Chapter 82: Nice To See You Again
"Cathryn, I'm surprised at how quickly you have caught on. I think that's it for the day," Diana said.
"Thank you again for coming over. Before you leave, would you like to have a cup of tea?" Cathryn asked. Then they went into the kitchen and talked for a while.
It was three o'clock in the afternoon, and Keith came home. He entered the kitchen and saw Cathryn sitting down with Diana. "Hello, Mr. Clarkson," Diana stood up and shook Keith's hand the minute she noticed him.
He shook her hand and greeted her. Though Keith's heart was full of doubt, the expression on his face remained the same. As soon as Keith turned to leave, Cathryn said with excitement in her voice, "Diana taught me how to dance today."
Keith was disappointed with what Cathryn had told him. He was aware there was an instructor on the island, but he had his reasons for wanting to teach Cathryn how to dance. 'I was looking forward to this all day. I couldn't sleep last night because all I could think about was her. All I want is to be able to touch Cathryn.' Keith struggled with these thoughts every day.
Keith looked back at John coldly, but the expression on his face remained the same. John noticed the look in Keith's eyes. 'Oh no, what have I done? I made the mistake of calling Diana when it's obvious Keith wanted to do it,' John thought as he lowered his head.
Diana and Keith were old acquaintances as Diana was the one who taught Keith how to dance. John leans over towards Diana. Then he whispers in her ear, "Now that Mr. Clarkson is back, I think we should leave."
When Diana shook hands with Keith, she could tell by the expression on his face that he was disappointed. Then she winked at Keith and said, "Nice to see you again, Mr. Clarkson. I'm sure we will meet again." Then she went down the stairs with John.
Without noticing Keith's uneasiness, Cathryn started to tell him about her day. "I had a lot of fun today. Diana taught me so much, and she also showed me how to dress like a Brazilian woman. She has a very bubbly personality, and I have a lot of admiration for her."
Then Cathryn went and got herself a piece of fruitcake. They sat down at the table and talked some more. "I think from what I learned today, I'm better than I was last night," Cathryn said as though she was questioning her ability.
There was a tenderness in the way she looked at him that amazed him. Keith never said a word. He looked at Cathryn and stood up. Then he leaned forward and put out his hand and said, "Well, let's put these lessons to use. Can I have this dance?"
"Most certainly, Mr. Clarkson," Cathryn replied. Her voice was warm and confident. She stood up and put her hand in Keith's. Then she put her right leg behind the left one, slightly lowered her head, and smiled.
They danced to the waltz they had danced to last night. However, to Cathryn's surprise, she found that she couldn't keep up with Keith. He was full of confidence and danced so gracefully. While Cathryn was trying to keep up with Keith's movements, she completely messed up her steps.
"Oops, I'm sorry," Cathryn said, sounding disappointed. She accidentally stepped on Keith's foot. Then Cathryn stumbled into his arms. Cathryn quickly straightened herself up, but when she looked down, there was an imprint of her shoe on Keith's. "I'm so embarrassed! Look what I did to your shoe. Did I hurt you? I need a little more practice," she said awkwardly.
It saddened her, but she decided to enjoy their time together. Seeing the expression on Cathryn's face, Keith quickly reached over and rubbed her cheek and said, "I think you did quite well. A little more practice, and you'll be a professional."
Cathryn knew Keith was only trying to cheer her up. "You're too kind, but yes, I do agree. I need a little more practice," she said. Then as Cathryn looked imploringly into his eyes, she burst out laughing.
For the next few days, Cathryn and Keith practiced dancing. Then one day, when Keith was at work, Cathryn started to feel bored. "John, do you have Diana's number? I want to ask her to come over and give me some more lessons," she asked.
"Oh Cathryn, I'm sorry. Diana has gone on vacation to Brazil, and I'm not sure when she will be back," John told Cathryn.
"That's too bad. No, I mean. I'm happy for her because I know how much she loves Brazil." John could hear the disappointment in Cathryn's voice.
Time flew by, and it was only a week before the party. Cathryn needed to be fitted for her gown, so Catherine, the designer, came over and took the measurements for the dress. "You're fourteen weeks pregnant. Wow! You still have an amazing figure," Catherine said, trying to compliment Cathryn on how she looked.
"Thank you, but would you mind making the dress a little loose for me?" Cathryn asked. She had never meant any of Keith's friends, and attending this party, Cathryn wanted to look good. Then she thought, 'When Keith introduces me to his friends, what is he going to say? Am an acquaintance or his girlfriend?' Thinking about it only made Cathryn feel anxious.
Cathryn took some deep breaths to try and calm herself down. Finally, as she thought about Keith, all her worries slowly started to disappear. Then in a low voice, she said, "I don't know why I am so worried. It's Keith, and he has always taken such good care of me. It doesn't matter where I go or who I see; Keith will be right there by my side."
"Excuse Miss Riley, did you say something?" Catherine asked.
"No, no. Sorry, I was mumbling to myself," Cathryn said. She felt a little foolish for talking to herself, but at the same time, she felt relieved.
The night before the dance, Cathryn's gown came from France. Then the evening after they were finished practicing, Keith took out a gift box and handed it to Cathryn. "I bought this for you. I want you to wear it the night of the masquerade party." Then he signaled for Cathryn to change into her evening dress.