Page 28 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
Her mind immediately conjured up a reason to go over there and join them, if only for a few precious moments. She was eager to express her gratitude for the thoughtful books he had chosen for her. She was ready to devise this excuse to visit his box, when her father waved at her.
“Catherine,” he began, “Lord Thornton has just arrived, and I cannot think of a better person than you to keep him entertained. He is new to Brighton, after all.”
Catherine’s shoulders fell slightly, her plans thwarted by familial duty. Nevertheless, she could not say no. She plastered a polite smile and nodded. “Of course, Father. I shall do my best to ensure Lord Thornton enjoys his evening.”
She cast a fleeting glance towards Arthur, an unspoken acknowledgment passing between them. Duty called, and Catherine turned to fulfill her father’s request, intending to make Lord Thornton’s acquaintance and keep him entertained throughout the evening, all the while hoping for an opportunity to thank Arthur for his kind gesture.
During the play, Catherine and Lord Thornton engaged in conversation, their words flowing like a dance of intrigue and diplomacy.
“Your family’s hospitality has been most welcoming,” Lord Thornton remarked, a polite smile gracing his lips. “Brighton is indeed a charming place.”
Catherine, equally polite, replied, “One can find solace in its beauty and simplicity. As opposed to it, London is lively, but it can be overwhelming sometimes.”
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Tell me, Lady Catherine, what captivates you about the city’s bustling life, as I hear you spend most of your time there? That makes me believe that there is a yearning in you for something more than simplicity.”
Catherine hesitated for a moment, contemplating her response. “In London, one finds an abundance of ideas, cultures, and experiences. It’s a melting pot of dreams and aspirations, each street bustling with possibilities.”
His gaze intensified, almost calculating. “And what aspirations stir your heart, Lady Catherine?”
She chose her words carefully, revealing just enough. “Literature has always held a special place in my heart. The arts, the world of words…it’s a realm where imagination knows no bounds.”
His smile was enigmatic. “Ah, a kindred spirit, then. Ambition and creativity intertwine in mysterious ways.”
Catherine tried to delve into his reasons for staying with them, but he artfully dodged her inquiries, leaving her to wonder about his true motives. He was obviously a friend of her father’s, but even that didn’t need to entail him staying with them. That meant there was more to this story.
“Why did you choose to visit Brighton?” Catherine asked, attempting to discern the purpose behind his presence.
Lord Thornton’s smile remained charming, but his answer was evasive. “Oh, Brighton was a mere stop on my journey. A change of scenery, you could say.”
She persisted, hoping for a glimpse into his intentions. “But what brought you here specifically? Is there a particular attraction or event that drew you?”
He leaned back, gracefully deflecting her question. “I find the sea air invigorating and the coastal views rather inspiring. It’s a refreshing break from the city’s tumult.”
Frustrated by his skillful avoidance, Catherine pressed further. “Surely, there must be more to your visit than the scenic pleasures of Brighton.”
He chuckled lightly, deflecting her once again. “Ah, the mysteries of life, Lady Catherine. Some things are better left to the imagination, don’t you agree?”
Catherine could sense his intent to keep his motives concealed, and though her curiosity was piqued, she realized she wouldn’t unravel his secrets easily. He was a master at diverting the conversation, leaving her with lingering questions about his true purpose in Brighton.
Amidst Lord Thornton’s charm, Catherine’s eyes often drifted to Arthur and Margot, unable to entirely escape the shadows of her own thoughts. Unfortunately for her, her companion noticed it.
“Is there something that catches your eye, Lady Catherine?” he wondered.
She blinked, refocusing on his face. “Oh, my apologies. I was merely enjoying the play of lights and shadows in the theatre. The ambiance is quite mesmerizing. I had forgotten how lovely it was.”
He smiled knowingly, letting the matter rest. “Indeed, the play of lights can cast a captivating spell. Yet sometimes, shadows reveal as much as they hide.”
She smiled at his cryptic words, as they both focused on the play. As soon as it reached its final act, the two families gathered outside the theatre, unexpectedly joined by Lady Fontwell, who noticed Catherine’s spirited demeanor and saw a kindred spirit in her, prompting her to offer guidance.
“Lady Catherine,” she told her with a warm smile, while the others were conversing amongst one another, “I couldn’t help but notice your lively engagement with the play. You have a discerning taste, my dear.”
Catherine beamed, honored by the compliment. “Thank you, Lady Fontwell. You are most kind to say so. The theatre has always fascinated me.”
Lady Fontwell leaned in closer, sharing a secret. “Oh, the theatre is a world of its own, a world where we can escape the constraints of society, if only for a while.”
The lady looked at Catherine in such a manner that Catherine was absolutely certain she knew something, something important. As it would turn out, it was more or less true.
Lady Fontwell continued, her tone laced with curiosity. “And speaking of escaping certain constraints, my dear…I couldn’t help but notice that your attention was occasionally fixed on Lord Rinder. Is there perhaps…a budding affection?”
