Father Cleary gripped the edge of his chair. He leant forward and his piercing grey eyes searched her face. "I recall having to speak with her, at her mother's request, when she was that age. Did she ever mention the suitor's name?"
Something isn't quite right here, Katherine thought. "No, she hasn't. And, given the sensitivity of the subject, I don't believe it's prudent for me to pursue the matter. Father, I know this puts you in a rather delicate situation. Under the circumstances, I'd sincerely appreciate your assistance in allowing me to stay here. Rest assured, I'm not likely to wear trousers, and I promise I'll maintain regular visits with the more affluent families."
Father Cleary rose from his chair and walked to the fireplace. He softly fingered the frame of the watercolour which hung above the mantelpiece. "Where do her interests lie," he muttered.
Katherine barely caught his words. "I'm sorry Father, did you say something?"
He shook his head and turned. "You're right. It is difficult for me to be caught in such a situation. I admit I am not entirely comfortable in being employed as a pawn in the machinations of the ladies' committee. Besides, I've only minor authority over your presence here, beyond the role of a father to a sister. I'll speak to the ladies and explain to them it would be better that the," he held his hands up, as if to indicate quotation marks, "dirty and disease-ridden families visit you out here, rather than have you drag them into their sitting rooms."
He lowered his eyes then returned his gaze to Katherine. "As for Miss Pelham's unorthodox ways, I'm aware she's, er, different. If I feel the influence she's having on you is detrimental to your calling, then I will see to your relocation closer to the main part of town." Father Cleary's foreboding tone was not lost on her.
Katherine rose and grasped his hand. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down. I feel there's so much I can do out here, both through your guidance and with some ideas I have of my own. I feel Miss Pelham, with her lack of female confidants, may benefit from my presence. You never know, it may serve to soften her a bit." Katherine was relieved she'd faced the last hurdle and overcome it. She couldn't wait to tell Catriona about her success. Her first duty though, would be to apologise for her unseemly behaviour.
Father Cleary made no effort to sit down. Instead, he retrieved his hat from the table beside the door and placed it on his head. "Enough of the morning's pleasantries. I've families to visit. I think you and I should meet on a weekly basis when I'm in town. You may reach me at the Percy's accommodation hotel. Please give Miss Pelham my regards." He opened the door to the hallway, paused, and again looked at the watercolour hanging over the fireplace. "One more thing before I go. When you next speak to Miss Pelham, you may wish to ask her about the watercolour." He motioned to the one in question.
Katherine nodded and she skirted around Father Cleary and opened the front door for him. "I will. I look forward to speaking with you again, Father. And, thank you once again for volunteering to explain my situation to the ladies' committee."
Father Cleary climbed onto his carriage and grasped the reins. "Thank you for the scones, Sister Flynn. They were delicious." Turning the horse's head, he pulled away.
Katherine waited until the wagon was almost at the end of the path to the front gate before going inside. She closed the parlour windows and drew the heavy drapes, effectively curtailing the advent of any more flies or the oncoming heat of the day penetrating the room. She picked up the serving tray and headed for the kitchen.
Heating the water to clean the morning's dishes, she couldn't help but feel at last she had somewhere she could stay. Despite the difficulties Father Cleary would face, she was sure he'd be successful in convincing the committee. She was hopeful, despite her rudeness, Catriona would be happy to have her stay.
Katherine paused in her motion of pouring water into the washbasin, her mind on Catriona. Had the protestations she'd made this morning solely revolved around her necessity to tend to the families of the district? Was it the families, or was it also the fact that, for once, she had a good friend, someone close to her own age, in whom she could confide? She wondered if the relationship Susan and Me Lin shared was as strong as the one she and Catriona were developing. She was quietly excited at the prospect of having them to dinner. It would allow her the opportunity to relive such occasions which, since becoming a nun, were a lifetime ago. Shaking herself out of her mood, she returned to the dishes.
Katherine spent the rest of the afternoon doing minor cleaning around the house and preparing vegetables for tea. With the vegetables completed, Katherine decided, given Catriona's mustering activities of the day, there was all likelihood that one of the first things she'd do on her return would be to have a bath. Out back, she grasped the high edge of the bath with both hands and dragged it slowly toward the kitchen door. She'd almost completed her task when she heard the sound of hooves heading up the driveway. She straightened up, went to the end of the verandah, and looked down the road, toward the entrance to the property.
Through the brightness of the afternoon sun, she saw a person on a horse. Catriona said she'd be home around this time. She raised her hand in a greeting, which was acknowledged. She returned to her task of dragging the bath into the kitchen.
She'd barely finished when she heard the horse come to a halt, followed by quick footfalls on the verandah. Straightening and bracing herself for the apology she knew was hers to give, she turned. When the back door opened, she stepped back and grasped a chair.
The man at the door hesitated, checking the broad smile on his face for a more contained one.
Katherine, having managed to master her emotions, introduced herself. "How do you do? My name is Sister Katherine Flynn. And there's no other person you could be than Mr. Pelham." Katherine nervously smiled. "You bear a striking resemblance to your sister. But I'm sure you've been told this many times."
Alexander strode across the kitchen, his hand extended. "I have, Sister. Do you think you could call me Alexander? Mr. Pelham makes me sound older than my years. I expect Catriona has told you I've been away for the past few months." Katherine mutely nodded. "I presume Cat has made you welcome, despite her sometimes abrasive nature. Please excuse me, but I must see to my horse and then wash up outside. I've been away for so long, but I'd like to talk to you about issues I'm sure you've been made aware of." Alexander looked down at Katherine with sky blue eyes which obviously ran in the family. He frowned and stepped back, seemingly conscious of how close he'd been standing. He nodded and then strode out the door.
Katherine's shoulders slumped in relief. She could now understand why Sister Coreen had fallen for such a man. He was just like his sister. Taller perhaps, but the two could be twins. And those piercing blue eyes--almost the same as hers. Katherine smiled when she thought of the times she'd looked into Catriona's sometimes happy, sometimes angry deep blue eyes. It occurred to her that if eyes actually did mirror one's deepest secrets, she was yet to discover the secrets Catriona so capably concealed.
Katherine started at the sound of the barn door being opened. Realising Alexander might be both hungry and thirsty, she headed for the pantry to prepare him lunch.
She halted in her tracks and raised her hand to her mouth in horror. He said he wanted to speak with her. She expected it would be about Sister Coreen. Given the way he came bounding through the door, she doubted that he could possibly know what had happened to her. She anxiously looked out the window at the barn and then toward the parlour. Why did Father Cleary leave so soon? Where was Catriona? How long could she avoid answering his questions? Katherine's range of social discussion skills were woefully out of practice. "At least I can prolong matters by preparing him lunch." She reached into the meat safe and retrieved a leg of ham. "I hope he takes as much care and time brushing down his horse as Catriona does."
Katherine kept one eye on the barn while simultaneously wishing for the sound of hooves heralding Catriona's return. Thankfully Alexander took half an hour to see to his horse. She surr
eptitiously studied him at the outside water pump. Stripping down to the waist, he hummed a tune while he washed the accumulated dirt from his body. Katherine's mouth dropped when he headed toward the house half-naked. In almost synchronisation to her reaction, he stopped and returned to the barn. He exited the wooden building, pulling on a clean shirt as he came.
As he came inside, she said, "Alexander, I'm sorry for my reaction earlier. I was shocked to see someone new at the house. Mind you, Catriona said she was expecting your return. I believe she's left some papers in the top drawer of the desk in the study for you to review. Before you busy yourself with those, I'm sure you're hungry." While he sat, she placed enough food for three men in front of him.
He opened his mouth, but Katherine interrupted. "There's no need to thank me. It's the least I can do, given you and your sister's generosity. I'd also be grateful if you'd call me Katherine. Catriona has taught me sometimes formality isn't required this far out in the country. It would be foolish for me to call you Alexander while having you call me Sister all the time." Katherine knew she was rambling, but she was willing to say anything to avoid his questions. "I'll leave you to your lunch. I have some religious reading and passages to prepare for the children of the district."
Alexander, who was halfway through a sandwich endeavoured to swallow as if to pose a question.
Katherine held up her hand. "Please excuse me. I'm sure there'll be more than ample time to talk later this evening. For now I'll leave you to finish your lunch." Katherine turned and left for her room.
Katherine released a shaky breath and she leant against the wall of her closed bedroom door. Convinced Alexander wouldn't follow, she paced, her hands nervously clasped in front of her. She paused only long enough to look out the window, willing the figure of Catriona and horse to appear. I hope she returns soon. I can't stay in here forever or Alexander will know something's wrong.
Realising the sound her leather-heeled shoes were making, she tiptoed to her bedroom dresser and opened the drawer containing her Bible. She sat and tried to focus on reading, for the sake of taking her mind off everything. She dropped the book onto the dresser and again walked to the window. The view was no different from the last time she checked. Unable to concentrate, she lay down. Maybe spiritual meditation with help. She focused on relaxing her breathing.
KATHERINE SUDDENLY AWOKE at the footfall of a horse. She flung herself off the bed, opened the French windows to her room, and ran outside. At last, she thought. Oh Lord, I hope Alexander didn't hear anything.
Catriona tethered her horse and removed her saddlebags. Katherine ran toward her. Arriving out of breath and gulping in air, she was lost for words.
Catriona, looking tired from a day's hard riding, didn't turn from the task of unsaddling her horse. "It's been a long day, Katherine. Whatever it is it can wait. Right now, all I want is a hot bath and bed. No arguments please, just let me..."
She turned and paused mid-sentence. Catriona strode forward and grabbed Katherine's arms. "What is it? Has the father ordered you into town? You need to know he doesn't have the direct authority to do it." Catriona released Katherine and retightened the saddle girth. "I'm going in to town. This time he's gone too far."
Catriona's apprehension deeply touched Katherine. Despite the harsh words spoken earlier, Catriona obviously still cared for her welfare. Katherine grabbed the girth. "It isn't that. It's much worse. Alexander's returned. I've managed to stall him by avoiding him. He's in the study." Katherine looked into Catriona's eyes. "And very happy. This would lead me to believe no one's told him about Sister Coreen."
Catriona closed her eyes and bent her head as if collecting herself. She handed the reins to Katherine. "Then I expect it's up to me to break the news. I'd ask you make yourself scarce, for I'm not sure what his reaction will be. If I need you, I'll call."
Chapter Nine
CATRIONA ENTERED THE back entrance of the house and collected herself. She knew today would eventually come. In truth, she hadn't fully prepared herself for it. Katherine's arrival, coupled with her own work on the farm and the surrounding district hadn't given her the time to sit down and think about how she'd break the news to Alexander.
She closed her eyes in pain. She'd never seen him as happy as when he was with Coreen. Now she was about tell him something that would emotionally rend him in two. All at once she felt very old for her twenty-eight years. She longed, just once, to have someone else bear the responsibilities thrust upon her. She reluctantly walked along the corridor to the study where Alexander was. Steeling herself, she grasped the handle and quietly opened the door.
Alexander jolted awake. He rubbed his face and scanned the room, as if to gain his bearings and his gaze settled Catriona. Shaking himself out of his sleepiness, he rose from the leather chair and encircled her in his arms. "Hello, Cat, you look like you've been wrestling cattle again. Should I bother asking who won?"
Catriona carefully returned Alexander's hug. "Why bother. A Pelham always succeeds at what ever enterprise they begin." Catriona's breath hitched, realising Alexander's most recent endeavour would be one met with bitter success. Her eyes guarded, she attempted to keep the conversation between them neutral. "Welcome home. How are you? What stories of the world have you brought with you this time?"
Alexander grabbed her hand and led her to the two chairs next to the fireplace. He eased himself into the comfort of one chair, motioning her to do the same. "The price of wheat has picked up a bit but not half as much as barley has. The men I spoke with told me, as far as crops go, barley isn't easy to grow, but has significant financial benefits. I think next year we'll sew a paddock to see if it'll take. If it does then, my dear Cat," he locked his hands behind his head, a smug look on his face, "I think we'll be well established as one of the most affluent families in the west."
"Not that we truly need it, Alex," Catriona gently remonstrated. "We're more than economically self-sufficient here. There're a lot of people in far worse situations than we are."
"I know. Although don't you think it would be nice to well and truly rub it in the faces of those rich impostors? I'm sick to death of their condescending looks every time we go into town." Alexander failed to keep the bitterness from his voice. "I want this property to be one of the most modern properties in the district. With the returns I envision, no one would dare treat us like squatters." He closed his eyes and exhaled, attempting to bring his frustration under control. "What's been happening around here?"
Catriona gulped, not yet ready to raise the topic of Coreen. She stood and walked to the liquor cabinet. "Before I begin, would you like a drink? I've been riding all day and need something to quench my thirst. How about a whisky and water?" Not waiting for his reply, she poured a generous helping of scotch into a glass.
Alexander raised his brows. "I don't believe my ears! You drinking alcohol is surprising enough, but before sunset? You must have had a hard day. Of course I'll join you. Then you can tell me what's happened while I've been away."
"I'll get us some water and then we can sit down and have a good old talk." She closed the door and went to the kitchen where Katherine was seated.
"How's everything going in there?" Katherine asked, a concerned look on her face.
Catriona busied herself with filling a crystal water jug from the pitcher on the bench top. "Everything's fine so far. Then again I haven't told him anything yet. I think it's going to be a long night. So please don't wait dinner for us." Catriona replaced the pitcher on the bench. "I intend to get him slightly drunk, at least enough so once I tell him about Coreen, hopefully the pain won't be too great."
Katherine moved to Catriona's side and placed her hand over Catriona's. Catriona's gaze alternated between Katherine's hand and her face, which was perilously close to her own.
"Remember, if you need me I'm here," Katherine softly said.
Catriona looked deeply into Katherine's eyes, too moved to transfer into words what she felt. This morning she'd been s
o angry with her. But how could she remain angry with someone so beautiful? Setting the crystal jug on the table, she placed her other hand over both of theirs and wistfully smiled. "I," Catriona flinched at the sound of a cough coming from the direction of the study. "I'm sorry. I better go." She half-heartedly removed her hand, picked up the jug, and returned to the study.
She found Alexander had already helped himself. "Do you want some water?"
He held out his glass. "I won't say no."
She barely poured a dash of water into his glass. "Let me fix mine and I'll be right with you." Catriona poured a scant amount of whisky into her glass, filling the rest to barely below the brim with water. She sat opposite Alexander, took a hearty sip and placed her tumbler on one of the occasional tables. She opened her mouth to commence her sanitised version of what had passed during his absence but was cut off.
"By the way, I met the new sister this afternoon-- Katherine, I think she said her name was. She seems very nervous. She rambled on at quite a pace and was very reluctant to be alone with me. I think I surprised her with my sudden arrival. What do you think of her? Is she always so on edge?"
Catriona mulled over his question. She could hardly tell him her feelings for Katherine raged between the impetuosity of love, strongly tempered by the sensibility of friendship. "She's not usually so jumpy. In fact, she's a stubborn and proud woman."
Alexander threw his head back and laughed.
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