Katharine grew anxious as the sun began to set. The food was being cooked and placed in the large sitting room, while the musicians were setting up in the large ballroom. The chandeliers with special beeswax candles lit the rooms, and the floors had been polished to a high shine. An excitement filled the air as she and Francie dressed.
Francie changed into a peach satin dress with a square neckline and small bows at the hem of her skirt. She wore pearl earrings and a simple pearl necklace. The peach color complimented her dark hair nicely.
Katharine looked stunning in her silk ruby dress. The low neckline exposed her lush breasts, and the stomacher was a beautiful work of art. The small ruffles along her elbow were white and contrasted with the ruby red.
She wore single drop diamond earrings and a diamond choker, which caused men's eyes to take in the necklace and then dip to her breasts. She hated the effect, but her mother had insisted. Her golden hair was piled onto her head, with small curls escaping along her neck.
"You look quite lovely, my dear," Anne said as she kissed her cheek. Anne had chosen a deep purple gown, with amethysts adorning her neck and ears. Edward wore a coat and waistcoat of black with gold detailing and snugly fit knee-length breeches, low-heeled shoes, and silk stockings. His hair was powdered and clubbed with a black ribbon.
"You do us proud, child," Edward said to Kat. He kissed her hand and led her and Francie downstairs.
The guests were gathering in groups, but Edward led his daughter away from the gathering crowds.
"Come with me, my dear. I have something to show you," he said. Edward took her hand and led her outside. They walked to the back of the large house and down a small passage that led to the stables.
"I am so happy to have you safe and home with us, Daughter. I have a gift for you from the bottom of my heart," Edward said as he led her forward.
Inside the stables was a beautiful new horse. The stallion was the color of chestnut, with a muscled body that rivaled even the Irish horse breeds.
"Father! He's beautiful!" Kat gasped.
"Besides, I know you don’t like sharing your brother’s horse. Now you have your own," he said.
Kat threw her arms around his neck.
"He came from far away. I'll introduce you to the breeder later," she heard her father say.
"Thank you!" Kat clasped her arms around him and kissed him until he chuckled.
"You are welcome, dearest."
Francie had followed at a discreet distance and together they hugged each other.
"He's lovely, Kat," Francie said as they admired the stallion.
Kat smiled as the proud horse came forward to nuzzle her.
"He's flawless," she said.
Katharine spent several minutes with her new horse before she joined the ball to resume her hostess duties. She greeted the guests and everyone seemed genuinely happy to have her returned home safe and sound.
***
The candle lights flickered low and the music began. It was a beautiful piece by George Frederick Handel, a Trio Sonata in B Minor. Katharine listened to the music and closed her eyes. The violin, flute, and continuo were in perfect sync with each other as the music moved and flowed through the room. She stood with James, sipping a glass of champagne, while she watched her guests mingle. A hundred people filled the room, and dozens more stood or danced in clusters and groups around the food tables. Champagne was in abundance. She had lost count how many people she had greeted and smiled at. She suddenly felt lightheaded as the champagne drizzled into her veins. The trio sonata continued playing, and its beauty was mesmerizing.
When she opened her eyes and looked across the room, she glimpsed him across the room and knew she had drank too much. He had walked behind a group of people standing at the far end of the room. Kat almost dropped her flute of champagne.
"Darling, what is it?" James whispered as he felt her lean into him.
"The heat. It's the heat," she answered. "I need some fresh air."
"Of course. I'll accompany you," he said.
"No, you should stay. I'll only be a few minutes,” she replied. She moved her dress hem aside as she moved gracefully through the room.
Kat placed her champagne glass on a table and walked outside the ballroom and into the night. A few couples were outside talking and they greeted her. Her brother Charles and his wife, Sarah, smiled at her, and Charles kissed her in greeting.
She smiled to them and then turned away. She was going mad! She brushed a hand across her forehead and flushed cheeks.