Page 17 of Boxing With My Duke
The couple paled at the sight of them.
“It’s not as it looks,” Edward blurted. “I can explain everything?—”
“Quiet,” Carlton said in a voice that brooked no argument. “We’ve already attracted the attention of every single person in this dining room. We’ll conduct this conversation in the privacy of my carriage.” He grabbed Catherine’s hand and strode out of the inn.
Catherine glanced over her shoulder and saw her brother and Serafina exchange a worried glance as they hurried after them.
When they arrived at the carriage, Riggs was already waiting for them, along with Morris, Brandon, and Yates.
“We have a few matters to discuss,” Carlton said, taking Riggs from Morris and handing him to Catherine. He yanked open the carriage door and assisted Catherine and Serafina up the steps, and climbed in after Edward, before closing the door with a firm click.
“Please, Your Grace, let us explain,” Serafina pleaded. “I know this looks bad, but it isn’t as it seems. Even though Edward and I have only known each other a few weeks, we’ve fallen in love.” She looked at Edward and her smile reflected all the promises of young love.
“But the journey to Scotland gave us time to consider everything,” Edward added. “Including our families. In my haste to marry Serafina, I never considered what it might do to Mother, or you, Cathy. And for that, I am truly sorry.”
Catherine nodded as she stroked the sleeping pup on her lap.
“And even though I’m sixteen and Edward and I come from different backgrounds—we don’t care.” Serafina gave a firm nod as she reached for Edward’s hand.
“But I do care about Serafina’s reputation,” Edward added in a rush. “And I would never compromise her, Your Grace.”
“We never shared a room, Your Grace,” Serafina added, glancing down. “And we never…”
“I get the picture,” Carlton said in a wry tone.
“But we decided it would not be prudent for us to marry at this time. And so, when you saw us in the inn, we had already made our decision to return to Bath.” Edward looked at Catherine and then at Carlton. “And when we return, I would like your permission to court Serafina, Your Grace.”
“Well, that is quite the explanation,” Carlton said. “I’m sure you realize what you put your sister and me through.”
“We do, Your Grace, and we apologize,” Edward added in a rush.
“We hope you can forgive us, Your Grace and Lady Campbell,” Serafina said, clinging to Edward’s hand.
Carlton turned to Catherine, his brow arched. “What say you, Lady Campbell? Should we forgive them?”
“Yes, Your Grace. I think that would be a fine thing to do.”
“Well then, Lady Campbell has decreed that we forgive you. But we will speak about your courtship when we return to Bath.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Edward and Serafina said in unison.
“Thank you, Cathy,” Edward said, leaning over and kissing her on the cheek.
Serafina shyly thanked Catherine, as well.
Impulsively, Catherine placed the sleeping Riggs in his bed and leaned over and hugged the girl.
“I see you got a dog, sister,” Edward said, scratching the pup behind the ears.
“Yes, his name is Riggs. We saved him from a trap on our way to Scotland,” she said.
“It was love at first sight,” Carlton interjected. “Between your sister and Riggs, that is.”
Catherine glanced at Carlton, confused at his comment. His voice had sounded odd, strained.
“I need a breath of fresh air, Carlton said abruptly. I’ll instruct Brandon to retrieve your bags from the inn.” Carlton pushed open the door to the carriage and climbed out, not bothering to close it behind him. “I need to take a minute and think,” he said, causing the others to stare in confusion.
Catherine heard him pacing back and forth and muttering to himself. She could only hear bits and pieces of what he was saying, including something about his best friend Damon and how happy he was with his new wife, Lydia—and how he had seen it coming when they bumped heads together.
