Die Once Live Twice Read Online Free PDF

father,” his mother said.
    “I’m old enough to go to war, but I have to have a bed check with you, Mother?” He laughed.
    The ball was nearing its conclusion. The older folks were filing out, and Ginny’s parents insisted on taking her home with them. Katherine and Edward were having a glass of punch when Patrick strode up and asked if he might have that dance. Edward agreed, reluctantly. The music carried Patrick and Katherine to the center of the floor, lit by an ornate chandelier made of hundreds of tiny candles contained in glass tubules. The candles created a sparking spotlight for Patrick and Katherine, her auburn hair shining in their light. Intoxicated by her presence, Patrick could not resist leaning in closer. “You smell so delightful,” he stammered. So many of his dance partners had not bathed for the ball, bathing being reserved for Sundays before church.
    “It’s a perfume from Paris. One of my grandfather’s ship captains brought it back with him.”
    “I must thank him,” Patrick jabbered. “I haven’t seen you for so long.”
    “I’m sure you know I went to boarding school in Boston. When my father died four years ago I moved to Grandfather’s home here.”
    “Just when I went to West Point.”
    “Since then, Grandfather has kept me very busy. And he has been so good to me.”
    Patrick said, “I’m so glad you came tonight,” as he pulled her a bit closer with his hand on her waist.
    “When do you go to war?” Katherine asked, pushing him back away.
    “I have a month’s leave. The war may be over by then. I expect it is just a skirmish. But if it’s not ... well, if it’s not, we will whip them.”
    “I hope you do. This war is disrupting the flow of cotton for the textile mills, which is not good for the company. Our company.”
    “In that case, Miss Katherine, I’ll just take my unit and ride into those southern states and bring home our cotton!” His eyes flashed and Katherine could not look away from him. Those are pretty green eyes, she thought. “Speaking of riding,” he said, changing the subject, “do you ride at all?”
    “Why, certainly, Patrick. I spent summers on the farm and rode out to herd the cows home every day.”
    “Would you like to go for a ride tomorrow?”
    “No, Patrick.” She answered too quickly , he thought. “It is chaotic at the office with this damn war ... Oh—please excuse me!”
    Patrick let go of her and laughed with such gusto that half the room turned around and looked. “That was damn rude of you to swear, young lady!” Patrick teased, and both of them burst out laughing.
    “Rude or not, I have to help Grandfather.”
    Patrick’s passion was rising. He looked into her deep blue eyes and said, “Well, I guess I better come to the office tomorrow and assess our business.”
    “Yes, please do.” She smiled as the music played out its last bars. Patrick impulsively leaned down and kissed her lips. Her right hand came off his shoulder and she slapped him crisply across his right cheek. “How dare you be so forward!” She spun away from him and went looking for Edward.
    Patrick now stood alone under the chandelier, his left hand feeling his burning cheek. He was stunned—and excited. What kind of a woman would do that to him?
    Cathy hurried over to him. “What did you say?” she asked.
    “I just stole a kiss,” Patrick said, still rubbing his cheek.
    “If you steal one from me I won’t slap you,” Cathy giggled.
    Patrick was confused. Every accomplishment he’d been proud of had come with a challenge. Not women, though. Not until now. This Katherine was no Cathy.
    Edward led Katherine out of the ballroom to the carriage. “I shouldn’t have let you dance with him. You two always hated each other.” Katherine didn’t answer him. He put his arm around her and tried to pull her close, but she resisted. From the corner of her eyes she saw him leaning in to kiss her. She turned and looked out the carriage window.