Follow a Stranger

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