Page 64 of His Scottish Duchess

Whispers of surprise and admiration for the “Scottish Duchess” caught Sampson’s attention multiple times. It seemed that no one had quite anticipated such a grand and impeccably organized affair from the woman who had arrived at Rosehall a few months ago under such… unconventional circumstances.

Sampson was all but consumed by the novel and undeniably potent sensation swelling in his chest each time he thought of how hard Catherine had worked to achieve such results. He wished he could inform the masses. He wanted to turn the event into an exhibition of her skills, to show off the wonder that had made her way into his life—they did not deserve the privilege of breathing the same air she did.

He had been utterly captivated by Catherine since she had made her dramatic entrance, descending the sweeping grand staircase like a vision from a dream. Her gown, a masterpiece of deep sapphire blue silk, flowed around her with ethereal grace, its elegant cut perfectly accentuating the delicate curve of her waist and the gentle flare of her hips.

The rich color deepened the green hue of her eyes and provided a stunning contrast to the warm tones of her auburn hair, which was styled in an intricate and sophisticated updo, interwoven with delicate braids and secured with bejeweled pins that sparkled like tiny stars with every subtle movement.

“You look absolutely ravishing.” Sampson had all but salivated over her, unable to stop himself from cupping her cheeks in his hands, not caring who might be watching.

His heart felt as though it would beat out of his chest, swelling with need and desire. Even after tasting her so thoroughly, even after the pleasure she had given him the night before, he was still insatiable. Still aching to consume her whole.

“Likewise, my dear husband,” she had replied, her cheeks flushing prettily as she allowed her gaze to wander over his form as well. “I like that we look… like a pair.”

The deep blue of her gown was a perfect complement to the midnight blue of his meticulously tailored jacket, a visual harmony that hadn’t been consciously planned but felt undeniably right.

Standing beside her as they had greeted their guests, he had felt an unexpected sense of completeness, a quiet acknowledgment of the rightness of her presence at his side. He couldn’t deny the feeling—almost like a blessing—that washed over him whenever he looked at her.

Catherine navigated the ballroom with a newfound confidence, her initial shyness seemingly melting away in the face of her triumph. Her laughter, a bright and melodic sound, punctuated the conversations she engaged in, and her genuine warmth and engaging manner seemed to effortlessly put even the most reserved and socially awkward guests at ease.

She possessed a natural grace that Sampson had come to appreciate, a quiet strength that underpinned her gentle demeanor.

“I have to admit, I am very impressed, Your Grace. I did not expect you to possess such good taste. I almost feel bad for not bringing a gift because I believe such hard work should be rewarded,” Lady Abernathy praised, smiling kindly at her.

“Just knowing that you and your family are enjoying the ball is the best gift I could ask for. Thank you for coming,” Catherine replied with a smile.

It had been quite entertaining, watching Lady Abernathy and her husband immediately becoming smitten by Catherine’s warm and precious expression. They looked as though they were moments away from pledging their lives and resources to her.

“The honor is all ours, Your Grace,” Lord Abernathy stammered and bowed.

Her coterie of newly acquired friends were visibly thrilled by her success. The Duchesses formed a small, animated circle around her at one point, their excited whispers and genuinecompliments creating a buzz of feminine camaraderie. Their eyes sparkled with undisguised delight at the evident triumph of her first major undertaking at Rosehall.

“Catherine, my dearest, you have truly outdone yourself!” Eleanor exclaimed, her radiant smile rivaling the glittering chandeliers. “The entire evening is simply exquisite! Frederick was just remarking on the tasteful decorations. It all turned out better than I could have imagined!”

“Indeed,” Selina chimed in with a playful wink, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Who would have thought that our quiet ‘Scottish Duchess’ had a talent for organizing balls that put even the London Season to shame? You have certainly shown the more skeptical members of the ton what you are capable of.”

Thalia murmured her enthusiastic agreement, her gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged floral displays that adorned every available surface.

“The arrangements are absolutely divine, Catherine. The choice of lilies and roses is so elegant, and the fragrance is simply intoxicating. Benedict has been quite taken with them. He has a habit of pointing at things he finds interesting and making odd sounds. I have had to swat his hands away from the flowers all evening.”

“And the refreshments!” Nora added, her expression filled with genuine satisfaction. “Those delicate, little lobster tartlets are simply heavenly, Catherine. Samuel has already requested the recipe from your chef. I fear I might need several recipes, as I amquite impressed with the extensive selection you have offered tonight.”

Catherine blushed prettily at their effusive praise, her happiness radiating from her like a warm glow.

“Thank you. I could not have done this without your help. I really appreciate the lengths you went to just for me, and your extensive support.”

The women cooed at her and reached out to embrace her, their melodic laughter filling the air.

Just as Eleanor launched into a detailed description of a particularly impressed Lady Danvers, Sampson approached their group, his hand finding the delicate curve of Catherine’s waist.

“Forgive my rather abrupt intrusion, ladies,” he said, his tone polite. “But I find myself in desperate need of a word with my wife.”

With a chorus of giggles, conspiratorial glances, and murmured well-wishes, the Duchess gracefully relinquished Catherine to him. As he steered her gently through the throng of elegantly dressed guests, he leaned down, his lips grazing the delicate shell of her ear.

“You have created a truly remarkable evening, Catherine,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. “I am… immensely proud of you.”

The words, though simple, carried a weight of genuine admiration that warmed her from the inside out.

A radiant smile spread across Catherine’s face, her green eyes sparkling with happiness. “Thank you, Sampson. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Thank you for letting me do this.”

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