Rue Toulouse Read Online Free PDF

girl for trying.” She gave him a sultry smile and turned away.
    He finished his beer as he watched Cleopatra take the knight’s arm. At the love-struck look on the man’s face, Remi sighed. The poor bastard hasn’t a clue what he’s in for . He placed his empty glass on the bar. He’d stayed long enough. Paul must have been delayed by other guests. Gumbolaya was playing in the Quarter. If he hurried, he might be able to sit in on a set.
    Remi started across the room and for the first time in his life was struck speechless. Incapable of movement, he couldn’t take his eyes from the vision in silver.
     
    Caterine paused at the entrance to the LaBeaus’ glittering ballroom, adjusted the silver mask upon her nose, and shook out the folds of her gown. Hundreds of guests clustered around tables laden with hors d’oeuvres, rich desserts, and fountains flowing with champagne.
    Good grief, Elaine and Paul must have invited half of New Orleans . She wove her way through the crowd. Fragrant canna lilies, dahlias, and irises filled tall vases and spilled from woven baskets. Elaborately carved white moldings adorned high teal-painted walls. Heavy cream silk draperies framed three opened French doors leading onto a third floor gallery. A floor-to-ceiling mirrored wall reflected costumed guests as they danced beneath two crystal chandeliers.
    Caterine squeezed around Snow White and a scarecrow and still didn’t see Elaine. Impatiently she stood on her toes to peer over Marie Laveau and Henry the Eighth. She felt a sharp tap on her shoulder and turned.
    “Looking for me?”
    Caterine curtseyed. “Well, hello, your majesty.”
    Elaine, as Marie Antoinette, snapped her lace fan shut and smiled.
    “You look great,” Caterine said.
    “Thanks. I always wanted to be queen.”
    Caterine snorted. “Yes, well, just don’t lose your head over it.”
    Elaine’s green eyes sparkled with amusement. “There’s always that risk. I was worried you wouldn’t come. What took you so long?”
    “If you can believe it, my day got even worse.”
    “Don’t tell me you heard from Jonathan again?”
    “No, but almost as bad. My aunts and cousins were at their hateful best today.”
    “Now what? No, wait.” Elaine signaled a tuxedo-clad waiter carrying glasses of champagne. “Drink this.” She handed Caterine a chilled flute. “And before you say anything I have to tell you your gown is absolutely stunning. Turn so I can get the full effect.”
    Caterine pirouetted. The light reflected off the silver gown, making it shimmer and sparkle. Hundreds of faceted crystals, glittering like ice, cascaded down the front of the flowing skirt.
    “You can tell your grandmère, once again, hats off to Ma Chérie. You outshine us all.”
    Caterine narrowed her eyes. “She would appreciate hearing there are still those who don’t think she should turn it into a fashion mart.”
    “I have a feeling that comment has something to do with the aunts from hell, so what have they done now?”
    Caterine took a long sip of her champagne, then explained.  
    “They’re crazy. Your grandmère would never give up control of Ma Chérie, or allow it to be cheapened that way.”
    “No, she would not. I’ve never seen Grandmère as angry as she was today. If they keep pushing her, I’m afraid she’ll do something to cause more problems than we already have. This has the potential to turn into a colossal Doucette family blowup. God only knows what kind of retaliation my cousins might come up with. But enough of my drama.” She gave a dismissive wave. “I want to forget about Jonathan and my family and have a good time.” She accepted another crystal flute from a passing waiter. “And I apologize for going on about my problems and not mentioning how fabulous everything looks. I especially love what you’ve done here in the ballroom. You and Paul did a wonderful job restoring the house.”
    “Thanks. I thought we’d never get it finished.”
    Caterine