Page 16 of A Game with the Rakish Duke
“I hope so,” the Viscount said fervently. “She deserves happiness. She has had so little of it…”
“How so?” Thomas’s voice was sharper than he had intended. “What has happened to her?”
“I just meant that she has known much sorrow,” the Viscount replied. “It is not easy being orphaned so young.” He laughed ruefully. “But it has made her stronger, and she would not be the person she is now if not for it, I suppose.”
“Yes, adversity makes us all stronger.” Thomas smiled wryly. “You have my word that I will look after her and treat her well, Whitley. She will not suffer at my hands. Your mind can rest on that score.”
The Viscount gave a grateful smile which faded a little. “As to my sister’s dowry…”
Thomas waved a dismissive hand in the air. “I do not require a dowry, Whitley. I have enough wealth to last me a lifetime.” He looked at the gentleman carefully. “Keep it and absorb it into your estate.”
The Viscount looked troubled. “Oh, no, that would not do at all,” he said stiffly. “That is not the proper way…”
“We do not always need to do things the proper way,” Thomas insisted, raising his eyebrows. “I do not need the dowry, and that is the end of it as far as I am concerned.”
The Viscount looked so grateful that Thomas was almost tempted to lean across the table and tell him that he intended to pay off his debts as well but stopped himself just in time. Catherine had stressed that he must not tell her brother the terms of their agreement for fear of denting his pride. Thomas understood that.
“Very well,” the Viscount relented, his smile widening. “I suppose it is all settled, then.” He hesitated. “Do you wish us to take care of the wedding arrangements?”
“No need.” Thomas stood up. “I will do it all. I shall arrange it for a week from today. Shall we go and inform your sister?”
“Yes, Cathy will be eager to hear about it all.” The Viscount stood up, holding out his hand which Thomas shook. “Welcome to the family, Your Grace.”
Thomas grinned. “Thank you, Whitley.”
As they headed back to the drawing room, Thomas felt a sudden pang of panic. He had just committed to marriage… something he had vowed he would never do. Just to end his grandmother’s ridiculous matchmaking attempts—so that he wouldn’t be forced to marry an insipid simpleton.
Was he acting too hastily? He didn’t really know a single thing about Miss Catherine Audley. He had only just met her. She appeared different from all the other young ladies, but how could he be sure?
She wants a marriage of convenience. She told me. She does not want love or romance. All will be well.
He exhaled slowly. They were on the same page, he was sure of it. At any rate, it was all too late now. The plan had been set in motion, well and truly.
Catherine jumped, spilling her tea when the drawing room door finally opened. Hastily, she stood up as her brother and the Duke of Newden came into the room. Her heart was racing erratically.
She locked eyes with the Duke, feeling a shiver snaking all the way down her spine. She took a deep breath. She could manage it. She would guard her heart well. The Duke would never do to her what her father had done to her mother. She would never give him the opportunity. If he took mistresses—which he would in all likelihood—it wouldn’t matter to her. Itcouldn’tmatter if she protected her heart.
It was just a business arrangement when all was said and done. She had agreed to marry him to pay off her brother’s debts. That was all there was to it.
“Well, it is done,” Oliver announced, looking pleased. His shock was gone, and now, he seemed enthusiastic about her impending marriage. “I have given my permission, Cathy.”
Thomas reached out, taking her hand. He bent low over it before kissing it softly.
Catherine felt another shiver run down her spine. Just the touch of his lips on her hand was enough. She found herself wishing, quite vividly, that he would turn her hand over in his and fervently kiss her palm before taking each finger in his mouth and slowly sucking on them, one by one…
Stop it! Keep your mind on the matter at hand.
Desperately, she pulled her hand away, gazing at him. His eyes were shining. It was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking… and he was thinking the same thing.
“I am so pleased,” she managed to squeak.
“As am I,” he breathed, his eyes never leaving hers for a moment. “As am I.”
Chapter Eight
“Please, can you explain at last what just happened?” Oliver asked, turning to his sister as soon as the Duke had left, shaking his head incredulously. “How could you have ambushed me like that, Cathy?”
Catherine sighed heavily. “I am sorry, Oliver. I should have informed you that the Duke might be getting serious in his intentions towards me…”
