The Honorable Heir by Laurie Alice Eakes Page B

to believe me.” She set down her fork and gave up the pretense of eating.
    “Please, let us converse like civilized beings.” Beneath the edge of the tablecloth, he pressed his right hand over her left.
    Her hand twitched, but she did not draw it away. “I’m rather out of practice with social repartee.”
    “Tell me about your favorite places on the continent.”
    “The Alps?” She sounded uncertain, her words tentative. “We have magnificent mountains in this country, though I have never seen them, but the Alps were... Well, who needs a cathedral for worship when one has places like that?”
    “You prefer the mountains to Florence or Rome?”
    “I do. Paintings are all well and good, but nature...” Her hesitation vanished the more she talked, and by the end of the meal, when Mrs. VanDorn rose to lead the ladies from the room, he had discovered many interests he and Catherine shared—land, quiet and things of beauty, such as soaring mountains and well-written books. She was pretty, intelligent and in possession of a gift for witty observation. Under other circumstances, he would love to spend more time in her company.
    In truth, he would love to spend more time in her company regardless of the circumstances. Indeed, with her clear, cultured voice still caressing his ears, he perhaps should consider proving her innocence rather than her guilt. Surely a lady who appreciated God’s creation over man’s wouldn’t hold much stock in jewels. Yet the evidence against her was rather strong.
    He wanted to pursue her and talk to her with less antagonism than they had shared when the subject of the jewels was their subject of dialogue. For now, he was stranded in the dining room with a dozen men he barely knew. The VanDorns were an abstemious family, so coffee and tea were the only beverages. Tristram accepted a cup of excellent tea, and leaned back in his chair. Knowing too little of American politics to join in the discussion of President McKinley’s reelection the day before, Tristram listened with partial concentration, mainly concerned with how he should proceed with his investigation into Catherine and the jewels.
    By the time Mr. VanDorn suggested they join the ladies, Tristram had his answer.

Chapter 7
    The ideal partner is one who never criticizes or even seems to be aware of your mistakes, but on the contrary recognizes a good maneuver on your part, and gives you credit for it whether you win the hand or lose...
    Emily Price Post
    T ristram found Catherine dispensing coffee and tea from a low table at one end of the drawing room. Estelle carried the cups to ladies settled in groups around the chamber. When Tristram approached Catherine, she slid a cup of tea toward him without looking higher than the middle button on his waistcoat.
    “I don’t care for more tea.” He glanced around for a chair but the nearest seat was the other cushion of the settee on which she perched. “May I?”
    “You may, though I see two empty chairs by the window.”
    “Will you join me there so I may talk with you some more?”
    “I must pour the tea. So sit if you must.”
    “Not particularly gracious, but I accept.” For her sake, he sat as far from her as the small sofa allowed.
    “I didn’t think you would do that.”
    “Why not?”
    “You wouldn’t want anyone to think you’re paying special attention to me.” She spoke in an undertone.
    “No one will think it odd.”
    “Perhaps not.” She lifted the coffeepot and started to pour.
    “No more,” Estelle said, approaching the table. “Some people are leaving. I shall entertain the rest of the guests.” She sailed off for the music room, her fingers moving at her sides as though she already played an instrument.
    “Excellent. No interruptions.” Tristram half turned on the settee so he could see Catherine better.
    With a number of the remaining guests casting speculative glances in their direction, she could remain as she was, stiff-backed, hands folded