Finding Elizabeth by Louise Forster Read Free Book Online Page A

couple of years ago from …”
    “I’m sorry.” Katherine could see him swallow several times. There was something he wasn’t telling her—something painful. Katherine decided not to push. No point to it anyway. “I suppose it’s like anything a person produces. There it is on your table, and you made it.” She bit into a piece of toast.
    A devilish half smile eased into his face. “Canada produces some pretty special performers. Where and when do you dance again?”
    “Saturday night, right here in Spruce Valley. Then that’s it, there is no more. I’ve officially retired from ballet.”
    “What!” With a look of shock, Jack fell back in his chair. After letting it sink in, he leaned slowly forward. “You can’t!”
    Katherine raised her eyebrows, looked straight at him and said, “Of course I can.”
    “But it was just last night, in Calgary—you were brilliant. You brought tears to a grown man’s eye.”
    Katherine laughed. “I made you cry?” She shook her head. “I think Millie’s been spreading rumours.”
    Amused, he wagged a finger at her. “No, I managed to control myself.”
    “It couldn’t have been your friend Dave, he was asleep.”
    “Yes, that’s true, but I bet you anything there was a grown man in the audience having a quiet weep because
you
were so …” His hands came up as if it might help him find the right words. He held his breath, his expression an agonising mixture of frustration and awe. With an outward gasp, his breath left his lungs. “Brilliant!” Scanning her face, Jack paused. “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you leaving?”
    “Too many injuries. You look fit, so you know what it’s like to keep your body in peak condition. It’s bloody hard work, and injuries make it harder.”
    “I understand. But that night in Calgary …” He shook his head in wonder,
“Unbelievable
. You moved me … and everyone in the audience.” His hands slid across the table to cover hers, a gesture Katherine found disturbing in too many ways. She wasn’t sure whether to withdraw or enjoy the moment. His warm, strong fingers slowly caressed hers. “In the foyer, er lobby, people couldn’t stop talking about how superbly you danced.”
    “Thank you, that’s lovely and I do appreciate you telling me.” Katherine slipped her fingers out from under his and downed the rest of her coffee. “People will flock to see my understudy and the new principal Bianca Katsikova. Just her name evokes excitement. And that’s enough about ballet.”
    Jack’s slow, easy smile dashed Katherine’s moment of regret. Not that she regretted leaving, but more to the point, she had no choice.
    Looking for Julie, she noticed her coming through the swinging doors that led to the kitchen. Julie sashayed around the tables, heading in their direction with a tray.
    “Thanks,” Katherine said as Julie put their plates aside and replaced them with cream, pancakes and maple syrup. “Could we have another coffee please?”
    “Coming up.” Julie moved to the counter, came back with a coffee jug and refilled their cups. She smiled and left, hips swaying.
    “One last question about ballet and then I’ll shut up. Where can I buy a ticket?” Jack asked.
    Oh God, she hadn’t meant for that to happen. “Try the library. Or get one at the hall on the night. You should enjoy it. Uncle Pierre’s dancers are wonderful.”
    “Maybe—but I’ll be going to see you.” Jack gave her a wicked grin.
    “Sure you are.” An unexpected flutter erupted in her stomach and Katherine choked out a laugh. “You can’t be making a pass at me?”
    He said nothing, just looked into her eyes and gave her a lopsided grin.
    “Right.” Katherine could hardly believe it as heat rose to her cheeks. “You’ve got to be kidding. You live on another continent. I’m sure you’ll be going back there just as soon as you’re done here. You need a chaperone. Andrew should have come as well.”
    “He wanted to, but I