Chapter 13

He walked into the garden and saw Eliza surrounded by three young men, John and his followers. Seeing Kurt, Eliza ran to him for safety and hid behind him. Kurt gave John a stern glance. He understood that it could provoke John, but despite the growing pain in his heart at the mere sight of John, Kurt kept himself in check. John approached him.

"Good evening, Kurt. I didn't expect to meet you here! And with such a charming companion." John clicked his tongue and looked at Kurt with a knowing smile. From the entire galaxy of overwhelming feelings, Kurt suddenly felt a tremor of fear. John knew that Eliza was Kurt's servant; at least he had seen her when he came. He could remember her, and now John's intervention could spoil the plan that was already crumbling by the minute. Especially if John felt that he could ruin something, would he deprive himself of the pleasure?

At this moment Kurt got scared that John would read all his thoughts and tried to give his face an expression of calm. Yes, he knew that probably John had caught all shades of emotion on his face, but what could he do? Run and be a joke?

"You should not demonstrate your lack of manners, Mr. Fenrir. Especially in the presence of a lady." Kurt nodded and hurried into the hall, taking Eliza away. It was already impossible to tell where she felt less uncomfortable.

"Mr. Rhein, this gentleman has seen me before. He must have recognized me for sure!" She was nervous. "It won't work, we'd better go, Mr. Rhein."

"Don't worry, Eliza."

"Mr. Rhein, you're putting yourself in jeopardy with all this deception! What will happen to your reputation?"

Kurt thought about it for a moment. Of course, such a reckless lie could play a cruel joke on him. Catherine probably would consider his escapade as an insult, a mockery. He had long ceased to be confident in his idea, but he didn't want to retreat.

Kurt was imbued with true sympathy for Philip, as he had become an unwitting witness (if not the cause) of Philip's erupted feelings for Eliza and his being torn between duty to his family and himself.

Passing the art exhibition, Kurt nodded to Philip and went to Catherine. She stood at the entrance to the garden on the opposite side. When Kurt came to her, she was speaking to Michelle Conte and her mother. They spoke French, which Kurt had learned perfectly during his studies at Cambridge, so it was not difficult to understand that Clarissa was expressing displeasure with Philip's behavior and education. Kurt realized that she probably had already told them about Philip's visit and his request for the cancellation of the engagement. Catherine replied somewhat ruefully, and Kurt even caught apologetic notes in the tone of her voice.

When Kurt approached, Catherine glanced at him and his companion before quickly averting her gaze, but then her eyes lingered on Eliza as if she was trying to remember where she had seen her before. After a moment, her face lit up and Kurt realized that she had recognized Eliza from the portrait.

"Good evening," Kurt bowed politely. "I would like to pay my respects."

"Thank you, Mr. Rhein. I am very pleased to see you here."

At this moment, Philip came up.

"This is Miss Eliza Coelly, my ward," Kurt said as he introduced Eliza, and she bowed gracefully. Kurt noted with pleasure that Eliza hid her excitement well.

"I am very pleased, Miss. It must be your portrait my son painted?"

"Yes, Mrs. Danee," Eliza said politely. "And let me say that this portrait came out just perfect, and posing for Mr. Danee was an honor and pleasure for me."

Philip's eyes flashed immediately, and it was noticed by everyone.

"Excuse me," Catherine said and turned to Clarissa. "Allow me to introduce, Mrs. Clarissa Conte and her daughter Michelle. This is Mr. Kurt Rhein, a famous psychologist."

"I am very pleased to meet you," Kurt began.

"I have read your work," Clarissa said haughtily. Kurt nodded politely.

"Mother, why didn't you tell me we could bring servants? I could have made this dreary evening more entertaining with a couple of my lackeys," John's voice rang out, as he entered the circle. Everyone parted to let him in. Philip blushed. "They could juggle oranges, tell jokes, and do other fun things. What can this charmer do, except blush?" John looked directly at Eliza, causing her to recoil.

"Shut up, John!" Philip exclaimed.

"Don't be jealous, brother," John muttered without turning, shifting closer to get a better look at Kurt. "I don't think he'll trade you for his maid."

Eliza blushed and ran away, freeing herself from Kurt's hand. The guests looked at her in surprise.

"How dare you!" Philip rushed towards John, but Kurt managed to intercept him.

"Oh, such passion!" John's face showed a kind of joy.

"John, if you have a shred of dignity, I beg you to leave," said Catherine, lowering her voice. "Please excuse the behavior of John and Philip," she said, turning to Michelle and Clarissa.

Clarissa's expression didn't change for a second, but Michelle looked at John with interest, trying in vain to hide it behind a mask of coldness.

Philip freed himself from Kurt's hands and hurried after Eliza. Politeness did not allow Kurt to go. He didn't want to leave Catherine alone with John. Although he didn't know how to help her, he didn't want to leave her, knowing that she alone would not be able to stand against him.

Surprisingly, John, throwing a quizzical look at Kurt, left. Michelle immediately turned to her mother and told her something briefly in French; her mother stared at her and then turned to Catherine.

"Is this the girl that your son chose over my daughter?"

Poor Catherine. Now Kurt wished he had gone after John.

"And she is this gentleman's maid?" Clarissa's voice sounded dispassionate, but the arrogance on her face slashed harder than the most offensive words. Catherine tried to keep her composure. "Such disrespect cannot go unpunished," Clarissa continued to speak like a judge reading the verdict. "The engagement is off. As are our affairs," she finished. She then turned and headed for the exit, and Michelle followed her mother.

Catherine looked depressed. She glanced at Kurt, and he regretted his ability to understand the hidden content in such glances.

"I am sorry." Kurt bowed politely, if not guiltily, and left the house.