Page 17 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
“So, you see, old boy, it is all quite mysterious, I must say,” Arthur confided in his friend. “Either there is something really going on, or Margot is simply unable to deal with her grief, and it is affecting her greatly.”
Marcus leaned in. “Is she prone to such outbursts of…irrationality?” he made sure to use a polite term, while in fact, Arthur knew that his friend was asking a simple question: was Margot going crazy.
“I don’t know her all that well,” Arthur admitted. “Just from James’ account, but I did not get such an impression about her. She has always struck me as a rather reasonable young lady.”
“So, it is possible that she is right in fearing that there is something amiss,” Marcus pointed out.
“Possibly,” Arthur agreed.
Marcus thought about it for a few moments, then nodded. “Father has a few connections in London…some of which may not be entirely above board, if you know what I mean. If we need help investigating, I’m sure we could use those sources discreetly, to our advantage.”
Arthur considered the offer, recognizing the potential value of Marcus’ connections. The mystery surrounding the strange occurrences that Margot had mentioned demanded a thorough exploration, and Marcus’ suggestion held promise.
“I appreciate your willingness to help,” Arthur replied. “If it comes to that, we might need to tread carefully, but having someone with connections could prove invaluable in uncovering the truth of what is really happening in Margot’s home.”
Marcus nodded, a semblance of purpose rekindling within him. The prospect of investigation had brought a spark to his eyes, offering a temporary respite from his personal troubles.
As the evening progressed, Arthur and Marcus continued their conversation, forging a bond strengthened by their shared purpose. They both understood that the road ahead might be fraught with challenges and hidden secrets. Together, they vowed to face the mysteries that awaited them, united in their determination to unravel the mystery that seemed to have Margot under its spell.
Chapter 7
Catherine’s eyes shifted uncomfortably towards her father, Lord Winters, who was seated across the table, his glass of port seemingly never empty. The flickering candlelight reflected off the glass, illuminating the flush on his face. It was evident he had overindulged in his drink, a habit that seemed to be increasingly prevalent of late.
Beside her, Isabel also observed the situation with concern. The jovial atmosphere of the dinner party had taken a somber turn, marred by her father’s excessive drinking. Catherine longed to intervene, to somehow shield her father from the burdens that seemed to weigh him down, but at the same time, to ask him what the cause of all of this could be.
“I’ve never seen my father like this,” Catherine told her friend in secret.
Isabel nodded, her expression mirroring Catherine’s worry. “Yes, I’ve noticed. Something seems amiss, something more than usual.”
“You know, talking about something amiss…” Catherine started, then confided in Isabel about the peculiarities surrounding the painting and the unease that had settled within her.
Isabel listened attentively. “I’m sure there is a reasonable explanation for that. Maybe you just haven’t seen the painting in a long time?”
“No, I’m absolutely certain that it isn’t the same painting,” Catherine was adamant.
However, Isabel’s perceptive nature soon shifted the conversation to Catherine’s thoughts on Arthur, detecting an attraction that Catherine refused to fully acknowledge.
“I’ve seen you throw secret glances at him all evening,” Isabel revealed, teasing her friend.
Caught off guard, Catherine stammered, momentarily surprised that her feelings had been so transparent. “I…I hadn’t realized it was so obvious.”
“It is obvious to those who know you, dear Cate,” Isabel clarified. “And it’s natural to be drawn to someone intriguing. Lord Rinder seems like a gentleman of fine character, and you’re a woman of discerning taste.”
Catherine hesitated, her heart conflicted. “But he’s already courting another woman, Lady Margot. The last thing I would want is to complicate things.”
Isabel offered her perspective with a reassuring tone. “Sometimes, it’s worth getting to know someone better, even as a friend. Arthur seems like a man worth knowing on a deeper level. After all, it’s not every day you meet someone who captures your attention in such a manner.”
Catherine contemplated Isabel’s words, realizing the wisdom they held. She cherished Isabel’s friendship and valued her insights. Perhaps it was worth exploring a genuine friendship with Arthur, setting aside her fleeting attraction to allow a meaningful connection to flourish.
At that moment, everyone was informed that the guests were all to move to the drawing room. The warm ambiance of the room invited conversation and camaraderie. Virginie, with her captivating voice, took center stage while Amaury expertly played the piano, their talents combining to enchant and captivate the gathered guests.
Virginie’s melodious voice filled the room, weaving through the air like silk, leaving a trail of joy and delight. Each note was a testament to her talent, captivating the audience and setting a magical tone for the night.
As the enchanting music played, the drawing room transformed into a lively place for dancing. Guests paired up, gracefully gliding across the polished floor in waltzes and lively reels. The elegance and grace of their surroundings seemed to come alive as the room was filled with laughter, lively chatter, and the joyous rhythm of dance.
Standing beside Arthur and Marcus, Catherine observed the scene with a mixture of hope and anxiety. She wanted nothing more than to see Marcus and Isabel share a dance, their affections and understanding finally bridging the gap that had separated them. With gentle encouragement, she urged Marcus to seize the opportunity.
“Why not?” Catherine urged. “Look, she is standing there all by herself, Marcus. Haven’t you noticed the way she has been looking at you all evening?”
