Page 4 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
“Exactly!” Virginie clapped her hands in delight. “The more the merrier!”
Catherine and Virginie exchanged glances, their anticipation growing. This unexpected twist added a layer of excitement to the outing, and the prospect of sharing this experience with Lord Rinder made it all the more intriguing.
Half an hour later, the ladies had changed into their riding habits, and they returned to the gentlemen. The stable boys brought their horses, and as soon as they mounted their horses, they set off together.
The group formed a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the sprawling estate. The wind carried their laughter and conversations as they rode through the beautiful countryside, the charm of the day heightened by the delightful company. Catherine had no idea where she was riding off to, but she was eager to find out.
Chapter 2
The horses’ hooves gently crunched through the frost-covered fields, the crisp winter air invigorating and the landscape a breathtaking panorama of white. The sun hung low, casting a golden glow that danced across the frosted grass, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Behind the two men, the ladies rode side by side, commenting on the nature that surrounded them.
“The fields look like they’re covered in diamonds!” Marcus’ younger sister exclaimed.
The one who had instantly captured Arthur’s attention, replied breathlessly, “Indeed, a winter wonderland.”
But Arthur could barely focus on the winter wonderland around him, and there were two reasons for that. The first one was auditory, as Marcus’s words poured right into Arthur’s mind, where there was already his own maelstrom of thoughts and emotions taking reign.
“…it is all simply too much sometimes,” Arthur could hear Marcus say. “I have taken most of the responsibility for Catherine and Virginie, and it weighs heavily on my heart. Taking care of the family, of the girls…sometimes, the weight of all these duties seems insurmountable, old boy.”
Arthur listened intently as they directed the horses further and further away from the manor. Having known Marcus for years, he also knew the extent of his friend’s devotion to his family, and the challenges he now faced not only as a brother, but also as another father figure, despite the fact that their father was still alive and well.
The first one was true, but the second one…Arthur knew of the incredible amount of debt the man had managed to accumulate, ever since the death of his wife. But everyone had simply attributed that to the pain and anguish of losing a spouse. Arthur could understand such loss.
After all, his own brother had disappeared and was presumed dead. Was there anything more difficult than living in doubt, in painful hope, than not knowing whether someone was alive or dead? It was better not to think about that.
However, at the same time, there were more people in Lord Saltdean’s household depending on him. He could not allow himself to succumb to despair. And he was glad to see that Marcus had stepped up and started to take care of his family in a way that earned him even more respect in Arthur’s eyes.
“I can only imagine, old chap,” Arthur nodded, turning to glance at his friend, then shifting his focus to the horizon before him. “Your dedication to your family is admirable, but remember, you are not alone in this journey. I am here if you need anything.”
Arthur tried to focus on his friend’s words, but that was becoming increasingly more difficult with the weight of his own troubles. Still, he was a good friend, and good friends listened.
“Thank you, Arthur,” Marcus voiced his gratitude. “Your words bring me solace. But it’s not only that…it seems no matter what I do, I cannot seem to do right sometimes. I cannot escape heartbreak no matter how hard I try.”
Arthur’s thoughts momentarily drifted to his own concerns, a complex whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities he wrestled with. However, he chose to keep them within, choosing instead to focus on providing comfort to Marcus.
“Has something happened?” Arthur inquired.
“Something always happens.” Marcus sighed. “I wonder if there is even a point talking about it.”
“Sometimes, it is enough to simply get something off your chest,” Arthur reminded him. “In time, everything falls into place.”
Arthur did not believe that one bit. Some things were broken, and no matter how much one tried, one could never piece them back together. Death left an empty place that could never be filled, just like the shoes he was forced to fill now. The death of his brother had left a burden for him, and how was he supposed to carry it now, when he had been a carefree spirit all his life?
“Isn’t it nice to believe that?” Marcus said, his voice bringing Arthur back from the storm of his own painful thoughts. “But enough about me, old boy. I have been selfish enough in sharing only my own troubles. How are you doing?”
Arthur, caught off guard by Marcus’ sudden shift in focus, hesitated for a moment. He had always been one to bear his own burdens and put on a brave face, reluctant to burden others with his worries. But the genuine concern in Marcus’ eyes encouraged him to open up.
‘Thank you, Marcus,” Arthur finally spoke, choosing honesty over stoicism. “Truth be told, there are challenges I face in my endeavors, and as you know of my loss which has left a void that is difficult to fill.”
“Still no word?” Marcus asked, his voice down to a whisper, as if he wasn’t sure whether they were allowed to talk about Arthur’s missing brother.
“I doubt there will ever be,” Arthur admitted with a pained tone of voice.
“One should never lose hope.”
“Even when hope causes more grief than letting go?” Arthur asked.
