"I thought you vetted these men," Marina said as soon as Katherine picked up her phone.
"I did. Mr. Rutledge was today, correct?"
"Yes and he asked to see my teeth." She hissed.
Katherine gasped. "No. Alright, I'll see if I can't talk Portia off of him."
"I just don't understand why I have to go about things this way when there's plenty to choose from with this matchmaking thing." She sighed, flopping down on her bed.
"Portia wants things done quickly. You're really close to where you'll start showing and with the lifestyle you're about to enter into, they're still more traditional with some things. So we need to find someone who won't ask questions and will propose yesterday."
"How did you help the other person that was in my position?"
"They went the adoption route so they stayed at a friend's family vacation home and we found someone through an adoption agency that would take the child."
"I wish I could go that route." Marina sighed. "Sure I was scared when I first found out but knowing that it was his, I started to grow attached. I just wish I didn't have to go through this stupid event or find a husband and just do everything by myself. Are you sure I can't come stay with you? I promise, I don't need any extra supervision and you know that both the baby and I are healthy."
"It'd raise too much suspicion now. With me coming over everyone just thinks that I'm doing business especially since half of the time I pop across the street to see the Bridgertons."
"And I guess I do have Pen here to keep me company."
"You do. I know it may not seem like it now but I promise, it's the best place for you to be."
"Are you sure you're not secretly a mother?"
Katherine laughed to cover up the fear of Marina actually piecing things together. "No, I most certainly am not but I've been told that I make a pretty cool big sister. Now rest up and I'll see what I can do about Portia, alright?"
Marina chuckled. "Alight. See you soon."
"What are you doing here on a Saturday?" Eloise asked as she leaned against Katherine's office doorway.
Katherine looked up from where she was hunched over multiple files. Eloise had texted her after she and Penelope had walked around the open-air market to see if she could stop by. When Katherine told her that she was at the office, the teenager was rather surprised. "Making sure I get my head on straight for the busy day I'm about to have. What's up, buttercup?" She motioned for Eloise to come in and have a seat.
"Do you know who this LW is?" Eloise asked as she sat down. This would be the easier of the questions to ask her honorary big sister.
Chuckling, Katherine shook her head. "No, I do not know who LW is. I can't even get into their blog without using the link they send out each time. Whoever they are, they're good."
"Would you like to join me and Pen as we search for their identity?" She smiled, eager to have Katherine join them.
"Why don't you two keep me updated since I have to make sure nothing unwanted is leaked on top of everything else I'm trying to run." Katherine gave her an encouraging smile.
"Yes, I can do that. I'll just send things to a group chat since Penelope is helping Marina weather these events and is trying to find someone for herself." Eloise then took a deep breath, looking down at her lap to try and calm her nerves. Katherine was smart so she was nervous that she'd put things together but she was in need of some sort of advice and she felt like she couldn't go to Daphne or her brothers.
"How do I ask out someone that I consider a very dear friend but always seems busy?"
"You are asking the wrong person," Katherine answered with a laugh. "But I'm always a fan of the direct approach, maybe even the smallest of gestures. If you know they're busy maybe offer to bring them dinner to meet them after whatever activity and never be afraid to go for the late-night snack either. Some of my favorite moments have come from conversations late at night."
Eloise nodded, writing things down in her notebook. "Thanks, Kitty. Is there anything I could help you with?"
"Oh, I wish." She sighed, looking at all she had to do when she realized that maybe there was something. "Actually, do you know if any of your brothers are going to today's match?"
"Yeah, I think they all are. Daphne's even going to meet with Frederich."
"Oh, really?"
Eloise nodded. "He gave her this diamond statement necklace earlier today. I think it's getting rather serious."
"Good to know." She scribbled down that bit of information on top of the sheet she had with things to help Simon with. "Will you have Anthony call me?"
"Sure! I'll leave you to it. I hear Trowbridge is going above and beyond this year."
"She's going somewhere." Katherine chuckled. "Thanks, Eloise, and good luck with your friend."
Eloise smiled, hurrying around to give her a hug before heading out.
The moment Eloise told Anthony that Katherine needed him to call her, he grew worried. They hadn't had the chance to see each other, let alone talk more than the few updates she had given him for the business. Trowbridge was having her run around like a madwoman for the ball tonight and from the few times he did try to see her as a friend, she always apologized and told him that she barely had time to get herself something to eat. He had sent her lunch the next day and an apology for not being able to deliver it in person.
Heading to the drawing room, he called Katherine, growing more and more worried the longer it took for her to pick up. A million different scenarios raced through his head until finally, her voice came through.
"Your other left! Now you gotta move it more than a smidge, like a whole step." She ordered the crew she had hired her to help set up.
Anthony laughed, relief rushing through him. "Trowbridge has you organizing everything, doesn't she?"
"At this point, I should just be named hostess." Katherine sighed. "No, the tables should be placed between the two birds!" She groaned a bit. "Sorry, I swear I asked you to call me for a reason."
Despite not being able to see him, he shook his head as he chuckled. "It's fine. I'm just glad you're not hurt. Did you need something?"
"Yes, actually!" Katherine smiled and Anthony could tell that she was making her way outside of the chaos. "Alright now that I'm not yelling at someone every five seconds," she laughed, "will you do a huge favor for me?"
"What is it?"
"I was supposed to go to the match today but clearly Trowbridge is having me run the show here. Archie Featherington has a gambling habit and I need someone there to watch him, see if he's actually able to pay any debts because that could give me answers to my problems."
Anthony chuckled. "Are you asking me to spy on my neighbor for you?"
"Well, when you put it that way, yes, that's exactly what I'm asking you to do. I have some things stacking up against him and I need to know how big of an issue I'm going to have to deal with since he's not telling me anything."
"Does your father know how much work you're putting into things?"
"He better. So is that a yes? I'll owe you a save from whoever your mum throws your way tonight."
"Yeah, I'll see what I can figure out for you. I'll text you what I find out."
"You are a godsend. Thank you so much." She then noticed a group walking towards her at the other end of the hall. "Hey are you guys here for the Trowbridge ball?"
A woman stepped out in front and gave her an affirmative but all Katherine knew was that she wished that Trowbridge would have given her all of the responsibility for organizing everything. "Oh shit," Katherine muttered.
"What, what is it?" Anthony asked.
Realizing she was still on the phone, she shook her head to focus back on reality. "Nothing, Trowbridge just has a very interesting taste for entertainment tonight. Thanks again for the favor and I'll see you later."
Katherine quickly ended the call and plastered a smile on her face. "You said you're the band? Let me show you to the green room and we can get you set up for soundcheck." She motioned the group, led by Sienna, to follow her. She hoped against all hope that the woman didn't know who she was.
"As you saw, we're still setting up so make yourself feel at home. There's water stashed in the fridge and snacks available. If you need anything else, ask for Katherine and I'll get whatever you need except for about an hour until the event because I'll have to get ready but I'll be sure that someone is available and let you know who that will be." She smiled, pointing out the various things she spoke about.
Sienna stared down the woman giving her and her band a tour of the venue. Sure she was a West End star but she also was trying to break out into the music scene. Since she was currently in a show, she and her band performed house concerts and this was one of the biggest ones they had done so far. She just couldn't place the woman who was taking care of them. "Do you happen to go by another name? I'm sorry, but I swear you look familiar."
Katherine grimaced before turning around to face them. "My friends call me Kitty. I work in Public Relations so depending on if you have an agent you might know me from there."
The actress shook her head. "That's not it. Do you know the Bridgertons?"
Sighing, Katherine nodded. "Nice to officially meet you, Sienna."
"Were you his other woman?"
The absurdity made Katherine bend over with laughter. She shook her head as she tried to stop laughing enough to speak. "Fuck no. He was all yours. I am merely a friend. Now if you'll excuse me, I really must go finish setting this event up. I'll come get you when it's time for soundcheck."
"You certainly called a lot to be just a friend."
Katherine sighed, silently sending an apology Anthony's way since she knew he thought that they would have been friends. "I certainly don't owe you an explanation and you can take your anger out about the break up on someone else because I'm not going to take it. We are both better than pitting ourselves against each other just because we happen to know the same guy." She then smiled, addressing the whole group. "So as I said, make yourself at home and if you need anything before soundcheck, give a shout for Katherine and I'll see what I can do."
Turning on her heel, Katherine left the green room and started helping with finalizing the setup. Luckily Sienna didn't ask for her to complete ridiculous tasks and the soundcheck went off without a hitch. Anthony had texted her while she was moving things around and she only got it as the band was going through their set. Archie Featherington had lost the bet at the match and at the bar afterwards, promised those he lost to he just needed some time so he could get the money he owed them. Word was, he was wracking up quite the debt. Now if only she had access to his bank accounts.
She texted him her thanks and then left the main hall to finally go get ready for the evening. To go along with the theme of the evening and knowing she would most likely be working instead of enjoying the evening, Katherine planned to put a classy spin on a circus look. Genevieve had come through with a floor-length dress that had a base of the lightest shade of pink to go underneath the navy blue tulle the dress was covered in. Thin straps held the dress up and a jeweled belt sat around her waist.
She curled her hair in large waves, pulling up half of it into two small buns that sat on either side of her head held in place with a blue and pink hair tie. She painted her lips a deep red, even extending her mouth line just a little bit so that it was subtle, and used pink and blue eyeshadow on each eye. Looking over her reflection, she smiled. It was perfect.
She wouldn't truly be able to enjoy it until the party was well underway. All of the guests had arrived, the first entertainer came out to play some instrumental pieces for everyone to dance to and Katherine was running around to make sure that everyone had everything they needed or if there were any last-minute requests.
Katherine would say hello to those she knew in passing as she flitted about but she wouldn't get a pause until after she let Sienna and her band know that it was time for them to go on. Letting out a deep breath once they started playing, she popped one of the chocolate truffles she had been eyeing all night and grabbed a glass of champagne as a waiter walked by.
She noticed Anthony first and the look of longing on his face made her take a large gulp of her champagne before she realized Violet was approaching with one of the other ladies on her potential wife list. But it seemed like she didn't need to save him for all he had eyes for was Sienna until he glanced behind him and noticed her standing there.
He knew that voice. It may not be singing a show tune right now, but he knew it. Glancing towards the stage, Anthony confirmed his suspicions. They locked eyes briefly before she moved her gaze to a more neutral point. Katherine's words came flooding back to him and maybe she had a point. Yet despite Sienna being desirable because he could not have her, it was Katherine he sought out when his mother approached with a potential bride. He had seen his best friend flitting about all evening, a vision of pink and blue but when he finally locked eyes with her, he was able to notice every detail she put into the look. She looked beautiful.
Excusing himself, Anthony turned to make his way towards her. The woman next to Violet looked dejected and Violet looked appalled until she noticed that he was making his way to his best friend. She apologized to the woman before waving towards Katherine, who easily returned the greeting.
With Anthony now closer, Katherine didn't know why she was becoming so nervous. Would he think her beautiful? Would he be upset with her for not telling him that Sienna was here? Would he act like everything was normal? "Before you say anything Trowbridge was in charge of entertainment. I didn't know until they arrived." She blurted out just as he got to her.
Anthony chuckled, shaking his head. "Kitty, I'm not mad, just surprised. I now understand why you said oh shit on the phone, however." He teased.
Laughing slightly, Katherine nodded. "Yeah…" She trailed off, wondering why she was being so awkward.
He didn't seem to notice which she was eternally grateful for. "What I was going to say, was that you look great and that I hope that you working tonight reflects on Trowbridge's character and not yours."
"You and I both know that my dad is roaming around here somewhere judging every little thing." She had seen her mother once as she was helping the performers and had yet to see her father, but she knew he was there.
"Well, you did great. Have you eaten today?"
"I have." She smiled. "I just ate a chocolate truffle too."
Anthony rolled his eyes as he placed a hand on her back and nudged her forward. "That's it, we're getting you something to eat because I'm willing to bet that you haven't actually had a meal since breakfast?"
Katherine remained silent causing Anthony to laugh. "I knew it. You're going to enjoy the food you picked out because you deserve it."
"Yes, because a plate full of decent hors d'oeuvres counts as a meal."
"You and I both know you were in charge of the food, so they do because they're filling enough. I don't need you passing out on me."
Looking up as she started to make herself a plate, a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "Are you worried about me, Anthony?"
"Always."
Her smirk slowly fell as she took in the sincerity behind his word. She hadn't seen him look at her like that since he promised her that everything was going to be okay. Katherine quickly turned to face the server and luckily Frederich approached them, saving her from having to reply.
Except what Frederich said about Daphne having gone missing, made her want to forget all about eating. She was about to give her plate back to the server when Anthony nudged the plate back towards her. "No, you are to eat." He gave her a pointed look before focusing back on Frederich. "Would you mind staying with Miss Gibbs while I go look for my sister?"
Frederich nodded and Anthony was off.
"You don't have to babysit me, you know." Katherine sighed.
He chuckled. "I much prefer conversing with you than being approached by Miss Cowper."
She smirked, nodding. "Alright, I'll give you that one but you're also getting a plate." She motioned towards the small stack of them and Frederich did as she requested with a laugh.
"I must confess," he started around his latest bite, "I was rather surprised that you were not with Mr. Basset when I arrived here."
Katherine laughed. "Simon and I are only friends. We're just very close. You're not the first person to think that I assure you."
"And Mr. Bridgerton doesn't seem to mind?"
She started choking after the question, drinking the rest of her champagne to help her stop. Katherine shook her head. "Anthony and I aren't together either. We've all known each other for a long time so we're just very familiar with each other."
Frederich looked concerned as she started to choke, moving to try and help her. Even after she stopped, he rubbed her back to make sure she was truly okay. "I see. And yet it seems like something is brewing between the two of you. Daphne certainly seems to think so."
"Daphne wants to call me her sister officially is all that is."
"I wouldn't mind having you as my sister-in-law either." He smirked down at her.
Katherine rolled her eyes and nudged him with her shoulder. "You are utterly ridiculous."
Frederich laughed. "Either way, I still want us to work together. When you take over your family's company, does that mean you'll manage the abroad accounts?"
"I believe so. Are you not happy with your current account manager?"
"No, no, I am. He's good. He's just not as fun to work with as you are."
Katherine smiled up at him. "When I take over, I'll be sure to reevaluate your account."
"That is much appreciated, Miss Gibbs." He returned her smile.
Violet was the one who found them to inform them that Anthony had taken Daphne home because she had a headache. Frederich wished Daphne well and told the two women in front of him good night.
"Do I need to get Colin so that you can get home too?" Katherine asked, noticing with amusement that it seemed like Violet was drunk.
The older woman shook her head. "No, he seems to be the only one of my sons who actually wants to try to marry."
Katherine chuckled. "The others will catch up when they're ready. You can't rush love."
"And yet Anthony has you right in front of him and doesn't even take the chance." Violet sighed, walking off and leaving Katherine to watch after her in shock.
Sighing, Katherine shook her head. Why did it seem like everyone was making some kind of comment about her and Anthony recently? She didn't want to think of feelings left unsaid and clearly, her stomach didn't either for she heard it growl. Laughing to herself, she took that as a sign to leave.
Making one last round, Katherine finished up by speaking with Mrs. Trowbridge. She let her know that she would return in the morning to help with the clean-up and then off she was to go upstairs to get her things and to call Eddie for a ride. It was time to go home, her bed was calling her name.