Page 52 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“That sounds simple enough,” Dominic pointed out.
“It does sound simple, but life rarely is.” she reminded him of something he knew himself. “If it were simple, they would be married already, perhaps with another child on the way. Butnow, as things are, having Rosie is already dangerous enough for both of them. Drawing their life out before the ton would have devastating consequences for all three of them. He refuses to do that.”
Dominic was starting to like Lord Stanhope more and more. He was a man of integrity, a man of morals, a man who would do anything to protect his family. Dominic could only respect such a man.
“Have they been searching for him for a long time?” Dominic inquired.
“Yes,” she confirmed. “Ever since they fell in love with each other, which was more than five years ago. I fear that, if they haven’t found the man in five years, they might never find him.” Her voice sounded as if she were on the verge of tears. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and pull her closer, but he resisted the temptation to do so.
“I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but… I would be glad to help,” he said a little awkwardly, wondering what would be the best manner to put this.
“Help?” she echoed.
It felt odd somehow. The same man who dug up all the dirt regarding that affair would be the same man to help them. Life had a funny way of having things come full circle.
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “I have a good friend who… well, let’s just say he knows the right people. Perhaps he, your brother and I could have a meeting, and discuss… things. If anyone can unearth new clues, it is Timothy.”
She seemed incredulous at hearing that. Her eyes were wide, doe-like. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her porcelain skin glowing in the setting sun. He had never seen her look more beautiful than at that moment, with all of her vulnerabilities out in the open.
“You… you would do that for us?” she asked, her voice trembling.
He loved how she said,us.Her brother was her family. Her only family. He could only hope that one day, he would deserve to have her speak of him in such a manner.
“Of course,” he nodded. “I have already created enough trouble. Maybe I should start cleaning up a bit of it, too.”
This comment made her smile. “Are you admitting you were wrong again?”
“No,” he shook his head, refusing to smile, but that was a difficult feat. “I’m not admitting to any such thing. I am merely stating that I would be happy to help.”
She gently patted his hand. “I’ll take it. Thank you.”
She turned away from him, staring into the distance, at some invisible spot that only she was able to see. He didn’t mind that they were silent. He actually enjoyed it. Before, he feared noiselessness. But with Catherine, it was slowly becoming pleasant as his body and his mind became aware of her presence next to him.
They remained in the garden for a while, when she finally turned to him. “May we go back inside? I am starting to get a little chilly.”
“Of course,” he smiled. “The same way we came out? Unless you are really eager to try out that cane.”
“No,” she shook her head like a mischievous little child. “I think I’ve gotten used to the royal treatment now.”
He chuckled. “Royal treatment it is.”
He turned to her, picking her up and taking her back inside, leaving the tranquility of the garden and the soft rustle of leaves behind. Now, more than ever, he silently vowed to do everything in his power to help her, to be by her side, to lend her his strength and his solace whenever she needed it the most. Even if she pushed him away, he would stay, no matter what.
Chapter 26
A whole week had flown by without Catherine even noticing it. As per Doctor Manning’s instructions, Catherine was still to take care of her ankle, so she used a cane, but she was grateful as well as overjoyed that her days of bedrest were finally behind her.
In addition to that, the time had come for Dominic and Catherine to bid farewell to Aunt Penelope, whose gentle smile masked the sadness she felt at their impending departure. Gathered in the grand foyer of the manor house, they exchanged fond embraces and heartfelt words of gratitude, each cherishing the precious memories they shared during their time together.
“It has been such a delight having you both here,” Aunt Penelope said, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. “The house will feel so empty without your laughter and warmth.”
“We shall miss you, too, Aunt Penelope,” Catherine replied, her expression reflecting the genuine affection she felt for Dominic’s aunt. “Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness.”
Dominic nodded in agreement, his eyes alight with gratitude as he clasped Aunt Penelope’s hands in his own. “Indeed, Aunt Penelope. You have been such a gracious host, and we have already overstayed our welcome.”
“Overstayed your welcome! Do not be silly, my dear,” she chuckled. “Why, I would love nothing more than to have you stay here permanently. But I do understand that young couples need their privacy. In fact, I encourage it wholeheartedly and hope that you will come next time with some wonderful news!”
Dominic glanced at Catherine, who blushed at the insinuation, as Aunt Penelope leaned in and kissed them both on the cheek. “Goodbye, my dears. I do look forward to seeing you again.”
