Page 42 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
Catherine didn’t know what to say to that. Fortunately, she didn’t need to speak because the arrival of several servants interrupted their conversation, and the two sisters continued to partake in the decoration of the main hallway for the evening’s dinner.
As the Christmas Eve dinner unfolded with its traditional feast and festive atmosphere, Cate found herself consumed by an overwhelming sadness. Virginie’s words, the suggestion that she might end up alone, had ignited a new fear within her. As she sat among her family, her thoughts were in turmoil, and a heavy weight settled upon her heart.
For the first time, Cate acknowledged the truth in Virginie’s warning. The prospect of a future without love, without the warmth of companionship, was a daunting and desolate one. In the midst of the joyous Christmas celebration, Cate realized that she didn’t want to end up alone.
The fear of loneliness gnawed at her, and the yearning for a love of her own stirred within her heart. It was a bittersweet revelation, one that added a layer of complexity to the evening’s festivities, leaving Cate in the grip of a profound and melancholy contemplation.
“You seem lost in thought, dear Catherine,” Catherine heard Lord Thornton speak as he was seated next to her at the dinner table.
“Just a little,” she smiled at him. “Sometimes, the festivities are a bit overwhelming.”
“I know that feeling,” he said in a conspiratorial manner. “When we get married, I promise we will enjoy peaceful evenings at home, without the hustle and bustle of big city life.”
Hearing him speak of their future together, of the plans they would make, made her feel strange. It didn’t feel right. In that moment, as she met Lord Thornton’s gaze, a wave of clarity washed over her. The depth of her feelings, the love she sought, did not belong to him. It was a love that dwelled elsewhere, in the heart of another man, who wasn’t here by her side because she pushed him away.
Catherine felt a profound sense of unease, knowing that she was on the cusp of a life-altering decision. Lord Thornton was a kind and honorable man, but he was not the one who held the key to her heart. With that realization, the weight of her choices bore down on her, leaving her with a heavy heart and a difficult decision to make.
“I still haven’t made my decision,” she reminded him in a hushed tone of voice, tactfully trying to dissuade him.
“You will,” he said as his actions took a more unsettling turn. He placed a possessive hand on her thigh, his words carrying a tone of determination and persuasion.
“Cate, my dear, you may not see it now, but in time, you will come to see things from my point of view. No matter what you believe, we need each other. You cannot deny that as much as I myself cannot. Your father needs us to marry, and once we are wed, I promise to support and help your family in every way possible.” He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on hers. “That is my Christmas gift to you.”
Catherine’s sense of discomfort deepened at his words and his possessive touch. She could tell that there was no point in discussing anything with him now. He was so assured of his stand. Instead, she merely smiled and continued to enjoy her meal as much as she could, although she could barely taste the delicious roast beef with flavorful stuffing from breadcrumbs and herbs. Even the trifle after dinner did not appease her as much as it usually did, as she held a glass of mulled wine close to her hand.
After dinner, Catherine found herself doing her best to avoid Lord Thornton, her mind weighed down by the complexities of the choices before her. As she contemplated her future, a torrent of conflicting thoughts and emotions raged within her.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps she had ruined her chances with Arthur, the man she had come to love. The shadow of her feelings for him loomed over her, making her wonder if she should consider going through with the marriage to Cedric. Her sense of responsibility and concern for her family’s well-being added to the turmoil of her thoughts.
Catherine grappled with a profound dilemma, torn between her own desires and what might be fair for everyone involved. As the Christmas Eve celebrations continued, she remained distant, seeking solace in her thoughts and struggling to find a path forward that would bring happiness to herself and those she cared about.
After about an hour, the family found themselves in the drawing room, singing by the fire. For a brief moment, they managed to forget all their troubles, until the butler came in, announcing the arrival of two unexpected callers.
Isabel and Henry appeared in the doorway, hand in hand. Catherine knew that this would break Marcus’ heart, seeing them like this, but she couldn’t do anything to protect her brother from this heartache, just like she could not protect her own heart.
“We apologize for the interruption of this family evening,” Henry began, addressing everyone present. “But we felt that this evening would be the perfect moment to come and tell you that Isabel and I have decided to let go of any past grievances. We wish our new life together to start without any stain.”
With those words, he approached Marcus and offered him his hand. “There will be no duel, no need for further violence,” he added, his hand lingering in the air.
All eyes were on them. Catherine wondered what her brother would do, when he extended his hand and shook Henry’s in agreement.
“That is most wonderful!” Lord Saltdean rose from his seat. “We are happy and glad that you’ve decided against a duel, which would only enshroud one of our families in darkness.”
Henry nodded with a smile. “Neither Isabel nor I want that, trust me.”
He exchanged a glance with Isabel, then continued. “Well, we shan’t keep you from your festivities any longer. We just needed to come and share this with you so that you can welcome the new year like we do, with much joy and anticipation of things to come.”
They bid everyone a good night and a very merry Christmas, then they headed back outside. Catherine could sense that it would not end there. Marcus obviously could not let Isabel go without one last heartfelt attempt to win her back. He chased after them, and Catherine followed in his wake. In a private moment, away from Henry’s earshot in the carriage, Marcus stopped Isabel, with Catherine close by.
“Isabel,” Marcus’ voice trembled. “Please…I know that it might be too late for everything, but I’ve been a fool…a damn right fool who did not see what was right in front of him. I love you, Isabel. I love you more than words could ever tell…”
Catherine looked on as her brother bared his soul, waiting for even a glimmer of hope. Isabel, her demeanor as always sweet and kind, gently took Marcus’ hand. Her response was filled with compassion.
“Marcus, if we were meant to be together, we would have gotten married years ago,” she told him, and Catherine could see the moment Marcus’ heart broke. It was visible in his eyes, on his face. But Isabel continued, “You need to find someone who inspires you, someone who makes youbrave,who makes you fight the world to be with that someone. I’m not that person for you.”
With those words, she pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek, leaving him a broken man with a heart full of sorrow and longing. Marcus looked on as the carriage drove away. Catherine stood by his side, locking her arm with his.
“Come, Marcus,” she whispered. “Let’s go back inside.”
