Kate: A Universal Truth (A Wish for Love Series Book 1) Read Free Page A

the thought of him forcing another meal down his throat for the sole purpose of spending time in Emma's company almost made her chuckle.  But whatever his intentions, he changed his mind when Matthew Camedon answered, in a tone that, much to Kate's surprise, could almost be termed civil.  
    “Unfortunately we can't accept your invitation.  We just finished lunch and we have several important business matters to take care of this afternoon.”
    John Bayhem gazed regretfully at Emma but nodded affirmatively as his friend spoke.  Emma looked at Kate and only then did the two men pay attention to her presence.  John addressed her warmly.  “Excuse us, Kate.  We didn't notice you were sitting here. At any rate, I'm glad to meet you again and I’m eagerly anticipating your visit to Bellewoodplain.”
    Kate returned his smile and the repressed gleam of interest in Matthew Camedon' eyes as he turned his head in her direction afforded her no small degree of feminine satisfaction. Perhaps she couldn't compare to the glamorous beauties he was used to escorting but no one could deny there was something special about her. 
    She had flawless skin and a short, straight nose.  Her almond shaped eyes fringed by long dark lashes were walnut hued and when she smiled her red lips, chiseled to perfection, revealed two rows of even white teeth.  She was taller than average at five foot nine and her body was slim and shapely.  Her brown hair, thick and smooth as pure silk, fell to the middle of her back.
    She smiled sweetly at Matthew Camedon who was still silently observing her.  He finally glanced aside and parted from the two women with an indifferent farewell.  Kate and Emma studied their menus.  Kate lifted her head and looked out the window, drawing her sister's attention to the two men who crossed the street and got into a metallic blue jaguar.  John Bayhem slid behind the wheel and Emma lifted her eyebrow at her sister as the car moved down the street.
    “Do you like him?” Kate asked Emma.
    “Who?”
    “John, of course!  I can't imagine anyone taking a fancy to Matthew Camedon, but John seems nice - and very good looking,” she teased.
    “Yes, I like him,” Emma answered calmly.  She showed no inclination to pursue the subject and Kate didn't press her.  They chattered idly on other matters.
    “What do you intend to wear this evening, Kate?”
    “I haven't decided.  I'll wear something subdued to the graduation and then change into a more glamorous evening dress for the party. What will you wear?"
    As Kate had no escort she had suggested Emma join her for the exercises and later at the party and Emma eagerly agreed.
    “I haven't given it much thought yet.  When we get back to the flat we'll help each other choose the right clothes.”

Chapter Two
     
    Several hours later they stood irresolutely in front of the closet.  Kate knew most of the participants at the commencement would be dressed in conservative suits but she couldn't bear the thought of wearing either one of the two in her possession.  Both staff and students had become accustomed to the rather unusual attire of the lecturer who often looked as though she had drifted on to the campus from another century.  She never looked ridiculous but she allowed herself the liberty of wearing clothes that reflected her poetic soul - long velvet skirts in the winter, blouses with puffed sleeves, airy flowered dresses in the summer.
    She sighed and looked despairingly at Emma. Finally making up her mind, she chose a wine red skirt that fell to her ankles in soft folds and a long sleeved cream colored blouse of silk, satin and lace with a frilly collar. She gathered her hair with a ribbon and added a pair of pearl earrings.  The earrings were a legacy from Kate's mother who had died of a rare blood disease when Kate was twenty-one.
    Taking a last look in the mirror she was pleased with her reflection.  The effect was dignified and conservative, although