Chapter 18

18

J osiah pulled out his pocket watch and whistled as he pushed back from the lunch table in the apartment above the store. "We'd better get going. Clarisse will be waiting."

"I'll clean up." Robert waved them on. "You go enjoy."

"But the store?" Winnie said.

"Pa is fine for a few more minutes downstairs."

Josiah held out both arms. "Ladies, shall we?" As they walked down the street together, Katie's stomach churned. What did she know about dressing up like a lady? Those women in the store were right. Josiah had married way below his aristocratic lineage. Would he tire of her? A tumble of angst twisted and turned.

Josiah held the door open for the women and stepped inside as Clarisse approached. "Hope the clothes are ready as planned."

"But of course they are, darling. I never miss a deadline." She kissed him on both cheeks, then moved to the shop door and held it open for him to exit. "Come back in a couple hours to settle the account. Until then, no men allowed."

The girls looked at each other and grinned. "I love the way she takes charge with Josiah," Katie whispered.

"First rule, ladies," Clarisse said. "Never, never let your man see you in the finished gown until the dinner party and the guests arrive. It's all part of the mystery needed to keep our men on their toes. I assure you their reaction is worth every bit of effort. Come along now, Katherine. With the new supply of fabrics and the unlimited budget I had to work with, I do believe you're going to be more than pleased." She pulled Katie by the arm into an adjoining room. "Winnie, my dear, do follow. You'll be just the moral support she needs. She is much too shy for her own good."

Dread settled heavily on Katie's shoulders. She wanted to owe Josiah less, not more, and yet she didn't want to embarrass him.

Clarisse pulled a blue silk gown from the hanger, and Katie gasped. "That's for me?"

"Oui, oui, but of course. Do you like?"

Winnie and Katie ran their hands through the endless folds of soft tiered silk. "How absolutely gorgeous."

Clarisse laughed. "This one is the simplest of the dinner gowns I created."

Katie lifted her brows. "Oh my."

"I like to think that what Da Vinci did with paint, I do with fabric. Let's give it a try."

Katie slipped into the gown and waited as Clarisse bunched and fluffed, with pins hanging from the corner of her mouth, none of which she used.

" C'est magnifique, Katherine." She stepped back, removed the pins from her mouth, and smiled broadly. "I'll have more work than I know what to do with when people feast their eyes upon you."

Katie's gaze widened as she looked at herself in the mirror. Who was that stranger staring back at her?

Winnie circled around. "Oh, my goodness, Katherine. Would I ever like to see Josiah's face when he first sees you in this."

Katie swirled the fabric with a twist of her hips. "I barely recognize myself."

From dress to dress, the exquisite artistry increased, but Katie felt outside of her skin. She pulled up the bodice of a rose-colored gown. "Clarisse, this is beautiful but shockingly low."

Winnie and Clarisse laughed. "These latest fashions look fabulous on you," Clarisse said. "All the ladies will be wearing the same, but you will outshine them. Josiah will be so proud."

The least she could do after all Josiah had done for her and her family was to make him proud. She pulled at the fabric, trying to cover a bit more.

"If only you could give me a little of your extra." Winnie laughed as she motioned to her small bosom. "You look stunning. Josiah is going to parade you around with that same look he had on his face this morning after he kissed you into oblivion."

The heat rose from her toes to her hairline. She loved Winnie, but sometimes she said too much.

"Can I try on my riding habit now?"

"All this loveliness and you want your riding habit." Clarisse shook her head.

"I can't wait to see what the dark blue corduroy material looks like."

Clarisse snapped her fingers. "Very well. Come this way."

The outfit was more than Katie had dreamed. The nipped-in jacket accented her tiny waist. Even though she would have been more comfortable in a size or two larger, she had to admit it was perfect. Fitted trousers tucked into a pair of new knee-high boots and matching leather gloves completed the outfit.

Katie turned from side to side in front of the mirror with a look of delight. "Thank you, Clarisse. Thank you so much." She wrapped her arms around the startled lady. "This is by far my favorite."

Clarisse threw up her hands. "I spend hours and hours on those elaborate dresses and this"—she waved a hand up and down Katie's body—"is your favorite?"

Katie shrugged, and Winne giggled. "I'll take the dresses."

Clarisse chortled with her hands in the air. "J 'abandonne. "

Katie's confusion must have shown on her face because Clarisse said, "It means, I give up."

"Can you slip into one of your new gowns for supper tonight? I have a surprise." Josiah's eyes sparkled as he stood from the lunch table.

"There is no slipping into such finery. It is quite the ordeal."

"I've already checked with Ruby. She used to be a lady's maid, and she's ready and waiting to help you. You'll have all afternoon, my love." He looked down at her with such hope, she couldn't refuse.

"Tell Ruby to meet me in my room."

"And I left a necklace on your bureau. I hope it works with your dress." He dropped a kiss on her forehead and slipped away.

She chose the least ostentatious of the dinner gowns, which would go with the stunning sapphire necklace she found in a velvet encased box.

Ruby bustled into the room. Her plump cheeks bloomed cherry red and her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Mr. Richardson said I get to help you as a lady's maid this afternoon. Much more fun than cleaning the fireplace as I planned." She laughed and planted both hands on her hips. "Now, where shall we start? I see you've made a choice." She pointed to the dress laid out on the bed.

"Thank you for your help. I would never have been able to manage all these layers and endless buttons."

"Nor should you have to. I love this work, and I just happen to be good at it. Now step into this gown carefully and I'll pull it up."

Katie did as she was told. "Good thing I'm not expected to do this daily."

Ruby's fleshy hands smoothed out the folds. "You do look lovely, my lady. But don't look yet, I want to do your hair first." She moved the chair away from the mirror and pointed. "Sit, my lady, and enjoy the pampering."

Katie relaxed to the wonderful luxury of someone combing her hair. She almost fell asleep to the continual gentle touch.

"Now, take a peek," Ruby said.

Katie stood and turned toward the mirror. Who was that sophisticated woman gazing back at her? With her hair piled on the top of her head and the artistry of makeup and beautiful clothing, the transformation was undeniable.

"Ruby. You outdid yourself."

"It was easy working with your beauty."

Katie twisted from side to side. The bodice of the periwinkle silk gown molded to her curves, accenting her waist. She marveled at the yards of gorgeous material cascading in full tiers to the floor. The crinoline underneath enhanced the flare. Trimmed with a darker braid and tassels, the look was indeed stunning. The sapphire necklace added that touch of sparkle and distraction to the plunging neckline.

Katie slipped into her new shoes with a sudden bout of shyness. She was glad it would only be the four of them for dinner. She would get a chance to ask Josiah about the neckline, for her other gowns revealed even more. Gathering her skirt and her courage, she left the safety of her bedroom behind. Careful not to trip on the layers of material cascading around her, she descended the steps with care.

"Katherine."

At the whisper of her name, she glanced up from the steps. Josiah stood on the landing below, a look of raw hunger flaring in his eyes. His gaze fell to the bodice of her dress and the creamy white flesh spilling out. There was no mistaking the effect she was having on him. The heat of his intense stare burned hot. When she reached the landing, she twirled in a circle. "Do you like it?" She held her breath.

His answer was to crush her against him. His lips seared a path from her mouth to her neck, to her…

She pulled back. "Josiah, my hair. Ruby will be sure to notice if you mess up her work."

He stepped back and ran a hand through his thick russet curls. "Clarisse had a pretty good idea what effect she wanted to create when she designed this gown for you."

Katie smiled up at him.

"You are pure torture to a man in love." The dark passion in his eyes faded to a steely gray.

"You cut a dashing figure in your tailored suit as well, Mr. Richardson."

Obviously, those were not the words he longed to hear. A sad look crawled into his eyes as he took her hand in his and led her to the formal dining room.

They were indeed eating in style. Delilah had laid out the fine china and silverware with an extra place setting. A bouquet of late blooming roses mixed with wild Queen Anne's lace graced the center of the table. The profusion of color accented the lace tablecloth and added elegance.

She bent closer to inhale the sweet pungent fragrance. "Whatever is the big surprise, and why do we have an extra setting?"

"All in good time."

They waited for another half hour, sitting at the table chatting. Every time she asked what they were waiting for, Josiah put her off.

Finally, Delilah came into the dining room from the kitchen. "Dinner will be ruined if'n we don't partake soon." She clucked her tongue and shook her head.

Josiah sighed. "I thought our surprise guest would be here by now. He must have run into some problems. Call Abe, we'd best get started."

Ten minutes later, the brass door knocker sounded, and Josiah jumped from his chair. A rush of excitement pumped through his veins.

"I'll be right back." He winked at Katie. "Our surprise guest has arrived."

He headed for the door with a sense of pride. His wife—his beautiful wife—had finally stepped into the role of mistress of the house in every way. She looked the part far beyond his wildest expectations. Not that he didn't love her casual style with no pretense, but the woman he'd left seated in the dining room was commanding and gorgeous. She completed the picture to perfection. Everything was coming together—Colby's arrival, the horses safely in town, and his beautiful wife growing closer to him each day. Who could ask for more? Soon, she would declare her love, he was sure of it. Nothing could stop them now. A beautiful life lay ahead.

He swung open the door. "Colby."

"Josiah." A familiar grin widened on Colby's face.

He hugged his friend, then ushered him into the dining room with pride.

Nothing could have prepared him for the shock on his wife's face. Her eyes grew wide and her face drained of color.

"Charles." She stood, her legs looking a little wobbly at first. Her expression looked almost dazed. Then she seemed to gather herself and skirting the table, almost running into Colby's arms. "I thought you were dead!"

Colby did not hug back, and she pulled away with furrowed brows.

Josiah's stomach dropped to the floor. She had never flown into his arms with anything even close to that level of exuberance.

Colby regarded her with a wary look. "You knew Charles? Charles Braddock?"

"Oh." She peered at Colby, and color pinked her cheeks. "You're not Charles." Her voice was flat, disappointed.

"He was my brother."

Her eyes were glued to his face, and she touched his cheek, then dropped her hand. "You…you look so much alike."

Josiah's temperature rose. What was she doing touching Colby so intimately? He placed his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. The touch finally broke the spell between his wife and his closest friend.

"Colby, this is my wife, Katherine. Most everyone calls her Katie."

She extended her hand politely. What a joke after having fallen into Colby's arms. Josiah worked hard to relax the muscles tightening his throat and to keep his voice level.

"Katie, this is Colby. My good friend I told you about. He spent most of the war looking for his brother Charles. You obviously knew him."

Katie rubbed her temples. "I need to sit." She returned to the table and sank back into her chair.

The tears glistening in her eyes cut into his heart. He wanted to comfort her and throttle her all in the same moment. Who was this Charles to her, and why had she never mentioned him? A memory slipped back to him then. Robert from the General Mercantile had told him about a Charles from her past. Was her Charles the same man as Colby's brother? He must be.

Her hands trembled as she smoothed them over the cloth napkin. "Charles was a friend, a good friend." She motioned for them to sit. "I'll explain."

Josiah plunked his body hard into the chair. He forced himself to remove the scowl he could feel bunching his forehead.

"Charles and I became friends at about the age of twelve. He arrived with his mother from…hmm I'm trying to remember." She was looking at her lap.

"Philadelphia," Colby said.

"Oh, my. You sound just like him." Her gaze flew up. "It's so odd, yet wonderful to hear…" Her voice trailed off.

"Katherine." Josiah gentled the voice that wanted to scream. "Tell me who this man was to you before I lose my mind."

"Yes, Philadelphia." She dropped her gaze again. "They lived with his aunt and uncle, the Warrens, and we met him at school. He was a couple years older, closer to my brothers' age, so he didn't stay in school long, but long enough for the two of us to hit it off. He often joined my brothers and me for an afternoon of fishing and swimming."

She'd been swimming with Charles? He could imagine the young man splashing and laughing and ogling her beauty. Josiah's blood boiled in his veins. Drums beat in his temples. He clamped his lips shut so he wouldn't say anything he'd regret.

Katherine looked at him as if to receive permission to continue.

"Carry on," Josiah said with what sounded like strangled encouragement even to his ears.

She offered him a forced smile and stared at the grandfather clock behind his head, as if unable to make eye contact.

"I cried the day he left to join the army. He promised to return, refusing to say good-bye." Her voice warbled. "I never saw him again." Tears slipped free of her thick lashes, and pressed her eyes shut.

Silence filled the room except for the tick of the clock. Josiah was doing everything he could not to get up and leave. He hated himself for being so jealous, so tortured, so not present when she was so clearly distraught. He dug in his pocket and handed her his handkerchief. It was the most he could offer.

She dabbed at the watery flow and twisted the square cloth into a tight ball. Her every nuance cried out pain. He felt the agony for a whole different reason. Would she cry if something happened to him? Maybe, but not the way she obviously still ached for this Charles fellow.

"My parents had a terrible marriage," Colby said. "Father's infidelity finally broke my mother. They came to an agreement to separate."

Katherine stared as if hanging on Colby's every word in a way that nearly drove Josiah insane.

"Mother told me she was going to visit her sister in the Shenandoah Valley, yet looking back, I realize the tears she shed that day… She took Charles and never returned."

Katherine gasped. "That must've been so difficult. I know Charles often talked of his older brother and how much he missed you. But he said he couldn't leave his mother."

"Father finally confessed. They'd agreed that I would stay and help him run the business, being the eldest, and Mother would take Charles, her baby. The two of us were separated without knowing it was to be a permanent arrangement. I'll never understand, nor forgive, either of them for that." His voice thickened.

Katherine reached across the table and squeezed Colby's hand. "I'm sorry."

Josiah fisted his hands in his lap. He should be consoling his friend, but he couldn't get his anger under control.

Colby gave them a sad smile. "Just before the war broke out, I realized Charles and I could end up fighting against each other. There was no way I was letting that happen. So, I left before travel got impossible. I told father I wouldn't return until I found Charles. We argued. I told him what I thought of how he'd treated Mother. He called me a coward and said how ashamed he was of me."

"Why?" Josiah found his voice.

"He thought I was making excuses to run off so I wouldn't have to fight. I didn't care what he thought. There was no way I was lifting a gun against my brother. I tracked down my relatives and found Mother. But by that time, the war had started, and Charles had already enlisted. The only way to find him and not get shot on the spot was to join the Confederate Army. They never questioned me since my brother was already on the roster."

Colby looked at Josiah, his words flooded with affection. "That's when I met you, my friend. You were like my lost brother. In the midst of such horror, you held me steady. How will I ever be able to thank you?"

Josiah's anger melted, and guilt seeped in. How had he allowed jealousy to get the best of him? "You did the same for me, brother. You did the same for me."

"Did you find him?" Katherine asked. The way her eyes followed Colby, the compassion in her voice, and her inquiry of Charles, all rubbed like salt in Josiah's wound.

"No." Colby cleared his throat of the emotion. "Later, I learned that Charles died in those first months of war. My uncle said that Mother wrote me when she received notification of his death, but the letter never reached me, nor did the news that Mother died of diphtheria not long after."

"You lost your mother too?" Katherine asked. "I hadn't heard."

"And Father. It wasn't until the war was over and I returned to this valley that my uncle handed me a letter from Father's solicitor. He requested I return home to settle family affairs. My father had enlisted and not survived either." The pain in his voice leaked through.

"In the span of a few years, you lost your whole family?" Katherine's eyes filled with tears.

Colby nodded, his eyes showing the depth of his pain.

Josiah couldn't help but think how the same had happened to him, and he didn't remember her tears when he'd told the story. It seemed her heart immediately connected with Colby in a deep way.