Chapter 5: Feeling Triumphant

Later that evening, Cathy stood before the full length mirror in her dressing room. The style of the dress she had on was simplicity itself as was her trademark.

A black shift that clung to every curve, with long tight sleeves and a slit neck that had virtually no shoulders. It emphasized her willowy figure, the skirt ending above the knees of her long slender legs.

She was dressing for a special occasion and she was using invite care. In her ears were platinum and diamond studs and they gleamed attractively. and on each wrist, diamond bracelets had been fastened, enough to relieve the plainness of the dress, no more. In the area of make up, she used the technique she had acquired during the years, applying it cleverly to give the effect of wearing very little. All in all, she was pleased with the result as she slipped into her black stilettos.

There was a suppressed gleam in her eyes as she looked forward to the next few hours. Tonight, she was crowning her success with a party. A spontaneous idea she had acted on during the drive home, using the car phone to issue her invitations.

Downstairs, she heard the doorbell ringing. As she descended the stairs she heard voices in the drawing room, she recognised the voices, it was Allys and Linda her housekeeper but as she went in, the conversation ended abruptly. So she knew she had been the topic of their discussion. She frowned. That had been happening too frequently these days and she wasn't sure that she liked it. Yet it was impossible to get angry. Linda had been with her five years now, and the older woman had been part minder, part mother and a full time housekeeper.

And the other person Allys, who had a short dark and slightly plump figure. She was a friend and confidant and assistant. She was infact the only person who knew what the celebration was all about. Though Cathy sometimes wondered how much Linda knew of the devil that drove her young mistress.But the housekeeper could be really close mouthed when she wanted.

She took Allys' coat with a significant look before turning to Cathy.

' I was just telling Miss Colt that everything's ready. I've left enough food in the kitchen and there's plenty of ice in the freezer. Just ring down and tell me once the food starts running out'.

'You are a dreadful liar, Linda', she said looking irritated. 'Just what are the two of you conniving behind by back?' When she got no answer but blank states, she said, 'Okay, don't tell me. But I promise you this. When I have more time, I fully intend to find out exactly what is going on. Meanwhile, thank you Linda, it looks there's enough here to feed an army'.

The housekeeper grinned and went out. Left alone with her friend, Cathy turned to find herself being looked at critically. Her brows rose in a haughty dismissive gesture that had been known to quell strong men but Allys merely ignored it.

'You look like the cat who's got the cream', she said.

Looking away with a self - satisfied smile curving her lips, Cathy asked, 'Do I?'

'So, you really went and did it?'

Detecting criticism, Cathy turned around. 'I said I would', she replied shortly. They had had this argument before and she hadn't liked it then. Allys should have been on her side, knowing what she had gone through because of that man.

Which she clearly wasn't as she retorted, 'There's no need to look so pleased with yourself. Think of the poor woman he was going to marry'.

Cathy looked away, pursing her lips. 'I have. Though she doesn't know it, I have probably saved her from a lifetime of misery'.

'It pleases you to think so, but two wrongs don't make a right', Allys pointed out acidly.

'You've always been against it right from the start!' Cathy pointed out feeling betrayed. 'Why?'

'Well, because I have seen first hand just what this thirst for power has done to you, Cathy', her friend replied bluntly. 'It's made you a cold, bitter woman. I know what Jake Hunt did to your brother but believe me, it is nothing compared to what you are doing to yourself. You've treated every man as though they were him, turning the screw and enjoying it. You like to see men squirm, don't you? You enjoy it'.

'That's not true!' Cathy denied swiftly, hurt by this unexpected attack. How could Allys think that? 'I let them know where they stand. It's not deliberate. What they do then is up to them. Why should I care if they make fools of themselves? It's not my responsibility for heaven's sake!'

'Isn't it?' Allys queried, 'What about George?'

Cathy stiffened. 'What about him?' her voice was tight and defensive.

'The way you treat him is downright shameful! The man's in love with you!'

'Which is his misfortune, not mine!' Cathy shot back.

'Oh, can you hear yourself?' Allys exploded angrily. 'I'd slap you if I thought for one moment it would do any good'.

Genuinely shocked, Cathy stared at her. 'Why not get involved with George yourself? Marry him even. I won't give a damn. You are welcomed to him. And if I were such a terrible person, why do you bother to stay around?'

Allys threw up her hands thinking that she may have said too much but one had to talk some sense into her friend. 'Because I am worried about you. This isn't you. I've known you a long time, right from school. You aren't a hard or vindictive woman, Catherine Wells, but if you don't change soon, then you will be. I know you've been through alot UT you can't keep treating people the way you do. So far, they've all been gentlemen, but one day one of them isn't going to take kindly to the brush off. You could really get hurt', she finished with genuine concern and Cathy lost her own anger as she found herself on more familiar ground.

'You worry too much. I can look after myself', she reassured her friend smiling.

'Famous last words', Allys commented wryly. 'Oh well, I've done my best. I should remember good advice usually goes ignored'.

Cathy laughed and bent impulsively to kiss her friend's cheek. 'I'm glad you care but frankly, there's no need'.

The doorbell again and as she straightened, ' There are others. Remember, this is supposed to be a party. Forget to be disapproving and enjoy yourself. It's what I intend to do'.