“How could I not?” he replied lightheartedly, though Catherine thought she detected a hint of sadness beneath his smile. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking. “You and I have been good friends, quite the couple of bachelors laughing together over the matchmaking efforts of all those around us.”
“So, we have,” Catherine said. She wanted to say more, but her throat felt tight, and she couldn’t fake good humor nearly as well as the Viscount.
“Do not worry, Catherine,” said Travis. “I am sure we will see you again. Here, I made something for you.”
He placed a package wrapped in brown paper in her hands. For the life of her, she could not imagine what it would be.
“Open it,” said Travis with a grin on his face. While she did so, he added, “Papa helped me a little, but it was my idea.”
Once she had pulled the paper off of the package, she found that it was a thin board, about the thickness of twenty sheets of paper. It was shaped in a long oval with a hole cut out at one end. The words, “Do not disturb,” were painted in large colorful letters on the rest of the board.
“It’s a sign that you can hang on the doorknob when you are painting, so your sisters will remember not to interrupt you,” said Travis.
The tears that Catherine had been holding back overflowed at this thoughtful gesture. She reached down to the young boy and gave him a big hug. “Thank you, Master Travis,” she said. “Itwas very thoughtful, and I am certain I shall get a great deal of use from it.”
She turned to Lord Hilldale. For the first time ever, there was no trace of anger anywhere in his expression. His features had softened into a sad smile. “Thank you as well, Lord Hilldale, since you helped to make it,” she said.
“Why are you crying?” asked Travis. “I am sorry if I made you sad.”
“Oh no!” said Catherine. “I love the sign you made for me, and it makes me very happy indeed. I am crying, because I shall miss you both. You are very dear friends, and it is sad when friends have to part ways. But, just as you said, I am sure we shall see each other again. After all, my sister is marrying your cousin.”
Travis looked entirely too sad at this, and Catherine began to feel guilty. So, she stuffed her tears back down and tried to smile.
“Thank you, Kitty,” said Lord Hilldale. “It has been a delight to have your company these past few months. I look forward to seeing you again.” He stood and beckoned for his son to stand as well. “And now, I believe we must be off. There is packing to do and preparations to be made.” He bowed to Catherine and said, “Until we meet again.”
Travis bowed as well. “Goodbye, Catherine,” he said.
After they were gone, Catherine went up to her room and poured her feelings out onto her pillow. She would miss Lord Hilldale much more than she would have thought possible.
