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wished she might disappear. Why, oh, why did Cousin Sophia feel it necessary to harp on this subject? What a blessing that neither of the men seemed to hear her.
    Mr. Weekes took advantage of the opportunity to question the doctor of divinity about his problem, something to do with a translation, as far as Katherine could make out, naturally being excluded from the conversation.
    “Katherine,” Julian Penn said abruptly, “set a place for Mr. Weekes for dinner. We have much to discuss.” The two men went off down the hall to the one place where Julian might be found when at home, his study.
    “You might as well give up on that one, Katherine,” Cousin Sophia said in soft tones. “He will never see you as a woman. All he thinks of when he looks at you is the comformable daughter and what an excellent manager you are for your father, not to mention the good meals to be had here. Although, I wonder if he might believe you to be a way to your father.”
    “Well, that is a fine way to talk, I must say.” Katherine gave Cousin Sophia an indignant look, but very much feared her estimation of Michael Weekes quite correct. Katherine resolved to do her best to draw some manner of response from Michael during dinner. Surely once the men had concluded their discussion, Michael’s attention might be captured.
    If only Lord Ramsey had that living or position available. Perhaps if Katherine could stir Michael to some sort of interesting reaction to her womanly charms, she might put forth the effort to snare such for him.
    Lord Ramsey had seemed to appreciate her attributes, she quite vividly recalled. His knowing grin off into the distance while she had rung out her skirts offered one example. The sotto voce comment about preferring to assist her himself returned as well. While she wasn’t entirely sure about that one, it was close enough.
    She sighed with longing for something she did not have, just what she could not say. But the delightful verbal sparring with Lord Ramsey had given her a dissatisfaction with Michael Weekes. She scolded herself for disloyalty and went off to prepare their long-suffering cook for the extra guest, not to mention Julian Penn, for dinner.
    Tomorrow Katherine would see Lord Ramsey once again. Surely her memories of him were enhanced by foolish romantic nonsense. Yet somehow a part of her hoped it would not be so.
     

Chapter 3
     
    Katherine studied her collection of gowns, briefly wishing she possessed the assortment Melly undoubtedly owned in her wardrobe. She paused in the act of slipping her violet kerseymere over her head to wonder what sort of reaction Melly might get from Michael Weekes. It was positively disgusting how Melly could turn every male, with the definite exception of Teddy, into treacle.
    A tap on Katherine’s door was followed by the entrance of Cousin Sophia. The older lady studied Katherine for a moment, then said, “Well, ‘tis not so bad an idea, to attract Mr. Weekes. To be honest, I think you might have greater success with Lord Ramsey.” She joined Katherine by the looking glass to adjust the delicate lace collar that trimmed the modest neckline of the gown.
    Katherine gave her a dismayed stare. “You think Mr. Weekes so hopeless, then? Am I addle-brained to imagine a future with the gentleman? For, indeed, I believe him very amiable and gentlemanlike.”
    “That shows a want of confidence, my girl. I shouldn’t wonder but what you could do better than Mr. Weekes as a partner. I think you should rather attract his lordship. ‘Tis a good thing Amelia is not included in that invitation tomorrow. She would flirt her way into his life in seconds.”
    “Cousin Sophia,” Katherine cautioned in a voice that revealed how often she had heard similar sentiments expressed and had little patience with them.
    “Do you not wish Lord Ramsey to support you in the matter of the play you and your brother wish to produce during the fair? You must put your best foot forward,