Castles

'Where is my brother on this fine Sunday afternoon?'

'He's working,' Alesandra answered. 'He should be home by dinner.'

Catherine sat down in the chair adjacent to the settee. Flannaghan stood near the entrance, waiting to find out if he was needed.

'I can barely keep all the gentlemen straight in my mind,' Catherine exaggerated.

'You must make a list of the gentlemen you're interested in,' Alesandra advised. 'Then you wouldn't be confused.'

Catherine thought that was a sound plan of action. Alesandra immediately asked Flannaghan to fetch her paper and pen.

'I've already asked father to decline several gentlemen and he's been very accommodating. He isn't in any hurry to get me settled.'

'You should probably start a list of your rejections, too,' Alesandra suggested. 'With your reasons by each name, of course, in the event you change your mind or forget why you discarded them.'

'Yes, that's a wonderful idea,' Catherine claimed. 'It's so thoughtful of you to help.'

Alesandra was thrilled to be of assistance. 'Organization is the key, Catherine,' she announced.

'The key to what?'

Alesandra opened her mouth to answer, then realized she wasn't exactly sure. 'To a well-structured, happy life,' she decided aloud.

Flannaghan returned with the items she'd requested. Alesandra thanked him and then turned back to Catherine. 'Shall we begin with the rejections?'

'Yes,' Catherine agreed. 'Put Neil Perry at the top of the list. He offered for me yesterday. I don't like him at all.'

Alesandra titled the list, then put Perry's name down. 'I don't particularly like him either,' she announced. 'You've shown sound judgment in rejecting him.'

'Thank you,' Catherine replied. 'What specific reason should I put next to his name?'

'Disgusting.'

Alesandra laughed. 'He is that,' she remarked. 'He's the complete opposite of his sister. Victoria 's a dear lady.'

Catherine didn't know Victoria and therefore couldn't agree or disagree. She continued with the names of men she found unacceptable. She hurried through the task since she was anxious to concentrate on the appealing candidates. She also had additional news she was dying to share with Alesandra.

'All right, then, let's begin with the second list.' Catherine gave her four names. The last was Morgan. 'He hasn't offered for me, of course, and I only just met him last night, but, Alesandra, he's so handsome and charming. When he smiles, I declare, my heart feels like it's going to stop beating. I doubt I'll stand a chance with him, though. He's extremely popular with the ladies. Still, he did mention he was going to ask father if he could call.'

'I've met Morgan,' Alesandra replied. 'And I do agree he's charming. I believe Colin likes him, too.'

'He would be a fine catch,' Catherine decided. 'Still… there is one other I would like to consider as well.'

'What is his name and I'll add him to your list.' Catherine started blushing. 'It's the most romantic thing,' she whispered. 'But Father wouldn't think so. You must promise not to tell anyone.'

'Tell what?'

'Just promise me first, then I'll explain. Put your hand over your heart. That makes your promise more binding.'

Alesandra didn't dare laugh. Catherine sounded so sincere. She didn't want to hurt her feelings. She did as she was instructed and placed her hand over her heart while she gave her pledge.

'Now will you explain?'

'1 don't know the gentleman's name yet,' Catherine said. 'He was at the ball last night. I'm certain of it. I'm certain he's wonderful, too.'

'How can you know he's wonderful if you've never met him? Or did you meet him? That's it, isn't it? You just don't know his name. Tell me what he looks like. Perhaps I've met the man.'

'Oh, I haven't seen him yet.'

'You're confusing me.'

Catherine laughed. 'He has a name we can put on the list for now.'

Alesandra dipped her pen into the inkwell. Catherine waited until she'd completed that task, then whispered, 'My Secret Admirer.'

She let out a long happy sigh after whispering the name. Alesandra gasped at the very same time. She dropped her pen into her lap. Ink blotted her pink dress.

'Good heavens, look what you've done,' Catherine cried out. 'Your dress…'

Alesandra shook her head. 'Forget the dress,' she countered. Her voice shook with worry. 'I want to hear about this secret admirer.'

Catherine frowned. 'I haven't done anything wrong, Alesandra. Why are you so upset with me?'

'I'm not upset… at least not with you,' Alesandra said.

'You shouted at me.'

'I didn't mean to shout.'

She saw the tears in Catherine's eyes then. Her sister-in-law was high-strung, and her feelings were easily hurt. She was still more child than woman, Alesandra realized, and she made up her mind then and there not to tell her about her worries. She would talk to Colin first. He would know what to do about the secret admirer.

'I'm sorry I upset you. Please forgive me.' She forced a mild tone of voice when she added, 'I'm very interested in hearing all about this secret admirer. Will you explain?'

Catherine blinked away her tears. 'There isn't much to explain,' she said. 'I received a lovely posey this morning with a notecard attached. There wasn't a message-just the signature.'

'Which was?'

'Your Secret Admirer. I thought it was very romantic. I don't understand why you're acting so strange.'

'Dear God.' Alesandra whispered those words and collapsed against the back of the settee. Her mind raced with her fears. Colin would have to listen to her, she decided, even if she had to tie the man up while he slept to get her way.

'You're shivering, Alesandra,' Catherine said. 'I'm just a little chilled.'

'Mother told Jade she thinks you're carrying.'

'I'm what?'

She hadn't meant to shout, of course, but Catherine's blurted-out remark did surprise a near scream out of her. 'They think you might be carrying Colin's baby,' Catherine explained. 'Are you?'

'No, of course not. It isn't possible. It's too soon.'

'You've been married over three months now,' Catherine reminded her. 'Mother told Jade your nausea could be a symptom. She's going to be disappointed if you're not carrying. Are you sure, Alesandra?'

'Yes, I'm sure.'

She wasn't telling Catherine the truth. She really wasn't sure at all. Good Lord, she could be pregnant. It had been quite a long time since her last monthly-over three months ago. She counted back just to be certain. Yes, that was right. She had had cramps two weeks before she got married… and none since. Was it possible the stomach upset wasn't due to exhaustion? She'd never napped before, she thought to herself, but now she could barely get through a day without an afternoon rest. Of course, she and Colin had bad to go out every night, and she really believed the late hours they were keeping made the afternoon naps necessary.

Her hand dropped to her stomach in a protective gesture. 'I would like to have Colin's children,' she said. 'But he has an important schedule and I promised not to interfere.'

'What does a schedule have to do with babies?' Alesandra tried to pull herself together. She felt as though she were in a daze. She couldn't seem to organize her thoughts. Why hadn't she realized… the possibility… the only logical answer… Oh, yes, she was pregnant. 'Alesandra, do explain,' Catherine demanded.

'It's a five-year schedule,' Alesandra blurted out. 'I'll have children then.'

Catherine thought she was jesting with her. She burst into laughter. Alesandra was able to maintain her