short time, but I’d say you’re happy,” Constance agreed. “Certainly more so than when we first met.”
“I second that.” Beth’s eyes flashed with merriment. Since she’d been staying at Katherine’s home and working for Kat, the change in Beth had been miraculous. She’d gone from being secretive to outgoing.
Katherine could easily see the women staying on with her after the contract was signed. She would have enough money to take care of them for many years to come. Hopefully, the increase in business from the royal appointment would allow them all to retire in style.
That was if Christian didn’t find her friends each a husband. Besides, she might not win the appointment. She shouldn’t get her hopes up too high, at least not yet.
Beth tapped her finger against her chin. “Oh, I’ve seen something that makes Katherine happy besides her work.”
Constance’s mouth tipped upward in an evil grin. “I’d say it’s not something, but someone.”
Beth leaned forward, and in a loud playful whisper said, “Do tell.”
Constance giggled. “I think it rhymes with Brandford, Sandford, or perhaps—”
Aunt Vee looked up from her knitting. “Randford.”
Heat spread from Katherine’s neck to her cheeks. “What makes you say that?”
Constance smoothed the down coverlet in front of her. “Every time you see him, you come alive.” Her glee turned to seriousness. “I, for one, think it’s wonderful. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve some happiness.”
Beth nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. You’ve taken us in and given us a safe place to stay while this muddle is straightened out. We all want you happy.”
“Each of you deserve the same,” she argued. “Besides, you’re reading more into this than there really is. He’s trying to do what’s best for all of us.”
“Of course,” Constance agreed a little too quickly with a cheeky grin. “Particularly when he comes out of your study without wearing his cravat and his hair is mussed.”
The heat assaulted Katherine’s cheeks. “What? Why would you say that?”
“Willa,” Beth said. “She mentioned that she’d never seen him with a hair out of place until … he left your study the other night. Makes me wonder what kind of work you two were sharing.”
“Stop, both of you,” Katherine pleaded, holding both of her hands up and laughing. “You know that Willa likes to exaggerate.” She pointed to the bed. “What’s all that?”
Constance let out an exasperated sigh. “I decided to go through my packet of receipts from Meri.” She pointed to the pile. “Basically, it’s a hodgepodge of purchases he made with various people. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of it, but it appears he used my dowry to finance most of it. Some are horses, mineral rights, jewelry, and even deeds. None of it is a sale between two people. There’s always a third person involved in the transaction. Meaning, he trades with person A who trades with person B. But it looks like Meri gets nothing in return. From what I’ve gathered, it’s the same with your individual receipts.” She picked up a receipt then blew a lock of hair that had fallen across her eyes. “If I can find what he received, then perhaps I can find out what happened to our dowries.”
“You did all of that today?” Beth asked slowly, glancing at the papers before turning her gaze to Constance.
She nodded. “I’m recording it all in this journal.”
“Anything Beth or I can do to help?” Kat said.
Constance shook her head. “Thank you, but no. I like to work on puzzles. Besides, you two have had a busy day. Now, tell us how your meeting went with the secretary.”
Kat’s eyes widened as she recalled the absolutely perfect day it had been. “Mr. Sherman is a lovely man. He spent all afternoon with me.” She addressed Beth. “If it hadn’t been for you, I don’t know if I could have had everything in order. Thank you.”
Beth placed one hand over Kat’s. “You’re very welcome. When Mr. Sherman was at the workshop, I thought him very thorough.”
Kat nodded. “At the arcade, he inspected the finished goods. He actually looked at all the incoming orders to ensure we can handle the increase in business if we’re awarded the contract. I think it went well. Now, we wait.”
“Oh, that’s lovely, Katherine.” Constance collected the papers into an orderly pile then pushed herself up to a sitting position and rubbed her belly. “What did he say when he left?”
“He told me a decision would be made as soon as possible. I don’t know how I’ll