Page 39 of The Virgin in the Rake's Bed
Just then, a knock came at the door, and without waiting for Catherine to respond, it opened, and her brother Rickard entered without invitation.
“What business do you have attending such a ball? It is hardly appropriate for a woman who is betrothed to go about seeking dance partners,” he said, but Catherine took a deep breath, turning to him with an angry expression on her face.
“You have no right to tell me what to do, Rickard,” she replied.
“What use does a betrothed woman have for a ball attended by every eligible bachelor in the ton?” he asked.
“I go at the invitation of Samantha,” she said, and Rickard narrowed his eyes.
“And will your betrothed be there? I understand the two of you have had something of a falling out,” he said.
Catherine knew there was little point in hiding anything from the collective knowledge of the ton. Secrets were never secret for long, and rumors spread quick than fire. She sighed and nodded.
“Is marriage meant to be entirely harmonious? A mere misunderstanding, and nothing else. I would be grateful if you did not simply barge into my chambers unannounced,” she said.
“A dispute before you are even married, it does not bode well,” her brother continued.
“And do you think I would have no disputes with the Earl of Westwood, is that it?” she said, and Rickard smirked.
“I am sure the Earl of Westwood is keen to please you in all things, Catherine. You would be wise to heed my words,” he said, but Catherine folded her arms and fixed him with a defiant glare.
“Then it is fortuitous that I do not live my life based merely on the opinions of my brother,” she said, waving her hand dismissively.
“Be wary, sister, for our patience is wearing thin,” he said, and turning on his heels, he marched out of the room.
“Oh, Miss, what a terrible thing,” Jenny exclaimed, as Rickard’s footsteps echoed on the landing.
“Why are matters of the heart never simple?” Catherine said, sighing and shaking her head.
“You will still go the ball though, will not, Miss?” Jenny asked, and Catherine nodded.
“Of course, I shall go to the ball. It is my only chance,” she replied, taking up her hand mirror and beginning to powder her face.
* * *
Catherine rode alone in a carriage to Samantha’s townhouse. Her brother, for all his warnings, had no interest in accompanying her, and her father was mercifully not at home. She had no interest in heeding their words, or of observing their warnings. That evening, she intended to enjoy herself, and put into practice those things which Ian had so expertly taught her. She could be a seductress just as any man could seek to seduce, and by the number of carriages parked in the street, it seemed she would have her pick of men.
“I will be your chaperone,” Rebecca exclaimed, hurrying over to Catherine just after she was announced by the master of ceremonies.
“I had hoped to avoid such a thing,” Catherine replied.
She had no wish to be observed, and given she was already a matter of gossip, adding to it would hardly make matters worse.
“But they believe you are to be married to Ian,” Rebecca replied, and Catherine shushed her.
“Yes, and that will remain what they think, but if I would seek out a man then what harm is there in that, given we know the truth?” Catherine replied, and Rebecca looked uncomfortable.
“He will be here,” she whispered, and Catherine’s eyes widened.
“Who?” she asked, though she already knew the answer.
“Ian Bennet, of course. One can hardly have a ball and not invite your betrothed,” she said, and Catherine rolled her eyes.
She had assumed that Samantha’s intentions were directed at her introduction to another man, and not a perceived reconciliation with the man she had already secured – albeit by ruse. A further layer of complexity had now been added to the situation, and Catherine glanced nervously around her for sight of the one man she would have preferred not to encounter. It was not that she did not want to see Ian – she longed to see him – but to do so would, she knew, ignite again those feelings she was trying so hard to suppress.
“Oh, Catherine, you are here, thank goodness. This is all for your benefit,” Samantha said, hurrying over to her and speaking in a low voice.
“You really did not need to go to so much trouble,” Catherine began, but Samantha shook her head.
