Page 29 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
Catherine was caught off guard by the question, and her entire body revealed this uneasiness as she shifted her entire weight from one leg to the other. “Oh, no, Lady Fontwell, nothing of the sort,” she stammered, trying to dismiss this notion.
But Lady Fontwell was much wiser than she let herself out to be. That knowing twinkle in her eyes assured Catherine of it. “My dear, I’ve been in society long enough to recognize when hearts flutter. And I’ve seen Lord Rinder’s eyes find yours more than once.”
Catherine blushed, attempting to compose herself. “It’s just friendly camaraderie, nothing more.”
With a gentle smile, Lady Fontwell continued, speaking in a hushed manner because they were still surrounded by other people, although everyone seemed to be immersed in their own conversations.
“Let me tell you something, my dear…should there be something more than friendship blooming, I can’t say I’d be displeased. Lord Rinder is a fine young man, and I’d be glad to see him freed from his mother’s influence, pursuing his true affections, instead of the expectations of others being enforced upon him.”
Catherine was completely taken aback by the lady’s forwardness. But Lady Fontwell’s smile assured her that none of this was said with any ill intent. On the contrary, Lady Fontwell seemed to have taken quite a liking to Catherine, and she could sense it.
In the midst of this intricate social dance, Catherine found herself experiencing a mixture of emotions. While a part of her couldn’t help but feel a hint of relief that Arthur’s affections were not directed at Margot, she grappled with the guilt of such thoughts. She wanted him to be happy.
She wanted herself to be happy as well, but the strange thing was, she didn’t know exactly what that happiness entailed at this very moment. She wanted him as an inspiration, as amusement, as something that had an end in sight. Then, why was she so jealous at the mention of the woman who was to become his betrothed?
At that moment, she felt her father’s hand on her shoulder. In a gentle, welcoming tone of voice, he announced the plan for the evening. “I have taken the liberty of inviting Lord Rinder and his family to join us for a gathering at our home. It would be a delightful continuation of this evening’s festivities.”
The prospect of continuing the evening in the welcoming embrace of Saltdean House was met with enthusiasm by all those invited. Catherine wanted to thank Lady Fontwell for her kind words and guidance, but when she turned around, the lady had already disappeared into the crowd, nowhere to be seen.
“Of course, Father,” Catherine replied with a warm smile, though she couldn’t shake a flutter of anticipation in her chest. The thought of spending more time in Arthur’s company was both exhilarating and unnerving.
As the group began to make their way to Saltdean House, Catherine couldn’t help but wonder how this gathering might unfold. Lord Thornton was still there, but she hoped that she would be able to steal Arthur for a brief moment, if for nothing else than to thank him for the books.
Amidst the festive atmosphere of Saltdean House, the families engaged in several lively games. The spacious sitting room was adorned with rich furnishings and soft lighting from crystal chandeliers, creating an elegant yet cozy ambiance.
“How about we play charades?” Virginie suggested, and it was an idea that everyone seemed to like.
The group was divided into two teams, with Arthur and Catherine finding themselves on opposing teams. The tension of the friendly competition only added to the enjoyment. When it was Catherine’s turn to act, she picked up a small slip of paper and read the word written on it with a sly smile.
Taking the center of the room, she began to gesticulate and move with exaggerated motions, attempting to convey the word to her team. She mimicked the actions of a rowing boat, emphasizing the rowing motion of her arms and the strain on her face.
Arthur watched intently, his brows furrowed in concentration. The room buzzed with guesses, but none of them was correct. “Is it rowing?” he ventured, and Catherine nodded enthusiastically, a triumphant smile on her face.
The cheers from her team filled the room during a game that brought out the playfulness in everyone. After some more time of playing, Marcus suggested another game. It was cards this time. Catherine was about to join them at the table, when she noticed Arthur slip out of the drawing room and into the hallway.
She quickly excused herself from the ongoing games, politely stating that she was feeling a touch fatigued from all the excitement and in need of some fresh air. Her excuse was plausible, for the long day had indeed worn her out.
She made her way through the lavish corridors of Saltdean House, each step echoing the tempest of emotions within her. Her heart raced as she tried to follow the sound of Arthur’s footsteps ahead of her. She wondered what awaited her when she finally caught up with him. Would it be a continuation of their earlier conversation or perhaps the revelation of something new?
Upon entering the library, the flickering candlelight cast a warm and inviting glow on the shelves of books and ornate furnishings. There, she found Arthur, his gaze lost in the flickering flames of the hearth. The crackling fire seemed to mirror the fire of uncertainty that burned within her.
“Arthur,” she called out to him softly, her voice a gentle melody in this intimate space. Somehow, he was not surprised to see her, almost as if he had been expecting her. “May I join you?”
Chapter 12
I would like nothing more,he thought to himself.
Instead, he merely smiled. “Of course,” he nodded.
Arthur had merely wanted a moment alone, overwhelmed by the events of the day, but now, he couldn’t help but accept Catherine’s offer. In truth, he had wanted nothing but some time with her ever since his return to Brighton. Now, after an entire evening with his mother and Margot, Catherine’s presence felt like a salve to his troubled mind.
He watched her close the door behind her, then walk over to the first shelf lined with volumes of books.
“It is quite a collection,” he noticed.
She didn’t turn around. He enjoyed the sight of her delicate, swan-like neck, accentuated by her sleek bun. The moment she entered, there was a faint fragrance of lavender and orange blossoms in the air—her perfume.
He wanted nothing more than to bury his nose in her neck and inhale the very essence that was her, while his hands traversed her entire body, following invisible trails that would lead to her most hidden desires. The thought awakened all of his senses, and it was difficult to look at her without touching her, without being near her.
