Love and Honor: The Coltrane Saga, Book 7 (21 page)

Jade stood up without hesitation. “You’re right, I don’t want to hear it. Come along, girls.” When they made no move to follow, a look from Colt sent them scurrying. Kitty had fallen asleep.

Travis listened intently as Colt began to tell him of his past love affairs, that there had been many times he’d thought he was in love, only to feel quite foolish later. “But there was one…” Colt settled back beside his son, a misty, faraway look coming over his face. He spoke of lovely Briana de Paul and how he had been mesmerized by her rare and special beauty. “The passion was powerful, but it ran its course,” Colt confided, looking deep into his son’s eyes. Travis was touched by his father’s candor.

“The point I’m trying to make, son, is that no matter how much you think you care for this young lady now, there will be many others after her. Just get on with your life and enjoy yourself, because the next four years at the Academy are going to be very, very challenging. But you’ll succeed. You can do anything you set your mind to—you’re a Coltrane,” he finished proudly.

Kitty sat up and grinned. “Your father is right, Travis,” she told him fondly. “The Coltrane men all seem to have a heartbreaking romance before they find their true love.”

Travis looked from his grandmother to his father, moved by their concern. “I’ll be okay,” he whispered huskily, “but I want you both to know that I do care about Valerie…deeply.”

“If it’s meant to be, it will be,” Kitty said sagely. “I think fate takes care of things like that.”

Chapter Nineteen

The train pulled into Washington’s Union Station, and the Coltranes disembarked with the many others who had come to see Woodrow Wilson become America’s twenty-eighth President.

Two cars took them to the prestigious section known as the Gold Coast, where they had been invited to stay at the home of a prominent attorney, Wylie Bucher, the nephew of Sam Bucher, who’d been a dear friend of Colt’s father. The cars finally stopped in front of a massive white house and Kitty showed renewed spirit when she recognized the man hurrying from the house to greet them. Stepping out of the car, she cried jubilantly, “Wylie, bless your heart, it’s been years, but I’d know you anywhere. You’re the image of your Uncle Sam.” Her eyes glistened with tears of nostalgia.

Wylie embraced Kitty, then he stood back and held her at arm’s length, frowning. “My God, Kitty, you’ve got a fever!” he exclaimed.

“Nonsense. I’m just warm from the car ride.”

Colt shrugged helplessly. “Kitty is pretty stubborn, Wylie, but we’re going to see that she takes care of herself, whether she likes it or not.” He looked pointedly at his mother.

Wylie laughed. “Well, I’ll do all I can to help you. Now I’d like to show you around my home.” With that he led them on a tour of the grand house, then made sure that they were settled comfortably in their rooms.

On inauguration day, the skies were again cloudy and overcast. Donning her floor-length mink cape and matching wide-brimmed bonnet, Kit peeked in at Kitty before leaving for the festivities. She was shocked at the way her grandmother looked. Kitty was pale and still, and her breathing was labored. Kit pressed her lips to Kitty’s brow and found it hot. She rose to get her father when Kitty’s eyes suddenly flew open. Seeing Kit’s alarm, she whispered hoarsely, “I’m just tired, darling. You run along and have a good time.”

Kit protested. “But I think you need a doctor. You look worse today than you did yesterday, and—”

“And you’ll look worse tomorrow than you do today, because you’ll be a day older.” Kitty’s grin was forced. “Now, off with you. I don’t need a doctor, just rest.”

Kit left her reluctantly, but she went straight to her father. Colt declared that he’d had it with his mother’s stubbornness and called their family physician. Dr. Talton came at once and examined Kitty despite her vehement protests. He then called Colt in and announced that he thought Kitty was coming down with pneumonia. Rummaging through his worn leather bag, he took out a small vial of pills. “She should be in a hospital, but she refuses to go, so give her these according to the directions on the label, and I’ll come by tonight to see if she’s any better.”

Making sure that Kitty was comfortable, and safely under Epiphany’s supervision, the Coltranes reluctantly left her to attend the inauguration.

On the Capitol plaza, Woodrow Wilson recited the vow that made him President of the United States. He then gave his inaugural address, and his words aroused a sense of admiration in Kit for her father’s native country.

When the ceremony was over, the Coltranes were among the privileged guests invited for a reception and tour of the Capitol. Afterward, they headed home to prepare for the gala evening events.

Marilee was delighted to be wearing her first really sophisticated dress, a rose satin creation that was slightly off the shoulders, with a sweetheart neckline. But when she saw Kit, she wailed, “Oh, why can’t I ever wear anything really sophisticated? Now I feel like a bridesmaid!”

Kit couldn’t help laughing. “Oh, Marilee, you look wonderful! That is the perfect color for you.”

Kit whirled about before the full-length mirror. She loved her gown—it was made of lime-green velvet, the dipping bodice beaded with gold jewels to match her slippers. The skirt was dramatically slit to mid-thigh, a style that, surprisingly enough, Jade had not discouraged. Kit wondered if Jade was hoping that she’d find a competent partner with whom to dance the tango. She knew how proud her mother had been when she’d danced with Kurt at the embassy ball in Madrid.

She wound her fiery hair into a regal chignon. The only jewelry she wore was emerald-and-diamond earbobs. A gift from her grandfather to Kitty, they’d been passed lovingly along to her on her sixteenth birthday.

Finally she and Marilee were ready to descend the spiral staircase to join everyone in a champagne toast. Kit paused, urging her cousin to go on without her. “I’ll be right along. I just want to say good night to Grandma.”

“I’ll go with you,” Marilee said, and they quietly opened the door to Kitty’s room. The canopied bed was silhouetted against the softly crackling flames in the fireplace. Carasia held a finger to her lips and whispered, “She’s sleeping very deeply—”

“No, she’s not!”

They jumped at the sound of Kitty’s voice, then stared silently as she managed to lift herself up against the pillows. Carasia hurried to assist her, but was irritably waved away. “I wish everyone would just stop fussing over me—” Her words were interrupted by a deep, hacking cough.

Kit and Marilee went to stand on either side of the bed. Kitty looked at them critically, then managed a broad, approving smile and declared, “Well, once again the Coltrane women will be the center of attention. Beautiful! My girls are just beautiful!” She held a hand out to each of them.

“Oh, Grandma, please hurry up and get well,” Marilee said, her voice trembling. “I can’t stand seeing you like this.”

“Well, child, I’m not exactly enjoying myself,” Kitty informed her crisply, “but every once in a while the Lord puts us flat on our backs so we can appreciate it when He lets us stand on our feet. Now you two have a wonderful time and remember that not every young girl has the privilege of attending the presidential inaugural ball.”

They kissed her and turned to leave, but just as they reached the door, Kitty called softly, “Wait, Kit. I have something to say to you.”

Marilee left, and Kit went quickly to her grandmother’s bedside.

“This young man,” Kitty began, “that you’re trying to talk yourself out of falling in love with—I think you should give your heart a chance, child. Stop being so stubborn, you waste so much time that way. If it’s meant to be, it will be. So unlock the door and let him in.”

Kit forced a laugh, determined not to reveal the turmoil churning within her. “Will you please stop worrying about my private life and concentrate on getting well so we can get on with our plans? You know I can’t make it without you!”

Kitty’s smile faded, and she raised her head from the pillows. Reaching out, she clutched Kit’s arm and drew her close. “Listen to me,” she whispered hoarsely, looking deep into Kit’s eyes. “Don’t you ever say that. I’ve got to believe that you’re enough like me that you don’t need anybody…that you can make it on your own. I’d never have bought that ranch for you if I didn’t believe that. You’ve got a heritage to be proud of, Kit Coltrane, and don’t ever forget it. You can do anything you want in this life if you make up your mind to do it. You don’t need anybody. Do you hear me, child?”

Kit was shaken; she’d never heard Kitty talk this way. “I’m strong, and I can make it,” she assured her grandmother, “but I still need you with me. I want you with me. So please get well.”

Against the stark white pillow, Kitty looked like a doll fashioned of delicate bone china. She whispered dreamily, “Dance one for me, my child…go and dance one for me…” She coughed raggedly, then struggled to go on. “And when he holds you in his arms…and your blood turns to fire in your veins…think of me. You were born to love…and be loved…”

Kitty’s words trailed off. Kit gasped and felt her wrist for a pulse. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized that Kitty was only sleeping. Kissing her once more, she cautioned Carasia to take good care of her. Then she left…hopefully to fulfill her grandmother’s wish.

Chapter Twenty

The White House was a wonderland of glittering lights and flowers everywhere—roses, orchids, daisies, carnations—their sweet fragrance pleasantly pervasive. Hundreds of guests milled about, the ladies’ jewels sparkling amid the dazzling array of gowns. An orchestra played from the second-floor landing, the music drifting above the many voices.

Kit drifted away from her family and wandered about aimlessly for a while. She wanted to memorize everything so she could relive her enchanted evening for Kitty. She took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and went to stand near the French doors leading out to the east terrace. From there she had a good view of everything that was going on. She could even watch President and Mrs. Wilson as they stood tirelessly in the receiving line greeting guests.

Within moments, Travis was by her side. “I found her!” he cried, his gray eyes dancing happily. “She’s here with her parents. They’ve been up in the Catskills, just as I thought. Where’s Mom and Dad? I want to introduce them to Valerie’s family.”

“Wait a minute, Travis,” Kit said quickly. “Aren’t you forgetting something? Mother has made it pretty clear that she doesn’t approve, and I really don’t think now’s the time to introduce the families.”

“I don’t care!” Travis declared vehemently. “I’ve thought it over, and I know it’d be crazy to give up an appointment to the Academy, but I’m not going to give up Valerie, either. She feels the same way about me. She wants me to go to school, and she says she’s willing to wait for me. So I don’t see how Mother can have any objections.”

Kit suspected that this would not appease their mother. “I don’t know, Travis. Maybe this isn’t a good time. I mean, we’re all worried about Grandma, and—”

“There’s Valerie!” Travis waved her over.

Valerie’s face was glowing with happiness, and her cornflower-blue eyes shone with adoration for Travis as she took his hand. She tore her gaze from him to look at Kit and shyly say, “It’s nice to see you again. I guess Travis told you about our plans. I do hope you approve, Kit, because I really like you, and I look forward to having you for my sister.”

Kit hugged her impulsively and assured her that they had her best wishes.

Travis was ebullient. “You two wait here. I’m going to find them,” he said eagerly as he headed back into the crowd to search for their parents.

Valerie turned to Kit with a worried look on her face. “Oh, I do pray that your mother will accept me once she realizes that Travis will still be going to West Point. I love him, and I’m willing to wait forever if I have to.”

Kit tried to reassure her. “I don’t think she has anything against you personally, Valerie. It’s just that she hasn’t been herself lately. Give her time.”

“I will.” Valerie nodded with determination. “I’m going to make her like me. After all, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have Travis to love. I’m not going to be satisfied until she lets me love her, too.”

Kit was warmed by her words. “I’ll help any way I can.” Suddenly her heart skipped a beat. Kurt was standing in the receiving line, shaking President Wilson’s hand. A smile touched her lips, and her pulse quickened. He was devastating in his white tuxedo as he bowed gallantly over the First Lady’s hand.

Valerie followed her gaze. “Oh, isn’t that Kurt Tanner? I remember him from the ship. He’s quite handsome, isn’t he? Travis told me that you danced with him at a ball in Madrid and raised a few eyebrows.”

Kit had to admit to herself that she’d been looking for him. Kitty was right—she was hiding from her own heart, and that was wrong. Yet she was not about to admit her feelings to anyone else. “He’s one of the few men I’ve come across who know how to dance the Spanish tango,” she told Valerie. “It’s very intricate, and I guess if you’ve never seen it, it might seem risqué.”

“I’d love to see you dance with him. Would it be proper here? Tonight?”

Kit laughed. “No, I don’t think so. Maybe at one of the other parties in town, but not at the White House.”

“Well, let’s ask him to join us,” Valerie suggested.

Kit was about to say she didn’t think that was a good idea, when Valerie whispered, “Uh-oh! I’m afraid he didn’t come alone!”