42
It was late spring when Stephan arrived for a visit. He glanced around the little house underground with a strange expression. He always did, never quite believing that it was there.
"I bring some strange letters this trip, brother. It concerns Katrina, as a matter of fact."
Anne bounced over to the table, looking like a miniature of her mother. "Has she a secret admirer? Perhaps a shy man or a soldier?"
Helen shook her head at Stephan's glance. "I've no idea what brought that on. We'll work on it."
"Yes, well, no, it's not that kind of thing. Erik, Andre has left the Gerards, at their bidding. He writes that they have bought a shore house, and arranged things to allow for Philippe to care for his father. Their neighbor needed help with an invalid child, and Andre splits his time. But the boy is remarkably petulant. Here, he writes of a few happenings that will show what he's up against."
The letters were passed around, but not to Anne who would have built something fantastic out of a random sentence. She tried to look insulted, but was too intrigued to pretend for long.
Erik studied his brother after reading the account of a plate being hurled at a nurse. "What has this to do with us?"
"Andre asked for Katrina to come and help with the boy over the summer. He's at a loss on certain points. The Gerards have opened their home to her, or she could stay at the boy's home. They have servant quarters. What do you say?"
Roberto eyed them from his place at the desk, and said practically, "If there is no objection to the work,, or the people she'll be around, I would say it is a chance for her to see the world."
"I've seen it already, thank you. I toured with Aunt Marie once." Katrina informed him, feeling that he was growing to be his father in personality at least.
Erik and Helen stared at her closely, and a thought crossed her mind, making her laugh, even at it made her furious.
"You already talked this over, haven't you? Are you leaving the choice to me?"
Erik nodded, still staring.
Katrina sighed. "What are your thoughts?"
Before Erik could stop her, Helen blurted, "We have no dissention to either housing or the work. Andre has promised to look after you, and I'm sure the change of air would be healthy."
Her husband frowned, but agreed. "You are not as young as you were when you left with Marie, and I find this trip preferable. Nothing will happen, and it is not so far away. Yet, we'd rather the say belong to you."
Katrina looked around the room and shrugged. "I might as well go; perhaps it won't take long at all."
Helen rolled her eyes. "That's what Mother said about my marriage."
Stephan looked at his niece dubiously. "Do they always go on in this fashion?"
"Unless they don't." Katrina offered, earning an exasperated glare from him.
The trip by coach had been uneventful.
Katrina had spent the time reading the information Andre had sent about the boy and keeping Tomino in check. This trip she had insisted on taking the dog.
Apparently the boy's father had died, and the mother took to a rebellious life. She had become entangled with an abusive man who had oppressed the child, who was already ill. The result was that he became a cripple. A family friend had intervened and taken the boy and his sister as far away as he could. The mother became furious and to protect the children the friend had divided them.
The girl had been sent to a school, and the boy to his father's half brother. The sister was to join them as soon as arrangements could be made.
Katrina stepped out, and looked around, wondering which way to go. Andre had written that he couldn't meet her, but given vaguer directions. Stopping a passerby, she showed them the address, and asked if they knew where it was.
He gave her the desired instructions, and she set off, dragging a trunk, two carpet bags, a violin case and a dog.
After about twenty minutes and a wrong turn, she found the row of houses on the shore. Most had gardens and plants around them, opening to the beach from wide verandas. Many were simple or rustic on the exterior, some were far too lavish, and some were clearly done with careful taste.
The Gerards' home was two floors and an attic, painted white and green. Flowers climbed the walls, birds flitted in the trees, and it had the air of summer bliss.
Pausing to catch her breath, Katrina glanced to the right at the house of brown and yellow. It was the home of the boy. Plants and trees grew in profusion around it as well, though it had a brooding feel to it.
With a final push, Katrina scrambled to the door and knocked. Philippe answered, and smiled politely. "Good afternoon. May I help you with your things?"
"Yes, please, start with the monster." She handed over Tomino who was lunging and whining to be set free and explore.
Katrina was taken to a room upstairs, decorated with pale mauve and ivory. She found it pleasant, and looked out of the two windows curiously. One faced the rear garden, the other the brooding house. Drawing back she went back downstairs to the parlor where Christine had laid tea.
Raoul looked calmer, if not happy. After the pleasantries were exchanged, he said, "We wish to express our appreciation of your uncle's gift. It has indeed relieved our minds greatly." Katrina followed his eyes to the mantel, where the two music boxes were displayed. Raoul continued, "I feel that our writing him is out of the question, but if you could mention it, we'd appreciate it."
"Of course, he'll be glad to know." She assured them.
Most of the day was spent being shown about and unpacking. That evening, Christine asked if Katrina would play and sing with her. Raoul and Philippe listened, lost to a music made by two who loved it dearly.
It was in all, a satisfactory day.