Read Online Nan Ryan by Kathleens Surrender - Free Book Online

cloak, shaking off the chill of the evening. Daniel had let him in and was taking his cloak when Kathleen came down the stairs to meet him. Dawson looked up at her and drew in his breath. She wore a deep rose velvet dress with long, tight sleeves and the molded bodice was pinched in at her small waist and buttoned discreetly up to her chin. The ten-yard skirt billowed out and rustled over matching crinoline petticoats. Her blond, silky hair was tied up in a rose velvet ribbon and loose tendrils of its golden beauty escaped the ribbon and hung around her small face and on her neck. She was smiling at Dawson, holding up her skirts prettily and coming down to him. Dawson looked at her, smiled, and decided in that instant he couldn’t wait much longer to marry her. He had been patient long enough, he must have her soon or he would lose his mind.
    “Darling,” she stood on tiptoe to kiss him.
    “Hello, sweetheart,” he smiled, “are your parents home?”
    “Yes, they’re in the library, shall we go in?” Kathleen took his hand and led him into the big room.
    Louis and Abigail were gracious as usual to Dawson and their warmth made it easy for Dawson to tell Louis he had something on his mind.
    “Mister Beauregard, I would like to have a meeting with you tomorrow, sir, if it’s convenient.”
    “Certainly, Dawson, anytime you say,” Louis smiled and offered the young man a drink.
    Dawson declined politely. “Then I shall come out at 2 P.M. tomorrow, if you are agreeable.”
    “Fine, Dawson, I’ll be looking forward to it. We’ll have the place all to ourselves. The ladies are planning a shopping trip, I believe, aren’t you, dear?” He looked at Abigail.
    “Why, yes, we are. Kathleen and I are going into town for lunch. Then we intend to do a little early Christmas shopping, as well as look at some new winter frocks.”
    “Mother, this is the first I’ve heard of it,” Kathleen looked at her mother, puzzled. “I’d rather stay here if Dawson is coming out.” She squeezed Dawson’s hand.
    “Now, dear, I need your help. I want you to go with me and besides, Dawson wants to talk to your father.”
    “Where are we going tonight, Dawson?” Kathleen leaned close to him in the back of the carriage.
    “Darling, tonight I’m taking you some place you’ve never been before,” Dawson smiled mischievously.
    “Where, where?” She loved surprises.
    “You’ll see,” he said, refusing to tell her. It was a short ride across town and when the carriage pulled up to a stop in front of his big mansion, Kathleen was as excited as a child.
    “Dawson Blakely, your house! But, why? I’ve asked to see your home at least a hundred times and you never would bring me here. Why have you changed your mind?”
    He didn’t answer, just smiled broadly and helped her out of the carriage. The doors were swung open by a smiling, short black man who said, “Good evening, Miz Kathleen, Mistah Dawson.”
    “Kathleen, this is Jim. He’s been with me for years and takes good care of me,” Dawson handed his cloak and Kathleen’s cape to the smiling servant.
    “Pleased to meet you, Jim, but how did you know my name?” Kathleen held out her hand to him.
    “Oh, Miz Kathleen, Mistah Dawson, he tell me all bout you. I feels lak I knows you already.” He laughed and disappeared with the wraps.
    Kathleen turned and admired the huge hallway, its floor of black and white mosaic marble, which served as an art gallery with original paintings of masters dotting the walls, along with gold leaf mirrors. Dawson beamed and drew her into the large dining room on the left. Furnished in rosewood, it contained silver by Tallois of Paris, rare china, and crystal.
    “Dawson, it’s lovely, I can’t believe it.” Kathleen’s eyes were big and full of wonder.
    “Come,” he said, taking her arm and drawing her back across the hall and into the double drawing rooms. Kathleen admired the handcarved woodwork, ceiling rosettes of handmade plaster