them, “I am too old for such a conversation! So, Marc, you
have invited Jean-Paul to tea? Have you told Pallas that
he is coming here?”
Marc shook his head, grinning lazily. “Let it be a
surprise for her. I will even ask him to be my best man
at the wedding. Will you let Pallas be a bridesmaid,
cherie?”
“Of course,” she said, still very flushed.
Three months later they were married, from her home,
and at the reception she watched Pallas, glowing like an
apricot in her orange bridesmaid’s dress, toasting their
health at Jean-Paul’s side.
Marc grinned at her, his eyes intimate. “I do not think
Jean-Paul will wait too long before following our
example!” he whispered.
She nodded, watching smilingly as Jean-Paul put an
arm around Pallas and said something to her which
brought a flush to her cheeks.
Since their engagement was announced she had seen
nothing of Marie-Louise, but she was here today, elegant
and provocative in a vivid flame-coloured dress. She had
a handsome escort with her and seemed to be enjoying
herself. But Kate had no doubts as to Marie-Louise’s
attitude towards herself. Once or twice the French girl
had looked at her viciously, eyes full of hatred.
Nothing could mar her happiness today, though. She
slid her hand through Marc’s arm and he turned his
head to look down at her with that intimate, smiling
glance which made her heart turn over.
“Shall we slip away, now, darling?” he whispered. “I’m