Chapter 7

From the hot and fiery days of summer, it turned into the mellow colors of autumn. The months passed, evolving into September; Grace realized that the year was quickly coming to a close.

Grace walked upstairs to her room slowly and arranged things neatly in their places. As she was arranging the articles on her dresser, her late husband's picture caught her eye. She stared at it and clasped the picture frame firmly in her hands. She blindly walked towards a chair and sat down in it. Her hands whitened as she held the picture tighter. Impulsively, she covered her chest with her husband's picture, wrapping her arms around it tightly. Her eyes were filled with love as tears formed in her eyes. Her husband -- her beloved husband -- had died in the war, fighting Kaiser.

Such a waste, she thought sadly. Grace pulled it away from her chest and looked at it one more time. It was getting so hard to remember Peter as often, she realized sorrowfully. But perhaps it was all part of the healing process.

Grace set the picture back in its place on the dresser, folding her ringed hands neatly on her waist. In spite of her grief and anger, she was not bitter. Instead she tried to forget her pain and to raise her children and her nieces and nephews well and to keep her husband's legacy and memory alive. For the dead are never truly dead until we forget them.

Grace picked up her sewing and seated herself in a large, overstuffed chair, which looked like something out of the Victorian era. She rested her hands for a moment on the cloth before commencing to thread her needle. I suppose Victoria is happy here, she thought with some doubt. She has James, who is going to be here in a few days, and Serena, Peter, Freddy, and of course, her uncle George. She sighed, well-aware that she was lying to herself. But is James someone who Victoria could love and cherish? she asked herself. He is so much older than Victoria... granted she is a very mature child, but...

Grace's musings were rudely interrupted by Serena's entrance.

"Mother, do you have any rose perfume?" Serena asked, breathless. She was dressed charmingly in a teal blue silk and chiffon dress and a large, wide-brimmed carnation pink hat with artificial flowers sewed on.

Grace nodded, shaking her head. "It's in the first drawer of the left side of my dresser, darling."

Serena rummaged through the drawer before finding it. She rushed over to her mother and kissed her. "Thank you, mother. You're such a gem."

"Serena, where are you going now?" Grace asked, exasperated. She was watching her daughter dab small amounts of perfume on her throat and wrists.

"To a tea party Cordelia Barton is giving," Serena answered lightly, inspecting her image and dress in the mirror. She pouted her lips to make her sure her lipstick was evenly spread.

"Is Victoria going with you?" Grace asked, amused at her daughter's extreme vanity.

Serena shook her head, patting her hat. "Victoria? Well, you know Victoria, mother. She went to the orphanage like she always does." She sniffed. "It's a blessing she does not get pneumonia, mother."

"Serena!" Grace rebuked.

Serena smiled disarmingly, bending one arm in a casual manner. "Oh, mother, you know I don't mean it." She leaned over and kissed her mother again on the cheek. "Good-bye, mother. I will be in for supper."

Grace nodded, smiling faintly. "Have a good time, darling. And do be careful," she called.

Grace and Serena stood patiently in the hallway as the luggage was unloaded from the car that had picked James, Marshall, and Steven Callahan up from the train station. Stern took the three gentlemen's coats and bowed to them.

Grace shook hands with the three young men. "I hope you had a good journey up here. Sometimes the train ride can be abominable," she said graciously.

James chuckled. "How you speak the truth, Mrs. Watson. But I believe that my brothers and I have all survived the ordeal without too much trouble."

Serena slipped her arm into Steven's. "You are looking deliciously handsome today," she whispered coyly, batting her eyelashes.

Steven smiled down at Serena. "Thank you, Serena. You are looking very nice today. And thank you for all of your letters."

Serena laughed gaily, secretly pleased by the compliment. She turned to her mother. "Isn't the tea ready? And the fire too? I am sure the gentlemen are quite cold," she remarked, acting the part of the perfect hostess.

Grace nodded, extending an arm towards the library. "Yes. Please follow me to the library, gentlemen."

"Is Victoria home, Mrs. Watson?" James asked, his eyes searching.

Grace shook her head, smiling apologetically. "I'm afraid not, James. She is probably at the orphanage, knowing my niece."

"I see," James said stupidly, without seeing at all.

"It's amazing how Victoria can remain so healthy going to that orphanage," Serena whispered audibly to Steven.

"Serena!" Grace exclaimed, horrified.

Serena tilted her head and smiled sweetly. "Yes, mother?"

"Hold you tongue please," Grace replied, her voice somewhat lower.

Serena nodded demurely and turned her attentions back to Steven. She had no intention of obeying that order or any other.

Victoria pressed the doorbell of the Byon's home nervously, tapping her right foot impatiently on the marble ground. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, a maid, dressed in sober black and white, opened the door, staring at Victoria with wide eyes. How rude, Victoria thought, irritated.

"Hello. I am Victoria Brown. I believe your ladyship is expecting me," Victoria explained.

The maid nodded, allowing Victoria into the home. She closed the door quietly and turned to Victoria. "Her ladyship has not returned yet from her errand, Lady Brown," the maid announced, taking Victoria's coat and muff. "She should be back shortly though, Lady Brown. Please follow me to the sitting room. Her ladyship said she wants to talk to you there."

Victoria nodded and followed the maid to the sitting room. The maid opened the door. "His grace is in here also," the maid announced blandly. "I will bring in the tea shortly."

Victoria entered, somewhat embarrassed, although she had no idea why. Holding out her gloved hand, she greeted, "Vernon."

Vernon nodded, rising from his chair. He shook the gloved hand and motioned for Victoria to sit down. "Aunt Adelaide said you would be coming."

"Did she?" Victoria asked in a faint voice, glancing around the sitting room. Her lips were pale and colorless.

Vernon crossed his legs and steepled his fingers. "I would imagine Miss Hayes of the orphanage sent you here?" he asked politely.

Victoria was startled out of her reverie. She turned her head and stared at Vernon. "Yes, Miss Hayes did. She told me that... your ladyship was adopting Marina, and that I was... recommended to become Marina's teacher," she answered quietly.

Vernon nodded coolly. "Aunt Adelaide always wanted a daughter, but she never had one," he explained. "She took a liking to Marina, which surprised us all."

"Did it?" Victoria asked dully, avoiding Vernon's green eyes.

"Does it surprise you that much?" Vernon asked, chuckling softly, misunderstanding the cause of Victoria's stupor.

"I'm past the age of being surprised, aren't I?" Victoria retorted softly, thawing.

Vernon was about to speak again when the maid entered, bringing in a silver tray of tea and other refreshments. She handed both Vernon and Victoria a cup of tea before curtsying and leaving the room. Victoria held her hot cup of tea securely, taking small, careful sips.

"Would you like a biscuit?" Vernon asked, holding out a plate.

Victoria shook her head, smiling respectfully. "No thank you. I am not hungry."

Vernon nodded and put the plate back on the tray. "Why are we carrying on such an inane conversation?" he asked to no one in particular.

Victoria looked up. "I suppose it is the situation," she answered, shrugging. "I came to talk to your aunt, not to you."

"Had you planned to keep your teaching Marina a secret from me then?" Vernon asked teasingly.

Victoria wondered where her laughter came from. "No, I never planned on doing that," she replied, tilting her head.

"James arrived today, didn't he?" Vernon asked quietly. The tension in the room was almost tangible.

Victoria's lips opened to murmur a reply, but she found herself unable to. Taking a slow sip of her tea, she nodded. "Yes, he and his brothers should be at my home already," she answered in a subdued tone of voice.

"You must be excited to see him then after all these weeks?" Vernon asked, watching Victoria carefully.

Victoria absently smoothed her dress. "Yes, yes, I am," she replied with a tinkling laugh. She stopped laughing abruptly.

"Then you must be impatient to be rid of this interview and join James," Vernon continued mercilessly.

"Why are you asking me all these questions, Vernon?" Victoria asked, forcing herself to meet Vernon's eyes.

Vernon smiled dryly, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm very curious about your relationship with James. I want to know what a young lady thinks and does when she is in love."

Victoria laughed shakily, somewhat assuaged by Vernon's false answer. "I imagine every young lady does different things when she is in love."

"Well, I suppose in some aspects, most young ladies -- "

"There you are," Adelaide said shrilly, interrupting Vernon. She entered the sitting room with an imperative air as Victoria rose from her seat to greet Adelaide quietly. Adelaide nodded and signaled for Victoria to sit down.

"Well," Adelaide smiled sweetly, her eyes shifting from Vernon to Victoria, "I imagine you two must have had a stimulating conversation. I am sorry I am late, Victoria. Something held me up."

"Nonsense, your ladyship," Victoria said in her clearest voice, smiling her society smile. "I must be the last thing on your mind. After all, you are a very busy person. But I must thank your nephew for entertaining me for the half hour I have been here." She smiled aimlessly, avoiding Vernon's eyes. She stated in her most courteous tone, "Thank you, Vernon. But you didn't finish your last sentence. What was it you were about to say?"

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James stood in the gardens with Victoria, his hands folded together behind his back. He sighed and breathed in deeply. Opening his eyes, he turned to Victoria, smiling at her lovingly. "The moon looks lovely, doesn't it, Victoria?" he asked kindly.

Victoria glanced at the moon with askance. Yes, it certainly was lovely, she thought with some surprise. Then she laughed inwardly. But the moon was always lovely. She and Vernon had taken enough moonlit walks at Boston social functions to know... she pushed away the thought guiltily.

The two had been walking through the various gardens of the Creston estate and had now paused to admire the moon. At least, James was doing that. Victoria was looking more at the ground than at anything else.

However, if a casual observer looked at them, he would believe that they were an enchanted couple, so handsome, so much in love. Victoria was dressed in a silver-white muslin dinner dress, while James was dressed casually, but elegantly in one of his charcoal gray suits. Victoria's hands were delicately gloved in Venetian lace, while James' hands were bare of such things. Victoria stole another glance at James and sighed. She was getting so impatient with James of late...

"Mrs. Watson told me you were busy this afternoon," James remarked, breaking into Victoria's thoughts.

"Hmmm?" Victoria asked absently.

James was hurt as he pivoted to confront Victoria. "You have not been listening to me, Victoria."

Victoria forced a bright laugh and slipped her hand through James' arm. "Silly. I have been paying attention to you. You know I like to hear you talk."

James' heartache was immediately alleviated. He was pleased. "Why were you gone this afternoon?" he asked again, certain that Victoria would tell him now.

Victoria sighed. I suppose he must know sooner or later, she reflected. The sooner the better, I suppose. "There is a girl at the orphanage, where I work. She is being adopted by Adelaide Byons, and I am going to be her teacher for a while."

James chuckled in surprise "Adelaide Byons adopting a young girl? Poor thing."

Victoria was surprised and felt compelled to defend her new employer. "On the contrary. Her ladyship was extremely charming and very gracious, James," she said quietly and coldly. "She seemed very concerned about Marina."

"I have no doubt about that, Victoria. Adelaide Byons never wants anything but the best for her relations." James pulled away and placed his hands on Victoria's shoulders. The weight of his hands felt deadening, Victoria thought, forcing herself not to pull away. "You need not be employed, Victoria. You have a fortune to be reckoned with and if you marry well -- "

Victoria shook her head, not daring to meet his eyes. "There is no guarantee I will marry well nor is there a guarantee that I ever will marry, James," she said in an overly careless fashion. "Besides, I like working with children, James, and please do not tell me that that is not a fitting thing for a lady of my birth to do," she said quietly but firmly.

James used his index finger to make Victoria meet his eyes. "You do know how I feel about you?" he asked quietly yet with warmth.

Victoria nodded, swallowing painfully. Why did she have such a lump in her throat? She loved him, didn't she? "Please do not speak of it now, James," she pleaded in soft tones. "Please."

James searched those amazing blue-green eyes that changed color with emotion and wondered if she was happy being here with him. He nodded, letting her go. He thought it was her modesty that prevented her from wanting to hear his declarations of love. "All right. Not now then. But someday."

Victoria took a deep breath. Suddenly, she was extremely tired and did not have the patience nor the will to converse with James. "Let us return to the house, James. I do believe that I am fatigued."

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Victoria entered her bedroom, surprised to see Serena still awake. She paused for a second before walking over to the dressing table. She was careful not to meet Serena's eyes in the mirror. "I thought you were asleep already," she remarked, untying the ribbon in her hair.

Serena shook her head, sitting up in the double bed she shared with Victoria. "I could not bear to fall asleep when you had such a forlorn expression on your face, Victoria." At Victoria's puzzled expression, she quickly explained, "when you were going out with James. I don't understand why you look so dreadfully unhappy when you're with him. He is rich and handsome. What more do you want?"

"Nothing," Victoria answered quietly, braiding her hair. There was a pain in her heart. She knew that James was all that any young lady would want in an ideal young man, yet she was not pleased with him. Why?

"Do you know that sometimes I have the oddest feeling that you're in love with Vernon?" Serena asked curiously, searching Victoria's face in the mirror.

Victoria allowed herself to meet Serena's eyes in the mirror, making sure that nothing was going to be revealed through her eyes. "Really, Serena?" she asked with a soft laugh.

"You light up whenever he's around," Serena remarked quite placidly. "And you almost look beautiful whenever you're chatting with him."

"Serena, it is absolutely vulgar to fall in love with your late sister's betrothed," Victoria said firmly, more for her benefit than for Serena's.

Serena shrugged, raising an eyebrow. "So what, Victoria? Your sister jilted him. They were never really soulmates." She tilted her head and studied Victoria. "Are you perfectly sure you're not in love with Vernon? I mean, he could possibly return -- "

"No," Victoria said forcefully, surprising both herself and Serena. She took a deep breath and forced a mocking smile. "He loved Amanda, Serena, and he always will. I don't imagine that will ever change." The tone in Victoria's voice brooked no further argument.

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Victoria smoothed the flowing folds of her evening gown. It was a pale green, accentuating the green in her eyes. She glanced at the looking-glass, approving of the two fat curls that were loose near her ears, while the rest of her hair was tastefully put up.

"That's awfully old-fashioned," Serena remarked, coming out of her dressing room.

Victoria donned her gloves calmly. "Yes, it is," she agreed.

Serena patted her hair, leaning towards the mirror to examine her rouge and lipstick. "I went to the hairdresser today. Isn't this style just lovely? She said it was the latest rage."

Victoria smiled slightly. "Yes, absolutely devilish, Serena. Just you."

Serena smiled and twirled around in her pearl white waist. "Do you think Steven will like this?" she asked anxiously.

Victoria put down her hairpin and glanced at her cousin. For the first time, she heard the misery in Serena's tone. "Do you love him, Serena?" she asked quietly.

Serena turned to Victoria with shining but woeful eyes. "I don't know, Victoria," she answered softly, the self-confidence gone from her tone. "I don't know what love is exactly." She laughed mockingly at herself. "But even if I did love him, he is not stupid enough to return my affections."

Victoria looked at Serena's profile. "Are you sure? I thought Steven was quite taken with you, Serena." She smiled wryly. "When we went to the Hamptons, you were the only one he paid attention to."

Serena was trembling. She grasped Victoria's gloved hand. "Oh, I don't know, Victoria. You could be wrong. Please do not give me false hope."

Victoria placed both of her hands on Serena's shoulders. She pressed a comforting kiss on Serena's head. "Nonsense. What is so wonderful about loving another is that you have hope and the will to dream," she said softly. "It is what makes love so beautiful, Serena."

Serena raised her eyes, looking hopeful. "Is that how you feel with James? And about him?"

Victoria looked thoughtfully into the distance. Do I? she asked herself. Do I feel that way with James? she asked herself. Her eyes turned to meet Serena's; Serena looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

"Yes, yes, I suppose that's the way," Victoria said with a lightness she did not feel. She pulled away from Serena hastily and donned her coat. "Hurry. I do not think our hosts will appreciate our being late."

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Vernon handed his overcoat to the butler and entered the ballroom. He was surprised to find Victoria dancing with nearly every gentlemen in the ballroom. He frowned even more when he saw James, although common sense forced him to recall that Mr. James Callahan was supposed to be here, unfortunately.

Victoria's eyes were sparkling as she greeted Vernon. "Vernon, hello," she smiled, holding out her hands.

Vernon returned the smile and grasped the slender hands. He kissed her on both cheeks. "Hello, Victoria."

"Why so late?" Victoria asked with concern. "Did something happen at home?"

Vernon shook his head and glanced at James. "Hello, James." Like a gentleman, he shook hands with James without showing his feelings.

Victoria laughed, unaware of the tension in Vernon's body. "I almost forgot you were here, James," she remarked more to Vernon than to James.

Victoria smiled up at Vernon again, unconsciously slipping gloved hands into his. "You're looking very well this evening, Vernon."

Vernon smiled slightly, holding Victoria's hands lightly. "Thank you."

Victoria twirled around to smile brilliantly at James, her hand still in Vernon's. "James has been kind enough to keep me company, although many young ladies have been wanting to dance with him."

James smiled, although there was a puzzled expression in his eyes. "Yes, but it had nothing to do with kindness, Victoria," he said foolishly.

Victoria nodded, her eyes bright. "And I shall keep you captive no longer. James, I will see you later at dinner. I promised Vernon that I would talk with him."

A vague thought was running through James' head. Had he made a mistake in courting Victoria? She seemed to prefer Vernon to him. "Of course," he said with a crooked smile. He bowed and left Victoria's presence.

Vernon took the hand that he had been holding and slipped it into his arm. "He seems quite enraptured with you," he murmured softly.

Victoria looked surprised. "With me? Well, I certainly hope so, Vernon, but I am not sure 'enraptured' is the right word."

Vernon chuckled. "You are very unaware of your charms, Victoria."

Victoria smiled slightly and slapped his hand lightly. "If you say so, Vernon. But I never had any charms to begin with. Now what do you wish to talk about before James returns and starts to act like a protective lover again?" she asked cheerfully. For a moment, expressions of distaste flickered in the expressions of the young people, although neither recognized it in the other.

Vernon walked into the library, his expression bland. He had just been informed by Wilson that Adelaide was going through one of her tantrums again and that it would be wise to tread very carefully on any subject matter. Keeping this in mind, he dutifully kissed Adelaide on the cheek and smiled. "How are you, Aunt Adelaide on this lovely evening?"

Adelaide sighed as her delicate hands held her embroidery board. "I have been better, Vernon. But thank you," she said in feigned weakness.

Vernon handed his hat and his gloves to the butler, leaning slightly against his aunt's chair. "Of course," he said, playing along with his aunt.

Adelaide put away her embroidery board and picked up her lorgnettes. "Do you know Arabella Stuart?"

Vernon looked up, surprised. "Yes, of course, I do know Arabella Stuart."

Adelaide dusted her hands lightly with some powder and sighed again. "She's the daughter of one of my bosom friends and the sister of your good friend, Peter. I thought that perhaps introductions would be nice?"

"I believe you have arranged for us to meet already," Vernon said dryly, his arms crossed against his chest. "When do we meet?"

Adelaide glanced at her nephew shrewdly, smiling in a sugary way. "Perhaps tomorrow afternoon..."

Vernon shook his head. "No, I will not be able to, Aunt Adelaide. I have to meet someone tomorrow afternoon."

Adelaide narrowed her eyes, obviously displeased. "All right," she conceded grudgingly. "Then when will you be able to meet Arabella?"

Vernon shrugged, waving a hand in dismissal. "I suppose one of the weekends I have available. But tomorrow is impossible."

Adelaide sniffed, miffed. "Is the person a lady or a gentleman?"

"It's Victoria," Vernon answered with amusement. He kissed his aunt one more time. "I will be upstairs. Shall I say hello to her for you tomorrow? She will be pleased to know that you -- "

Adelaide sighed and snapped, "You can decide that yourself, Vernon. Scat, my boy." Nodding her head, she leaned back in her chair and held her smelling salts under her nose. Again.

James watched Victoria turn each page of her book calmly. Her lovely face was devoid of expression as she read the book avidly. He glanced at her with concern. No young lady, who is perfectly well, would read a book that voraciously, he thought, disturbed.

"Are you all right, Victoria?" James asked, alarmed; he was no longer able to hide his dismay.

Victoria looked up, surprised. "Of course I'm fine, James. Whatever possessed you to ask such a question?" Without waiting for an answer, she returned to her book.

The doors of the library opened as Vernon entered and as Stern announced his arrival. Vernon stiffened somewhat when he realized that he might have to accompany both James and Victoria to the park.

Victoria looked up, her book falling to the floor, unheeded. She smiled brightly, naturally. "Hello, Vernon." She held out her hands without any hesitation.

Vernon grasped them and leaned over, kissing Victoria on both cheeks. "You are looking decidedly lovely, Victoria. The ball did not have any terrible effects on you?"

Victoria tilted her head and smiled. "Thank you, Vernon. And no, I am well. Have you come to walk to the park with me as you promised?"

James looked unsettled; he uneasily shifted his gaze from Victoria to Vernon as Vernon spoke. "How could I refuse an offer from a lovely young lady like you?" Vernon asked kindly and teasingly.

Victoria laughed as Vernon helped her up from her chair. She turned to James with a kindly expression. "Would you like to join us, James? The view is quite wonderful. And you have never viewed the Charles River at its finest."

James smiled painfully and shook his head. He, being the complete and polite gentleman, was afraid he would intrude. "No, no, you can enjoy your expedition, Victoria."

Victoria smiled at James brightly, like a child. She pulled away from Vernon and walked over to him, kneeling down at her knees. "Are you sure, James?" she asked softly, looking up at him.

James smiled weakly. "Yes, yes, I am perfectly sure, Victoria." He patted her hand gingerly, afraid to anger her.

"Oh, thank you, James," Victoria said happily. She looked at Vernon expectantly as they went off, chatting brightly.

Marshall, who had just entered the library, glanced at the exuberant couple as they exited the library and greeted him cheerfully. He turned to his brother after closing the door. He jerked his thumb towards the departed couple. "Not joining them?"

James shook his head and sighed. "No. It would not seem right." He rose from his seat and walked towards the windows, his shoulders hunched and his hands in his pockets.

Marshall crossed his arms across his chest. He leaned against the solid oak of the door. "And Victoria? Are you sure she feels nothing for Vernon?"

She yearns for youth, James thought bleakly, not hearing Marshall. Look at her laughing with Vernon. She is so happy laughing and running with him. James sighed deeply. But she loves you, he tried to convince himself. She does. No answer was given.

Victoria wrapped the coat around herself tighter as she walked along the Charles River. She looked down at the ground as she walked with Vernon in silence. Vernon's hands were lying in the pockets of his great overcoat.

"It's getting chilly, isn't it?" Victoria asked with a forced casualness. She had stopped walking.

Vernon followed Victoria's lead and glanced at her. "Yes, it has."

Victoria sighed as she seated herself warily on the grass. "I adore winter and autumn in spite of the cold." Her cheeks were a bright pink as her eyes sparkled with color. "Everything is being cleansed then for a new birth in the spring."

Vernon seated himself next to Victoria. "You're quite a romantic," he remarked dryly.

Victoria turned her eyes to Vernon's profile. "I know I am," she replied with a glad tone of voice. "But I cannot help it when I see how lovely nature's colors are, Vernon."

Vernon nodded slowly. "I agree with you on the beauty of the scenery, but sometimes I wonder..."

"What do you wonder?" Victoria asked softly. Impulsively, she added, "You are always so secretive."

Vernon smiled slightly. "As you are, Victoria."

Victoria unconsciously placed a gloved on Vernon's arm. "Yes, but," she turned away to look at the river, "I do not lie."

Vernon glanced at the gloved hand on his arm. "No, you don't lie, but you do hide many things from the public."

Victoria looked down at the grass, hesitant. "I have no obligation to tell the world my thoughts," she answered softly.

Vernon shook his head, excited; she seemed ready to reveal some part of herself "No, of course not." He glanced down once again at Victoria's hand which was on his arm. "Do you love James?" he asked spontaneously.

Victoria pulled away, startled. "What did you ask me right now?" she asked, trembling.

Vernon reached to grasp Victoria's hand again. "Do you love James?"

Victoria pulled away from Vernon completely. "Of course I ... adore James," she said softly.

"You didn't say love," Vernon said softly.

Victoria stared at Vernon with something akin to fear. "It is vulgar to say that you love someone to a stranger." She quickly got up and started walking away.

Vernon caught up and grabbed Victoria's arm. "Victoria, you're not listening to me."

Victoria shook her head. "No, I must return home, Vernon. Thank you for your time." She pulled away savagely and hurriedly ran away. Vernon frowned, trying to puzzle Victoria out.

Serena hummed to herself as she checked the tilt of her new hat in the mirror. She tried out a few of her most dazzling smile and leaned back, satisfied with her outfit. Taking her mink wrap, she draped it tastefully around her shoulders and took a casual pose. She threw her head back and forced a laugh.

Pleased with her outfit, Serena rushed to open the front door. However, instead of leaving, she stopped walking and stared at Victoria, who was almost out of breath as she ran towards Serena.

"What's wrong, Victoria?" Serena asked with uncharacteristic concern, grabbing her cousin's gloved hands rashly.

Victoria shook her head and tried to smile, her eyes wide. "Nothing, dearest." She took a deep breath and pushed Serena aside. "Do whatever what you were going to do, darling. I think I will take a brief nap." She started to walk up the stairs.

Serena followed Victoria to the stairs, uncertain of what to do. "Did you and James quarrel?" she asked, frowning.

Victoria turned around abruptly to face Serena. "Isn't James home?" she asked rather sharply.

Serena shook her head, puzzled by Victoria's ignorance. "No, he was not here when I came home. Why, weren't you with James right now?"

Victoria's lips tightened. "No, I wasn't." She hurried upstairs before Serena could ask any more questions.

Victoria closed her door quietly and leaned against it. She closed her eyes and collapsed on the carpet. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if to hold herself together, and shivered. Questions, questions, questions. Why must people ask all these questions? she asked more out of fear than out of anger.

Victoria opened her eyes and clenched her hands. Everyone is being silly and overly suspicious. Of course I ... she swallowed painfully - adore James. He is gallant and good. He is very sincere and writes the loveliest poems, which thrill my very soul whenever I read them... true, we do not have vigorous conversations, but we are happy with what we have... idle gossip and a serene conversation... nothing could be better...

But are you happy with that? another voice in Victoria whispered. Would you really be happy with a man who is so good that he does not have a temper? Who thinks he is a superior being compared to you, a witless female, and who thinks he must always protect you and guide you? Without a strong will to battle yours? Victoria nearly screamed as she closed her eyes again and started to savagely shake her head; instead she gave a small shriek. No, no more of these thoughts, she told herself firmly, placing her hands over her ears. She forced herself to stand up and walk over to her dressing table. Examining herself carefully, she pinched her cheeks and fixed her hair, trying to decide what to wear that would make James especially proud of her.

Victoria watched everyone else in the room and wondered why she felt so suffocated. Serena and Steven were having a quiet conversation in one corner, and Marshall and Uncle George were having a grand time... Grace was embroidering, looking deceptively placid and content... Freddy and Peter, well, they were out with their friends... and she? She glanced up as James headed towards her with the glass of lemonade she had requested.

James handed Victoria the glass of lemonade. "You look lovely, Victoria," he said, smiling.

Victoria tilted her head, smiling brightly at James. "Thank you, James," she answered as she forced herself to take small sips of her lemonade.

James sighed as he seated himself on the sofa next to Victoria. "You should try something stronger than that, Victoria."

Victoria felt mildly irritated but brushed it away. She had promised herself that she would be extremely... attentive to James. "I never could tolerate spirits," she said demurely.

James added, sighing. "Father and mother will be coming during Thanksgiving also. They will be glad to see you again." He glanced at his brothers before turning to Victoria. "Are you sure that you cannot come down, Victoria, even for a week? We would all --"

"No," Victoria interrupted firmly, not a hint of a smile on her face. "I have my studies, James, as you have your work. I am sorry for that... but sometimes that is the way things must be. But please send my regards to your family."

James reached up to touch Victoria's cheek but Victoria pulled away. Immediately his hand went down, but his eyes expressed his hurt. "Victoria..."

"All aboard!" the conductor yelled.

Victoria looked up, smoothing the collar of James' coat. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," she reassured. "Besides, you'll miss your train," she said softly.

James nodded miserably and started walking towards the train. He turned and glanced at Victoria's face. "Victoria..."

"Go on," Victoria urged. "Good-bye, James."

James tried to draw her into his arms but to no avail. "No, James, not now," Victoria said firmly. Not ever, a little voice added.

James glanced at the ground and smiled sadly. "Of course not. I had forgotten how... protective you are of your reputation. But I understand." He pressed Victoria's hand one more time before releasing it. "Till Thanksgiving then, Victoria."

Victoria forced a smile and waved her hand without enthusiasm. She lowered her eyes to the ground before returning her gaze to James again. She waved for a long time at James, a solemn expression on her face. She finally stopped and stared at the disappearing train. She turned away, rejoining her family. She never looked back.

Victoria waved a hand cheerfully to Vernon as she called his name across the university square. Vernon glanced up and smiled, returning the wave. Turning to his friends, Vernon murmured a few words to his friends and ran over to Victoria.

"Hello there," Vernon greeted cheerfully, kissing her on the cheek. "How are you?" He started walking

Victoria smiled. "Splendid." She glanced up at the sky. "And you?" she asked. "It seems that you are terribly busy all the time."

Vernon grinned. "Not really. I just seem busy." He placed his hand in the crook of Victoria's arm. "So where are we going today?"

Victoria smiled mysteriously. "Where do you think?"

Victoria picked a twig off a branch and smiled at Vernon, who was behind her. "You're rather slow," she teased.

Vernon smiled. "I have to keep an eye on you."

Victoria laughed. "Rubbish," she declared, stepping on a loose log defiantly. She lost her balance and immediately fell into Vernon's arms; his arms went around her waist.

"I'm sorry," she said breathlessly. She glanced up at him and uneasily pulled away. She still felt the warmth of his arms on her waist.

"Are you all right?" Vernon asked with concern.

Victoria nodded, trying to laugh. "Of course. But if you hadn't been there, I might be lying here with a bump on my head."

Vernon smiled dryly. "I sincerely doubt that, Victoria. You have a head, unlike other young ladies."

Victoria checked her shoes before starting to walk again. "Thank you anyway."

Vernon took Victoria's hand and slipped it into his arm. "I am not taking any risks this time, Victoria."

Victoria tried to pull away. "Vernon, don't be ridiculous. I am not a child," she objected, forcing a brief laugh.

Vernon shook his head firmly. "I am not taking chances, Victoria. I know that you like to be independent, Victoria, but... I do not think that I want to take any chances." He almost looked grim.

Victoria laughed lightly. "You're acting like Ken."

Vernon raised an eyebrow. "I gather he is your favorite brother?"

Victoria nodded, her features brightening. "I love him dearly. He will be coming with my family, I believe, a little before Thanksgiving."

"And then the family will be returning in January?" Vernon asked.

"Right after our New Year Celebration." Victoria pulled away, the happiness fading from her face. "I'm looking forward to seeing papa and my brothers... but I'm not looking forward to seeing mother and Theodore."

Vernon had gone very still. "Theodore Wilson? Your sister's widower?"

Victoria nodded, tight-lipped. "I adore Brian. I think... he's a wonderful boy. Papa and mother have been raising him." She seated herself on a boulder. "Teddy means well, I'm sure. I'm sure he can't raise the child alone without help, and he's always frightfully busy." She paused, playing with her gloved fingers. "Father never approved of him. I suppose father had good reason. Papa was an earl, and Teddy's family was only rich. And then there was the matter... you were betrothed to Amanda." She glanced at Vernon.

Victoria quickly turned away. "Mother never loved me like she loved my sister and my brothers, especially my sister. I don't think... well, maybe it was meant to be that way. Mother was a always a bit distant with me, but I always thought... well, it became apparent that Mother would never believe I said." She started trembling. "Amanda had broken grandmother Creston's vase. On purpose, of course. She constantly tested all the boundaries. I was there with her, and I was so horrified. I remember looking up at her, and she looked at me so triumphantly. I..." Victoria let out a laugh, fiddling with her finger, "I couldn't let the broken pieces of the vase stay there. And then Mother came into the room and looked at me with such a horrified expression. She was very angry with me. She thought that I did it... when I didn't. I could not defend myself, Vernon. I was only six."

"Then Amanda walked in and pretended... to look horrified too. She pleaded with mother, 'Oh, don't be cruel to Victoria. She means well.' I tried so hard to explain, but I was only six. There isn't much a six year old can say. Mother became more angry and slapped me." Victoria's eyes were lowered to the ground as Vernon listened, a frown forming between his brows. "I was sent to my room without any supper. Amanda helped mother clean up and... I... I can't forget that day. Amanda made it seem as I had done it. I was only six, Vernon. I was so terribly heartbroken to hear my beloved sister lie about me to my mother. Mother didn't say anything, but I am sure I could imagine her expression. And it didn't stop there."

"And his lordship?" Vernon asked quietly, placing a hand on Victoria's shoulder.

Victoria did not notice the hand. "I'm sure father knew what happened. He never approved of Amanda's behavior and her flirtatious manners. But father couldn't say anything because he had no evidence." She sighed, shaking her head. "I suppose I should have guessed at something. Mother never hugged or kissed me with motherly affection. It was always out of duty." She laughed bitterly. "Duty. It has brought me only pain, Vernon." She turned slightly around and faced Vernon. "And yet I try to follow it as dutifully as my mother has." A tear rolled down her cheek.

Vernon stared at his surroundings as he slowly drew Victoria into his arms. Victoria laid her face on his shoulder and sniffled. Vernon soothingly smoothed her hair and murmured words of comfort. After a while, Victoria bit her lip but stayed wrapped in Vernon's embrace, feeling safe and secure for the first time in two years.

Victoria stared out the window with her unread book in her lap. Her long hands were placed on the book. Meanwhile, Serena walked in. She yawned, lounging in her chair. "William came to see me today. It seems that he did not get over me." She giggled. "He proposed to me this afternoon while you were gone."

Victoria started, her eyes widening. "Serena, did I hear you correctly? And what did you tell him? I hope you did not hurt his feelings?"

Serena shrugged nonchalantly. "I just told him that I could never marry him because I did not want to."

"How did he react?" Victoria asked with her eyes slightly lowered. Her hands gripped the cover of her book tightly.

"I don't care," Serena replied nonchalantly, rising from her seat. She poured herself a glass of sherry and jerked the bottle towards Victoria. Victoria shook her head. "He isn't very interesting, Victoria," Serena finished, taking a sip of her sherry before sitting down again.

Victoria glanced down at the forgotten invitation in her lap and regarded it carefully. "I shall write my reply to Mrs. Hearst tomorrow," she murmured, shaking her head. She glanced up, returning her attention to Serena. "I suppose he will tell Vernon then?"

Serena laughed scornfully. "William hasn't any sense, Victoria. I don't believe any girl would even like him."

Victoria rose from her chair. "Do not cruel, Serena. I am not fond of William myself, but I do admire his courage for proposing to you."

Sarah pinned the white rose in Victoria's hair. "You look beautiful and charming," she murmured admiringly.

Victoria glanced at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks had a bright rosy color. She wore a pale blue dress with a white chiffon overdressing. Her shoes were a sky blue and her gloves were white. Her long blond hair was styled in layers.

"No, of course not," Sarah said doubtfully, her eyes troubled. "How is your relationship with James?"

Victoria smoothed her dress. "Fine. We are still writing letters to each other."

"Does he call you?" Sarah asked, fixing the bow at Victoria's waist.

"Sometimes," Victoria said lightly. She turned and smiled brilliantly at Sarah. "Well, I hope that James will fall in love with another person so that I shall not have to say anything."

Sarah was horrified. "Victoria! You know James will never do that. What are you thinking of?"

Victoria's face crumpled. "Oh, Sarah, I don't think I can accept him when he proposes. And I don't want to hurt him."

Sarah suppressed a sigh. "Has he said he would propose?" she asked carefully, knowing the answer.

Victoria shook her head. "But I know he is because he keeps on talking about rings and his friends' weddings. In fact, he wants me to attend a wedding in New York with him... but I'm afraid I'll have to refuse." She rose from her dressing table and walked aimlessly around her room.

Sarah smoothed the dress Victoria had just taken off and put it away. "Do you know your own mind, Victoria?" she asked softly.

Victoria looked at Sarah with alarm. "Of course, I know my mind, Sarah. But sometimes it's terribly hard, you know," she smiled ruefully, tapping her cheek with a hand.

Victoria sighed as she smiled politely, listening to her dinner partner. She strategically placed a gloved finger on the side of her head as she took a sip of her water. Again, she smiled, shaking her head.

"Oh look, there's Vernon Anderson," Victoria's dinner partner remarked casually, glancing at the doorway.

Victoria's eyes widened as she raised her head. "Vernon Anderson?" she tried to ask as casually as possible.

"Yes," Victoria's dinner partner answered, smiling warmly at Victoria. "Now getting back to my story --"

Victoria smiled feebly, snapping open her fan as she nodded occasionally as her dinner partner talked. But her eyes turned to Vernon, who was politely greeting her guests. Victoria smiled with a genuine warmth that seemed to be reserved for Vernon only. Lowering her eyes, she turned to her dinner partner and remarked rather inappropriately, "She must have been very beautiful."

Victoria donned her cloak quickly as she turned to leave. Instead, she met Vernon's eyes. He was leaning nonchalantly against the frame of the doorway, a warm look in his green eyes. Victoria gasped inaudibly and looked away, pressing her lips together. Her feet moved from side to side.

"Good evening, Vernon," Victoria greeted quietly, smoothing her cloak. "I... I was not aware you were here this evening," she lied.

Vernon nodded, his arms placed across his chest. He raised an eyebrow. "You... you didn't save a dance for me, did you?" he asked almost wistfully.

Victoria felt herself shaking her head and trying to be polite at the same time. "No... my card was already full."

"You must be very popular, Victoria," Vernon remarked, watching Victoria carefully.

Victoria laughed, or at least tried to. "Oh, I don't about that... I rather think that people... well, I think that they danced with me, because Serena wasn't here... and well, I... I'm sure they all wanted to know about Serena... and why she wasn't here tonight... and I suppose..." she said quickly and carelessly.

Vernon glanced at Victoria's attire. "Leaving already?"

Victoria nodded. "Yes. It's late."

Vernon raised his eyebrows and straightened his tall figure. "Late? It's only half past ten, Victoria. I do not think that 'half past ten' qualifies as being late."

Victoria swiveled her head from side to side, trying to find an appropriate answer. "I am rather tired, and... I thought that... I don't think that Mr. and Mrs. Hearst are terribly offended. It is a most... proper time," she answered defensively, "I don't think that I've done anything to offend them."

Vernon glanced around the room. Only they two were present. Everyone was still merrily dancing or chatting away in the main ballroom. Vernon walked in and picked up his coat, hat, and gloves. "Well then, I suppose I will join you," he remarked.

Victoria's eyes widened as her head rose. "Vernon, I... you arrived late, and I am sure that you... well, you shouldn't leave on my account," she finished feebly.

Vernon chuckled. "And how are you going to get home, my dear?"

"I was just about ready to call Uncle George and have him send the car here," Victoria replied quietly.

Vernon quickly put on his coat, hat, and gloves. "Actually, I am ready to leave myself. There really isn't anything that I could do at these parties anyway. So, shall I give you a ride home?"

Victoria lowered her eyes, biting her lip, trying to decide. Vernon had extended his hand already.

"All right," she said softly, sighing. She smiled. "Just this once then, if it isn't any trouble to you. I would hate to bother Uncle George and his chauffeur for no reason."

Vernon smiled, taking Victoria's hand in his. "Smart girl. I shall wait for you outside." He pressed a brief kiss on Victoria's forehead and quickly hurried out before any gossip could develop.

Victoria walked in front of Vernon, her eyes carefully lowered to the ground. She pressed her lips together, and suppressed a sigh when she and Vernon had finally reached the front door.

Victoria turned to Vernon, raising her eyes to meet his. "Thank you for the ride," she thanked in a whisper.

Vernon smiled in the dark. "It was my pleasure." He slowly took her gloved hand and put it to his lips. "You looked exceptionally lovely tonight, but I think that Abner told you that already."

"Really?" Victoria asked in the oddest tone. "Thank you anyway. I think that Abner wanted to say something of the sort, but I do not think that he had the courage to do so," she added with laughter.

Vernon laughed softly. "You have a very low opinion of yourself and of others," he reprimanded teasingly.

"Do I?" Victoria asked huskily. She lowered her eyes.

Vernon abruptly dropped her hand and embraced her. Victoria did not even try to push Vernon away. Instead, she rested her head on Vernon's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"You are a very noble soul, Victoria," Vernon whispered into her ear. "No one of your social status wants to help the poor, the orphans, or..."

Victoria smiled against Vernon's shoulder. "Your aunt does."

Vernon grimaced. "She does it because it is expected of her. Besides, she only donates money. She has not done anything substantial."

"No one ever can," Victoria said softly. "Not unless one adopts those poor little dears. But money is a useful commodity, Vernon."

Vernon chuckled softly. "You try, Victoria. Other people don't even want to try."

"No, I suppose not," Victoria agreed quietly. "But I can understand that. There have times when I thought that the heartbreak was not worth the few joys that come along once in a while."

Vernon pulled away slightly from Victoria so that his arms were around her waist and her eyes met his. For Victoria, it felt marvelously right.

"You're remarkably understanding for someone who is only sixteen," Vernon remarked, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

Victoria looked downward. "Thank you. But you should not bestow such compliments on me. I do not deserve them."

Vernon laughed softly and squeezed Victoria's hands lightly. "Do you know that what we are doing what now is wrong? Embraced so intimately?"

Victoria did not answer, hoping that Vernon would not notice that she was swallowing her throat. After a time, Vernon nodded. "Of course you do," he said softly. "But you are too afraid to tell me." He used a finger to lift Victoria's face and stared into her eyes. "Tell me if this bothers you," he demanded quietly.

Victoria slowly raised her eyes. "Please don't say that, Vernon. I am never afraid of you, and I never have been. Never."

Vernon searched Victoria's eyes and nodded. "Yes, you're telling the truth. But what we are doing now is wrong because..." he took one hand and caressed her cheek, keeping his other arm tightly around her waist. "You have James, and I..." Victoria held her breath. "have no one."

Victoria lowered her head. She knew she did not love James, never did, never would. "I know."

Vernon released Victoria slowly. "Victoria..." he searched her eyes again.

Victoria looked up and placed both of her hands in his. She tiptoed and kissed his cheek. "Please don't say a word, Vernon. But thank you. You've been so kind." She opened the front door and stepped inside. She paused before turning around and meeting Vernon's eyes. "Good-night, Vernon," she said softly.

"Good-night, Victoria." Vernon stepped closer to place a kiss on Victoria's forehead.

Grace entered the breakfast hall and smiled warmly at Victoria. She smoothed her skirts before sitting down and placing the serviette over her lap. "Good morning, Victoria. You are up early."

Victoria put down her paper and took a sip of her lemon tea before answering. "Yes," she said quietly. "How are you feeling, Aunt Grace?" she asked anxiously for Grace had had a small headache the night before.

Grace waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, it was nothing, Victoria," she replied, taking a bite out of her toast. "You know that I occasionally get headaches. No need to panic."

Victoria nodded. "And Serena? Many people were asking me about Serena," she remarked ruefully.

Grace put her toast down back on her plate and wiped her hands on her serviette. "Yes, I'd had wanted to ask you about that, but I am afraid that I was too tired to stay up. How was the party last night?"

Victoria sighed, wrapping her hands around her tea cup. "Oh, it was the usual thing, I suppose. Dances, gossip, the Old Guard's watching everyone like hawks."

Grace smiled sympathetically. "Yes, I would imagine so." She took a sip of her tea. ��How did you come home?"

Victoria looked somewhat uncomfortable as she answered the question. She pressed a hand over her stomach. "I... I was going to ring up Uncle George's chauffeur, but... Vernon offered to take me home... and so I accepted."

Grace raised an eyebrow. "I hope that anyone did not see you, Victoria. You know what sort of scandal would cause, especially since you were without a chaperone last night," she reminded gently.

Victoria crossed her ankles and took a long sip of her tea. "I don't what kind of scandal it could possibly cause, because first of all, no one saw us... and secondly, I don't think Vernon has forgotten Amanda... well, at least not yet," she amended with a forced smile.

Grace frowned, leaning back in her chair. "What are you talking about, Victoria? I am sure that Vernon has learned to move on a long time ago. Yes, Amanda was his love, but you must be mistaken. Of course, he must have forgotten her."

Victoria chuckled softly to herself as she took a sip of her tea before speaking. "I suppose... I suppose that you are not understanding me. You were not the one to tell him that Amanda was breaking off their engagement, Aunt Grace. I did that." She closed her eyes and shuddered, placing her tea cup on the table and wrapping her arms around her upper body. "You should have seen his eyes... his facial expression. It was then that I realized how much Vernon loved Amanda, and how his heart... it could never be replaced by another young lady."

"Victoria, you were only ten at the time," Grace reminded kindly. "Surely you must have... well, imagined the situation to be much more dramatic than was necessary." She smiled warmly at her niece. "You always did have an overactive imagination."

Victoria shook her head. "Oh, I don't... of course he can love another. I didn't mean it that way. But I do not think that Vernon will ever love with the same intensity that he loved Amanda. Amanda hurt Vernon so terribly, Aunt Grace."

Grace watched the emotions flicker on her niece's face and her frown deepened. Was it her imagination or was Victoria starting to fall in love with Vernon unknowingly? Grace lifted a hand from the table and placed it in her lap, her bosom rising and falling as she tried to carefully word her question.

"Victoria... you are not starting to... have warmer feelings for Vernon, are you?" Grace asked as tactfully as possible.

Victoria's eyes flew open to meet Grace's. "Why, Aunt Grace, whatever gave you that idea?" she asked, laughing lightly.

Grace was not reassured. "Victoria, your mannerisms... your words... I fear for you if you are -- " she started.

Victoria froze, her face like uncarved marble. Then she smiled sadly, shaking her head. "I would be a fool to fall in love with someone who has a history like Vernon. But I do feel sorry for him, Aunt Grace. I suppose I feel something for him, because I suffered under Amanda's hands too." Victoria removed the serviette from her lap and pushed her chair back. "I need to go to town today. I will be back by the afternoon tea."

Grace nodded absently, lifting her cheek for Victoria's cheek. "All right. Have a good time, and be careful of the cars," she warned.

Victoria smiled. "I will. Have a good breakfast, Aunt Grace."

Grace nodded, pursuing her lips. She frowned, shaking her head again as she watched her niece's slim figure leave the room. Tapping her fork lightly against her glass, she shook her head. No, I don't think... but just look at her, Grace... you can't deny she feels something for him... but she's only sixteen, and... well, she probably only feels the first pangs of... of puppy love, Grace decided, cheering herself up. But the frown on her face would not disappear.

Victoria hurried out of the store and set her foot on the pavement when a hand stopped her. She turned around and smiled. It was William Byons. Stepping aside, Victoria smiled graciously at him.

"Hello, William," Victoria greeted cordially. "I've not seen you for a while. How are you and your family?"

William doffed his hat politely. "Hello, Victoria. I am fine and so is the family, thank you. And you?"

Victoria smiled cordially. "I am doing well, thank you. And so is everyone else, although Aunt Grace has been bogged down with some minor headaches lately."

William shook his head. "I am sorry to hear that, but I am glad to hear that they are minor." He hesitated, trying to find an entrance for the question that he wanted to ask. "I heard that the Callahans will arrive in your home shortly."

Victoria nodded, smiling pleasantly. "Yes, we're expecting them to her anytime within the week, William." She glanced at him curiously. "Are you...uh...acquainted with them?"

William started. "Who? I?" He shook his head, chuckling. "No, no. Just curious, that's all." William played with his pocketwatch chain for a few minutes before looking up. "How is Serena? I have not seen her of late."

Victoria laughed, shaking her head. "I don't understand why you're asking me that. As far as I know, except for last night, she is present at all of Boston's social functions. I am surprised that you have not happened to... uh... meet her yet."

William smiled slightly. "My mistake, I suppose. I, on the other hand, have been busy of late, and have found little or no time for the social functions." He bowed one more time to Victoria. "Good afternoon, Victoria. I am sorry to have bothered you. You must be busy."

"Not at all. I am glad to be of help. Good afternoon, William," Victoria said in return, slowing walking down the last few steps of the general store staircase. She watched William walk away. She shook her head, smiling.

***********************************************************************************************

Victoria handed her hat and gloves to Stern, smiling at him. "Good afternoon, Stern. Where is Miss Serena?"

Stern nodded. "She is in the family room, Lady Victoria." He took the hat and gloves. "How was your excursion, Lady Victoria?"

Victoria smiled graciously. "It was productive, thank you, Stern."

"Will there be anything you need, Lady Victoria?" Stern asked formally.

Victoria shook her head. "Not now. But at about half past five, I would like a pot of tea sent to my room. I will be up there then. But until then... I shall be in the family room with Serena."

Stern nodded and bowed. "Yes, Lady Victoria. I will see to it that your requests are filled." Bowing one more time, he removed himself from Victoria's presence.

Victoria shook her head and walked into the family room, where Serena was lounging on the elegant couch. Victoria shut the doors behind her, raising an eyebrow. Serena started and sat up, smiling brilliantly. "So there are you, Victoria," she remarked. "How was town? Did you meet anyone interesting?"

Victoria ignored Serena's questions. "I happened to meet William Byons," she answered, watching Serena's reaction. "He is still quite taken with you, I believe."

Serena blew on her freshly polished nails, shrugging. "Is he? I wouldn't know. I really don't care, you see," she replied heartlessly.

Victoria placed her shawl on the armrest of her chair. "You're being awfully cruel to him, Serena. I don't understand why... but I don't think that he's ever done anything to you that would..."

Serena bolted in her chair, her jaw tightening. "No, you wouldn't think so, Victoria," she said bitterly. "But it doesn't matter anymore. I never took him seriously anyhow."

"Well obviously, he thought otherwise," Victoria said scoldingly. "He seems quite attached to you. I felt quite sorry for him."

Serena shrugged and seated herself comfortably in her chair. "Oh, pooh. He'll forget all about me soon. Besides, I'm not the unforgettable one in our family," she said archly, deftly changing the subject. "You are and... Amanda."

Victoria looked up, astonished. "Me, Serena? You are not serious, are you?" She smiled in disbelief. "I have never been anything but predictable. Where do you get your ideas?"

Serena smiled. "Of course I'm serious, darling. I may be nasty at times, Victoria, but I wouldn't lie to you."

"No, of course not," Victoria agreed, leaning back in her chair. "I certainly hope not," she added under her breath.

"Vernon was here this afternoon," Serena said airily. "He wanted to see you but you were out. He said you had promised to go on an outing with him some time ago today." She glanced at her cousin curiously. "Did you?"

Victoria kept her face down, fiddling with the stitching in her shawl. "Really? I don't remember doing that," she lied in a carefully controlled voice.

Serena yawned, deciding that whatever Victoria was hiding was not the worth the effort to find out. "Then you probably didn't," she answered comfortably enough. "Vernon is such a handsome fellow. I'm surprised some girl hasn't grabbed him up already. Rich and courteous too."

Victoria sighed softly, an incomprehensible expression in her eyes. "He is very particular."

Serena looked up, her expression calm and serene for once. "Yes, I know he is. I don't blame him. I would be too after Amanda." She looked thoughtful, shaking her head. "I don't think that there is one living soul who believes that Vernon has forgotten Amanda."

"No, neither do I," Victoria said softly.

Serena opened her mouth to say something then closed it. She smiled crookedly. "Well, you were always a bit too close to the situation. I wouldn't have trusted your opinion. But perhaps you are right." She glanced at the clock. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to take my nap." Smiling like a Cheshire cat, Serena rose from her seat on the chair and quickly left the room. Victoria barely noticed Serena's exit.

Does he still love Amanda? Victoria asked herself.

Victoria sat up in her bed, her knees tucked under her chin. She bit her fist lightly; one arm was wrapped around her knees. It was sometime around one in the morning. The moonlight was bathing the curtains.

Victoria glanced at Serena, who was sleeping deeply and serenely. There was not a single frown on her face. How blessed she is, Victoria thought sadly. She turned away from Serena's lovely face.

Could he love Amanda after all this time? Victoria asked herself. He did say he did not love... no, she shook her head. No one could ever forget Amanda. Even father said that once. She always left her mark on her victims. How cruel, how senseless. Victoria sighed, shaking her head.

Victoria wrapped her arms around herself. Vernon never lies... but he could be hiding the truth, she told herself painfully. She pressed her cheek daintily against her hand. I wish it were not true... I wish that he'd forgotten Amanda... she closed her eyes. She smiled sardonically. Yes, I'm selfish. And maybe... maybe I have a right to be.