The Flaming Corsage

Edward Begins a Serious Dialogue with Katrina, While Dancing, September 1885

IN THE MONTHS that followed his rediscovery of Katrina, Edward took a leave from The Argus and devoted his days to the final research and writing of his Erie Canal novel. He finished by late summer 1885, and began, with great earnestness, a campaign to have himself invited to all social events he knew Katrina would attend. Katrina’s mother noted this.

“That man is a pest,” Geraldine said.

“He’s a perfect gentleman, and very intelligent,” Katrina said. “I’m always happy to see him.”

“I don’t care how intelligent he is, he’s not the right sort for you,” her mother said.

September’s major social event was the ball for the coming-out of Felicity Grenville, held in Bleecker Hall on Maiden Lane. Edward found Katrina besieged by suitors and only at the cotillion did he discover she had saved a place for him on her dance card. As soon as they were arm in arm in the dance he said to her, “I’ve decided. Yes, I’ve made the decision.”

“Oh? And what did you decide?”

“To ask you to marry me.”

“I believe I knew that.”

“Wasn’t that presumptuous of you?”

“I’m a student of love, Edward, and you seem to be a proper subject for my scrutiny.”

“You considered my proposal even before you heard it.”

“I wouldn’t have dared.”

“But in your scrutiny you had passing thoughts. Is your answer yes?”

“No.”

“Is it no?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Not a very satisfactory response.”

“You have no right to an instant answer to that question.”

“But you expected the question.”

“Yes, but I must confirm the reality.”

“How do you do that?”

“By testing myself. For instance, how do I know if I should marry you when I haven’t even kissed you?”

“I could rectify that immediately. Here and now.”

“It would cause a scandal. ‘Woe be to him who gives scandal to my brethren.’ ”

“Upstairs, then? Downstairs? Outside?”

“If it happens, I don’t want even the birds to see.”

“I’ll find a secret place where we can be alone.”

“I’ll find it when the time is right,” Katrina said.