be able to wait.” It was so rare for her to bare her soul to another, but with Christian and her friends, she was finding it easier and easier to share her true self with all her hopes and fears. “I’m hoping for the best. It means I can hire more women to grow my business, which will provide financial security for all of us.”
“Whatever the decision, it’s absolutely amazing you are being considered for such a contract. We’re so proud of you.” Constance reached out her hand, and Katherine placed it in hers. “It can’t help but increase your business.”
Beth nodded decisively. “I wager you’ll hear within the week.”
“We shall see,” Katherine said, not wanting to let her hopes soar.
Constance yawned and settled back into bed.
Beth looked at Katherine. “I think that’s our cue.”
Aunt Vee yawned in tandem with her niece, then put her knitting in her lap. “It’s my turn to stay here tonight.”
After they all said good night, she and Beth stepped out into the hallway. Her friend stopped and placed her hand on Katherine’s arm. “We’re teasing you about the duke.”
“I know,” Katherine said. “This must be what it’s like to have sisters.”
Beth shrugged. “None of us knows. I have only one brother, and you and Constance are only children. But I like the way we are with one another.” Her face turned serious. “We are sisters,” she said unwaveringly.
Katherine dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Indeed.” She reached up and pressed a kiss to Beth’s cheek. “We will always be sisters.”
Beth smiled, and the warmth in her eyes made them brilliant like diamonds. “Then, as one sister to another, let me give you some advice.”
Katherine nodded. “Go on.”
“Once you hear the decision, I think you should inform Randford immediately. Not by letter, but by visiting him.” She leaned a little closer so they couldn’t be overhead. “I’m not certain what is going on between the two of you, but if there is something, then you should nurture it.”
“There’s nothing going on between us,” Katherine protested quietly.
“Of course there isn’t.” The disbelief in Beth’s voice was punctuated by the merriment in her eyes. “Because there’s not a single thing going on between the two of you, he deserves to hear what the outcome is.” She stretched toward the ceiling with her arms, an indication she was tired and ready for bed as well. “He’ll share in your joy.”
“What if I’m not picked for the contract?”
“Then let him comfort you through your disappointment. But I have an intuition—you may call it a hunch—but I believe you’ll be celebrating soon. Are you retiring for the evening?”
“Shortly. I have a few things to finish this evening.”
Beth nodded then turned to go to her room, murmuring something about work, Jack, a happy woman, and a certain duke.
Katherine headed down the stairs to the main floor, where she met Willa on the landing with a tray of fresh water and towels for Constance.
“Kat, I forgot to mention that the duke stopped by, and Lady Woodhaven sent over a note, and a royal courier left a letter for ye.” Willa’s stoic face revealed nothing. “I put both on yer desk.”
“Did he say anything?”
“No, indeed. Lady Woodhaven’s footman was quite tight-lipped.”
“Willa,” Kat exclaimed.
She smiled. “Neither was the royal courier very forthcoming.”
“Enough teasing,” Kat growled.
Willa raised a hand in surrender. “All right, lass. The duke said he’d call on ye tomorrow.”
Kat sighed her frustration. “Thank you. Now, I should go up to my study and read it.”
“Aye,” Willa grunted softly. “If ye need me, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“The letter sent by the royal courier? Who is it from?” Kat asked.
“Who do you think it’s from?” Willa arched one eyebrow. “It’s from the Secretary to the First Lady of the Royal Bedchambers.”
Without another word, Kat raced upstairs.
Indeed, two letters lay on top of her desk. The first from her friend and the second from the secretary. She decided to open the one from Helen first. If the secretary’s letter said she had not been chosen as the royal linen supplier, she’d be devastated and wouldn’t want to read the other one.
Dearest Katherine,
I miss you. I’m aware you’ve been busy with your project for the Prince Regent, but we used to have tea together once a week. The last time was at my house. If you don’t want to host, then allow me. Would you come tomorrow?
All my love,
Helen
Katherine let out a slow breath. She had been negligent in her friendship with Helen. She owed Helen