Page 9 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
Catherine’s eyes widened, realizing the weight of Isabel’s unspoken feelings, although everyone in their family had long started to suspect this. “Is it…Marcus?”
Isabel nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, it is. I’ve admired him for years, but I fear he sees me only as a friend. I’ve waited, hoping he might feel the same, but time has passed, and I cannot wait any longer. I fear becoming a spinster, alone and unfulfilled.”
Catherine reached out and gently held Isabel’s hand, offering her comfort and understanding. “Isabel, your feelings are valid, and your happiness matters. It is important to pursue a future that brings you joy and fulfillment. I cannot speak for my brother, but I know that he cares about you. It is undeniable.”
Isabel took a moment to absorb Catherine’s words, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in her expression. “Why doesn’t he speak up then? We’ve all been friends for so long. Why doesn’t he tell me how he feels?”
Catherine sighed heavily. “Marcus…has a lot on his mind right now.”
What Catherine didn’t want to say, but what she feared was the case, was the simple fact that their family was in dire financial strife, and as such, Marcus could not offer Isabel the financial security she deserved to have. Love was one thing, a very important one at that, but Catherine knew that for Marcus, stability and his capability of taking care of his family were paramount. He would rather be left a bachelor forever than marry a woman and force her to suffer through financial trouble caused by their own father.
“I wish he would talk to me,” Isabel whispered with a hint of melancholy.
“Until he does, know that you have me,” Catherine assured her, squeezing her friend’s hand.
“Thank you.” Isabel beamed.
As they continued to discuss their hopes and fears, Catherine offered her unwavering support, understanding the complexities of matters of the heart and the difficult decisions one must face when choosing love and happiness. Those were exactly the decisions that Catherine herself was trying to avoid.
She was perfectly content in her little cocoon, the life she had created for herself, both as Catherine Winters as well as Carver Frost. In a way, she was leading two lives, and she could not handle another person in it. She simply didn’t need anyone else.
With the weight of their respective emotions and concerns momentarily set aside, Catherine and Isabel decided to make the most of the evening. They embraced the opportunity to relive old memories and create new ones, enjoying each other’s company to the fullest.
They deliberately avoided accepting dance partners, opting instead to indulge in each other’s company, in delightful treats from the refreshments table, sampling an array of delectable pastries, and discussing a wide range of topics, from the latest novels they’d read all the way back to their childhood dreams.
Their laughter filled the air, and they cherished the freedom to let loose and simply enjoy the festivities without the constraints of societal expectations. It was a night of liberation and friendship, a reminder of the joy that could be found in the simple act of being true to oneself and embracing the moment.
Feeling the need for a moment of solitude, Catherine slipped away from the lively gathering and found herself on a quiet, moonlit balcony. The crisp night air was a welcomed contrast to the warmth and bustle of the ballroom. She leaned against the railing and gazed out into the night. She welcomed the sound of silence, embracing it completely. Then, a familiar voice brought her back to the present moment.
“Seeking a moment of respite?”
She would recognize that voice anywhere. She turned to Arthur, greeting him with a warm smile, trying to steady the heavy drumming of her heart.
“I find it all a bit too much sometimes,” she admitted, not having the strength to pretend it was otherwise. Then again, she felt that she could be herself with Arthur, a sensation she rarely had with anyone.
Arthur nodded, leaning against the balcony rail next to her. His cologne permeated the air around her, drawing her in. She inhaled deeply, letting go. The moonlight highlighted his features, emphasizing the magnetic pull that seemed to exist between them.
“I can certainly understand that sentiment. A crowded ballroom can be overwhelming.”
She couldn’t tell if it was the ratafia or something else talking, but she heard herself blurt out, “You know…you may be the most handsome hermit in the world at this moment.”
He turned to her, slightly taken aback by her comment. Then, he chuckled amusedly, attempting to ease the tension that crackled in the air. “Why thank you, Catherine. A hermit’s life, though, is not exactly what I envisioned for myself.”
Their words carried a deeper undercurrent of desire, their mutual attraction a force that begged acknowledgment. Catherine bit her lip, struggling to maintain a façade of casual conversation. “Oh? Well, what is it that you had envisioned for yourself?”
Arthur hesitated, the unspoken tension palpable. “A life more…in tune with the serenity of the countryside, I suppose. A life where I could follow my heart’s calling without the constraints of society.”
Catherine’s heart raced, her feelings for him threatening to spill out. “It’s never too late to pursue the life you envision, Arthur. Perhaps circumstances may change, and you’ll find the path that brings you contentment.”
She felt their connection, though unspoken, pulsed in the moonlit night. Each word, each glance, fed the flame of attraction that she fought valiantly to keep at bay. The magnetic pull remained, even through the silence.
Catherine, lost in the magnetic connection she felt with Arthur, suddenly became aware of the mistletoe hanging from the railing overhead. The realization sent a subtle thrill through her as she looked up and met Arthur’s gaze.
She sensed a warm, unspoken understanding that passed between them, and as Arthur leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her cheek, Catherine’s heart raced. The innocent gesture, fueled by their undeniable attraction, held a current that neither could ignore. The brief touch of his lips on her cheek ignited a spark, and the pull between them became irresistible.
They both knew it would not end there.
Chapter 4
