Christopher grinned. “Good luck to you then.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bennett.”

“Thank you, Mr. Browning.”

The men shook hands and then Christopher hurried home. His bride was

waiting for him, and suddenly he wanted to see her.

Inside the Bianchi manor, Katerina sat in the breakfast room, sipping a cup of coffee and wincing at its strength. She became aware of a movement behind her,

but for once, did not jump in nervous anxiety. She simply turned to see. How refreshing. Another sign of the progress I've made. Her pleasure faded to a scowl at the sight of Aimée St. Jean. “What do you want?” she asked the other woman coldly.

Before Aimée could even open her mouth, Katerina continued. “You may

have the damned piano, you may have Grandfather, but you will stay away from

my husband, is that clear? He's mine, and he doesn't want you anyway. Leave him alone.”

“Yes, of course, I will. You're right. I never wanted him either. As you said,

he's too young for me.” Her chastened tone made Katerina even more suspicious.

“Then what were you doing?” Katerina demanded, eyes narrow. She spat the

words like little flames from a bonfire.

“Trying to unnerve you,” Aimée replied, looking appropriately stung.

“Why?”

“Petty jealousy. I was jealous of your talent and of your grandfather's

attention. It was mean-spirited, and I apologize.” Aimée sounded disarmingly sincere.

“Why?” Katerina demanded again, giving no quarter.

“Because I'm woman enough to admit when I'm wrong,” Aimée replied. “I

should never have treated you this way.”

“You needn't be jealous of my talent,” Katerina commented, giving the

tiniest inch of leeway. “Yours is greater.”

“No. My experience is greater, but I think you have more natural musical ability.”

Katerina rolled her eyes. “Is it still a competition, Madame?”

Aimée ventured a timid smile. “No. It's not.”

Katerina continued, gesturing with one hand. “I mean, you're a talented

artist. So am I. Why can we not commiserate since we share so many things in

common?”

“I don't know. I've been feeling very… off lately, you see…” she leaned over

and whispered in her ear.

Katerina's mouth fell open.

“It's no excuse,” Aimée continued, “but I was so worried he was losing

interest in me because of you.”

Katerina shook her head. “There's no comparison. You're the woman he

loves. I'm his granddaughter. There's no competition there either.”

“You're right,” Aimée conceded, “but I'm not thinking clearly these days.”

Katerina pursed her lips. “I can see that. Well, I suppose you two had better

get married. How odd to think your child will have a niece from the first moment

of life, a niece twenty years his senior.”

“That is amusing,” Aimée chuckled. “So, Mrs. Bennett, can we start over,

please? I mean you're going to be my step-granddaughter.”

“Am I?” Katerina raised one eyebrow.

“Oh yes,” Aimée replied, her head bobbing so her golden hair bounced. “We worked it out last night.”

“Very good. When?”

“Soon,” the woman explained. “Probably before you leave. Will you come?”

Katerina pressed her advantage. “On one condition.”

“What's that?” Aimée asked, a hint of suspicion on her face.

“Let me play at the wedding,” Katerina replied.

The two women regarded each other, each taking the measure of the other's