There were letters to write home, which kept McKenna quite busy. With her brother's permission, she sent the same information concerning his marriage to their brother's wife and anyone else she could think of. She was so delighted to ruin Olivia's reputation, she almost felt guilty doing it - almost, but not quite. She was glad Hannish knew Graham had impersonated him on the voyage to America. That was the one secret she found most difficult to keep.
Some days, Hannish was upbeat and others, he seemed to be at loose ends. He kept himself busy, and his disappointment would pass with time, McKenna hoped. Alistair and Dugan would be coming home soon and Alistair always had a way of cheering Hannish up. Perhaps she would not object to seeing them make another trip to Colorado City, if that's what it took to make her brother feel better.
*
An outside garden party, when Hannish was ready to face the world, seemed the best remedy for controlling who would be the first visitors to Marblestone Mansion. Knowing whom to invite without knowing most of them was not easy, so McKenna asked for guidance from her sewing circle. This time, she took Sassy, who was more than willing to learn how to sew.
"The date has not yet been decided," McKenna said, setting her sewing aside and taking a sip of tea in Abigail's dining room.
Pearl was overjoyed. "I understand your brother's reluctance, but nearly everyone wants to see inside Marblestone Mansion. I would go just for that alone."
"Then you shall," said McKenna. "You are all invited, naturally and your husbands if you have one."
Loretta giggled, "And a brother for you to meet if we have no husband?"
McKenna rolled her eyes. "If you insist. I warn you, the place is not yet finished. There is much to do still."
"Have you heard?" Abigail could not wait to ask. "Charlotte secured a teaching position in town. I do hope you do not mind, McKenna."
"Of course I do not mind, I wish her every happiness. Which school? I read that a new one is being built north of town."
"I believe it is the new school," Abigail answered.
McKenna nodded. "How fortunate for her, I hope she will be very happy."
Maude Goodwin eyed Sassy for a moment. "Does this one not speak at all?"
McKenna patted Sassy's hand. "Constantly. She is a bit shy at first, but once she starts, we'll not be able to stop her."
"McKenna, you did get an invitation to the ball, did you not?" Vivian asked. "It is in less than a week and we do so hope you will come."