Katrina knew that she could not hide in her room forever. There were many activities to attend and of course the wedding itself. What would people say if she suddenly disappeared and refused to come out of the apartment? No, she could not do that to Madame Douvaine. she knew that she would have to attend the garden party later. But for now, she was content to stay hidden.
The entire night she could not stop thinking about the kiss that Mr. Mason Byers stole. It was a sweet and beautiful kiss, something that she had been longing for for a long time. But then Eleanor Dawson had to ruin it, as she was content to ruin everything. Eleanor Dawson put her in her place with her stinging words, calling her shameful.
“Katrina, there is a footman at the door with a message for you,” Adeline said, coming into her room.
“For me?” she knew that it had to be from Mr. Mason Byers and she was feeling anxious about what this message would be. Would he be asking her politely to leave the house?
“Yes?”
:Mr. Byers is requesting your presence in his office,” The footman said.
Katrina took a deep breath. she looked back at her Adeline.
“Might as well see what he has to say,” she said, knowing that there was something going on between them.
She nodded and followed the footmen out of the doorway and down the hall. A few minutes later she was announced at the door and Mr. Mason Byers invited her in.
“Please, sit down Katrina,” He said. Hearing him call her by her first brought back the memory of him kissing her. She loved hearing him call her by her name.
She sat down in the chair. He sat down behind his desk. He looked at her with a sincere and serious look.
“Thank you for coming to my office. First, I want to apologize. It was inappropriate of me to take advantage of you when you were without chaperone. I never should have kissed you. I hope that you will accept my apology,” He said.
She was a bit stunned that he was offering an apology for that. That he was saying he never should have kissed her, and possibly even regretted it. She didn't want him to.
“I accept your apology,” she said.
“Thank you. That means much to me. And I know you did not want to hear it, but I want to apologise for Eleanor Dawson as well. I hope you do not take her words to mean anything. She is a mean and spoiled brat, but not unlike most of her acquaintance. That does not mean that her words hold any weight, not with her. I want you to know that.”
“I understand,” she said. It was all that she could say. she did not want to be talking about the words that Eleanor Dawson used. The quicker that she agreed to his apology for, the quicker the conversation could be over.
“Good. I wanted to get that across before the garden party in one and a half hours’ time. I want you to enjoy yourself, have a good time. That is what you are here for, to enjoy the estate and the parties like any other lady. It was important to clear the air,” He said as he stood up.
She stood up as well and walk towards the door. “Yes, of course. My sister and Madame Douvaine are looking forward to the garden party and the games. Thank you for this conversation,” she said.
“Wait, there is something else, isn’t there?” he asked.
She stopped. “Are you or are you not visiting Eleanor Dawson’s bed at night?”
Mr. Mason Byers gasped. “Miss Proctor! How could you think such a thing!”
“She has taken a fancy to you that is so strong I think you might have encouraged it. Then you are always apologizing for her.”
“No, indeed I am not visiting her bed, nor would I ever think to. She is not someone I fancy in that manner and I would never do such a thing to her brother, or do such a thing in general. That is not the kind of man I am. Now if you will please excuse me!”
She opened the door and walked out. Katrina quickly moved toward the back staircase to lead her back up to their rooms. It was strange in the entire time that she had known Mr. Mason Byers, they had never had a very serious conversation like the one that they had just had. It seemed that sharing a kiss had made everything incredibly awkward.
The Garden Party
“Look there, archery,” Madame Douvaine said as they walked arm-in-arm from the back of the house onto the grand lawn.
“Yes, you are right. And look, croquet, horseshoes, and all kinds of merriment to be had. What should we do first, Adeline?” she asked.
“Let us get refreshment,” she said.
Katrina laughed and they walked to the tables and sitting area that were laid out on top of massive rugs. It was so elegant it looked like an entire room was brought outdoors. All kinds of cakes, small sandwiches, biscuits, and sweets were on hand with tea.
Madame Douvaine and she sat at a table with a four-tiered silver dish filled with treats. A servant came over and set a tray of tea service on their table. They sat, had tea, and nibbled at their delights while they looked at the guest playing games.
“What should we play?”
“Perhaps a game of horseshoes?” she said.
“Yes, they can all use a little luck these days,” she said.
Once they finished their tea and treats, together they found an empty post and horseshoes and began to play. They played several games. But it wasn't long before Madame Douvaine's friend was asking for her company for another game. She excused herself to walk around the party a bit.
“Do you care to play?” A voice said from behind her over her shoulder. She turned to see Mr. Mason Byers standing there with two croquet mallets. He handed the green one to her. “Green.”
“Katrina would be delighted to play,” she said.
Together they walked across the lawn to the croquet game he had set up just for him. They started to play and as soon as he hit the ball, she could not stop giggling. They were like children as they played.
“I have been waiting to share a game with you like this because I knew you would laugh the entire time and you have not proven me wrong, Miss Proctor, but I did not think you would be an expert.” He said.
“I am not. Truly, I have rarely played the game. Perhaps you are just distracted, sir?” she teased.
“Yes, that is the case,” He whispered to her. She grew red in the face and looked around to see if anyone was in hearing distance. They were safe and no one had heard, but when she glanced around, she noticed just how many ladies were grouped together all across the lawn staring at them. They did not have good looks for her. They were obviously gossiping about her, wondering why Mr. Byers was spending so much time with her. She grew nervous. Then she saw his Eleanor Dawson with Mrs. Louisa Ashford and she was giving her an evil look. She wondered if she had told Mrs. Louisa Ashford about the kiss? The two huffed away toward the house, angry as ever.
“Pay no attention to them. You and I are the only two people out on this lawn as far as I’m concerned,” He whispered to her. she had to admit that it did bring a sense of calm to her. She was not expecting it to but it did. She smiled and continued to play and within minutes, it did feel like they were the only two out on the lawn. They were having so much fun.
They played together for another hour, playing two games complete between them. He won both, but just barely. She had never had so much fun playing such a simple game before. Mr. Byers seemed to grow more and more attractive to her the more he was at ease and laughing.
Katrina looked around the garden and did not see Madame Douvaine or Adeline.
“I wonder if my Madame Douvaine and sister have gone inside. I have been neglecting them, you have been stealing all of my time sir,” she said.
“I am sorry for that. Allow me to escort you inside to check on them,” He put his arm out to her.
“Thank you.”
They walked arm-in-arm toward the house. Walking into the back foyer, they heard loud voices.
“Are you sure? You checked everywhere?” The voice said.
“Of course she did. Do you think I am a fool? They are gone. They have been stolen,” Eleanor D
awson said.
“What seems to be the problem here?” Mr. Mason Byers let go of her arm and went to see what the problem was.
At the same time Madame Douvaine and Adeline came out of one of the drawing rooms.
“The sapphire jewels. They are missing” Eleanor Dawson said.
“I am sure that they are around here somewhere. You probably just misplaced them in your apartments. You have many jewels,” Mr. Mason Byers said.
“No. I know they were stolen because my maid said she saw someone outside my door last night. When we were all occupied at the ball last night. My maid said she saw her!” Eleanor Dawson pointed at Katrina. Her mouth fell open. She did not even know where Eleanor Dawson’s apartments were in the house.
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chapter
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“Eleanor Dawson... Take heed on your words,” Mr. Mason Byers said as his brow grew into a line and his face turned dark.
“Me? I do not know where your apartments are. I have done nothing, Miss Dawson” Katrina said in her defence.
“You were not seen at the ball last night after only an hour or two. Except for when I you with her Mr. Mason Byers in the garden, do not make me say out loud about that. Then you vanished. That was when you went to my room and stole the jewels,” Eleanor Dawson said.
“Eleanor Dawson!” Mr. Mason Byers shouted.
Madame Douvaine and Adeline moved to her side, getting a little bit in front of her. “My actress did no such thing. Your accusations are false ma'am.”
“If they are false, then prove it. Together we will all go right now to your rooms. If they are not there, then I will sincerely apologize,” Eleanor Dawson said.
Katrina looked to Mr. Mason Byers. She thought that he would say it was not necessary because there was no way in hell that she was a thief. But he said nothing. He looked at her.
“Well?” Eleanor Dawson said.
“You have no right to do this,” Madame Douvaine said as they opened the door to their apartments. Everyone stepped inside, including the maid that had accused her of being outside Eleanor Dawson's door.
“It is alright Madame Douvaine. Let them look and let them see that they are wrong,” Katrina said standing aside in her bedroom. The servants began to go through the drawers. The maid opened her trunk and dug through some of her items.
“Here,” she said pulling out a box. The maid opened the box and the jewels were inside.
“I did not put that in there. But perhaps you did,” Katrina said looking at the maid. She knew that she had been set up and this was because she was getting too close to Mr. Byers and Eleanor Dawson did not like that.
“See! I told you that she was a thief. You did not believe me. Here is your proof. She took the jewels, wanting them for herself. she is greedy.” Eleanor Dawson said.
Her words made Katrina very angry, but what made her angrier was the way that Mr. Byers said nothing. His jaw was clenched in a hard line. He looked at Eleanor Dawson and then looked at her. Then he looked at the jewels. She couldn't believe it. Was he actually going to believe this nonsense? Anyone could see that she was set up.
“Tell her you do not believe this,” she said to him in a familiar way that seemed like they were the only two in the room. Eleanor Dawson and Mrs. Louisa Ashford let out a gasp as though she should not be talking in such a way.
“Everyone out, please,” He finally said pointing toward the door.
“But, Eleanor Dawson, are you not going to punish her? She must leave this instant!”
“No need to kick me out. I am leaving on my own accord,” Katrina said. Mr. Byers looked at her but said nothing. He was still urging everyone to get out.
Eleanor Dawson was protesting the entire way. Finally everyone was out of the rooms except Madame Douvaine, Mr. Mason Byers, and Katrina.
“Perhaps it is better that you do leave, so that I can get this all sorted out.” He said.
“Sorted out? There is nothing to sort out. I did not do it,” she said.
“No she did not,” Madame Douvaine said.
“And yet the jewels were in your trunk,” he said.
“I see that you do not believe me, and I cannot be in a friendship with someone that does not trust or believe my word. If you will leave my room so that we may pack and change,” she said fighting back tears.
He stood there looking at her, as though wanting to say something. Katrina wanted him to. She wanted him to apologize to her and come to his senses. She wanted him to realize the truth that she had been set up. But instead he said, “I will have your carriage ready for you in 2 hours.” Then he walked out.
After the door closed behind him, she closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. Madame Douvaine put her arms around her. She felt like she would faint. Then she opened her eyes. She was stronger than this. She would not let this get her down.
“Come, we must pack, Madame Douvaine.”
“I will fetch Mr. Douvaine and Adeline,” Madame Douvaine said.
Two hours later, their trunks were searched, adding insult to injury. Then a footman escorted them through the house to the front doors. Katrina was glad for the time because it was during the time of day when most were upstairs having a rest or a bath before having to get dressed for dinner. The house was quiet. She looked around for Mr. Mason Byers; he was nowhere to be seen and she couldn't believe that he was going to be so rude about this after everything that they had shared. After all his talks, she should not believe the words and gossip of the others and this was how he was treating her.
“In one and a half hours, you will be stopping at the Inn for dinner and to spend the night. Mr. Byers has arranged everything. Since your travel is starting so late in the day, it is not safe to be on the roads at night,” the footman said as they climbed into the travel carriage, the same one that they had arrived in under happier circumstances.
“Thank Mr. Byers for the arrangements,” Mr. Douvaine said angrily. Then they were off.
They all sat in quiet as they pulled out of the circular driveway and she took one last look at a fairy tale that had been short-lived. Adeline squeezed her hand. But Katrina could not wait to get away. She did not like seeing herself in their eyes; they saw her as a courtesan and actress and as a thief, and she knew that she was neither.
“You know that I did not do it,” she calmly said looking out the window.
“Of course you did not, child. Why would you think you would have to say such a thing to us? I never thought for a second that you would. You were set up by Eleanor Dawson, that much is obvious to anyone. They saw, just as everyone else did, that Mr. Byers had grown affectionate for you and she meant to stop it at all costs. They are conniving and mean. I am glad to be gone from there. They were not worthy of your company. You are honest and true and they are conniving and scheming. We do not need those relations no matter how much money they have,” Mr. Douvaine squeezed her hand.
The sun set as they rode in the carriage and she listened to Madame Douvaine talk about all the things that they needed to do when they arrived in London. In truth she knew that she was trying to distract her from what had happened, but her heart ached the further they grew from Mr. Byers.
“The White Horse Inn!” the driver shouted as they slowed. Looking out the window, street lanterns were lit in the small village and it looked so different than it had looked during the day when they stopped on their way from London for lunch. Now, it looked sad and dark.
“I do not know about you, but I am hungry,” Madame Douvaine said squeezing her hand.
“I do not have much of an appetite,” Katrina said.
“Then you shall have plenty of sherry until you do have an appetite,” she ordered.
Katrina had to laugh at this statement. Madame Douvaine meant to get her drunk to distract her from the pain of humiliation. She rather liked that idea.
The Inn was full of travellers sitting down to dinner.
“Guests of Mr. B
yers. Mr. Douvaine said,” the servant handed him a letter. The Innkeeper read it and nodded his head.
“I will show you to your rooms,” the Innkeeper grabbed some keys and walked them through the large tavern and up the stairs.
“Here you are. I will send someone up to get the fire going,” he said. “Will you be dining?”
“Yes we will take dinner in our rooms.”
“No,” Katrina objected to Madame Douvaine’s statement. “I want to eat in the dining room. We shall be down in half an hour,” she said.
The Innkeeper nodded and walked out.
“I just thought you would want to stay in, is all,” Madame Douvaine said taking off her traveling coat.
“No, being cooped up in a room after being in the carriage is not good. I would prefer to walk around the tavern and sit and watch people. Just let Adeline and I freshen up a bit,” she said taking off her traveling coat and bonnet.
Knock. Knock. “Fire?” a servant asked.
“Yes please,” Adeline said.
The servant started the fire in their fireplace while Katrina poured water into the wash basin and washed her face.
The servant left and Adeline looked at Katrina. “Katrina, are you alright? Oh, the vile thing that Eleanor Dawson has done. I did not think her capable,” Adeline hugged Katrina.
“I did.”
“Oh, how I wish I could help. The hurt you must feel.”
“I will be alright in time. I am sorry to you Adeline, for having to be pulled away from Mr. Dawson so quickly.”
“I am not. He asked to call on me in London in a month and that was after Eleanor Dawson made her devious announcement about the jewels, so you see he does not believe his sister at all.”
“Well, I only wished that Mr. Byers saw things the way Dawson saw his own sister, but yet Dawson would know his sister better I suppose.”
Half an hour later they sat at a table in the tavern with a bottle of sherry. Katrina poured one glass and drank it fast, and then another. Madame Douvaine was right of course, after drinking she had an appetite.
An Alone and Destitute Girl (#3, the Winds of Misery Victorian Romance) (A Family Saga Novel) Page 15
