"Let's go have supper." Going on her toes, she used something else on him, her touch designed to make him lose all train of thought. By the time she lifted her mouth from his, he had noidea what the hell they had been discussing. The woman was lethal.
*****
It came as no surprise that he let her talk him into the dinner party for his sister and the doctor. The only thing he was absolutely firm on was that she would not be doing anything more strenuous than putting flowers on the table, and even so, she was not allowed to cut them.
"Let the gardener do it, that's his job."
"He won't know which ones I want!" she protested in exasperation.
"So, tell him. The man has been doing this particular job for more years than I care to count. Surely he knows one bloom from the other."
"This is getting ridiculous."
"You're not going out there picking flowers." His tone was implacable and she knew she would not be able to move him. "We can always do without a centerpiece if it comes to it."
So, she had handed over the task to William. And the housekeeper had agreed to come early in the morning to prepare the meal.
"The only thing you have to do is take it out of the warmer," Mrs. Bent told her. "I will also set the table."
"And look pretty at the dinner table," Catherine muttered, looking at him sharply.
"You do it so well." Unperturbed by her dark expression, he swooped in for a kiss. "I love you."
"Don't think that's going to work." But she sighed and he knew he had won. He also knew it was irrational for him to keep trying to make certain she was safe, but he could not help it. He still had it in the back of his mind that she was risking her life to bring their child into the world. Whatever part he had to play in keeping her alive, he was going to play it.
Now watching her play hostess to his sister and Eric was a revelation. They had not done much entertaining because of the fact that she was pregnant, and he thought it was too taxing for her. But now he marveled that she pulled it off so flawlessly. She kept the conversation alive and her vivacious presence ensured that there was no lack of a suitable topic. And she was right, hethought with a sigh. Eric and his sister were hitting it off. To his surprise, Irene looked almost beautiful.
For the first time, he noticed she had cut her hair short, the chic bob emphasizing her high cheekbones. She was also wearing more makeup than usual. And the dress she had on flattered her angular frame.
He wasn't the only one noticing. Eric was charmed by her, leaning over to murmur in her ear.
He caught his wife's smug look and lifted a brow at her. He still wasn't sure this was a good match. His sister had a lousy track record when it came to men. Besides, Eric was a friend as well as his wife's doctor. He would hate to see that relationship fall apart. The man had a specific and very important job to do; Dean certainly did not want him distracted.
He was also struck by the difference in the dinner party. His wife had made it informal. The centerpiece, with its full bloom of gorgeous pink, red, and white roses interspersed with sprigs of baby's breath, daisies, and oleanders, scented the air pleasantly. He recalled dinner parties at the manor and how different they had been.
They withdrew to the small blue and white salon where he ordered her to sit while he and his sister got the raspberry truffle and coffee and tea for her.
"Catherine is chafing at the restrictions you've put on her," Irene murmured as they stepped into the pristine black and white kitchen.
"She can chafe all she wants; that's the way it's going to be. Grab the cups, will you?"
She did so and turned to watch as he poured coffee and prepared the tray.
"It's strange to see you like this."
"Like what?"
"Content, almost domesticated." She grinned as he threw her a dirty look. "Happy." Her voice turned wistful.
"I am." He placed napkins on the tray. "What's up with you and Eric?"
She shrugged, turning aside to get some water. "I like him."
"I sense it's more than that. I want you to be careful."
She turned back to face him. "You think I'm frivolous and careless."
"No," he corrected. "I think you were forced into marriages by my parents. I don't want to see you hurt."