Katie Rose Read Online Free PDF Page B

of a way to turn the conversation toward their purpose. Fate was with her, for Elizabeth put her cup aside and leaned forward, as if to impart the best gossip.
    “I just heard that Charles Howe is back in town. He is not only gorgeous, but he has quite an income from hislaw firm and the family shipping business. He and Gabriel Forester are good friends, although they are exact opposites. Charles is so gay and funny, while Gabriel is so serious.” She giggled. “I haven’t told this to anyone, but Charles and I …”
    “No!” Penelope squealed, giving the girl a hug. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jennifer perk up, her interest returning. “Are you really? Does anyone know?”
    “Elizabeth!” Jane said disapprovingly. “You know Mother told you not to say anything until he proposes!”
    “I know,” Elizabeth said, little deterred. “But although it’s not official yet, I can share my excitement, can’t I? We’ve been keeping company for the last three months. Yesterday he sent me roses! If that doesn’t show the serious nature of his intentions …”
    “They were yellow, Elizabeth,” Jane said sternly. “Yellow is for friendship. You read too much into these things.”
    Elizabeth looked like she was ready to cry. Penelope sensed sibling tension in the air, and patted Elizabeth’s hand consolingly.
    “I’m sure everything will work out just fine. You mentioned Gabriel Forester. I think we know him—isn’t he Mary’s son?”
    “Yes.” Elizabeth sniffled, her feelings clearly still injured. “I think him handsome, as well. Apparently, so does someone else. Rumor has it that Gabriel has been seeing Allison Howe.”
    “No!”
    “Yes!” Elizabeth nodded, dabbing her nose delicately with her lace hankie.
    “How fascinating,” Penelope said. “Do you know Mr. Forester well?”
    “Why, yes. Gabriel is a friend of the family. He is handsome as could be, but determined and ruthless. Hisfamily’s in marble, and they own several newspapers. The Foresters are well respected and wealthy, but Gabriel is the businessman of the family. He was very close to his father. His death hit him hard.” Elizabeth sighed.
    “I think I recall him,” Jennifer said casually, taking Penelope’s lead. “Doesn’t he live near the park?”
    “Yes, he has a splendid town home on the upper East Side, although he is seldom there. Our older brother Stephen is a friend of his, so we hear of him quite often.”
    Penelope nodded. “I suppose, being a wealthy society man, that he frequents the men’s clubs, gambling establishments, and resorts.”
    “Very seldomly, although I hear both he and Allison are attending the Barrymores’ garden party. Gabriel actually spends most of his time at the office. He’s very serious, as I was saying, especially about business. And Allison is a good match for him. She is complacent and proper, and has all the right connections. Her family was one of New York’s first, and could further his aspirations. Gabriel isn’t very affectionate toward her. I think he sees her as a business advantage.”
    Jane sighed. “I hope my future husband feels more for me than that. Gabriel Forester is a cold one.” She shuddered.
    “I hear the Barrymores’ gardens are lovely,” Penelope remarked idly. “I remember them from when we were children.”
    “Oh, they are!” Elizabeth gushed. “Are you going to be there? Perhaps we could meet. I’d love to introduce you to some of our friends.”
    “I misplaced the invitation,” Penelope said with a sigh, sending the startled Jennifer a sharp look. “I tossed it out with a bunch of uninteresting cards. I feel terrible about it, for we so would have loved to attend.”
    “I’m certain the Barrymores wouldn’t mind in the least if you accompanied us,” Jane said, obviously delightedat the prospect. “Everyone is talking about you and would love to see you again.”
    “Are you certain?” Penelope asked demurely. “I wouldn’t want to