Page 15 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“Everything,” Dominic clarified. “I want to know every single thing there is to know about that man, not only the things he has done but also the things he plans on doing. Everything, Tim. And also, about that woman he is seeing. There must be another reason why they are keeping their relationship a secret from the public. I know the man has some political aspirations, but that can’t be all of it, I’m sure.”
“I understand,” Timothy nodded gravely. Then he tilted his head. “What do you intend to do with this information once you have it?”
Dominic thought about it for a moment. “Nothing much. I merely plan on using it as… incentive to prove to Lady Catherine that I am the right man for her. But in order to do that, I must understand the dynamics at play here.”
“Do you think she will agree to… that?” Timothy inquired. He wisely chose not to call it as it was, and Dominic was grateful for that.
Blackmail.
Timothy didn’t need to say it. Dominic’s own mind reminded him of the dirty deed he was about to do unto someone who didn’t deserve it. Dominic could feel a bitter taste in his mouth, but he tried to brush it off. He had to meet the conditions of that will, and the sooner he did it, the better. Also, this was not really blackmail.
This was merely him offering to help keep this clandestine affair a secret if she agreed to be his wife. He could see nothing wrong with that.
Well… nothingmuchwrong. Maybe a little. Just a tad bit. But he was a man who was simply going after what he wanted in life. That was what his own father had taught him. That every goal justified the means by which one was to obtain it. Dominic was merely using everything that was available to him in order to save his dukedom, and eventually win Lady Catherine over.
But will you truly win her over if you blackmail her into marrying you?
That treacherous little voice always knew what questions to ask, especially when Dominic had no desire to hear it. Luckily, he had a response to that. He would simply make her see that this marriage could benefit them both, and then he would get the chance to truly woo her, court her, and show her the kind of man he really was.
Once he managed to do that, he was certain that she would see the error of her ways and she would fall madly in love with him, creating their happily ever after.
“Dom?” Timothy’s voice echoed, bringing him back to the present moment. “Are you listening?”
“Yes, sorry,” Dominic cleared his throat. “She will agree to it, I’m sure of it, because she and her brother are very close. My guess is she has no idea of this clandestine affair, and especially not the child. So, she will firstly be grateful that I have revealed to her something her brother has probably been a secret from her. And secondly, she would do anything to save him from public disgrace, therefore jumping straight into my arms.”
Timothy clicked his lips together as he spoke. He seemed hesitant for a moment, although he had always been on Dominic’s side, no matter what. “It seems like you really worked out this plan of yours.”
“I had to,” Dominic explained, sounding a little defensive. “Seeing that I am to pursue a meaningful connection with Lady Catherine.”
“In that case, you know that you can count on me,” Timothy nodded, getting up, signaling that the conversation was slowly coming to an end. “I shall leave no stone unturned, and once I have the information you need, you shall hear from me.”
Timothy shook his friend’s hand, then locked eyes with him. Dominic could see a flicker of something in there, doubt perhaps, or maybe even sorrow.
“Dom…” Timothy started, hesitating to continue. This was the first time that he had seen his friend like that. “Are you sure you want to do it this way?”
Dominic smiled. “If everyone agrees to these conditions, then nothing can go wrong. Everyone gets what they want. I see no harm in it.”
Timothy seemed to want to say something, but then he changed his mind at the last minute, only exhaling deeply. “I’ll come see you when I have something for you.”
“Thank you,” Dominic squeezed Timothy’s hand, then saw him out of the study. Timothy always preferred to find his way out onhis own, not liking to be escorted out. Dominic closed the door, then inhaled deeply.
He was smiling as he walked back towards his writing table. His mind was already envisioning the delicate dance of influence and strategy he would embark on in pursuit of Lady Catherine. The secrets he sought to find out were the keys to her heart. He knew that for certain.
Unexpectedly, doubt lingered in his mind. Perhaps Timothy was right? Perhaps this was not the right way of pursuing a young lady?
He frowned. This would yield results. The sort of results he wanted. There was no doubt about that. As for her affections, he was certain that he would be able to change them when the time was right. But at the moment, Lady Catherine was adamant about keeping her distance from him. He needed to change that first. Later, he would change her mind, too.
Chapter 8
Several days had passed since the theatre show, which according to her brother, was a great success. The reviews were splendid, and the show was the talk of the town for days afterwards. Not that Catherine doubted it would be. However, she did not regret not going. She had spent several quiet evenings at home with a good book. Which according to her, was time well spent.
That afternoon, Catherine and her brother found themselves in the elegant drawing room of their residence, indulging in the refined ritual of afternoon tea. Seated in plush chairs near a polished tea table, Catherine smiled at her brother as the delicate aroma of tea and the sweet note of pastries filled the air around them.
“I must say, these scones are absolutely delightful,” Catherine said with her mouth still full, but with her brother, she didn’t care much for social niceties. “Mrs. Jennings has truly outdone herself.”
“I do agree,” Reginald nodded, taking another one. “And this tea is new. Have you purchased it recently?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “At that quaint little tea shop on Baker Street.”
