Free Unveiled by Colleen Quinn

real Frances would. Seeing Christopher’s interested gaze, she shrugged, determined not to let him see her defeated.
    “I don’t quite care for it myself,” Katie said thoughtfully. “I think there is something too bold about it.”
    “Whatever do you mean?” Eunice questioned bluntly. “I’ve always thought Impressionism to be very subtle. The slightest shading of color lends a whole new meaning to the subject. I can’t imagine it being described as bold.”
    Flustered, Katie glanced at Ella, but even the older woman seemed puzzled. Somehow she had to think of a way out of this one. Amazingly it was Christopher who saved her.
    “I think what Fan means is that the idea is bold,” he commented. “Now that we have photographs, we don’t have the same need for realism in painting. The Impressionists, by using only light and color, convey much more than a true-to-life oil.”
    “That’s it exactly,” Eunice said, delighted with her answer. “And one is never quite sure what the hues represent. One is simply left with a feeling, an emotion, which is what good art is all about. What a wonderful observation, Fan.”
    Katie gave Christopher a look of profound gratitude, which immediately earned her a charming smile, one so dazzling she had to hide behind her glass. A strange fluttering started in her stomach, which she attributed to the wine. It couldn’t be anything else, but when she dared to look again, she couldn’t stop the thoughts that entered her mind.
    He was so good-looking, perfectly handsome, in fact. She winced as she pictured the dock workers from the city, the boys she’d grown up with who hooted when she walked to her job. None of them, not even the rugged Carey Murphy, whom all the girls drooled over, could hold a candle to Christopher.
    All right, so he was handsome. And charming when he wanted to be. Rich. And funny. She had to hold back a giggle as she remembered his proposal on the Drexels’ porch. Why was she fighting this? He was, in fact, everything a girl dreamed of. Then why was she so afraid?
    Because he might find out. Because he’d hate you if he did. Because you’re not Fan Pemberton, but a poor Irish maid who cleans houses and hires out as a ladies’ companion. You have a child, you don’t have money…you’ve never even had a husband. My God—she shook herself. What are you thinking? There was not a happy ending for women like her, and she’d best not forget it.
    “Frances, Mr. Scott is speaking to you,” Ella said firmly.
    Katie glanced up. “Oh? I am sorry. What did you say?”
    “I said there is a small theater troupe playing in the hotel tomorrow night. It is not as grand as Philadelphia, but it should prove entertaining. Would you care to go?”
    “Oh, how lovely for you, dear!” Ella exclaimed. “And I happen to know you are not engaged tomorrow night. You will have such a good time!”
    Katie forced a smile. “I am sorry, but Aunt Ella, you forgot that the Misses Mitchell are coming by for dessert. I can’t possibly go.”
    “No, dear, they canceled,” Ella said brightly. “I received a note from them earlier.”
    “Perhaps if Miss Pemberton really doesn’t care for the play, it is impolite to force her,” Eunice said sharply, hiding a smile behind her coffee cup. “Christopher, I think you should withdraw the invitation.”
    Everyone waited expectantly. Christopher stared at Katie while she gulped the hot coffee, burning her tongue. If she refused, she’d make him look like a fool. If she accepted…
    If she accepted, she risked everything. He was too cool, too urbane, too handsome and dangerous. He posed more of a threat than John Sweeney, for she could sense that Christopher’s charm could be deadly. And if he found out too much about her, she would lose it all. Like Cinderella, the midnight hour would toll and she’d turn once more back into a scullery maid.
    Everything practical told her to refuse. Everything emotional told her she couldn’t