The little group broke apart as Clara began talking to Mrs. Fields. Leydon's face darkened, and he pulled Brad aside to talk. Vivian and Catherine wandered away in search of fresh champagne, and Sean pulled Catherine close to his side.

"Have things always been so tense between Leydon and Clara?" Catherine whispered.

​​

"I told you before, it's none of our business," Sean replied.

"I'm just curious about what it was like when you were children," she said. "Did you all play together?"

"We did," he said. "Brad, Leydon, and I were practically inseparable. We got into all kinds of trouble together. Clara often tagged along. Brad and I complained, but Leydon always defended her. They were very close."

"When did it all change?" she asked.

"I don't know," Sean said with a shrug. "Brad, Leydon, and I ended up at a different school, and I didn't see her as much after that. Then she began her modeling and acting career, and I had university and then my job to keep me busy."

"Hmm," Catherine said. "So what kind of trouble did you get into when you were a kid?"

"Oh, they were absolute devils," Mrs. Fields said, jumping into the conversation. "They ran our staff absolutely wild."

"We weren't so bad," Brad said, flashing a charming smile.

"Oh yes, you were," Mrs. Fields said. "And in your case, Brad, you've only gotten worse."

Brad clutched a hand to his chest as if Mrs. Fields' words pained him, but he laughed good-naturedly. "Won't any of the women here vouch for me?" he asked.

Clara swatted him on the shoulder and laughed, throwing her head back. Catherine watched in awe. The pale blue dress made Clara's skin look even more lovely, bringing out the pale pink tones in her cheeks. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile was contagious.

"Oh, Clara, you look so beautiful," Iris said, wrapping Clara in a hug. "I've missed you so much."

For a moment, Clara seemed surprised, but she quickly smiled and hugged Iris back. "I agree it's been too long," she said. "And you look beautiful yourself."

Iris ended the hug and linked her arm through Clara's. "I have so much to tell you," she said. "Maybe we can go for a walk later and catch up."

Catherine watched their exchange with a small smile on her face. She knew that Iris was trying to mark her territory, but it seemed that Clara wasn't overly fond of Iris.

"It's so nice to have so many young people in the house," Mrs. Fields said. "It's usually quite glum and lonely here. Clara is always on the run, and Leydon acts like he's even older than me."

"I come back whenever I can, Granny," Clara said.

"Oh, I know you do, dear," Mrs. Fields said. "And it's important for young people to have their lives and their adventures. If only you could convince your brother of that. You know, he gets more and more serious by the day."

Clara smiled uncomfortably, and Catherine wondered if Mrs. Fields knew about the feud between her grandchildren.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Sean whispered suddenly.

She shook her head, "I'm not thirsty."

He sighed slightly.

"Are you bored?" she asked. "If you want to go to find your other friends, you can. I don't want to hold you back."

"You don't hold me back," he whispered. "Besides, I'm not going to leave you alone with Iris."

"I can handle your sister," she shot back.

He gave her a long, searching look and tightened his arm around her. As she listened to the others talk, he fiddled with the straps on the back of her dress. The warmth of his fingers against her sent electric shockwaves down her spine, but she didn't dare to ask him to stop in front of everyone.

She tried to focus on what the women were saying, but it was difficult with Sean's hands on her. His fingers crept lower and lower on her back until he brushed the top of her ass. She shifted, trying to move away, but he held her close to his side.

"Where are Amanda and Bentley?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"Bentley has a cold," Sean said. "Amanda stayed home to take care of him."

"Poor thing," Catherine said.

"Hm," Sean said, sounding bored.

A group of young women who looked like Victoria's Secret models walked past the large door to the room, giggling and laughing. Brad lifted his head and gazed longingly after them.

"Oh, don't let me keep you," Mrs. Fields said. "Young people need to be out having fun, not listening to some old lady ramble on."

Brad winked at Mrs. Fields, "I'll be back later."

Brad disappeared, and Leydon followed him after shooting an uncomfortable glance at Clara.

"Oh, Sean," Mrs. Fields said. "You boys are all the same age, but you're the only one who's married."

"That's true," Sean said.

"Brad at least has girlfriends, but I worry about Leydon," Mrs. Fields continued. "I don't think he even knows how to talk to a girl—he's so shy. I try to set him up with some nice girls, socialites, and the like, but he doesn't seem the least bit interested in any of them. He keeps ignoring poor Emma, too."

"Maybe that's for the best," Iris said with a nasty smile. "Better stay a bachelor than chase after some totally unsuitable girl."

"Brad's girls aren't so bad," Mrs. Fields said.

"I wasn't talking about them, specifically," Iris said, shooting a poisonous glance at Catherine.

"Iris," Sean said, his voice low and warning.

Iris widened her eyes and blinked innocently, "What?"

"Catherine," Clara said brightly, interrupting the two. "Would you like me to give you a tour of the house?"

"That would be great," Catherine said.

"Sean, do you mind if I steal Catherine away for a bit?" Clara asked.

Sean nodded, and Clara grabbed Catherine by the hand, leading her away from the group.

"Thanks for the rescue," Catherine said, as soon as they were out of earshot.

"They can be a lot," Clara replied. "They mean well, though."

They passed through a long hallway and through a spacious room lined with dark wooden panels and gloomy tapestries. Clara opened a small door and led Catherine into a fragrant rose garden. Neatly kept grass paths criss crossed the garden, dividing the rose bushes into small, colorful groups. Clara led her to a wire bench, and the two sat down.

"I thought you were giving me a tour," Catherine said.

"That was just an excuse," Clara laughed.

"Oh," Catherine said, feeling embarrassed. "I don't want to keep you away from the party."

"Trust me," Clara said with a tight smile. "You're doing me a favor too."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Clara sighed, "I love my family, but they can be a lot. To be honest, I needed some fresh air."

"Oh," Catherine said, wondering if Clara was referring to Leydon.

"Anyway," Clara said, suddenly brightening. "How are things with you and Sean? Tell me the whole story!"

Catherine fidgeted on the hard bench, "They're okay, I guess."

"That's a strange talk for a newlywed," Clara said, her perfect forehead wrinkling. "What's wrong?"