The Cats that Surfed the Web Read Online Free PDF Page B

It’s freezing out here,” he said, slapping his gloved hands together.
    “No, just a second.” Katherine adjusted the collar on her wool coat and slowly peered down the street. The town seemed to be a mecca of antique shops, in well-maintained Victorian-era storefronts, constricted to a two-block area. She was enchanted. Finally she said, “This town looks like a miniature model railroad town.”
    “Except our trees have leaves and not lichens,” he joked. “Seriously, the town is unique because so many townspeople are restoring old homes.”
    Mark opened the heavy wooden door of the hotel.
    Katherine walked inside and observed the antique shop on the left and the restaurant on the right. Several people were browsing in the antique shop.
    “This way,” he directed. He led her to a foyer outside the main serving room. The room was dimly lit by the glow of a gas log burning in the fireplace. Every available wall space was covered with old family portraits framed in vintage gold frames.
    “Allow me to take your coat,” he said. “I must warn you. If you order the prime rib, you must wear a bib.”
    “A bib—like a baby’s bib?” she asked.
    “Yes, but much bigger. It’s a tradition here.”
    “Okay. Why not,” she said. “But you wouldn’t catch me dead with one of those things in Manhattan.”
    The hostess entered the room and smiled. “Hello, Mark. Is this Orvenia’s niece?”
    “Yes,” Katherine smiled. “I’m Katherine Kendall.”
    “Welcome to Erie Hotel,” the hostess smiled and extended her hand. “My name is Velma Richardson.”
    Katherine shook her hand.
    “I’m so sorry to hear about dear Mrs. Colfax. It was a great shock to all of us. We thought that she’d live forever.”
    The woman escorted them to their candlelit table.
    “Were you a friend of my great aunt’s?” Katherine inquired.
    “No, just an acquaintance. We were part of the same church congregation,” she said. Velma turned to Mark. “I’m helping Patricia out with the drinks tonight—she’s your server this evening, but is busy with that large table over there,” she motioned. “What would you like to drink?”
    “I’ll have a seltzer, please,” Katherine said.
    “I think I might have an antacid in my pocket-book,” the hostess answered.
    “Seltzer,” Katherine grinned. “Sparkling water. Do you have any?”
    “We have town water,” the hostess said slowly. “And nearby there’s a spring where they still cap the water.”
    “It's called Mudlavia Springs,” Mark said. “It’s a national company.”
    “Yes, I’ve heard of it. Okay, I’ll have a glass of that, and also a glass of Cabernet.”
    “Caber-what?” the hostess seemed perplexed.
    “Wine,” Katherine answered.
    “We have white wine, merlot—”
    Katherine interrupted, “Merlot is fine.”
    “And you, Mr. Dunn?” the hostess asked.
    “I’ll have some of that wonderful town water with a slice of lemon.”
    The hostess winked at Mark and left. He tipped his head back and laughed. His green eyes sparkled.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “I’m sure there’s a lot of things this town can learn from you. Your presence would be an asset to the town.”
    “Flattery will get you nowhere,” she scoffed.
    The drinks arrived and the couple toasted the future.
    Mark said, “May you move to our fine town and live happily ever after.”
    Katherine countered, “May I move to this fine town and my cats have nine lives.”
    Their glasses clinked.
    The server came over to the table, said hello to Mark, then introduced herself to Katherine. “My name is Patricia Marston. I’m the daughter of your great aunt’s housekeeper—Vivian’s daughter.”
    “I’m pleased to meet you.”
    “For the last five years I’ve taken care of Orvenia’s garden during my school summer breaks,” she said in a monotone voice.
    “Where do you go to school?”
    “The university in the city,” she said. “I’m a graduate student.”
    “What do you