Page 12 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
He didn’t want to tell her that it was quite possible that the servants opened them or even one of her parents. But she was standing before him, opening up, something he never expected would happen. That was why he did not want to make her feel as if he didn’t believe her.
“But the worst one,” she said, her voice lowering so much that he could barely hear her. He had to lean in closer to her, which to an objective bystander probably seemed to be rather intimate, but he could not think about that right now. He had to find out what the worst thing was.
“I have a constant feeling that someone is watching me,” she confessed, sounding apprehensive, her eyes darting around them as if she half-expected to see a ghost right then and there.
The truth was, it was quite possible that all of these occurrences had a simple, logical explanation. Someone or even a draft could have moved her shawl. She could have forgotten that she opened the window, and again, someone else could have done it in her absence. The human mind holds a terrible power to play tricks on people, especially in times of grief.
But he didn’t say any of this out loud. He could see the distress in her eyes, and it pained him to witness the toll that grief was taking on her. Margot had been deeply affected by James’ passing, and the weight of loss seemed to bear down on her. She wanted to be told that her fears were rational, not that it was all in her mind.
“I do not think ghosts are real, Margot,” he assured her gently. “What I can do is promise to look into these matters and make sure that you are safe. If this is what you need to find peace of mind, I will be there to provide any help or support you need.”
Margot managed a weak smile, appreciating his concern. Strangely, they seemed to have grown closer from this short conversation. “Thank you, Arthur. I know I must seem foolish, but these occurrences have been quite unnerving.”
As the night progressed, Arthur kept a watchful eye on Margot, determined to investigate the strange occurrences and put her mind at ease. He couldn’t ignore the possibility of something more sinister, especially because he himself had seen someone stalking about outside.
This was enough to unnerve him, but for the sake of them both, he hoped it was just a trick of the mind, a stressful state of the nerves, and a lack of sleep. He also hoped that together, they could dispel these fears and doubts and find solace amidst the shadows of uncertainty.
Chapter 5
A few days after the grand party, the Winters family attended a service at the local church, enveloped in the solemnity of hymns and prayers. Catherine sat in the pew, her restless spirit yearning for the familiarity of London, its bustling streets and vibrant society.
The hymns echoed through the hallowed space, a reminder of a world she was temporarily distanced from. Each note seemed to amplify her restlessness, her heart torn between the beauty of the countryside and the pull of her life in London. She yearned to go back to her writing and her usual life she had gotten used to.
Her gaze wandered to her siblings, observing their struggles with a sense of empathy. Their hearts were entangled in the complex web of love and expectations, and she could see the pain they experienced as they grappled with their own desires and the wishes of their family.
As the hymns continued, Catherine found herself lost in her thoughts, pondering the complexities of love, duty, and the inevitable conflicts that arose from the collision of the heart and society’s expectations. When she couldn’t hold her peace any longer, she leaned closer to her brother.
“You know, you can’t keep hiding your feelings, Marcus,” she said, urgency apparent in both her eyes and her words, but she wasn’t allowed to continue due to a disapproving shush that came from her right. She silenced herself for a moment, then continued, “You have to tell Isabel how you truly feel before it’s too late. Love doesn’t wait for you forever.”
Another shush shot in their direction, with neither of them taking it too much to heart.
Marcus frowned, a conflicted expression clouding his face. “I’ll handle it,” he whispered back as quietly as he could. “We have a dinner party later this week. I’ll make things right then.”
Catherine hesitated, unconvinced but choosing to trust in her brother’s intentions. “Make sure you do, Marcus. Regret is a weight we carry long after the moment has passed.”
He only nodded to this, gently urging her with his arm that they should be quiet for the next couple of minutes, until the sermon had finished. Reluctantly, she agreed. About half an hour later, they were all leaving the church, and Catherine took the opportunity to discuss Marcus’ situation with their father, hoping to impart her perspective on the matter.
She locked arms with her father as they slowly walked. When she started talking, she chose her words carefully. “Father, I understand your concerns for Marcus and his feelings for Isabel. But I believe it is important for all of us to follow our hearts and remind ourselves that time waits for no man.”
Lord Winters, a man of traditions and societal expectations, turned his gaze towards his daughter as they walked. “It is very good of you to say that, my dear, because I know and appreciate your concern for your brother. However, you must also consider your own future. I will not have you remain single forever and reach the status of a spinster. I have a list of suitors in mind, all respectable young men from good families.”
Catherine hadn’t expected for the conversation to take such a turn. She immediately felt a mix of frustration and resignation at her father’s words. She had known that this conversation would come soon enough upon her arrival home, but she also hoped for more time to prepare for it.
She wanted…no, sheneededmore time to pursue her own ambitions and aspirations, and in the end, she did not want to get married at all. She valued her freedom and the chance to make her own choices in life.
“Father, all I’m asking for is a bit more time,” she implored. “I want to make a difference in the world, to have a purpose beyond matrimony.”
He frowned at her. “What purpose do you need other than to be someone’s wife?” It was her turn to frown. He noticed it and continued immediately, “There are responsibilities that come with our station, Catherine. You have to remember that—” he started, but he couldn’t finish his sentence.
His face suddenly turned pale as he gripped at his chest, stumbling as a wave of illness washed over him, threatening to send him to the ground.
Catherine gripped his arm harder, while Marcus immediately jumped to their side, noticing what was happening. They each took one of his arms, providing the stability he needed to remain upright. Worried murmurs rippled through the onlookers, who also noticed the man’s abrupt change in condition.
“Let’s get you home, Father,” Catherine said, her voice laced with worry and urgency.
“Doctor Watson is here,” Virginie pointed out. “I can go back inside the church to find him and have him come home with us to take a look at Father.”
“That is a good idea.” Marcus nodded. “We shall wait for you in the carriage.”
