Page 30 of Five Ways to Bed a Duke

At that, her mother gasped dramatically. “We are always well-behaved. Why would you?—”

“You know what I mean,” Catherine cut her off, giving them a pointed look. “No squabbling and no raised voices. At least while the Duke is here.”

“Alright, we promise,” her father answered, a chastized look on his face.

Catherine felt the familiar exhaustion creep over her. It was draining to have to play the role of parent while her parents were alive and well. Her parents were the sweetest people on earth, but they were so absorbed in their own love story that they barely had the parental skills and energy to train the children that resulted from that love.

Dropping her napkin, she rose from her seat. “Thank you for the meal, Mother, Father, but there is much to do if we are to host the Duke. I need to meet with Cook to decide the menu for that dinner.”

At least she hoped the extra work might keep her mind off the kiss that seemed to haunt both her sleeping and waking hours. A voice in the back of her head whispered that she might as well be deceiving herself.

Considering her need to avoid the Duke, it was probably ill-advised of her to offer to deliver the invitation herself.

When she arrived at the Duke’s house, she was welcomed warmly by Emmy.

“I hope you have not come to force me to dance because I have had enough dancing to last me a lifetime,” Emmy warned.

At that, Catherine laughed. “Do not fear, my friend. I am sure you are quite safe, at least for now. You know, you really need to perfect your dancing skills, regardless.”

“Yes, I know, but I’d rather defer that for now—it is too tasking,” Emmy complained, scowling.

Catherine laughed even harder. “Someone might think we are forcing you to cut your toes off.”

“Maybe if I did cut them off, I would not be stepping on yours so much when we’re practicing.”

“You will get better. I was worse when I began learning, trust me,” Catherine said in reassurance.

Emmy just gave her a dubious look.

Catherine opened her mouth to further reassure her, but it seemed her friend was done with the subject.

“If you are not here to teach me to dance, what did you come for? I have a suspicion this is no simple visit.”

“I am actually here to see your brother,” Catherine admitted, sighing.

“Is this about whatever happened between you two in the ballroom last time? Tell me, did he hurt you? I would give him hell if he did,” Emmy said, with concern on her face.

“Calm down, Tigress.” Catherine patted her arm affectionately, giggling. “No need to raise hell on my behalf.”

“You really looked distressed when you hurried out that day. Are you sure nothing happened?” Emmy pressed.

Something did happen, but Catherine doubted sweet, innocent Emmy wanted to know exactly what had transpired between her brother and her best friend.

Catherine cleared her throat. “I am fine, trust me. Your brother did not harm me.”

Just my sanity,she added silently.

Emmy looked at her suspiciously like she suspected she was hiding something, and knowing her, if they continued this conversation, she would find out exactly what happened. So Catherine rushed to distract her.

“I came to give him an invitation to dinner in our house. You are invited too.”

She watched as Emmy’s face lit up with joy.

“A dinner party? I love that! Your cook makes the best tarts. Please say she will make those,” Emmy begged, clinging to Catherine’s arm.

“I will make sure she does. Besides, you know you are welcome to our home anytime. My mother has really missed you. She asked that I ensure you are present for the dinner.”

Well, that was a little lie. But if it made Emmy this happy, Catherine felt no remorse.

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