Hero's Bride

by Jane Peart

"Mayfield looks just like a Christmas card, doesn't it?" Kitty sighed happily. "I do love this time of year!"

  It was already dark when they pulled up in front of Cameron Hall. Lights shone out onto the snow in welcome. When Kitty started to get out, Kip caught her arm and held her back.

  "Aren't you coming in?" she asked. "I'm sure Mama's expecting you for supper."

  "Yes, of course. But first, I have something for you."

  "A Christmas present? But, Kip, it's too early. We always wait at least until Christmas Eve to open our presents."

  "This is different. Besides, I picked it up today and, frankly, I can't wait till Christmas Eve to give it to you! I want to see if you like it."

  "Of course I'll like it, Kip. I'd like anything you picked out for me."

  "Yes, but this is special." She watched as he drew a small package out of his overcoat pocket. "I didn't want to give it to you in front of the others."

  She took the small gilt-wrapped box, suspecting from its size what it contained, almost afraid to open it.

  "Go ahead," Kip urged softly. "Open it."

  With hands that shook a little, she undid the bow With hands that shook a little, she undid the bow and carefully removed the wrapping. Inside was a gray velvet case bearing the name of Simmons & Son, Jewelers.

  "Oh, Kip!" she gasped, looking at him.

  "Go on, Kitty."

  She pressed the spring that flipped up the top and saw within, glittering from its white satin nest, a sparkling sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds.

  "Oh, no, Kip, you didn't! It's Varina's ring!"

  He was smiling broadly, obviously proud of himself.

  Tenderness for him rose up within her. "How did you know? I didn't think you were paying any attention when I admired it."

  "Nobody could have missed seeing your eyes light up, Kitty. I wanted you to have it."

  "But you didn't say a word—"

  "I only decided when we were there. But I wanted it to be a surprise. When I went back to pick up Phoebe's gift, I had the jeweler wrap it up for you. You do like it, don't you? I hope it's all right—"

  His handsome face mirrored his sudden uncertainty. At the moment he looked so vulnerable, so like a little boy eager to please that Kitty hugged him impulsively. "Oh, Kip, it couldn't be more right! Here, put it on my finger."

  " If it doesn't fit, the jeweler said we can have it adjusted."

  She held out her left hand, and he slipped it on her third finger. It went on easily.

  "Well, now, I guess it's official," Kip said. "We're engaged."

  "Thank you, darling Kip. I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me."

  "I'm glad, Kitty. You deserve the best."

  She leaned across the seat, felt his cold cheek against her own, turned her face up for his kiss. His lips were warm, smooth on hers, and Kitty felt her heart soar. The kiss ended abruptly.

  "Here, you're shivering. It's freezing out here. We'd better go inside."

  Kitty hadn't noticed. She could have remained in his arms forever, but Kip had already hopped out and was running around to open the door for her. With his arm around her shoulders, they ran up the steps and into the house.

  Kitty did indeed love her ring, but more important was what the ring symbolized. Kip must love her very much to have taken such pains to please her. He cared about her interests, what she liked, more than she'd realized. Though it was silly, she longed to hear Kip say more often that he loved her, but she decided that, with the ring, he had certainly shown her.

  chapter

  6

  ON THE MORNING of the engagement party, the sky was heavy with clouds. The wind blew fiercely, and by afternoon a cold rain was coming down. Kitty peered anxiously out her bedroom window. I f the temperature dropped and the rain turned to sleet, the roads leading to Cameron Hall would ice over, perhaps hindering the arrival of guests traveling from any distance.

  At five, Kitty took her bath and, when she emerged into her bedroom, she saw that a fire had been lighted in her fireplace and a tray of tea and little sandwiches brought up for her. But she was much too nervous to eat.

  Huddling in front of the crackling fire, she sipped her tea and tried to warm herself. But the chill seemed to penetrate bone-deep, perhaps more from anticipation than from the cold. Still, it seemed impossible that tonight her parents would be formally announcing her engagement . . . to Kip Montrose, the man of all her girlhood dreams!

  Kitty gazed at her ring for long moments, turning it this way and that, the stones catching the fire's glow and refracting its light, winking and gleaming. As she had written in a letter to Merry: "I never quite believed that prayers like mine would be answered. It had always seemed too selfish, somehow too much to ask God to let Kip love me, And yet, wonder of wonders, it is true, and we are to be married in June!"

  For a fleeting moment, Kitty wished Cara were here to share this evening. Then, quick to follow was a small, nagging admission that somehow her twin's presence might steal some of the shine from the occasion. This was her night, her moment. Immediately, she rebuked the unworthy thought. Still, she couldn't help recalling that once, not too long ago, Kip had thought himself in love with Cara.

  At seven, Kitty took her dress out of its protective muslin cover. The rosy-gold satin shimmered in the firelight, igniting the tiny beads and crystals sprinkled over its tulle overskirt. It was the most beautiful gown Kitty had ever owned, even more stunning than she remembered it at her last fitting.

  She was putting the tortoise shell combs in her upswept hair when a light tap came at the door, followed by her mother's voice. "Ready, dear?"

  "Yes, come in, Mama." Kitty turned from the mirror as Blythe entered the room.

  "How lovely you look! Kip will be dazzled."

  As mother and daughter went down the stairs together, Kitty caught a glimpse of the transformation Blythe had created. Cameron Hall was a living Valentine! Bouquets of red and white roses in crystal vases had been placed under the mirrors on the marble-top tables in both parlors. The fireplace mantels and windows were festooned with red and white satin ribbons and bows, centered with lace-trimmed hearts and small gilt cupids. In the dining room, where later in the evening a buffet supper would be served, crystal candelabra held tall, twisted candles, and an elaborate floral arrangement graced the long table.

  On the sideboard stood a three-tiered cake, decorated lavishly with swirls and pastry flowers on which Kip and Kitty's names and the date, Valentine's Day, 1916, had been scrolled in sugared letters. At either end stood silver ice buckets cooling vintage champagne, awaiting the moment when the no-longer-secret announcement would be made.

  Kip was standing at the foot of the stairs, talking with her father. His back was to her, and it was only when Rod's face lighted up at the sight of his daughter, that Kip turned.

  He didn't speak but held out his hands, the gesture and the expression on his face speaking volumes. They had only a moment to smile at each other before Kip's father and Phoebe arrived.

  "May I give my future daughter-in-law a kiss and welcome her into the Montrose family?" Jonathan asked as he and Phoebe greeted the honorees.

  "Certainly." Kitty couldn't help thinking that in thirty years or so, Kip might look much like his handsome father, dark hair silvering at the temples, laugh wrinkles around his eyes.

  Phoebe looked charming in an iridescent gray taffeta gown, and Kitty noticed that she was wearing the silver thistle pin on her shoulder.

  "I love it," Phoebe confided as she greeted Kitty, then leaning forward, she whispered, "I'm sure you had a hand in selecting it, so thank you. It prompted Jonathan to give me these." She touched the delicate amethyst pendants swinging from her ears. "My Valentine gift from him."

  "They're lovely!" Kitty was sincere in her admiration but felt a twinge of regret that Kip had not given her anything to mark the day.

  Her momentary disappointment was fleeting because a moment later, Kip held out his hand to her. "Care
to dance?" And he led her into the drawing room where the floor had been waxed for dancing.

  The small band had been given all Kitty's favorite songs to play. As Kip held her in his arms, they began playing "They Wouldn't Believe Me." She had always loved the lyrics to that song and, as they moved together to the music, Kitty could not help humming along with the melody. In a way, being here with Kip for the announcement of their engagement had the quality of make-believe. Some of the unsettling nervousness she had experienced earlier seemed to drift away with the music, and she knew that nothing mattered but being with him.

  "Oh, Kip, I'm so terribly happy."

  He smiled down at her. "I'm glad. You're absolutely shining tonight."

  "Where do you think we should go for our honeymoon?"

  He seemed puzzled. "Go?"

  "Yes, after the wedding. Have you thought where we should make reservations? We really ought to do it since so many places book ahead."

  Kip frowned. "I thought that's what all the renovating of Eden Cottage was about . . . for our honeymoon."

  "That's where we're going to live, Kip. It will be our home.

  A honeymoon is different. That's when a couple gets away together, just the two of them, to get acquainted—"

  "Acquainted?" Kip looked astonished. "Good grief, Kitty! We've known each other all our lives!"

  Kitty laughed. "I know that. But we have to learn to know each other . . . as husband and wife—"

  Kip shrugged. "Well, sure, but I don't see exactly why we have to go off somewhere. Everything and everyone we know and enjoy are right here."

  Kitty looked startled for minute. "Maybe I'm being selfish, but I just thought we'd go somewhere without a flying field nearby!"

  Kip threw back his head and laughed. "Ouch! I guess I deserved that. But I had no idea you were so devious."

  "That's it exactly! There's a lot we don't know about each other. That's what a honeymoon is for . . . to get to know everything about each other."

  "Oh, all right, I get it. So where would you like to go? The mountains or the seashore?"

  Kitty was on the verge of answering when Rod tapped Kip on the shoulder. "May I dance with my beautiful daughter?"

  Kip handed Kitty to her father, and for the remainder of the evening, the subject did not come up again.

  The week after the engagement party, Kip suggested that the two of them go out for a quiet dinner. With several parties having already been hosted for the newly engaged couple, the two had been surrounded by people ever since the announcement of their forthcoming marriage, and Kitty welcomed the chance to spend some time alone with him.

  He had chosen a new restaurant with a provocatively intimate atmosphere. Alcoved banquets upholstered in smooth, supple leather circled the room. Small peach-colored lamps shaded the tables, and in the corner a trio was playing soft music, creating exactly the for a romantic evening. Kitty looked at Kip and smiled. How clever o f him to choose this place.

  When they were seated, Kitty studied the menu, glancing up occasionally to steal a surreptitious look at Kip's handsome face. She had never been so happy.

  Kip ordered for them—an extravagant meal, explaining to the waiter, "It's a special occasion." And Kitty could not help thinking, It's always a special occasion when I'm with Kip.

  They watched the waiter collect the menus with a flourish. Then, with a stiff little bow, he left them to their conversation.

  Kip leaned his arms on the table and cocked his head, giving Kitty a slow smile. "I have something to tell you . . . but I didn't want to spoil our evening."

  "How could you possibly spoil it?" Caught up in the euphoria of the moment, Kitty was oblivious to any hint of trouble in Kip's words.

  "I mean . . . we're supposed to be celebrating—" He seemed tentative, then added in a rush—"but you know how I feel about flying. You're the only one who does understand what flying means to me."

  Kitty felt a small stab of disappointment. She hoped they were not going to talk about flying. Not tonight.

  But he couldn't read her thoughts, and she was careful not to reveal her discomfort, so he went on. "Have you ever heard of the Lafayette Flying Corps?" The excitement in his voice was unmistakable.

  She searched her memory. "Ye-es. I think I've read something about it in the newspapers."

  "Well, then, you know that it's a single squadron composed of fifteen men. The Corps that was built up from this unit is a larger organization. A hundred or more Americans enlisted in the Foreign Legion for the duration of the war, then transferred to the French Flying Corps and are serving as part of the French army at the front."

  "What has all this to do with you?" she asked, her heart already beginning to flutter with apprehension.

  "Well, it's a fairly simple matter to join. Especially for someone who's already certified . . . I mean, someone who's been flying as much as I have."

  Afterward Kitty told herself that she knew it was coming, knew what Kip was going to say even before he told her. She should have been prepared, but as she was to learn later, one is never prepared for some of the most important events in life.

  Watching her closely, Kip took advantage of the pause. "Well . . . I've signed up with the Lafayette Escadrille—the outfit of American volunteers who'll be flying reconnaissance for the French Army."

  Kitty's hand froze, holding her water glass halfway to her mouth, the ice tinkling against the crystal. She tried to respond but found her tongue frozen, too.

  When she could speak, she asked the inevitable question, "When?"

  "No more than three weeks at the most," Kip said, apparently relieved to have the news out at last. "All you need is a passport, which, of course, I have. Then fill out an application . . . Well, it's really quite simple, I'm told. While all the paperwork is being approved, you get your doctor to declare you fit. . . and that's all there is to it. Next thing you know, you're in France!"

  "France?" Her stomach lurched, all desire for food vanishing.

  "Yes, just imagine, Kitty! I won't be here champing at the bit on the sidelines of what's going on in the world. I'll be part of it. There aren't that many experienced aviators, so I've learned. I mean, the French are way ahead of us, and unfortunately, so are the Germans. But we'll soon catch up, give them a run for their money." His words were spilling out fast as his enthusiasm mounted. "It's a dream of an opportunity. How many people on this earth ever get to realize their dreams?"

  Not I, Kitty thought dismally. Nor did it seem likely that her dreams would be realized any time soon. And what about the dreams they shared—marriage, home, family? Had he already forgotten?

  Then, as if suddenly aware of what this decision would mean to her, to them. Kip looked anxious. "You see why I must go, don't you, Kitty?"

  A hundred reasons why he shouldn't raced through her mind while Kip searched her eyes, begging her to reassure him, to let him go freely. But everything within her resisted. Now, when the happiness she longed for was just within her grasp, it was being snatched from her. Then a sobering thought broke on her consciousness. What if she did not give Kip her blessing? Wouldn't he go anyway? Either way, he would be lost to her.

  "You do understand, don't you, Kitty?"

  No! She didn't understand! She couldn't! What about What about us, our wedding, Eden Cottage, ail our plans? She bit back all the arguments on the tip of her tongue.Instead, she batted her eyelashes, mimicking one of those cupie-doll moving picture starlets. "I suppose you'll wear a blue uniform with a red-lined cape and visored hat, and look positively dashing."

  Kip laughed. "You are marvelous, Kitty! I knew I could count on you." He reached across the table and took both her hands in his. "Of course, this means we'll have to postpone the wedding. But I don't think it will be long. This war can't last forever."

  The night before Kip was to leave, Kitty found it impossible to sleep. Twice she turned on the light to check the clock on her bedside table. Finally, she gave up, pulled on her robe, and s
lipped quietly downstairs and out to the kitchen to warm some milk, hoping that would help her feel drowsy.

  Still, she was almost afraid to go to sleep, fearful of the recurring nightmare—one from which she always awoke, shaking and perspiring. She could never remember the details, except that at the point when she was jolted awake, she had seen a plunging rocket of fire.

  Even after she went back upstairs to bed, she tossed and turned, awaking at dawn, exhausted.

  Kip had arranged to say his good-byes to his father and Phoebe at Montclair, then would come by Cameron Hall, where he would collect Kitty and have her drive him to the station. He would be leaving his runabout with her in his absence.

  Beneath the surface seriousness of his demeanor, Kitty sensed an underlying excitement. Here, at last, was the moment. Kip was on the brink of the highest adventure he could have imagined.

  Kitty had already decided she would not spoil his image o f her nor dampen his own high spirits by betraying the pain of this parting for her.

  When they reached the Mayfield station, the train for Richmond and Washington, D.C., was already on the track. After parking the car, they walked onto the platform, then stood awkwardly, knowing they had only minutes to say all they had to say.

  Kip put his hand under her chin and lifted her face so he could look into her eyes. "Well, this is it, darling. Now, I don't want you to worry."

  She forced a bright smile. "Of course not!"

  The conductor's call rang out, "All aboard!"

  Kitty felt the edge of panic. She reached up and touched Kip's cheek. Her voice trembled as she pleaded softly, "Say it, please, Kip. Say you love me."

  "Of course I love you, Kitty. I always have. I always will."

  He kissed her. She closed her eyes, brimming with tears, and clung to him, wondering how long it would be before she felt those strong arms around her again. Then she felt him pull back gentle.

  "Good-bye, Kitty. I'll write."

  "Yes, I will, too."

  The train whistle blew, and Kip looked over his shoulder. Kitty could tell that he was already thinking of the adventure ahead of him. "Gotta go."