Page 6 of His Scottish Duchess

Anna nodded, her eyes wide as though she could hardly believe that someone was willing to let her speak so much.

“Yes! I mean—yes, Miss Lennox. People have such beliefs about him because it is said that he has ways of erasing his problems quite efficiently, even though he seems carefree and calm. And most of the time, those problems are people who have just… disappeared not long after crossing him.

“That is the sort of reputation he has among the ton. Dubious and fearsome. Other than that, and his regular trysts, he is quite focused on his business. I am not sure what it entails, but he does travel a lot. Sometimes multiple times within a month or two.”

Catherine was glad that she had gotten to speak with someone about the Duke before they were wed. While nothing could dissuade her now, and she was not in search of ways to go back on hers or her father’s word, she still needed to have an idea of what she was getting into.

“I see. Thank you, Anna. For the meal and the conversation,” Catherine said sincerely.

With a full belly and an informative engagement, she felt renewed in spirit. The echoes of the home she left behind felt distant once more, lingering within reach but no longer trying to smother her. She was not sure that she could confidently marchdown the aisle and claim that she was prepared to get married. But she would not turn away from the duty for which she had been chosen.

Catherine was determined to ensure that her marriage would not yield any losses for herself or her family.

“It was my pleasure, Miss Lennox,” Anna told her earnestly. “I imagine it was quite difficult to travel so far on your own to start a new life. I hope things will progress with ease for you, Miss Lennox. If there is anything you need at any point, please do not hesitate to call for me. Whatever it may be.”

Anna’s words gave her comfort and reminded her of her home. Her family was quite close to their servants, and finding someone she could relate to like that was an immense relief.

“Thank you, Anna,” Catherine said sincerely as she rose to her feet. “Have a good night.”

“And you as well, Miss Lennox,” Anna intoned softly, curtsying.

Catherine returned to her chambers, praying silently that she would be ready to be married when the sun rose.

Everything she had learned about her husband felt equally confusing and preparatory, and she was thankful that at least such things wouldn’t come up when they were already married and wouldn’t take her by surprise.

She turned down the hallway that led to her chambers, only for her feet to come to a stop when she found Sampson standing right in front of her door.

Gone was his teasing demeanor and playful expression, replaced by lines of seriousness. His tired eyes and the dark circles beneath them told her that he had not slept. But before she could question any of it, he turned and fixed his eyes on her.

“Where were you? Wandering off in search of an adventure so late, my little fox?” he queried with a teasing grin, regaining some of his earlier lightness.

Catherine was caught off guard by his presence, especially by this side of him that appeared innocent, as opposed to all that had transpired that night and all she had learned.

“I did not realize it was now considered a crime to eat, Your Grace,” she huffed, irritated.

“Ah, was that all? I would’ve expected to find you in a few dark corners, acting suspiciously. I am glad I was wrong, then.” He grinned.

Almost immediately, she noticed some tension leaving Sampson’s shoulders. She was unable to respond as he stepped closer to her, his formerly soft voice now stern as he said, “You should prepare yourself. Being my wife will be a demanding task.”

Catherine stood her ground, raising her face to look him in the eye. “I am certain I can handle it. Whatever it may be.”

The corners of Sampson’s lips twitched, and he nodded, moving even closer to her. Catherine was rooted to the spot as he reached for her, barely containing the shiver that wracked her body.

“I am sure you can. In fact, I thought you were so eager to become my wife that you came looking for me. It seems as though that was not the case.” He mumbled the words, loud enough that she could hear him, but she was completely distracted as he traced her jawline, his touch blazing as it trailed down the length of her throat, then back up again.

Catherine gasped, then tried to pretend she didn’t by glaring at him.

“I assure you, that is not the case,” she stated, exasperated.

“Are you sure? I do not know if you’ve noticed, Miss Lennox.” He smirked. “But you are quite fond of staring at me. I do not think it would be remiss of me to assume that you perhaps like me.”

“And if I said I did not? Would you go off and find someone else to keep you company?” she asked, unable to keep the bite out of her tone as she blushed.

“Now, why would I do that, when you are already here to fulfill that very need?”

At this point, she could hardly hear him over the rapid beating of her heart, which echoed in her ears. Still, she managed a rebuttal.

“I would not entertain such high expectations.”

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