Page 32 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“Have you ever been to Bath?” he wondered.
“Actually, no,” she admitted, allowing a smile of her own.
“Never?” He sounded incredulous at that.
“No, never.” There it was, another smile. How easy it was to smile at him when she could forget how she ended up there. “I must admit, I am rather curious about it. I’ve heard it described as a place of great beauty and cultural significance.”
“In that case, Aunt Penelope would love to share with you everything about the city’s past.” Dominic’s eyes brightened with interest at her words. “I know very little about it, but what Aunt Penelope did manage to instill in me is knowledge about Bath’s natural hot springs and elegant Georgian architecture.”
“That sounds lovely,” Catherine pointed out.
“Well, yes,” he nodded. “If you are in search of relaxation and rejuvenation, then Bath is the place you should visit.”
“Do you have any favorite spots there?”
He thought about it for a moment, then he replied. “The Royal Crescent. It is a marvel of architectural beauty.”
Perhaps we could visit it together.
Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she almost said those words out loud. If things had been different, it would have been so easy to suggest a stroll together, but she refused to become affectionate to a man who was blackmailing her. However, the truth was that she was no prisoner.
On the contrary, she was treated like a queen, all because of him. And that was where that dichotomy of emotions was stemming from. How could she fall for a man who blackmailed her into marriage? At the same time, how could she not fall madly in love with a man who was treating her like a queen?
“Do you often find yourself traveling?” she inquired, banishing her treacherous thoughts, but that was an impossible feat.
He nodded. “I have had the opportunity to journey to various parts of the country and abroad,” he replied. “Few destinations hold the allure of Bath. But that is probably because of my own memories, which are lacking in any other place.”
She wanted to ask him what sort of memories. Were they good? Were they bad? But a sudden halt of the carriage pulled them out of this cocoon they found themselves in. He locked eyes with hers, his words signaling the end of their journey and the beginning of another.
“I think we’ve arrived.”
***
Dominic didn’t know what to expect. He had always been close to his aunt. After all, how could he not be when she was the one who raised him? All she had to do was take one look at him, and she would know what he had done wrong. As a boy, he was never able to hide his mischievous doings from her, because she knew him so well.
And now, would she recognize the tension between Dominic and his wife? Would she suspect something? He had no idea.
He helped Catherine out of the carriage, then together, they headed inside. He greeted the old butler with a smile and acordial pat on the shoulder, and the old man grinned from ear to ear upon seeing him.
“Milady is in the parlor, Your Grace,” he informed Dominic, who nodded and immediately headed in that direction.
As soon as he opened the door to the parlor, his eyes locked with his aunt’s.
“Dominic, my boy, it’s been far too long!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine warmth as she rushed to embrace him.
As always, Aunt Penelope was a vision of elegance and grace, her regal bearing softened by an air of warmth and approachability. Despite her advanced age, she carried herself with a dignified poise that commanded respect while exuding an infectious energy that drew people to her.
Her silver hair was coiffed into an immaculate bun, adorned with a few carefully placed curls that framed her face with timeless sophistication. Her eyes, a striking shade of azure blue, sparkle with a mischievous twinkle that resembled his own. Her attire was also impeccably tailored, as she wore a flowing gown of rich silk, the deep hue complementing her complexion and reflecting her impeccable taste.
However, it was Aunt Penelope’s warm smile and welcoming demeanor that truly set her apart from all the other ladies of Bath. Her laughter was infectious, her voice a soothing melodythat filled the room with warmth and cheer. She had a way of making everyone around her feel instantly at ease, as though they were old friends reunited after years apart.
Turning her attention to Catherine, her eyes sparkled with delight. “Oh, my! And you must be Lady Catherine. Welcome, welcome! I’ve been simply dying to meet you!”
Catherine seemed to be slightly taken aback by his aunt’s effusive greeting, and Dominic wondered if perhaps he ought to have warned Catherine that his aunt felt as if everyone was an old friend to her and she treated them accordingly. Fortunately, Catherine immediately responded in the same manner.
“Thank you, milady. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Aunt Penelope’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she took Catherine’s hands in her own. “Oh, none of that milady nonsense, my dear! Call me Aunt Penelope,” she declared, her tone brimming with affection. “And do forgive me if I gush over you, but you truly are a vision!” She turned to Dominic, with a hint of tears in her eyes. “Where on earth did you find this vision of beauty, my boy?”
