Page 66 of His Scottish Duchess

Catherine’s carefully chosen words remained unspoken, a silent question hanging in the moonlit air.

Another time,she decided with a small sigh of resignation.

As Sampson turned to Lord Bradwell, his hand remained reassuringly on hers. “Forgive me, my dear. This will only take a brief moment, I assure you.”

While he listened attentively to Lord Bradwell’s concerns regarding a recent trade agreement, he turned back to her, his expression suddenly thoughtful.

“In fact,” he said, addressing her directly, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter, “this conversation reminds me that I have a rather important—and potentially lengthy—business trip to Scotland scheduled in a few weeks. It will likely require our absence for the better part of a month.”

He paused, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. “I would very much like you to accompany me, Catherine. It would give you the chance to visit your family while I attend to… business matters.”

Catherine’s eyes widened, a rush of pure, unadulterated excitement coursing through her.

Scotland! The prospect of seeing her family again so soon, and of returning to her beloved homeland with Sampson by her side, filled her with an almost overwhelming joy.

“Oh, Sampson,” she said, her voice filled with genuine delight and a warmth that encompassed more than just the prospect of seeing her family. “I would like that very much, indeed.”

The unspoken question about their future, about the deepest desires of her heart, could wait a little longer. For now, she would savor this moment of shared happiness, this unexpected invitation, and the promising prospect of a journey home, together.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“Ido not know how you managed to travel this far all on your own. I have embarked on a few lengthy journeys myself, but I am usually accompanied by a business partner if the distance is as great as this.”

Catherine smiled as she moved closer to him. “I simply tried not to think about the length of the journey too much. I was far too busy thinking of what my future husband would be like. In a way, I missed more than half the journey because I lived in my thoughts due to nervousness,” she admitted shyly.

The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels on the uneven country roads had become a familiar background. The journey to Scotland, spanning six long days and punctuated by carefully planned stops at coaching inns that Sampson had meticulously vetted beforehand, had been an experience in both physical endurance and quiet contemplation.

Each passing mile seemed to draw her further away from the familiar comforts of Rosehall and closer to the embrace ofher family, stirring a complex mix of emotions within her—anticipation, a touch of homesickness for the life she had begun to build with Sampson, and a deep yearning for the familiar warmth of her childhood home.

The landscapes of England had gradually yielded to the more rugged and dramatic scenery of the north. Verdant, rolling hills gave way to the majestic peaks of the Scottish Highlands, their slopes cloaked in swathes of purple heather that stretched as far as the eye could see.

The air grew crisper, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, a fragrance that was deeply ingrained in Catherine’s memory, evoking a profound sense of homecoming that resonated in the very depths of her soul.

“Well, I hope I was somewhat able to meet your expectations.” Sampson stared down at her expectantly.

Catherine met his gaze and held it for a moment, then she looked away with a little smile. “Somewhat.”

“What does that mean? Cath—darling, what does that mean? Explain yourself.”

Throughout the journey, Sampson had been attentive and affectionate. He had ensured that the carriage was as comfortable as possible, arranging extra cushions and checking frequently on her well-being. During their stops at the inns, he had always seen to her comfort first, ensuring she had a warm meal and a comfortable room before attending to his needs.

Within the close confines of the carriage, their proximity had become a comforting norm. Catherine often found herself leaning against his solid frame, the warmth radiating from him a welcome shield against the chill that often seeped into the carriage despite the thick woolen blankets.

There were moments when the rhythmic sway of the carriage and the monotonous drone of the wheels had lulled her to sleep, only for her to awaken nestled against his chest, his arm a protective weight around her.

These were fleeting moments, often unspoken, but they spoke to the subtle yet profound shift in their relationship, a change she pondered with a quiet flutter of hope in her heart.

The nights at the inns had presented a different, more nuanced kind of awareness. They continued to share a room, a matter of practicality that had become their established arrangement. Yet, despite the lingering glances between them, the undeniable current of attraction that seemed to shimmer in the air whenever they were nearby, Sampson had maintained a consistent and respectful distance.

On more than one occasion, he had insisted on sleeping on the floor, claiming the bed was too small for them both to sleep comfortably—a chivalrous assertion that Catherine suspected was more a reflection of his inner conflict than an accurate assessment of the bed’s ample size.

She had lain awake on those nights, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, a confusing mix of gratitude for hisrestraint and a strange, undeniable longing for a different kind of closeness swirling within her.

His eyes often held a silent desire, a fleeting intensity that hinted at his attraction, yet he consistently held back, creating a space between them that both intrigued and, at times, left her feeling a little adrift.

“I don’t know what you expect to hear—” She broke off, her attention drawn to something she had spotted outside the carriage window.

She sat up slightly, already missing the pleasant warmth of his embrace as she squinted at the building she could see in the distance, excitement coursing through her as she recognized it.

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