“Go.” Kat understood. Truth was, she’d been tempted to call the animal hospital almost every day since she’d arrived, but she hadn’t. The techs didn’t need to waste their time talking to her about animals when she was too far away to help. “I know you want your work finished before the wedding.”
“Yes, but you’ve been such a big help. I wish you could have a day full of nothing but fun.”
“I’ve been having lots of fun.” The other day, she’d traveled from the west to the east borders of Alistonia. The country might be small, but it was rich in history and tradition. “I’ve been getting a real feel for your country and people.”
“Are you going to meet with Isaac today?”
The kind waiter, who Kat now called a friend, had been giving her royal etiquette lessons. She’d learned how to eat European style with her fork in her left hand, how to wave during the parade that would occur after the wedding ceremony, and how to greet others without shaking hands.
“No, he’s off today. Jamie’s already gone to town. I don’t know what your mother and Gill are up to.” Royal duties kept those two busy with ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, speeches, and luncheons throughout Alistonia. “I’m spending today on my own. Peace and quiet will be nice.”
“You deserve it. Acting as the liaison between my mother and the duchess must be draining.”
A root canal would be better than spending another day relaying messages between the queen and the duchess, but Kat wouldn’t add to Sophie’s stress by admitting that.
“They are quite the pair.” Kat left out how the two women argued worse than a divorcing couple trying to figure out the medical treatment options for a family pet. “But it isn’t long until the big day.”
Sophie put on a long down coat. “I keep hoping Talia won’t quit.”
“She won’t.”
The wedding planner had been brought to tears two days ago, but Talia had confided to Kat that the crown prince had offered her a bonus if she didn’t quit. The amount made putting up with the two mothers worthwhile. Leave it to Gill to take care of his sister.
“Don’t worry,” Kat said. “Everything’s coming together. And Bertrand will be here soon.”
“I can’t wait.” Sophie wrapped a plaid, wool scarf around her neck. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand. “Oh, look at the time. I’m late.”
As usual. “Have a great day. I’m going to get ready for a walk.”
“If you want company, Gill may be around. He didn’t mention going anywhere.”
Kat’s muscles bunched. Getting along better was not the same as seeking him out. “I’m sure he has work to do.”
“Yes, but like you, he needs to work less and play more.”
“I’ll see if he’s taking a break when I head out.”
“Do.” Sophie hugged Kat. “I’ll text you when I’m on my way home.”
As Sophie headed toward the stairs, Kat went to her room and put on her coat, gloves, and hat.
Downstairs, she glanced toward Gill’s office. The door was closed. She hesitated, but only for a moment. He had work to do. No reason to bother him.
Coward.
She was where Gill was concerned. Her stomach felt funny whenever he was nearby. She didn’t feel that way when she was with Jamie.
Kat hurried into the music room and out the French doors onto the patio.
The cold air made her zip her coat all the way to her chin. Snow fell around her. She couldn’t believe how a little white stuff on the ground changed the whole landscape.
Smiling, she tilted back her head and stuck out her tongue.
“Catch any?” Gill asked.
She jumped. “Where did you come from?”
He wore a coat and gloves, but no hat. His leather dress shoes weren’t made for this kind of weather, but he didn’t seem bothered by that. “I live here.”
