Author Note: So, good news, I've got a job! Yay and praise God because without Him I wouldn't have got it! :) Bad news, I have no idea when I'll be able to write, especially now that I'm also working on some personal stuff other than fanfiction. I also apologize for the wait-life is so busy. It's always so busy, it's crazy. Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long but I'm not sure about that-I'm always a perfectionist about these things-I want it to be as good as possible and that means rewrites and staring at the screen for ten minutes trying to figure out why one sentence doesn't fit. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for all your reviews, your favorites, your follows, and your messages to check up on me. It's nice to know people are still reading. :D Hope you all have a good and safe Halloween!
P.S. Y'all should check out Universal Studios Orlando Harry Potter World-the family just went this past weekend and it was loads of fun! Lots of waiting but still fun! And everything costs a fortune so only get the stuff you're going to need and don't mind carrying around with you.
Soli Deo Gloria
Disclaimer: Disney owns Tangled, its characters, and its story
The palace coach pulled to a stop outside her house. Catherine looked out the window, hoping that she had gotten all the twigs out of her hair and that the scratches on her face had faded by now. She took a deep breath as the coachman's boots clapped against the pavement outside. Then he opened the door for her and helped her out.
The coachman bowed. "Pleasure serving you, Miss Catherine. Let me know if you're in need of anything else."
"Thank you very much," Catherine replied as the coachman rose from his bow.
"Yes ma'am." He turned and closed the door as Catherine began to make her way through the gate and into the front yard.
She was back earlier than she had said. Her parents would probably ask why, and her sisters would ask after Thomas. Simply answered, she had finished her business at the palace, and Thomas was amazing. But that wouldn't be enough. They would want to know everything. Every detail about what had occurred during her visit with the prince.
Catherine paused at the front door, making minute adjustments to her dress and closing her eyes. Then she reached for the handle, only to have the door thrown open and be enveloped in a sudden hug.
It was a moment before she recognized the arms and build of her older sister.
"Lizzie! What—what are you doing here already?" she asked.
"I came early. I wanted to surprise everyone but then you," Elizabeth pulled away, "decided to go to see Tommy instead of wait for me. I'd never forgive you if I didn't miss you so much."
Catherine laughed, her sister taking her by the arm and leading her into the house.
"We're all planning on going out to lunch at that café at the wharf, but Daddy said you weren't supposed to be back until later."
"I wasn't but—" she faltered, unsure of what to say.
"But what?" Elizabeth asked.
"But Tommy had a lot of work to do so we had to—we had to cut the visit short."
"Oh." Elizabeth frowned. "And how is Tommy?"
"He's well," Catherine answered.
"Does he still have that ridiculous beard on his face?"
Catherine smiled. "Yes he does."
Elizabeth tsked, shaking her head as she led her into the sitting room. "Pity. He'd look a sight better if he shaved it off."
"Somehow I don't think he would."
"Well, you were always weird about facial hair. Remember those two weeks Mother was off visiting relatives and Daddy grew out his beard? You were the only one who pouted when Mother made him shave it off."
"Mary pouted too," Catherine pointed out, taking a seat next to her sister on the sofa.
Elizabeth waved her hand. "Please, Mary was almost three years old—she pouted about everything."
"Well she'd definitely pout if Tommy shaved off his beard. Everyone would." Catherine smiled.
Elizabeth snorted, and then her eyes narrowed. "What was that?"
"What was what?" Catherine asked, immediately defensive.
"Your face."
"What?"
"You're smiling," Elizabeth said, as if that answered everything.
Catherine shrugged. "So what? Why shouldn't I be smiling?"
Her sister shook her head, pointing at her. "No. That smile—that smile says something. What happened at the palace today?"
"Um, uh—at the palace," Catherine said, her mind filling with memories of roses and kissing, "we—nothing. Nothing happened."
"Oh you are such a horrible liar! Katie, what happened today?"
Catherine cleared her throat, forcing herself to think straight. "Just stuff, you know. We walked around the garden a bit and then Tommy had to go to work. That's all."
"Did you talk about anything?"
"Well, yes."
"What did you talk about?"
Catherine folded her arms. "None of your business."
"You're my baby sister, of course it's my business," Elizabeth replied.
"Well not today it isn't."
Elizabeth continued to watch her for a long while before saying, "Fine. Have it your way."
"Thank you." Catherine smirked at her win, and then frowned. "Wait—where's everybody else?"
"Mother's upstairs with the girls and is probably having a time of it getting them ready to go out for lunch."
"Lizzie, why didn't you tell me that earlier? We should be helping them," Catherine stood, suddenly hearing the commotion above her.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "Well, I never get to see you and it's been ages since we've had a long chat. Speaking of which, I have something I want to—Katie?"
But Catherine was already heading back out into the hallway, intent on going upstairs to both help her mother and escape further questioning.
Elizabeth put her hand to her belly—something she was doing a lot more often now—and frowned. "Looks like your Aunt Katie is hiding something, dear. We'd better find out what."
"O, my love's like a red, red rose that's newly sprung in Juuunnneee… O my love's like the harmony that's sweetly play'd in tuuunnnneee!"
The prince was singing. Terribly off-key and quite possibly with the wrong words, but he was indeed singing. Bellowing out verse after verse, he continued scrubbing the windows of the banquet hall. The words bounced off the ceiling and walls, echoing about the empty room. Outside the windows, the sun was slipping down beneath the horizon, its fading orange light reflecting on the dance floor.
Not that Thomas noticed much. He was too busy singing and washing windows to attend to anything else.
"As fair thou art, my darlin' lass—so deeep in love am Iiii! And I will love thee still my dear, till a' the seas are dryyy!" He plunged his washcloth down into the water and climbed up the stepladder to get to higher panes.
Thomas took a deep breath, launching into another verse, "Till all the seas are dry my deeeaaar!"
The doors at the far end of the banquet hall burst open and the king came striding in, fingers in his ears. He looked more than a little upset as he marched over to where his son was still singing.
"Thomas!" he barked, glaring up at him.
"And I will love you still my deee—"
"Cork it!" the king shouted, ending with a loud whistle that nearly made his son topple off the stepladder in surprise.
"Father? What's the matter?" Thomas asked, glancing down at the king.
His father removed his fingers from his ears and straightened, assuming his most dignified expression. "I want to talk to you. And you're deafening the entire palace, so stop singing."
Thomas came down from the ladder, slapping his washcloth down into the bucket so that suds spilled out onto the floor. He began stretching out his arms, smiling broadly. "All right, what is it?"
"First, what are you doing?"
"Madam Lillian has me washing all the windows in the palace—"
"No, not that. Why were you singing?"
Thomas shrugged. "I'm happy."
The king cocked his head. "Happy? Well that's nice because I'm not happy. You missed a meeting today and we need to talk—"
"Can't this wait? There are several windows left and I need to be at Cat's house by—" he glanced out the window. "Balderdash, the sunset's almost over now."
"Enough with the sunset. Thomas, I am very disappointed in you. I told you repeatedly how important that meeting was and you failed to show up. Instead you spent the morning in the gardens goofing off with your cousin. Honestly, do you even want to be prince?"
He looked out the window again. "It's not a matter of want, Father, it's more that I already am. And it was just one meeting."
"No, it wasn't. It was very important and you missed a lot of information which—"
The doors opened at the other end of the hall, and this time the queen entered.
"Will, have you found—ah." She came over, nodding at her husband. "Tommy, your father wanted to speak to you."
"He's doing it right now," Thomas said.
His mother frowned. "Dear, what on earth happened to your face? You've got scratches all over."
"Not now, Caroline—I'm still speaking to Thomas."
"I can ask him if he's all right—"
"Caroline, no."
The queen stared at her husband. He never interrupted her.
"Darling, is everything okay?" the queen asked, concerned.
"No, it's not. Thomas," he turned to his son, "there are things you need to know about that meeting."
"Okay. But I can catch up later with the paperwork. You don't have to remind me."
"It's not just the paperwork, Thomas. It's something far more serious than that. Certain information came to light. And decisions were made—plans settled." He shook his head, muttering, "Things that can't really be undone."
The king continued speaking, but Thomas only heard words like 'duty' and 'responsibility' and 'important.' The sun had disappeared by now.
"Father, I'm sorry, but I really have to go." He started to leave.
"Go where? Do you even hear what I'm saying?" his father demanded.
"Tommy, come back here."
He turned back, halfway to the door. "I can't—I need to go talk to Cat's father and it's getting late."
"What? Catherine?" the queen asked.
Her son grinned. "Yes. I'm going to ask Lord Brian if I can court her."
The king frowned. "Now wait just a—"
"When did this happen?" his wife interrupted.
"Today. We exchanged," Thomas glanced to the side, "um, words. She wants me to talk to him."
His mother opened her mouth. "But—"
"Yes, he's going to talk to her father, woo Catherine, get married—whatever. Thomas, get back here right—he's gone. Of course he is." The king sighed and took a seat on the lower rung of the stepladder.
"This is serious, William. He's actually—I can hardly believe it—he's actually going to court her. This is wonderful!"
The king rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes. Quite wonderful. At least until I throw a wrench into his plans."
His wife frowned. "Will, what's wrong? What happened today?"
"At the meeting I—erm, I received a report. Thomas wasn't there to corroborate, and I was backed into a corner so I—I made an executive decision."
She sat next to him. "What kind of decision?"
"You're not going to like it. He's definitely not going to like it."
His wife took his hand, her blue eyes anxious.
An hour or so later, Thomas was preparing to leave for Lord Brian's house. He had eaten a quick dinner, brushed his teeth, taken a bath, combed his hair, and was picking out his clothes when his cousin entered his bedroom.
"Hello Freddy," Thomas said distractedly, pulling on a shirt.
"Oh, noticed me did you? Actually care about my existence now?" Frederick plopped onto the couch and slumped down, face-first, into the cushions.
"What are you so grumpy about?" Thomas asked as he buttoned his shirt.
Frederick lifted his face up. "Your girlfriend knocked me in the eye this morning, if you don't remember. And now I've got a shiner and my buttocks will never be the same since I sat in that thorn bush."
"At least you didn't have to wash all the windows of the palace."
"No, I was just stuck in the infirmary, listening to the old reverend blather on about his boyhood days while my fanny got bandaged. Clearly you've had it far worse."
"I'm sorry, all right? And jumping into that rosebush was your idea in the first place so you can't blame me for that."
"I suppose not," Frederick sighed, and then noticed his cousin was trying on variety of cravats. "Wot are you getting all spiffy for anyway?"
"I'm going over to Cat's house. I'm going to ask her father if I can court her."
"Are you going to tell him wot happened today?"
"Of course not," Thomas said, pulling off a blue cravat.
"Good, because you were getting a bit handsy under those flowers," his cousin muttered.
"No I wasn't!" Thomas snapped, his ears red.
Frederick smiled cheekliy despite his black eye. "Righto. Big fat fib that was."
Thomas huffed uncomfortably. "Look, if anything, Cat was—" he hissed, suddenly realizing he should probably stop talking.
"Go on then. Kitty-cat was wot?"
Thomas rubbed his beard. "She—well, I kissed her first and she—she wanted to continue so we did. Kissing, that is."
His cousin laughed. "You're joking. Kitty-cat was the one who—and here I thought you were the eager one."
"Well, I did kiss her back. It wasn't all her."
"Still, that's pretty good for your first time out."
"Yes, perhaps it is." Thomas smiled, feeling slightly proud of himself.
Frederick nodded thoughtfully. "I should congratulate her, getting the best of you like that."
"She didn't get the best of me."
"Sure she didn't. Trust me, the gals in that family are—ahem," Frederick coughed, shaking his head. "Pardon. No clue wot I was about to say."
"What do you mean? What about Cat's family?" the prince asked.
"Wot?"
"What you just said there."
His cousin shrugged. "I don't know—they're Midlanders aren't they? Rebel stock?"
"Half-Midlander," Thomas corrected. "But what does that have to do with anything?"
"Can't quite say. So, you're asking her da, eh? Think he'll say yes?"
Thomas sighed, buttoning up his vest. "I hope so. To be honest, I have no idea what I'm going to say to him." He frowned at his reflection in the mirror.
"'I love your daughter,' 'Kitty-cat's very nice,' 'brilliant kisser'—that sort of thing."
Thomas shook his head. "You can't just launch into something like that, Freddy. You have to have reasons, proof, evidence that you really care about—"
"Goliath, a blind duck could tell you two love each other. I don't think Lord Brian missed it," Frederick said.
His cousin smiled doubtfully. "Well, I love Cat, at least. I can only hope she loves me back."
"You've got plenty of hope, judging from wot I saw today."
"Maybe. Anyway," he grabbed his jacket and swung it onto his shoulders, "I'll probably be getting down there late already so I'd better start off now. Take care of yourself, Freddy."
"You owe me big, Goliath," Frederick called.
"I know I do. See you when I get back."
It was night, and Catherine was in the sitting room, perched on a chair at the window and gazing out into the darkness. He still had not come yet. Dinner was over, dessert finished, dishes done, and now her father had retreated to his office and her mother, Elizabeth and Frieta were upstairs helping get the girls ready for bed. And still, Thomas had yet to make an appearance.
She sighed, staring out the window while behind her, Mary hummed and stoked the fire. It was getting colder as autmn set in, and soon they would have to take turns getting up each night to keep the fire going.
Mary straightened from where she knelt by the hearth, yawning. "Katie, can you make sure the fire has enough fuel beside it? There's extra wood in the kitchen but I'm so tired…"
"All right," Catherine said.
"It's just been," Mary yawned again, "such an exciting day what with you running crazy this morning and then Lizzie coming over."
"Very exciting, yes."
"Goodnight, Katie." Mary patted her on the shoulder and headed upstairs.
Catherine waited five more minutes before going to fetch logs from the kitchen. She came back and set them down in the bin next to the fireplace, watching the flames twist and dance.
Perhaps Thomas had been too busy to come today. He did, after all, miss a meeting. No doubt he had a lot of work to catch up on and she wouldn't be surprised if his father had been angry with him for shirking. But all the same, it was close to ten at night. Where was he? Was he purposely staying away? Had she scared him off?
Her eyes widened, and Catherine sat down in one of the armchairs. That was a possibility she had tried not to think about but now… Admittedly she had been a bit enthusiastic in that rosebush. More than a bit, actually. But for goodness sake, the man she had been waiting on had finally kissed her so of course she was enthusiastic!
And at any rate, he had seemed so pleased, so happy. No, that couldn't have been it. No, he was just tied up with work that was all. And it did not really matter. Her father was not expecting him—no one was. She had not told anyone what had happened yet, despite her older sister's questions. No one knew she had kissed the prince. No one knew that she had liked it and wanted to do it again.
"Katie, are you coming to bed or not?"
Catherine turned to see Elizabeth standing in the sitting room doorway. She had already changed into her nightgown and had her arms crossed.
Catherine stood up, frowning. "I don't recognize that nightgown."
Her sister beamed. "George bought it for me. Do you like it?"
"I don't know, but he probably does." She nodded at the lacy neckline and shortness of the hem. "Don't you get cold in that thing?"
"Yes, but I forgot my bathrobe upstairs. Are you coming?"
Catherine glanced out the window once more before walking over to join her sister.
Elizabeth looked at the window, remarking, "You can stay if you're expecting someone. Perhaps someone royal with broad shoulders that could lift an ox?"
Her sister grinned slightly. "Maybe, but it's still none of your business."
"Katie, what's going on?"
"Nothing. And I'm going to bed," Catherine said, making her way to the stairs.
Elizabeth came up behind her. "I'll follow you up there. Remember, we're sharing your room tonight."
"Yes, I know. I saw how your bag exploded all over my room when I went up there earlier."
"I'm just settling in," Elizabeth said.
"It's almost as if you never left. You're always so messy."
"George doesn't mind."
"George doesn't count," Catherine responded.
Several minutes later, Thomas knocked at the door of Lord Brian's house. He shivered, waiting. The ground floor windows were mostly dark, but there were some upstairs windows lit with the glow of candlelight. It was possible he still had a chance.
Thomas rapped his knuckles against the wood once more, glancing behind him. Maximillian was tied at the gate, and had actually leaned over to snatch a few apples from the trees in the front of the yard.
"Maximillian!" Thomas hissed. "Stop that!"
The horse ignored him and continued munching happily.
Thomas groaned and was just about to go over to his horse when the door opened behind him. He turned and saw, to his surprise, that it was Jane. She was wearing a nightdress and had a book in her hand, evidently intent on getting in some reading before bed. She looked as surprised as he was.
"Tommy?"
Thomas smiled. "Yes, hello, Jane. Good evening."
There was an awkward pause filled with Maximillian's audible chewing.
Jane gestured inside. "Do you want to come in? It's cold out there."
"I hadn't noticed," Thomas lied, entering the house. It was very dark. The fireplace was lit but surely everyone had gone to bed by now.
"Um, Jane, is your father still awake?"
She nodded. "Mmmhm, but Katie's upstairs if you want me—"
"No, no thank you. I just want to see your father," he said.
Jane pointed towards the back of the house. "He's in his office, I think."
"Right. I'll just—I'll go over and talk to him, then." Thomas stood still, swallowing.
"Are you all right?" The girl asked, peering up at him.
"Bit nervous, that's all. Um, how do I look?"
Jane grinned. "Nice. I like your vest."
Thomas gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you. Well, here I go." He lifted his foot and began marching down the hallway, certain that if he slowed for a second he would freeze in place.
His heart was pounding when he reached the door of Lord Brian's office. The door was ajar, light spilling into the hallway from the crack. He could hear shifting papers, and a cough told him immediately that the milk lord was at his desk.
Thomas inhaled and, before he could think about it, knocked.
"Marie dear, I'm coming to bed in a minute. If you want to come scold me, I don't see why you bother being polite about it."
The prince pushed the door open and stepped into the room. Lord Brian looked up from his desk, eyebrows rising.
"Thomas? I thought you were my wife."
He nodded. "Um, I'm not."
Lord Brian smiled. "Yes, I can see that. Although, I must say, I never expected to see you here this late."
"I'm sorry. Should I come back later?"
"No, no. You came here for a reason so just tell me."
Thomas nodded and coughed. "Well I have a—a proposition, sir."
"Proposition? Is this about those land grants your father brought up last week? Royal business never stops, does it?"
"No sir. And, actually, it isn't royal business—it's personal. And I came not on behalf of my father, but on my own."
"Ah, this should be interesting. Take a seat." He indicated the one chair in front of his desk, but Thomas shook his head.
"I'd rather not, sir."
Lord Brian shrugged. "Okay. Then have at it. What is your proposition?"
Thomas cleared his throat. "Lord Brian."
The man adjusted his glasses.
"Lord—Lord Brian."
He nodded, waiting for him to continue.
"Lord Brian, I would—um—Lord Brian, Lor—"
"Thomas, if you say my name one more time I will say 'no' to whatever you ask me. Now," he leaned forward in his seat, his eyeglasses glinting in the candle light, "tell me what you want, dear boy."
He cleared his throat again, and asked quietly, "May I court Catherine?"
"Catherine?"
"Yes sir."
"Katie?"
He nodded. "Yes, Lord Brian—your second eldest."
Lord Brian inclined his head. "I know which one she is, Thomas. You don't have to remind me."
His eyes widened, and he hastily looked down, mumbling, "Sorry sir."
"No, that's all right." Lord Brian sat back in his chair, considering the extremely nervous young man standing before him. "That's quite all right."
Thomas glanced up hesitantly. "Sir?"
There was a small smile on the man's face as he continued to gaze at the prince.
Then Lord Brian spoke. "As you know, Katie is a wonderful young woman. She is intelligent, kind, beautiful—though I daresay you've noticed that particular aspect."
Thomas nodded uncomfortably.
"As wonderful as she is, she is also the type of person who needs stability in her life. Someone she can count on—someone she trusts completely—someone she knows would never break her heart." Lord Brian's expression was serious now, all traces of amusement gone. "You've heard of Joseph, haven't you? Everything that went on there?"
"Yes sir. Cat—she told me about it." Just the very thought made his fists clench.
Lord Brian sighed. "Ever since her relationship terminated with that man, Katie has built a barrier around herself. It was done out of protection and, honestly, I don't blame her. In fact, I rather approve of it. But since she's met you, that barrier has started to weaken. Slowly—granted—but weaken all the same. She trusts you. She has allowed herself to rely on you. That is very important, Thomas."
He closed his eyes. "I know it is."
"I need you to tell me that her trust is not misplaced. That you would never consciously hurt her in any way. That you are serious about this relationship."
"I don't really think I'm capable of hurting her."
"Are you certain?"
"No." Thomas looked up.
The milk lord cocked his head. "No?"
"Lord Brian, I'm a man and I make mistakes. I lie, I break promises, I—I am selfish. I won't pretend that I'm not. But I do want to be better for her."
"Not because she deserves it, surely?" Lord Brian asked.
The question took Thomas aback. Of course Catherine deserved it. She was brilliant and amazing and the best possible person there was. She would always deserve his best. What on earth could her father be playing at?
"Thomas, Katie is very kind and sweet but she is not perfect. She has her faults just like you have yours. Sometimes it may be difficult for you to be better for her because she will not always try to be better for you. You must understand that."
"Yes sir."
"Do you understand that?" Lord Brian asked.
"I do."
"And you do care for her?"
Thomas bowed his head. "So very much, Lord Brian."
The milk lord nodded, folding his hands together. "Very well, you may court my daughter on one condition."
"Yes sir?"
"You have to promise to marry her by the end of it."
Thomas stared at him.
"Why won't you tell me what happened at the palace?" Elizabeth moaned, lying on the bed and looking at her sister upside down.
Catherine shook her head, brushing her hair in front of the vanity. "I'm not telling, so stop asking."
"But you've been acting so strange today. I just want to make sure you're all right."
"You're just being nosy as usual."
"I'm not being nosy. If I was nosy," Elizabeth sat up and opened a trunk in the corner, "I'd be rummaging through your things."
"At least you haven't gone that far."
"Yep," Elizabeth replied, pulling out a bundle of dark material. She immediately saw that it was a man's jacket, and a fine one too save for a bit of fraying near the collar. A golden sun was embroidered into the inside part of the coat, and Elizabeth grinned, running her fingers over the thread. "Katie, whose jacket is this?"
Catherine turned around, her eyes widening. "Give that to me."
"It's his, isn't it? It even smells expensive." She sniffed it, and frowned. "Actually it smells like you—have you been wearing it?"
"Lizzie, stop it, okay? Just stop," Catherine stood up and started around the bed.
Elizabeth held the jacket closer. "I can't stop because something's wrong and you won't tell me what it is. And now you have his jacket here? That means something, Katie!"
"No, it doesn't, and nothing's wrong! I'm fine! Everything's fine—" she snatched the coat away, "Peachy, perfect—leave me alone!"
Her older sister watched as Catherine went back over to the vanity and sat down to furiously brush her hair again. Elizabeth stood, grabbing her bathrobe and wrapping it about herself.
"All right then. I'll just go downstairs and get a muffin while you stay up here, not telling anyone what's going on even though you know you want to tell me."
"Enjoy your muffin, Lizzie," Catherine said, not turning around.
"Ugh!" Throwing up her hands, Elizabeth marched over to the door and jerked it open, heading downstairs.
"Enjoy your muffin. Honestly, I'm the one who should be having mood swings and shouting and what have you. I wonder if any of those chocolate chip muffins are still down there. I could really use some chocolate right now."
Elizabeth set her hand on the railing and had almost made it downstairs when a dark form crossed her path. She jumped, startling the man who was reaching for the front door.
"What—" she peered through the darkness and caught some of his face in the firelight from the sitting room. "Tommy? Is that you?"
"Good evening, Lizzie," Thomas said, bowing slightly.
"You gave me such a fright. What are you—" Elizabeth tugged the neck of her robe a little closer. "What are you doing here?" She appraised him, adding with some surprise, "You look nice."
"I just had some business to discuss with your father."
Elizabeth's green eyes narrowed. "At this time of night?"
"It—it couldn't wait," he said.
"Ah. Pressing business. George has that sometimes."
"Yes."
About fifteen seconds passed in which Elizabeth tried to read the prince's face and he tried his hardest not to catch her eye.
Finally, Thomas asked, "I believe congratulations are in order? It's good to know there will be an heir to the house of Dean before too long."
Elizabeth looked astonished. "Wha—how did you know?"
"Your husband told me," he answered, smiling.
She frowned. "George, of course. And I told him to not tell—"
"Anyone in the family. Since I'm not family, I don't count," he said quietly.
"No, you do count and—you didn't tell Katie, did you?" Elizabeth asked, apprehensive.
"She doesn't know."
Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."
Thomas glanced back at the door. "Yes. Listen, I need to get back home so, goodnight, Lizzie."
She smiled. "Goodnight. See you soon, hopefully?"
He nodded and left the house. Elizabeth locked the door and raced up to her sister's bedroom.
"Did you enjoy your muffin?" Catherine asked as soon as the door closed behind her sister.
"What is the prince doing here?" Elizabeth demanded.
Catherine jumped up. "What? He came tonight?"
"You knew he was coming—wait, where do you think you're going?"
"To see Tommy! I need to—" Elizabeth blocked her pathway to the door.
"He just left. He's probably out of the neighborhood by now."
Catherine tried to dodge around her. "What did he come for?"
"He wanted to talk to Daddy and—and he looked nice and—oh no you don't!" Elizabeth set her hands on the doorpost, trying to keep her from reaching the handle.
"Lizzie, move! I need to see Daddy, I need to—"
A door slammed shut further down the hallway.
"Was that Daddy's door?" Catherine whispered.
"Probably. And you know he doesn't like to be bothered once he's gone to bed."
Catherine stopped struggling and let out a groan, walking back to flop down on the bed.
"Well, looks like you have plenty of time to tell me why Tommy was here," Elizabeth said, still blocking the door in case of an escape attempt.
"Did he look happy?" Catherine asked.
"Who, Tommy? No, he looked distracted."
"Oh dear. That could be a bad sign." Catherine sat up, squeezing the edge of her nightgown.
"A bad sign of what?"
Catherine opened her mouth, preparing another excuse, but shook her head. "Never mind."
Her older sister frowned, inhaling deeply before blurting, "Katie, if you don't tell me what's going on I won't tell you my secret!"
"You don't have a secret," Catherine snorted, rolling her eyes.
"Oh yes I do. And it's big and juicy. Even Tommy knows about it."
"No he doesn't."
"Yes he does," Elizabeth retorted. "George can't keep his mouth shut so now the prince knows and you don't so ha!"
Catherine's eyes widened in realization. "Did you say George? That's what Tommy was laughing about?"
"Laughing? Why was he laughing?" Elizabeth asked, hand pressed protectively to her abdomen.
She shook her head, murmuring, "George told him something when he came to drop a box off at the house and Tommy was laughing about it and wouldn't tell me anything. What was it?"
"What happened at the palace today?" Elizabeth countered.
"Lizzie—"
"No, Katie. I refuse to tell you unless you promise to tell me your story."
"It can't be that important."
"Oh, it's life-changingly important," Elizabeth replied.
Catherine shrugged. "I'll just ask George."
"George's not allowed to tell anyone."
Both sisters glared at each other, daring the other to break eye contact and admit defeat. Eventually, Catherine glanced away. "Fine."
"Yes!"
"But you tell me your secret first."
"Fair enough. But first—" Elizabeth turned around and wrenched open the door. Frieta, out in the hall, was startled so much she nearly dropped her candle.
"Frieta, what are you doing?" Elizabeth asked accusatorily.
"I'm going to the john! Pippin tot, what did you think I was doing?"
"Listening at the door."
Frieta tilted her chin. "Why? You talking about anything interesting?"
"No." Elizabeth shut the door.
Catherine's face bore an expression of disapproval. "Lizzie, that was really—"
Elizabeth opened the door again, and this time Frieta jumped back, looking guilty. "Aha!"
Frieta crossed her arms in defiance. "Well of course I'm going to be listening now! What are you two talking about?"
"Nothing. Now go to bed."
"I'm not listening to you, Liz—"
"Frieta, please," Catherine said, leaning over to see her younger sister.
Her sister huffed. "Okay. But only because you asked, Katie. If it had been bossy britches over here I'd just say rub a monkey's tummy."
Elizabeth shut the door again, checked a third time to make sure Frieta was gone, and finally came to bed. She was beaming as she took one of Catherine's hands in her own.
"Okay, Katie, what I'm going to tell you is very important. Quite possibly the most important—"
"Get on with it, Lizzie."
"You have no sense of drama, do you?"
"Drama? Please, what on earth could be so important that you—" she suddenly noticed the way her sister was sitting, how she was holding herself. "Wait, you're not—"
"Yes."
Catherine shook her head. "But it's only been—"
Elizabeth smirked. "It's been long enough, trust me."
"Really? You're—"
"Yes!"
"Oh Lizzie!" Catherine hugged her sister tightly, laughing with excitement. She could not believe it! Her sister—her best friend in the world—was going to be a mother!
"I know! I know! My word you should've seen George when I told him. I thought I had given the poor man a heart attack," Elizabeth said, giggling as they drew apart.
"But he's happy?" Catherine asked, beaming.
"You know George—he's so happy he's about to burst. Told me he loved me about twelve times while I sobbed into his shirt. He's going to be a marvelous father."
"And you're going to be a fantastic mother. Oh dear Lizzie, I'm so happy for you!" Catherine squeezed her sister's hands.
"Me too—I can hardly believe it. I feel so young but—it doesn't matter." Elizabeth smiled. "This is it and I love him, or her, already. So much."
"Of course you do. You'll be brilliant."
"I hope so. I certainly am going to try to be because this baby—my word, I'm having a baby—this baby is mine and George's and is the most amazing baby ever!"
"When are you due?" Catherine asked.
Her sister bit her lip. "We're not entirely sure. We've had a lot of um—good nights and, to be honest, amazing mornings and—"
Catherine sighed. "Lizzie."
"Well it's hard to tell when you're in love!" Elizabeth grinned. "The family physician said I'm only about two months along which means I've got seven more left to go."
"So, you'll be delivering in early summer?"
She nodded. "I suppose. My goodness, I don't have near enough time to prepare."
"You will be fine," Catherine said soothingly. "I'll help and so will Mother."
"Want to come stay in Dean for a few weeks? I hear the city is lovely and the new duchess could use some help with renovations on the manor nursery."
"Maybe when the day is closer and you're as big as a balloon," Catherine replied, laughing again.
"Oh don't tease me, Katie. You know I hate the idea of losing my figure."
"You'll be as beautiful as always, and I'm sure if you forget George will remind you."
Elizabeth smiled. "He would. He's perfect that way. And he's already told his family. I wanted to tell all of you in person and I was going to wait until breakfast but I just couldn't stand it anymore."
"I'm glad you told me. Oh, I'm so happy for you Lizzie," Catherine said, hugging Elizabeth again. "So very happy."
"Thank you. Okay, so now that you know my big secret," Elizabeth drew away to stare straight into her sister's face, "what's yours?"
Catherine lifted her shoulders. "It's nothing. It's not nearly as fun as yours."
"I beg to differ. I'd love to hear gossip about the palace, the prince, and my baby sister."
"I'm only a year younger than you."
"Still a baby. Now go on, Katie, you never break your promises so go ahead and tell me." Elizabeth gathered her knees up to her chin, smiling at her sister over top of them.
Catherine closed her eyes, knowing full well her sister was right. She had to tell her, especially if she wanted to get any sleep tonight.
She cleared her throat. "Well, I suppose it really started a few weeks ago. I've written to you about this already but Tommy and I—we've been friendly."
"Friendly how?"
"He's brought me roses a few times and we—you know—were a bit flirty or whatever," Catherine said.
Elizabeth smirked. "I didn't know you knew how to flirt."
"I know perfectly well how to flirt, thank you very much!"
"Okay, whatever—so you've both been friendly and dancing around the idea of being something more than friends. I know this already, Katie, I'm your sister. What I want to know is what is happening now? Why did you go to the palace today and why did you come home looking as though you've made off with the royal treasury?"
Catherine frowned. "I don't look like that."
"You look guilty," her sister pointed out.
"I'm not guilty."
"If you say so—now go on. What were you doing there?"
Starting to regret her promise, Catherine answered, "Tommy asked me if I wanted to come look at the gardens, so I said yes. It was the last time the roses were blooming this year and they were supposed to be really pretty."
"Were they pretty?"
"I don't know—I was a bit distracted—and stop interrupting. Anyway, I went up there and arrived late. He came out and I sort of—I just froze. I was scared about being left alone with him so I—I made his cousin come with us." She winced at the memory.
Her sister sat up straighter. "His cousin? That funny man with the long nose?"
"Yes, that's Freddy. Dear fellow got himself dragged along just because I was nervous."
Elizabeth groaned. "Please tell me you didn't take him to the gardens too?"
Catherine sighed, admitting, "I'm afraid I did. I grabbed onto his arm and pulled him along, mumbling about flowers and everything under the sun. I wouldn't even let him leave when he asked if he could."
"And what did Tommy do this entire time?"
"He followed us, and tried to talk to me once or twice but I couldn't stand it. I knew what he was going to say—all sorts of wonderful but awkward things—but I just kept thinking what if I ruin it? What if I don't say anything? So I just went ahead and ruined it anyway by ignoring him."
"Oh Katie." Elizabeth looked at her sympathetically. "Did he get angry?"
Catherine nodded, rubbing her arms. "He was quite unhappy. We actually got into a bit of an argument."
Elizabeth gasped. "You didn't!"
"Yes, we did. It was stupid, over silly stuff like him skipping out on this meeting he had and me not wanting to talk to him all day. We just kept yelling at each other, accusing one another of all sorts of rubbish. We probably would've kept it up for hours if Freddy hadn't seen the reverend and the housekeeper coming up the path."
"Why should they matter?" her sister asked, confused.
"The housekeeper would've hauled Tommy and Freddy out by the ears for skipping the meeting. Apparently she's had it out for them ever since they were young. Tommy said she makes him wash windows."
"Is that what happened? Did the housekeeper come and grab him by the ear?"
"No. Freddy managed to get our attention long enough to get us moving again. We actually did get as far as the roses, but it was a dead end. Then Freddy jumped into one of the bushes to hide. I thought that was a good idea so I tried to get Tommy to get into another bush. He wouldn't go, so I, um, I kind of pushed him into it," Catherine finished, feeling her face get hot.
"You pushed the man?"
"Tackle was more like it. He's much bigger than I am so I had to make him lose his balance before he'd fall."
Elizabeth turned her head, thinking. "How did you land?"
Her sister rolled her eyes. "What do you mean, 'how did we land'? I shoved him into a bush, how do you think we landed?"
"Sounds like it was a compromising position," she remarked, smiling. Then her eyes widened, and she asked quickly, "You didn't knee him did you?"
"No! At least, I hope not. Oh dear, what if I did?"
Elizabeth waved her hand dismissively. "He'll recover. Anyway, what happened next? Is that when the housekeeper found you?"
"No—no I just told Tommy to keep quiet because he was still talking. It was a moment before the housekeeper and reverend came over. And then—" she hesitated.
"And then what? And then what?"
"And then he started brushing my hair back from my face."
Elizabeth let out a soft 'oh'.
Catherine smiled, shaking her head. "I was going to ask what he was doing but I saw that he was looking at me. He had a very direct gaze and his eyes are so, so blue. Did you know how blue they are? They're like the ocean on a perfect day. Startling blue—calm but, at the same time, bold. I think—I think he knew exactly what he was doing…" she trailed off, contemplating the prince's gaze.
"And what was he doing?"
"Hmm?"
"What was he doing, Katie?" Elizabeth repeated, the barest hint of irritation in her voice.
"He—he said I was beautiful."
Elizabeth tossed her head. "Well, we all know that. Gorgeous family relations and all."
"No, this was different. He didn't just mean my face he meant—he meant so much more than that." She leaned back against the bedpost, staring up at the ceiling.
"Is that all that happened?" Elizabeth asked.
"What?" Catherine looked at her, shaking her head. "No—no—after he said that we, um—he kissed me."
"Oh, Katie! I knew it!" Elizabeth fell back onto the bed, laughing.
"If you knew it then why did you make me tell you?" she asked, unable to keep the grin spreading across her face.
"I wanted the story. My word—my goodness—did you really kiss Tommy?"
"Yes, I did. I just told you that."
"Was he any good?" Elizabeth asked, her grin widening.
"I don't know. I've never been kissed before—and anyway," Catherine pulled her hair back anxiously, murmuring, "Now that I think about it—a rosebush of all places? You don't go about kissing princes in rosebushes. You kiss princes in towers and on horses and adrift across a sun-lit sea—not in the palace shrubbery! What on earth does the poor man think?"
Elizabeth snorted. "I don't see why you're so worried about it. It was just one kiss, right?"
"Well, yes," Catherine replied, a bit of reservation in her voice.
"What's the matter?"
Catherine shrugged uneasily, muttering, "Really, it might have been several."
"Several?" Elizabeth sat up in bed, staring at her sister.
She nodded. "We sort-of—we might've got carried away a bit. I mean, after all, it was almost half a minute before Freddy found us and really I think we can be forgiven a little enthusiasm. We have known each other for months now. It's not like we were complete strangers."
Her sister shook her head, whispering, "I don't believe it. I do not believe it. You were actually snogging him."
"I was not!" Catherine protested.
"Yes you were. That's exactly what it sounds like you were doing. You snogged him, good and hard," Elizabeth replied confidently.
"No I didn't."
"Yes you did."
She narrowed her eyes. "Lizzie, I'm telling you, I didn't."
"And I'm telling you, Katie dear, that you snogged his face off. You probably kissed him over and over and over again, running your fingers through that thick, coffee-colored hair."
"What, were you hiding in that rose bush?" Catherine asked, half-exasperated, half-amused.
"Aha!" Elizabeth crowed. "You did snog him! Ha!"
"Well, if I did—and I most definitely did not—he started it," Catherine said defensively.
"And apparently you liked it enough to continue." Elizabeth grinned, her face alight with mischief.
"I never said that."
She rolled her eyes. "Please. No eligible girl in her right mind would kiss the prince and not want to do it again."
"KATIE SNOGGED THE PRINCE?"
Lord Brian, who was sitting in bed, looked up from his newspaper. He glanced over to his wife, remarking, "So that's what happened?"
"Apparently." Lady Marie continued editing her husband's inventory reports.
The floor started shaking as doors burst open and many pairs of feet pounded down the hallway, accompanied by impatient voices demanding to know what had happened.
"We're not going to get any sleep tonight, are we?" Lord Brian asked.
His wife frowned, crossing out a number. "What makes you say that?"
"Judging from the herd of girls now crammed into Katie's room, there will be an inordinate amount of giggling tonight." He cocked his head and sighed. "Oh, it's started already."
Lady Marie simply smiled at him. "It's a good thing you like little girls."
He shook his head, folding his newspaper. "I love little girls. I just don't love hearing waves of giggles into the wee hours of the morning."
"You can tell them to go to bed."
"No, I'll let them have their fun. I'm only dreading what will happen when they find out he's going to marry her."
"What?" Lady Marie blotted a number, looking quickly at her husband.
"Thomas came over tonight to ask me permission to court Katie."
"And somehow it turned to marriage?"
He pursed his lips. "Well—that won't be for a long time, I suspect. But I had him promise that he would court Katie only on the condition that he'd marry her at the end of it."
His wife made a face. "Oh Brian, that's old fashioned. Courtships fall out all the time."
Lord Brian nodded. "Yes, I know they do. I was first-hand witness to yours falling out, if you remember. Why else do you think I did it?"
She set aside the reports, folding her arms. "Well I'm sorry, but I fell in love with a short diary farmer, so it wasn't my fault. And anyway, it's not like Thomas and Katie are betrothed so why did you tell him that?"
"I wanted him to admit that he loved her. No man's going to court my daughter until he admits that."
"And did he?"
Lord Brian smiled. "Yes, he did."
"So you mean that our daughter, our Katie—"
"Has successfully done what no other girl could and captured the love and affection of the crown prince of Corona. And don't pretend you don't know. You and your friend the queen have been planning this for a while with all your letters."
His wife smiled unashamedly. "We merely said it would be a nice result. They were the ones who found each other at the matchmaking—Caroline and I had nothing to do with it."
"Naturally not."
"We'd never interfere. And anyway, it looks like they worked it out on their own."
Lord Brian removed his glasses, lying back on his pillows. "Yes, and my guess is they're going to thoroughly enjoy the courting experience."
"And then what?"
"Then I'll have to pay for a very expensive wedding."
In Catherine's bedroom, there was a lot of noise. Frieta had taken the vanity chair, while Emma and Mary sat on Elizabeth's traveling case. Georgiana, Allison and Eleanor were grouped on the carpet, and Catherine and Elizabeth were still on the bed. Jane had just entered the room when Elizabeth started talking loudly over everyone else.
"Okay, all of you get back to bed!"
Frieta wrapped her arms about the back of her chair. "No way! You two have been having all sorts of fun in here—I want to join in! I'm just as mature as you and I deserve to know what's been going on!"
Mary nodded firmly. "Me too—and so does Emma. We all deserve it."
Elizabeth glared down at them. "You don't deserve anything! This was a private conversation between Katie and me and none of you—"
"What's snogging mean?" Georgiana asked for the fifth time.
"Oh, for goodness sake—it means to kiss passionately," Frieta snapped.
"But what does passionately mean?" Georgiana asked.
"You know how much you like chocolate?"
Georgiana nodded.
"Katie kissed Tommy like he was a massive chunk of chocolate."
"Katie!" the twins exclaimed, turning towards Catherine.
"Thank you, Frieta," Catherine said, hand over her eyes.
"What was it like, Katie?" Emma asked excitedly. "Did he sweep you in his arms over the ballroom floor?"
Frieta shook her head. "They were in the gardens—I overheard everything—and what's this about the prince's cousin?"
"Forget the cousin—I want to know what happened with Tommy!" Mary said.
"No! All of you, out now!" Elizabeth barked, getting up to move her sisters towards the door.
"I'm not leaving!"
"But I want to know what happened!"
"Us too! Katie's our sister—"
"And Tommy's my friend—"
"Yeah, did he actually start it or did he—Lizzie, I'm not going!"
"Yes you are, all of you are getting—"
"Did you, Katie?" Jane asked suddenly, her voice cutting over the complaining. Everybody quieted at once, turning to look at Catherine as Jane asked, "Did you kiss him?"
Catherine glanced around at the eight pairs of green eyes, finally settling on Jane's face. She sighed, smiling. "Yes, Jane, I did."
There was a rush of squeals, giggles, and cheers. And then came the questions.
"Was he any good?" Frieta asked.
"What was it like, Katie?" Emma asked.
"What did he say? Did he say anything?" Mary demanded.
"What's going to happen next?" Elizabeth asked.
Catherine shot her older sister a look, and she shrugged, joining her on the bed.
"What? It's not like you got the chance to finish the story before Miss Gigantic Gob over there interrupted."
"Well, if you weren't being so secretive—" Frieta started, but Catherine held out her hands.
"Stop—both of you. I will answer three questions and three questions only."
"That's not fair!"
Catherine replied, "It's perfectly fair. I don't have to answer any if I don't want to."
Elizabeth glanced at her before nodding, folding her arms. "Exactly, so you lot decide which questions you want to ask and then go to bed."
All seven girls huddled together, muttering and hissing at each other. Catherine met Elizabeth's apologetic smile, and shrugged.
"They were bound to find out about it anyway."
"All the same, now you'll never get any peace."
"I'll manage. Okay, have you ladies decided yet?"
Frieta waved her hand and continued muttering.
"I suppose that means no," Catherine said, yawning. If Thomas knew what was going on now he'd probably never come over to her house again. But the real question was—what had happened when he had come over tonight? What had her father said?
"Katie, we're ready," Mary called, breaking off Catherine's thoughts.
Elizabeth cleared her throat. "Have it out then."
Frieta asked, "Was he any good?"
"Yes."
"Even with the beard?" Mary asked.
"Ew, I forgot about that. What was it like?" Elizabeth asked, curious and turned off at the same time.
Catherine smirked. "It tickled."
"Ewww!" A chorus of giggling followed, with Georgiana saying she quite liked the prince's whiskers.
Catherine laughed. "And I liked it a lot. Added to the experience, I'd say."
Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. "Gross. All right, next question."
"Did he say anything?" Mary asked.
Catherine's older sister cast a sideways glance over. "Yeah, did he say anything?"
"He told me I was beautiful."
"Ooohhh." All sisters sighed, hands pressed over their hearts.
Catherine smiled. "And he was very sweet."
"Awww!"
"Next question—and Frieta, you've already asked yours—"
"This doesn't count, but what happened with his cousin?" Frieta asked hastily.
Elizabeth frowned. "Why do you want to know—"
"That's actually a little funny," Catherine said, laughing slightly. "Although, I do feel bad. Freddy interrupted us and I threw my shoes at him. Poor man was never supposed to be there in the first place."
Frieta's jaw dropped. "He interrupted—"
Elizabeth cut her off. "Okay, next question—and the last one. Ally, go ahead."
The little girl played with one of her braids, asking quietly, "We just—we want to know what's going to happen now."
"I wish I knew," Catherine said.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Yes, all we know is that Tommy came over tonight to talk to Daddy and until tomorrow morning we won't know what happened."
"Oh, I can answer that question."
Lord Brian was standing in the doorway, his pink sleeping cap askew and glasses missing. He looked very tired, if not a bit amused.
Georgiana jumped up and ran over to him, beaming. "Daddy, Tommy kissed Katie!"
"Did he really?" Lord Brian asked, peering over at his second eldest.
A slow blush rose in Catherine's cheeks.
Lord Brian chuckled, turning back to Georgiana. "Well, I heard it was the other way around. But what does it matter? Soon they'll be doing it so much they will have forgotten who started it."
"Daddy, what happened tonight? What did Tommy say?" Frieta asked.
Her father adjusted his cap. "That is for Katie's ears only. The rest of you get to bed."
"But—"
"Now. And no talking—we have church tomorrow and we have to look like we want to be there. Bed, now."
"Yes sir," Emma said, standing up with Mary. All the girls began to walk out of the room.
"Goodnight Daddy."
"Goodnight, Daddy, we love you."
"Daddy, can I have a glass of water?"
Lord Brian looked up. "Lizzie, can you—"
"Yes sir. Come along, you lot. You too Frieta."
"Why'd you single me out?"
"Hmm, I wonder."
It wasn't until all her sisters had left did Catherine look up to see her father watching her. The pink had left her face by now, but apprehension was in her heart. "Daddy?"
"Come here, Katie."
She obeyed, nervous despite her father's warm smile.
"I had a visitor tonight—the prince, in fact. He wanted to ask me a question."
She gazed at him, hardly breathing.
"He asked me if he could court you, Katie." Her father smiled at her. "Naturally, I said yes."
"You said 'yes'?" she said, relief flooding through her.
"Granted, this was before I or the rest of the neighborhood found out about any 'snogging' incident. Your sister's voice carries."
Catherine grinned as her father shrugged, continuing, "But in all honesty, he made a very good argument. He cares for you, and you—well—I suppose care for him in turn. From a father's perspective, Thomas gave me every reason to say yes, and absolutely zero reasons to say no. He's a good man and he'll suit you well."
"So now—"
"Of course, you'll have to make the ultimate choice on the matter. Though if you don't mind my saying, Katie dear, I think you like him far too much to say no."
Catherine's smile widened, and her father nodded.
"Thought so. Anyway, he'll be coming over tomorrow so you'd better prepare yourself for being stared at by several pairs of green eyes."
"Poor Tommy."
"He'll be fine. And look, your sister's coming back."
"No, you've had three glasses of water. I'm not getting you another, so go to bed!" Elizabeth came into the room, shaking her head. "I tell you what, Daddy, if I have to deal with those girls one more—"
"Think of it as practice for your own children," Lord Brian said dryly.
"I know, and George said—wait a minute—did you tell him, Katie?" Elizabeth asked, realization dawning.
Catherine shook her head, and their father explained, "Your mother told me."
"Mother—of course she'd know. She always knows."
"You should know better than to think you can keep things from her. But, Lizzie, we are very happy and excited to meet our first grandchild. So, in an effort to keep you healthy, I'd suggest you both go to sleep." Lord Brian went over and kissed Elizabeth on the forehead, and then did the same for her sister. "Goodnight, Katie. Don't let Lizzie keep you up."
Lord Brian left, closing the door behind him. Elizabeth paused, looking in the vanity mirror. Her sister got in bed.
"Do you think I'm showing already, Katie? Is that how Mother found out?"
Catherine grinned, watching her sister rubbing her belly. "When you stick your stomach out like that anybody would think you're pregnant. Now come to bed."
"It'll be hard to sleep tonight. Everything's so exciting. I bet Frieta's talking up a storm now," Elizabeth said conversationally, sliding under the covers.
"Go to sleep, Lizzie."
"Fine, have it your way."
There was quiet, broken only by giggles from next door. Then they heard the unmistakable sound of their father clearing his throat and the giggles stopped at once.
"Lizzie," Catherine whispered.
"Mmm?"
"If you have a boy what will you call him?"
"Chester."
Catherine turned toward her in the darkness. "Is there someone in George's family named Chester?"
"No, I just like the name," Elizabeth replied.
"What about if it's a girl?"
"Catherine."
"Yes?"
"No, that's what I'd call her. Catherine of Dean, Kate for short, so we don't mix you two up too much."
Catherine took her sister's hand, squeezing it. "You'd really do that?"
"Well it's not like I'm going to name her after anybody else. Besides, hopefully this way she'll be a good girl like you and not a naughty one like me."
She grinned. "Maybe. I'm happy for you."
"And I am happy for you. And just so you know, half the girls in the country are crying themselves to sleep because you've just won the prized bachelor. Bask in the glory, Katie. You'll only get this chance once."
"I'd rather bask in my pillows. I'm exhausted."
"I'll bask for you then. Goodnight."
As her sister rolled over beside her, Catherine thought over what had occurred that day. It had turned out a lot better than she had expected. Despite all her best efforts to prevent its success by dragging the prince's cousin along and arguing over skipped meetings, the day had been fantastic. And now, with Thomas courting her, she could only imagine what tomorrow would bring.
By the way, the song Thomas sings is "A Red, Red Rose", a song written by Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, as sung by Andy M. Stewart of Silly Wizard. Check it out guys, it's nice! :D