Page 47 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
Arthur’s heart was beating wildly. He couldn’t believe all of this was really happening. He had to keep himself calm, for everyone’s sake, especially James’. They continued moving, reaching the east wing quickly, where they descended the stairs, and moments later, found themselves outside.
“Let me just ready the carriage,” Arthur said, but James shook his head.
“You’d best stay behind for the party,” he insisted. “Otherwise, Mother might suspect something is happening, if she doesn’t see you here.”
“You’re right,” Arthur agreed. They couldn’t make any mistakes, not now that they were so close. “Can you find your way back?”
“I’ll take my horse from the stables,” James had a plan. “I’ll make sure no one sees me.”
Arthur nodded. He embraced his brother one more time, as if to assure himself that this wasn’t a dream.
“Be careful,” Arthur advised with his heart beating inside his throat with worry.
“I will,” James assured him with a smile.
A moment later, James disappeared through the thick bushes. Arthur rushed back to his chamber to get ready for the evening, although he could hardly focus on what he was doing. Once he was done, he headed downstairs.
Descending the grand staircase of Hollygrove Hall, Arthur couldn’t help but marvel at the opulence of his mother’s Christmas party. The hall was a spectacle of grandeur, adorned with glittering decorations, towering Christmas trees, and the warm glow of countless candles. The festive spirit permeated the air, and the sound of laughter and merriment filled the space.
Arthur, dressed in his finest attire, felt a sense of relief wash over him. Despite the complexities of the situation with James and his own feelings for Catherine, he couldn’t deny the joy that the holiday season brought. As he joined the lively gathering, he allowed himself to be carried away by the enchantment of the evening. Life was good again, and he knew that this was his chance to make everything right.
As Arthur caught sight of Catherine in the bustling ballroom, a warmth filled his heart, and he knew he couldn’t let the opportunity slip away. He made his way through the crowd, seizing the moment when she was alone, without any member of her family around.
“Cate,” he greeted her.
She turned to him, her eyes two diamonds. “Arthur,” she smiled. “What a lovely Christmas ball.”
He paid no heed to her comment of politeness. “Come,” he instructed tenderly, taking her by the arm, leading her to a quieter spot outside. He expected some protests or at least questions but was met with neither. She followed him obediently, until they left the hustle and bustle of the ball inside behind them.
“Why are we here, Arthur?” she asked, her voice a most beautiful melody. He could listen to it all night long, but this time, he wanted her to listen to him.
His voice quivered slightly as he began, his eyes locked onto Catherine’s. “Cate,” he murmured, his breath forming a delicate cloud in the crisp winter air, “these past weeks have been an arduous journey of self-discovery. And these past few days, I…I’ve missed you more than words could express. I can’t keep these feelings to myself any longer. I can’t deny them.”
She didn’t say anything, just as he expected, but he knew that he had to tell her everything that lay in his heart. She had to know.
Taking a deep breath, he continued. “The truth is, I love you, Cate. It’s not something that I’ve realized just now, but a sentiment that has been growing since the way we first crossed paths. I want you as my life companion, as my partner, as my beloved wife…as my everything.”
He felt the weight of his words hanging in the air, mingling with the night’s tranquility. Each moment that he waited seemed to stretch infinitely. But he knew that he would wait forever, if that meant that she would be waiting for him at the end of that line.
Chapter 22
As they stood in the moonlit garden, Catherine’s heart ached with both love and anguish. Arthur’s confession had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her, and she found herself unable to resist the pull of her own feelings any longer. Her voice trembled as she spoke, her words carrying the weight of her deep affection for him.
“Arthur, I…I love you, too,” she admitted, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of joy and uncertainty, because there was more to reveal. She took a small step closer, her fingers gently grazing his. “But you see…it is more complicated now. My father’s debts…they are greater than I could have imagined, and this is a burden I couldn’t possibly let you bear. You deserve better than that.”
Arthur’s eyes, filled with sincerity, locked onto hers. He spoke with unwavering determination. “Cate, I don’t care about debts or burdens. I care about you. I would do anything for you. We’ll find a way to face this together, no matter what it takes.”
Hearing him say this made her happier than ever. She knew that his love was a beacon in the dark, a light that had the power to guide her through the darkness of the present moment. He took her by the hand again and led her deeper into the moonlit garden.
The beauty of the winter night seemed to pale in comparison to the affection she held for him. With each step, he was taking her away from everyone, deeper into the night, where she wanted to get lost with him.
They found a secluded spot, where he sat on the bench and led her to sit in his lap, straddling him with her skirts pulled up between them. She giggled as the cold air pinched her cheeks.
“You are crazy,” she whispered against his lips.
He gave her a soft peck. “Do you want to go back inside?” he asked.
“Never,” she shook her head. “Not even if we freeze to death out here.”
