Page 83 of His Scottish Duchess

“Your Grace?” the maid called, looking a little startled.

“Help me get ready. I’m going to have breakfast with my husband,” Catherine said, blushing.

Anna smiled slowly and nodded. “Right away, Your Grace.”

It had only been two days since they had returned to England, and they had hardly spent any time out of each other’s presence. Catherine had immediately set to work, caring for Sampson’s well-being, urging him to eat and rest with her.

Sampson had complained at first, but he quickly bent to her will, more content to lay down with her in his arms. He had a few nightmares during the night, but she was always there to hold him and offer him comfort.

It felt like a dream, to have such transparency between them. They hadn’t talked about having children again, and Catherine was perfectly fine to postpone that conversation until they were at a healthier, happier place and even more comfortable with each other.

For now, she was content to know that he loved her immensely.

“There, Your Grace. You look perfect.” Anna beamed at her reflection in the mirror.

Truly, Catherine was pleased with how she looked. She glanced down at the pale pink dress Anna had picked for her. Her auburn hair had been brushed until it shone and left to cascade over her shoulders and down her back.

Eager to return to her husband’s side, Catherine offered her thanks to her maid, hiked up her skirts, and hurried out of the room. She met Mrs. Starling in the hallway.

The housekeeper bowed respectfully before gesturing to the door of the sunroom. “His Grace is waiting for you, Your Grace.” She smiled.

Catherine nodded, suddenly feeling nervous as she turned the knob and pushed open the door.

The first thing she noted was a bouquet of hydrangeas held out to her.

She blinked, momentarily startled by the mass of pale pink and blue petals. Slowly, she raised her eyes to her husband’s blue ones.

“What’s this?”

Sampson shook the bouquet lightly until she took it from him, explaining softly, “I’ve never given you flowers. I’ve never given you any gifts, and that was remiss of me, as your husband.”

Catherine’s expression softened. “Oh, Sampson, you’ve done quite a lot for me already. Having new dresses made for me, letting me host a ball, and inviting my family to stay with us. You have done much more than I can say—they’re all priceless gifts.”

“But they’re still not enough. You deserve to be spoiled, to feel like the wife of a duke. That is what I want for you. So let me do this.”

Agreeing with him was easy, despite the fierce heat in her cheeks.

“All right. Thank you.” She smiled, looking down at the beautiful flowers.

Sampson guided her to the table, pulling out a chair for her and waiting until she was comfortably seated before he pushed it forward.

“Additionally, you asked me to add some romance before I asked you to join me on an outing. So… my lovely darling, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the theater tonight? I cannot promise the play will be thrilling, but I am sure it is going to be interesting, at least.”

Catherine’s heart melted instantly. “You remembered.”

“Of course.” He nodded proudly. “Despite my mistakes, I do try to be a man of my word.”

“I know.” Catherine laughed softly. “I would love to watch a play with you. Entertaining or not.”

“Oh, trust me, you will be entertained. I heard that Madame Erica is part of the cast. She tends to expose the dirty laundry of the other performers. It always devolves into quite a spectacle.” He poured her a cup of tea. “How many spoons of sugar would you like?”

Catherine grinned. “That does sound like an interesting experience. And two spoons are enough. Thank you, dear.”

She nodded in gratitude, preening as he rose to press a kiss to her cheek.

“Here’s to us, and the lovely day we have ahead,” he toasted, raising his teacup.

Catherine smiled and raised hers as well. “Here’s to us.”

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