few weeks something may be arranged. I am fighting for it as I write this to you and George is adding his voice to it. Know that my thoughts are constantly of you and our life together in Lyme.

Your loving captain,
Frederick

Sighing, Anne reached over to drink deep from the glass of water Martha had brought her earlier. She was so thirsty these days, it seemed. She had felt rather strange, almost sluggish today. Her feet seemed heavy, swollen. "It must be the normal changes of pregnancy," she thought as she put down the glass.

What did it matter that Frederick was delayed? He was occupied with important business, she told herself. Like dancing with Louisa Benwick, a tiny voice whispered in her heart. Anne brushed it aside angrily and began brushing her hair.

Martha came in just then holding her pair of soft kid dancing slippers. Anne doubted she would be doing much of that tonight. "Here they are, ma'am. I stretched 'em a bit for ye, like ye asked."

Kneeling, she put them on Anne's feet and frowned as she rose. "Your feet 'r swollen, Miss Anne. Mayhap ye shouldn't go t' the party like that."

Shaking her head, Anne turned back to her dressing table to reach for her necklace. "There is no getting out of it, Martha," she breathed tiredly. "And it is not for me that I am going. Katrina is my family and I must be present to support her."

Katrina smoothed her gown carefully as the Admiral's coach took them up the long drive to Stenning Hall. She had been there several times by now but not for so formal an occasion. Lady Stenning's birthday party was being attended by people all over the country and some were guests from London. Many had arrived that day and were staying at the Hall. It made her tremble just thinking about it.

"They will think me a country mouse and they would be right," she thought to herself with a smile. "Even in these fine trappings, they shall see through me."

Sophy, upon discovering that the Stenning party was to be a formal one, had insisted that Katrina have a new gown. There had been no talking her out of it. The result was a beautiful confection of seafoam green and delicate lace. It brought out the vibrant blue of her eyes and make them sparkle with life.

She was more than pleased that Sophy had chosen to remain at the house with them and not return to Kellynch just yet. Autumn was coming on and Sophy did wish to return to the house to make certain everything was in order. Katrina was to go with her for the first week and then return to Anne soon after.

They had been a tightly knit trio that summer, she thought happily. Anne and Sophy were like wonderful elder sisters to her and their happy banter and activity had given her comfort as nothing had in her life. She felt at home in Lyme and dreaded giving it up after the baby was born.

The coach drew up to the front steps and the coachmen hopped down to open the door for them. The sweep was a center of activity as grandly dressed ladies and gentlemen descended, the talk lively and festive. Perhaps it would not be so frightening after all, Katrina surmised.

As Anne, Katrina, and Sophy, entered the grand hall, Sophy leaned over and murmured to Anne, "Katrina is in fine looks tonight, don't you think? The Major's eyes will be falling out of his handsome head. Nor have you looked better, my dear."

Not as beautiful as Louisa, Anne could not help thinking. She felt cross and out of sorts. Glancing down at her rounded abdomen, Anne looked up at her sister-in-law with mock suspicion. "Are you in want to spectacles, Sophy? Yes, Katrina is in fine looks but I am quite the opposite."

Sophy wanted to throttle Louisa Benwick for writing of her meeting with Frederick. Clucking her tongue in disagreement, Sophy linked arms with her. "You are glowing like a lamp, Anne, and everyone can see that. An expectant mother is always a beautiful sight. You deserve a night of gaiety so let us enjoy ourselves to the full!"

As they approached the reception line, Katrina caught sight of Elise and started. She hardly looked like herself this night, her fair hair swept up in diamond combs, her gown an ethereal pink that shimmered when she moved. Katrina felt rather dowdy in comparison but was cheered that her friend looked so utterly stunning. And from the looks of the young men surrounding Elise, she was not the only person who thought so.

Lady Stenning greeted her with enthusiasm, "We are so glad to see you, my dear," she said, embracing her warmly. "Elise tells me you are a party to a surprise later this evening so I know I shall be enchanted."

Flushing becomingly, Katrina drew back. "I only hope you shall be pleased, ma'am. Congratulations on your birthday. I am so happy you invited me to the celebration."

Charles Stenning, standing beside her, grinned and kissed her hand. "No happier than we are, Miss Katrina. You have made our girl so happy this summer. Your visits to Stenning Hall are always a delight."

Katrina saw the secret twinkle in his eye and inwardly smiled. Lord Stenning had been as pleased as Ross, if not as compelling in his response. He had claimed it "perfection itself" and that he knew his wife would adore it at sight. The unveiling was to take place after supper.

Having heard Lord Stenning's remarks, Anne did not take these words for granted as they moved to the ballroom. The Stennings obviously liked and admired Katrina. Of that she had little doubt. Surely their opinion would have an impact on Major McGrath's family. His visits to their house had been frequent and Katrina had mentioned that the Major was often present during the hours she was painting Elise's portrait.

Sophy and Anne found seats near Mrs. Carruthers, whose husband was acquainted with the Admiral. The musicians were at the far end of the room tuning their instruments in preparation for the dancing.

Looking about the room, Katrina finally caught sight of Ross. Just the sight of him unsettled her so much that she nearly tripped over the hem of her gown. She had always thought him ruggedly handsome but he tonight he looked even more dashing and chivalrous in his evening attire. She thought him by far the most handsome man in the room. But it was his companion that caught her attention.

She was so beautiful, Katrina thought in amazement. She was nearly as tall as Ross, her ebony hair shining against the lights. Gowned in a silver silk gown that made her pansy-colored eyes seem huge, she was all that was elegant and fashionable. And her hand was on Ross' arm as she talked, her laughter like trilling bells.

Katrina looked down at her gown, thinking how silly she was to have hoped Ross might think her at least passably pretty tonight. She had gone home last night in something of a daze, so startled to have realized her true feelings about him. She had never been in love before. It had come upon her so gradually, so stealthily. To have suddenly recognized it had been an emotional experience she had never experienced in her sheltered life.

"He could never love me in return," she thought as she saw the elegant beauty rap Ross' knuckles with her fan in mock severity. "He could have his choice of any woman in this room. To him, I am a friendly companion, a confidante. At least I have his friendship, so I must be grateful to have that. I must face facts."

"I will not let this destroy my evening," she thought, her chin rising almost defiantly. Elise was present and so were some of her friends, whom she was slowly coming to know. She was going to enjoy herself tonight or at least go down fighting.

From out of the crowd, Lord Stenning approached her then and bowed. "Miss Katrina, I must take leave to introduce my friend, the Marquis of Shelton, to you. He is a great admirer of your uncle's work and wishes to meet you."

Katrina's eyes rose becomingly. The Marquis was an older man, likely in his late 30s. But he had an air of dignity and kindness that she liked. His dark hair was going gray at the temples but from his athletic build, she could see he was still quite active and vibrant.

Bowing, the Marquis lifted her hand to his lips. "It is a pleasure, Miss Wentworth. And an honor to finally meet you. Lord Stenning says he owes you a great debt for providing tonight's gift to his wife."

"Thank you, your Grace," Katrina prettily replied, curtseying low. "The pleasure is all mine. And you must not heed Lord Stenning's compliments, although I appreciate his praise."

"I should like to beg permission for this dance, ma'am," he asked kindly, his gray eyes sparkling. "If you are not otherwise engaged."

Glancing at where Ross stood with the tall beauty, Katrina shook her head. "I would be honored, sir." He took her hand over his arm and together they joined the other couples that were walking onto the dance floor.

Elise joined her father then, tucking her hand into his arm. "Papa, that was wonderful of you to introduce the Marquis to Katrina. He is so charming and gallant. And it will put Ross' nose quite out of joint to see them dancing together. Do you think he shall ever wake up and see what a treasure he has beneath his glance?"

Winking at his daughter, Lord Stenning smiled. "That boy needs a swift kick, Elise. I may be an old fusspot at times but I am always willing to help you, my love. And Miss Katrina. Let us stand back and watch what unfolds, shall we?"

"Fusspot, Daddy? Why not at all!" Elise corrected him gaily, green eyes alight. Tonight was going to prove to be quite exciting indeed!

"Ross, can you not waltz with me?" Lavinia Haliford asked pettishly, her violet eyes boring into him. "You know I adore it and you are a beast to refuse me such a simple pleasure."

Groaning inwardly, Ross regarded her with concealed impatience. He knew he could not escape the evening without talking to Lavinia. She always seemed to appear at parties that he attended in Lyme. She had a habit of taking his arm and never letting go, like a lobster grabbing onto its prey with its pinchers.

"Miss Haliford, I must see to my aunt's pleasure," he explained calmly, silently wishing her gone. "As she is our hostess, it is my duty to ensure she is comfortable and at ease."

Lavinia was no fool. She rapped his knuckles with her fan artfully and sulked. "You are indeed a beast, Ross. Can not your uncle see to her well enough? He is her husband, you know."

"Uncle is likely retiring to his billiards and cigars as he usually does," Ross told her, knowing that tonight this would not likely be the case. He would be planted firmly beside his beloved wife. "So it is my duty to pay my attentions to her happiness and comfort."

As he spoke, the musicians had begun to play the waltz. The room seemed full of people and he swallowed hard beneath his starched collar. These events were such dashed crushes at times, he thought. He had yet to see Katrina and that truly had him in a foul mood. Where was she? After last night's unveiling, he could think of hardly anything but her.

"I shall fetch you some punch and see to my aunt," Ross proposed, seeing that Lavinia would not be appeased quickly. "Please wait here."

Without looking back, Ross began making his way to the refreshment table. He did not believe anyone had turned down an invitation to this party, it was so crowded. As he waited his turn, Ross caught wind of two matrons nattering away to each other in hushed tones. Old tabbies, he thought with humor. They never missed a party or a good gossip.

"Shelton is in fine form tonight, is he not? And that little miss is quite lovely that he is dancing with just now. Who is she, Ramona?"

An even older voice chimed in, "That is a Miss Wentworth, dear. You know, the scholar's niece, old Edgar Wentworth of Devon. Hardly a penny to call her own. Been out of the schoolroom a time, she has. But I must say, Shelton seems rather entranced by her. And I can see why. Quite graceful, isn't she, for a little thing?"

Jerking his head round to view the dancers, Ross caught sight of the Marquis. He had known Richard since his early days in the government service as he had quite a knowledge of foreign affairs. They were often pulled into the same meetings. But it was his partner that caused Ross to nearly drop the small glasses of punch he held in his gloved hands.

Yes, it was Katrina. But for the love of Heaven she looked so different tonight. The playful girl was not present tonight nor the scholar's niece. Attired in a well-cut seafoam green gown that put her petite features to excellent advantage, she was indeed a picture to behold. She looked as light and graceful as the fairy he had named her. Whirled about in the Marquis' strong arms, Katrina seemed as elegant and confident as any young society woman. And utterly captivating. Shelton was indeed dazzled, something that caused Ross' firm mouth to turn into a frown of displeasure. And now Shelton was laughing at something she had said!

Her gamine grin was flashing up at the Marquis and Ross felt something flame up inside of him, burning in his chest. That smile was being received by someone else, by a man who did not know her as he did. Why was she dancing with Richard? She did not even know him, he smoldered. She was his Titania..his fairy.

"Major, is something the matter?" a gentle voice asked at his elbow.

Shaking himself from his stupor, Ross looked down to find Mrs. Wentworth standing there. She was looking at him with an enquiring gaze. "You seem troubled, Major," she remarked, glancing down at the punch glasses in his hand. She was so terribly thirsty.

"Forgive my bad manners, ma'am," Ross managed to choke out, taking a deep breath. "I was distracted but a moment. Should you like some punch? No, I have a better idea. Would you care to share the next dance?"

Anne was uncertain. She had only come to get some punch for herself and Sophy. The ballroom continued to fill with more and more people and it was growing hotter. She had hoped they might not stay for too long but it was Katrina's evening to shine. She did not wish to spoil it. Perhaps if she danced with the Major, she could glean his opinion of her sister.

"I shall accept your invitation, if you promise we may proceed slowly," she told him with a self-depreciating smile.

The tune that was playing was a slow one and Ross bowed gallantly, offering her his arm. "Your wishes are my command, Mrs. Wentworth," he responded, feeling more like his old self now. "Shall we?

The Major's arms were strong and capable, Anne thought as they moved round the floor. Just what I need, she thought, or I shall fall flat on my face. "Major, I do hope you will be staying in Lyme for a time," she remarked. "We have so enjoyed having you in the neighborhood."

"It has been a pleasure, I assure you," Ross told her, glancing across the room to see that Katrina was dancing yet again with the Marquis. "My work has long kept me abroad and it is a delight to be among family again. But I do not know how long such peace shall last."

"Then you may be called away shortly?" Anne asked, wincing inwardly as she turned. Her feet felt so clumsy and awkward tonight. Poor Katrina. She would be left very bereft if the Major were to leave just now. They had become such good friends. Anne so hoped that love might bloom between her and the Major.

"It is highly possible," Ross agreed, slowing his pace to accommodate her. The poor little thing looked worn out, he thought. He had been a dashed idiot to force her into dancing. But he could not remain still when he had seen Katrina in the arms of the Marquis. "But I hope that I won't be needed just now."

Anne, feeling a wave of heat and dizziness, held onto the Major's arms tightly. She hoped the dance would be ending shortly for she was not certain she would be able to properly do so much longer.

"Good Lord, Frederick, what are you doing here?" Sophy Croft exclaimed at the sight of her brother. Nothing could have shocked her more. But here he was!

"I could not endure another day in London," Frederick explained with a wicked smile, embracing his sister and not caring if the society matrons remarked on it. "I could no longer stay away from my wife. George fought my cause and won, so I grabbed a nag and rode home. Martha was all in a stir but told me you all were here. So I cleaned myself up, got into my best uniform and came. Shameful, am I not, for crashing such a fine gathering?"

He did not tell his sister, but he was also most anxious to see his wife because of what Martha had just told him. "Miss Anne wuz a bit low, t'day, sir," she had said with concern. "Thought ye should know. Ought not t' be standin' in those awful crowds gettin' 'erself ill."

Sophy beamed with happiness. Despite the obvious signs of fatigue round his dark eyes, her brother looked splendid in his naval uniform. Anne would be so relieved to see her husband. Where was she? "You do look a bit worn down, Frederick. But I must say I am pleased as punch to see you. Is George well? Could he not come with you?"

"He follows in a few day's time," Frederick assured her, "They would not release us both. He sends you his best love and regards. Now do not delay me a moment longer. Where is my little one? I must surprise her."

"I think she may be with Major McGrath," Sophy mused. "She was on her way to fetch us some punch as she was feeling rather overheated. Ah, I see them now circling the room."

Looking to where his sister indicated, Frederick caught sight of the tall Major and his wife. His heart swelled with sheer joy and wonder. She was truly, clearly with child now, her small figure filling out. The rich gown of rose sarcenet looked so becoming. But the sight of a handsome man, clearly amused at something his wife had said, did not give him ease. Was this the Major she had mentioned in her letters? Was he not Katrina's suitor?

The music was winding down so the dance was nearly at an end. But as Frederick saw the couple coming to a halt, Anne's hand was going up to her temple, her face quite pale. The Major was grasping her arm gently, a look of alarm on his face. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. With little regard for courtesy or decorum, Frederick shouldered his way through the dancers to find his wife and take her out of the stifling heat of the ballroom.

As he reached her, Anne's hazel eyes widened in disbelief and surprise. "Frederick!" she softly exclaimed, closing her eyes momentarily then opening them.

Dear God, she's going to faint, he thought. She was swaying like a branch in a strong wind. And just as he rushed forward, she fell back into her husband's arms like limp rag doll, her lashes dark against her now pale white cheeks.

"Anne!" he ground out in shock. "Anne!"

Continues in Section III