Page 29 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
Chapter 15
Dominic could have guessed that Catherine would not be coming down for breakfast. Then why was he disappointed to eat alone?
He tried to focus on the newspapers. His gaze focused on the first article.Political Unrest in Europe: A Threat to Stability?He could not care less at that moment about the growing tensions and political upheaval in various European countries.
The second one held his interest with the same success.Society Gossip: Scandal Rocks the Upper Echelons.In his opinion, there was nothing tantalizing about the glimpse into the private lives of the elite. He couldn’t care less about their scandals, affairs of financial improprieties.
With a disgusted sigh, he threw the newspapers back on the dining table. His breakfast, poached eggs on toast, lay untouched on his plate. The same could have been said of his tea, which had already gotten cold. Hoping to find another sort of distraction, he turned his attention to his morning correspondence. He recognized his aunt’s handwriting immediately, as he grabbed the first letter. He started reading immediately.
My Dearest Nephew,
It is with much anticipation and eagerness that I take up my quill to write to you. Time seems to pass swiftly, and I find myself yearning for the opportunity to meet your esteemed wife, the lady who has so suddenly brought light and joy into your life. I regret wholeheartedly not being able to attend your wedding, but my health is unfortunately not what it used to be.
My dear boy, the halls of my ancestral home have been far too quiet without the laughter and warmth of another lady’s presence, and also, might I add, the pitter patter of little feet. Oh, how I miss those!
While I understand the demands and obligations that accompany your esteemed position, I cannot help but feel a sense of longing to see you both grace my doorstep. The bonds of family are precious, my sweet boy, never forget that. Please, do not delay in arranging a visit to my humble abode. If you cannot attend the garden party, then please come soon! Let us revel in the pleasure of each other’s company and celebrate the union that has brought such happiness into your life.
With fondest regards and eager anticipation,
Your devoted Aunt
Dominic didn’t need to think about it twice. He and Catherine would attend that garden party even if he had to drag her there himself. His aunt was the last person he wanted to offend inany manner, and seeing she expressed such a profound desire to meet Catherine, Dominic couldn’t see why Catherine wouldn’t simply indulge him and come along.
Pride raged inside of him. He wanted to storm into her chambers and tell her to immediately start packing. She was his wife, and as such, she had obligations. Some he could omit, but others were mandatory. This was one of those.
Still, he knew that if he did exactly that, he would only push her away even further. She would fight him and refuse to go. The only option was to swallow his pride and ask her nicely. Perhaps even explain why his aunt was such an important person in his life.
No.He shook his head immediately. That was too personal. They weren’t opening up to each other. Not yet, at least.
He inhaled deeply, then got up from the dining table. He instructed a nearby servant girl to prepare a tray with freshly made scones and strawberry marmalade, along with a cup of tea.
He realized that he had no idea what Catherine liked. He had no idea what she preferred having for breakfast, or any other meal, for that matter. He didn’t know what made her laugh, what made her sad. He knew what made her mad. Him. He chuckled to himself as he waited for the tray.
Several minutes later, the servant girl brought it to him, curtsying respectfully as she placed it on the dining table.
“Thank you,” he smiled, reaching for it and heading upstairs, where he stumbled upon Mrs. Jenkins.
“Good morning, Mrs. Jenkins,” he greeted her.
“Your Grace, good morning,” she chirped back, curiously eyeing the tray in his hand. “Is that for Lady Catherine?”
“Yes,” he nodded a little awkwardly. “She didn’t come down for breakfast, so I’m taking it up to her.”
“That is so kind of you, Your Grace,” she beamed. “I am sure that she will appreciate it.”
I certainly hope so,he thought to himself.
“Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins,” he replied, when she waved and went to tend to her work, allowing Dominic to continue up the stairs.
When he reached Catherine’s door, he realized that he was nervous. In fact, he was a nervous wreck. He wanted to convince Catherine to come with him to his aunt’s garden party, but hedidn’t want to make it sound as if he were convincing her or blackmailing her. He shuddered at that word. As time went by, he hated that word more and more.
Mustering the courage, he knocked on the door. At first, there was no reply. Then, a moment later, Catherine’s voiced echoed from inside the room.
“Who is it?”
“It’s… me,” he said, wondering what on earth had him so tongue-tied. He paused, expecting her to ask him why he was there, but obviously she was expecting him to merely state his business. So, he did. “I, erm, brought you some breakfast.”
“I’m not hungry, thank you,” she replied, not even opening the door.
