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The floor shone, and Katherine secretly wondered who might have cleaned it so beautifully. Would that be her duty if she stayed here? If one person found out about her…
Using her fan to cover her shyness, she looked about just in time to see Lee coming towards her.
"Miss Katherine you are ravishing."
"Why thank you, kind sir." Katherine smiled and blinked, again hiding her worry.
"Would you save at least one dance for me?" He asked, his face something between a frown and smile.
"Of course, I'd be delighted," she whispered.
Katherine knew none of the steps, but the Captain seemed bent on showing her how to do them all. He led her on the dance floor several times and she managed somehow not to trip over his feet.
Seeing the C
aptain in this light made her realize that duty and enjoyment were entirely different things. For a moment she forgot her troubles and let the beautiful music carry her away. It was a wonderful party and everyone seemed so nice.
Several of the ladies came up to her and started conversations but she had little in common with them and found it hard to keep the chatter up.
Thank goodness Lee came to her rescue. "May I have this dance?"
She smiled and took his arm.
As they came closer, Lee's smile faded somewhat. "I've got a break planned for Chase tonight, after everyone is asleep."
"This is dangerous for you, Lee…" she whispered, her smile still intact.
"Yes, but it must be done, after all he has suffered on my account." Lee measured his steps and smiled to match hers.
"Can I help?" she offered out of the blue.
Lee looked at her with a puzzle on his face, then with a slight nod, he smiled and through his teeth he added, "You have a horse ready."
"How about three?" she asked.
"You…"
She nodded.
"And…"
"You—you cannot stay here and face a court martial," she whispered once more as she placed her cheek on his.
"Very well, three horses…" and with that he whirled her around and they changed partners.
She danced the rest of the evening with the Captain, but the General insisted the last dance was for him.
Katherine smiled as her mind played at the escape that could mean their lives.
After cake and punch and more chatter, the Captain escorted her to her bungalow.
"What has Lee planned…?" The Captain asked, his face a complete mask.
"How did you know…?" She gasped.
"Simple deduction. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. In fact, I'll help, but this means Lee has to go too. I cannot support his effort for the escape or we will all be court martialed. And there will be a price on his head from now on, by the army." The Captain frowned into her face. "Life is seldom fair, Miss Hightower…"
"Thank you, Captain…" she sighed heavily.
