The days of the visit passed pleasantly, filled with delicious food and superb conversation. Christopher and Katerina both enjoyed getting to know Alessandro, who proved to be a kind and amusing gentleman with a gruff manner that belied a tender heart.
He was also dangerously enamored of his French musician. She played with him, keeping him on his toes.
Only Aimée made the visit difficult. She teased and flirted with Christopher, which made Katerina wild with jealousy and Alessandro furious.
She also had a skill for knowing when Katerina wanted to play the pianoforte or the harpsichord in the music room and chasing her out. Katerina"s first impulse was to avoid the music room altogether and spare herself the endless harassment, but after careful consideration, she decided it should not
