"My brother hasn't escorted a lady to a social in years." Kathleen remarked as she pinned a final strand of Katherine's hair in place. "You must have made quite an impression." Katherine blushed. "He's been kind to me, that's all." Kathleen met her eyes in the mirror. "Kieran's kind to everyone, but he doesn't look at everyone the way he looks at you." Before Katherine could formulate a response, Kathleen stepped back to admire her work. "There, simple but elegant.
The blue brings out the gold in your eyes." Looking at her reflection, Katherine hardly recognized herself. The woman in the mirror looked confident and at ease, a far cry from the exhausted, frightened creature who had stepped off the stagecoach 2 weeks ago. Her skin had already begun to tan from days in the mountain sun, giving her a healthy glow that complemented the simple blue dress. "Thank you," she said to Kathleen, "for everything." Kathleen squeezed her shoulder. "That's what friends are for." When Kieran arrived to escort her to the social, he paused in the doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he took in her appearance.
"You look beautiful," he said simply, the admiration in his gaze making her cheeks warm. "Thank you," Katherine replied, equally appreciative of his clean white shirt and dark suit coat. His hair was still damp from washing and he'd trimmed his beard giving him a more polished appearance while still maintaining the rugged quality she'd come to associate with him. The church was decorated with wildflowers and lanterns. Tables laden with food along one wall.
Chairs and benches pushed to the sides to create space for dancing. Nearly everyone in Prosperity seemed to be in attendance from small children to gray-haired elders. Catherine was aware of curious glances as they entered but the reception was warmer than she'd expected. Many people greeted her by name asking about the mine's progress or offering congratulations on her successful start. "Word travels fast." She murmured to Kieran as they made their way through the crowd.
"Small towns." He agreed. "No secrets but they respect success and hard work. You're proving yourself." The evening was more enjoyable than Catherine had anticipated. The food was plentiful and delicious. The company generally welcoming.
And the music while not as refined as Boston's orchestras was lively and infectious. When Kieran led her onto the dance floor for a waltz she discovered that he moved with unexpected grace for such a tall man. His hand was warm at her waist. His steps sure as he guided her through the turns. "You dance well." She observed surprised.
"My mother insisted." Kieran explained. "Said a gentleman should know how to dance even on the frontier." "She was right." Catherine smiled. As they moved together Catherine was acutely aware of his proximity. The subtle scent of soap and leather. The strength in the hand that held hers.
Something was growing between them, something unexpected but increasingly difficult to ignore. Later, as they took a break from dancing, Kathleen approached with a tall, dark-haired man in tow. "Catherine, you remember Dr. Wells," she said. "He's been asking about you." "Miss Blackwood," the doctor greeted her.