Page 30 of The Red Woman on Mars

“Ivey!” The man gestured to one of the framed paintings. “Tell me where the devil you acquired this piece.”

Ivey’s smile turned genuine. “Theo, have you met Miss Vivian Bowen? Vivian, let me introduce you to Counselor Carpenter, one of the foremost patrons of the arts in Arcadia.”

Vivian spread her skirts in a curtsey.

“How do you do?” Theo said abruptly. “Ivey, this is Catenian work, is it not? How in blazes did you manage to get a hold of it?”

Vivian turned curiously to look at the painting. The large canvas depicted a lush garden with a riot of colorful tropical plants—under a pink Martian sky.

“On loan from Chancellor Hawk in an attempt to win my brother’s favor,” Ivey replied. “They want Caspian’s terraforming tech. You know his team has made impressive advancements in the last few years.”

Theo snorted. “If Catena wanted our tech, it shouldn’t have cut itself off from Arcadia quite so thoroughly.”

Camille let go of Theo’s arm and leaned closer to the green, orange, and yellow brush strokes. “It looks like home. Is this possible on Mars?” she asked in wonder.

“No,” Ivey and Theo said together.

Ivey pinched the bridge of her nose. “My brother’s terraforming project is developing techniques to create a greenhouse effect to warm the atmosphere of Mars,” she explained to Vivian and Camille. “It doesn’t literally mean the planet will turn into a green jungle. But they have grandiose dreams on Catena, and their new leader wants our research and technology.”

“Caspian isn’t fool enough to consider it, is he?” Theo demanded. “He knows the Intelligence would never allow it.”

Ivey waved a hand airily. “Caspian is happy to take Catena’s art and string River Hawk along with vague promises. Don’t fret, Theo dear. This isn’t a Council matter yet.”

Theo frowned and seemed inclined to object until Camille fit her small hand to his bicep. “Another dance, Mr. Carpenter?”

He looked down at her, and his features smoothed. “Of course, my lady.” He inclined his head to Ivey and Vivian and allowed himself to be dragged away.

“Oh, she’s good.” Ivey’s eyes narrowed at the couple’s retreating forms. “I can never get Theo to let a subject go, no matter how much I bat my eyes.”

“They’ve bonded over jazz,” Vivian told her.

“And you, Vivian, how are you fairing?”

Vivian shrugged evasively. “Fine.”

Ivey regarded her gently. “X isn’t going to make you an offer. I hope you realize that.”

Vivian’s stomach lurched. “But he might make you one?”

“Perhaps. In time.”

“I do have some dignity, you know. I’m not going to pine over a man who isn’t interested in me.”

“I never said he wasn’t interested in you. But he will never marry you.”

Vivian tried to ignore the somersaults in her belly. “Show me around the gallery, will you?” As they perused the space, she tried to allow the paintings to replace thoughts of Xavier’s parting words.

I find, Miss Bowen, that I am quite unable to stay away from you.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

48 Sols to Presentation Day

The morning after the ball, when Vivian and Luz stepped out of the dormitory for a walk, they stopped immediately upon seeing Shiloh and Felicia on the front lawn.

“Keep your feet under your shoulders, like this.” Shiloh adjusted Felicia’s hips. “You need a strong stance first. Your punch’s power will come from your legs and knees.”

“What are you doing?” Vivian asked.