Page 3 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
“Well, I am truly sorry to disappoint you, my dear,” Catherine teased, much to the delight of her sister.
Virginie glanced over at their brother and father, who seemed to have been distracted by their own conversation for the moment, then continued, “If you don’t have any news, I do. You remember that charming gentleman I met during our last trip to London?”
Catherine thought about it for a moment. “Comte Barrault?”
“Yes, Amaury Barrault,” Virginie confirmed, with a twinkle in her eye. “He is so wonderful, Cate. He has been courting me. We’ve exchanged letters, and I do believe that this will blossom into something truly special.”
Catherine beamed at her sister’s news, thrilled for her. “I am so happy to hear that. I am certain that he is a gentleman of character, although it never hurts to be cautious, especially with people you’ve just met.”
Catherine could see that her sister did not particularly appreciate this sisterly advice, so Catherine smiled again, taking her by the hand.
“But you are a good judge of character, my dear. If you see him as a good man, I’m sure that is what he is,” she added, much to Virginie’s delight.
“If only Marcus was as good a judge of character as you and I,” Virginie said in a conspiratorial manner.
“What makes you say that?” Catherine wondered.
“Lady Willoughby,” Virginie clarified, and Catherine remembered the lady in question as Marcus’ latest paramour. Her sister continued, unaware that Marcus was now within earshot. “It is truly heart-wrenching. He was truly enamored with her, but it seems that fate had other plans.”
Just as the two sisters were lost in their gossip, Marcus cleared his throat loudly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Ladies…gossiping about your brother’s heartbreak? I trust my ears are playing tricks on me.”
Caught off guard, Catherine and Virginie exchanged sheepish glances before bursting into laughter. Marcus joined in, playfully shushing them and changing the topic of conversation. The delightful banter continued, reminding them all of the precious bonds they shared as a family. It was moments like this that reminded Catherine that things could be normal again, that things could actually be well again.
Just as Catherine expected, the conversation quickly focused on Christmas.
“I can’t wait to decorate the tree! We should have ribbons and baubles and mistletoe! The halls must echo with laughter and cheer, just like in the stories!”
Leaving everyone to the joys of planning, Catherine slipped away from the drawing room, excusing herself under the guise of ensuring her belongings were properly arranged in her chamber. As she made her way through the hallways, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming celebrations.
Christmas had been her mother’s favorite time of the season, and this would be their fifth Christmas without her. It still felt strange. Catherine wondered if that feeling would ever change.
As she stepped into the courtyard first to see whether her trunks had even reached her chamber, a scene unfolded before her which seemed almost like a scene from one of her own stories. Approaching on horseback was an unfamiliar rider, his silhouette elegant against the backdrop of the estate.
The setting sun cast a golden hue on his features, accentuating his good looks and the grace of his movements. His eyes, she imagined, were a deep shade of mystery, hidden by the shadow of his top hat.
Catherine found herself captivated, her breath caught in her throat as if she had stumbled upon the hero of a romantic tale. There was an air of sophistication and allure about him that sent her heart racing and her thoughts spiraling into a whirlwind of possibilities.
Desire flickered within her, an ember lit by the flame of curiosity and the allure of the unknown. She envisioned the tale of an unexpected love, an adventure waiting to be written, and her writer’s soul hungered for the inspiration that stood before her.
“Ah, you’re here, old boy!” Catherine could hear her brother’s voice before the mysterious rider even stopped before them both.
She exchanged a meaningful glance with Marcus, then focused on the horse first, then the rider. She watched as he dismounted his horse, his movements fluid, a captivating blend of strength and masculine elegance. As he stepped closer, Catherine couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his presence. His eyes seemed to possess fathomless depth, and his demeanor exuded a quiet confidence that was both intriguing and alluring.
“Am I late?” the man asked.
“By no means,” Marcus shook his head, then the man’s hand. “You are just in time.” Then, as if he had even forgotten Catherine was standing next to her, he added. “Oh, and may I introduce my sister, Lady Catherine. Catherine, this is an old friend of mine, Arthur Taylor, the Earl of Rinder.”
“It is a pleasure, Lady Catherine.” He bowed before her.
“The pleasure is mine, Lord Rinder,” Catherine replied, feeling herself slightly tongue-tied by this handsome man, as she offered a graceful curtsey. He smiled at her mysteriously, almost as if he was wondering whether they had met before. Her eyes met his, and she couldn’t help but be captivated by the intrigue and charm that seemed to emanate from him.
As Marcus continued the introductions and discussed the plan for their ride, Catherine found herself stealing glances at Lord Rinder. His features were handsome, with an air of quiet confidence that fascinated her. His eyes, expressive and deep, seemed to hold a world of untold stories and wisdom. At that moment, Virginie herself appeared, and after a brief introduction, she had an idea that stunned everyone.
“Shall we embark on an adventure together, the four of us? A ride through the countryside!”
“Uhm…” Marcus started, but he wasn’t allowed to finish.
“I don’t see why not.” Lord Rinder interjected.
