Page 33 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
Dominic chuckled at his aunt’s exuberance, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into yet another embrace that ended in a soft kiss on her forehead. “I am just fortunate to have two of the finest women by my side. No man is as fortunate as I am.”
“I should think so!” Aunt Penelope chuckled sweetly. “Now, you both must be exhausted from your trip. Perhaps you would like to freshen up and rest a bit before the garden party?”
Without waiting for their response, she led Dominic and Catherine through the grand corridors of the manor, her steps light and purposeful as she guided them towards their temporary abode. Dominic glanced at Catherine, without his aunt noticing, and Catherine did the same. They exchanged a smile, as if the two of them were in on a conspiracy together, and his heart fluttered instantly.
“I am simply delighted that you’ve decided to stay with me for a few days,” Aunt Penelope exclaimed. “It’s been far too long since I’ve had the pleasure of your company, Dominic.”
Dominic returned his aunt’s smile with a nod of gratitude. “Indeed, Aunt Penelope. It’s been too long.”
Aunt Penelope then turned her attention to Catherine, her eyes alight with excitement. “And you, my dear,” she said, her voice tender, “I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have you here with us.”
She threw a playfully scolding glance at him as she spoke. “I wish I could say that Dominic has told me so much about you, but he has decided to selfishly keep you all to himself. But perhaps thatis for the better, because now, I will find out everything from you!”
Catherine returned the lady’s smile with a grateful nod. “Thank you, Aunt Penelope,” she replied, her voice soft with sincerity. “It is a pleasure to be here.”
As they reached the door to their room, Aunt Penelope turned the handle with a flourish, revealing a spacious and elegantly appointed chamber.
“I hope you will find everything to your liking,” she said, gesturing at the room with a sweep of her bejeweled hand. “Please, make yourselves at home. The party should start around four in the afternoon. You may rest in the meantime, or come find me. There is never any rest for the lady of the house, as you will no doubt come to see, my dear Catherine.”
“We will,” Dominic smiled. “Thank you, Aunt Penelope.”
With that, Aunt Penelope left them to settle in, her parting words lingering in the air. But the moment the doors closed, Dominic could see that Catherine was bothered by something.
“Is everything all right?” he asked softly, approaching her. “I know she is a bit… overwhelming, at times, but she does it with her best intentions in mind.”
“Oh, it’s not that,” she said, biting her lower lip, as she always did when she felt apprehensive. He was desperate to do that himself, to taste her, to have her in his arms, but this was no time for that.
“What is it?” he wondered.
“Are we to sleep here, in the same bed?” she asked, her voice down to a whisper.
He understood immediately. “Well, we are newlyweds. She assumed… how about this? I shall sleep on the couch in the library. It wouldn’t be the first time that I fall asleep there, so it won’t raise any suspicions on her part.”
“You… you don’t have to do that,” she said.
“No, it’s fine, really,” he assured her. “You agreed to come and visit my aunt, for which I am very grateful. The least I can do is make this stay as comfortable for you as possible.”
She smiled upon hearing those words. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he smiled back.
He didn’t know if this meant anything, but his heart fluttered, nonetheless. Perhaps by giving her space, he was bringing hercloser to himself. It was such an odd notion, and yet, perhaps it was the right path to her heart. He certainly hoped it was.
Chapter 17
The garden party was not what Catherine had expected at all. Her vision was a dull afternoon of posh ladies talking about people Catherine didn’t know and other sort of gossip. However, what she came to find was a scene straight out of a fairy tale, a vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds that danced in the summer breeze.
It was a lovely little gathering of like-minded people, who indulged in conversations about their own lives, then literature, philosophy, botany and the like. Catherine was seated next to her husband, and was mostly silent throughout the first hour, choosing to listen to others.
The air was alive with the cheerful chatter of guests mingling amidst the lush greenery, their laughter and conversation filling the air with a joyful melody. Tables were adorned with crisp linens and delicate floral arrangements which dotted the landscape, offering a tempting array of refreshments and delicacies for the pleasure of the guests.
Aunt Penelope, resplendent in her finest attire, made sure to speak with each guest, making them feel welcome and addressing them with warmth and grace. She was the epitomeof gracious hospitality, her every gesture a testament to the care and attention she had so generously lavished upon her guests.
“You’ve truly outdone yourself with this garden party, Aunt Penelope,” Dominic remarked, leaning towards his aunt, but Catherine could still hear them. His tone was filled with tenderness and genuine admiration.
Aunt Penelope beamed with pride as she turned to him. “Oh, nonsense, Dominic! It’s all the work of our wonderful staff. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without them,” she replied, her voice full of affection. “But I’m glad you are enjoying yourself, my dear.”
Catherine then watched as Dominic leaned in to whisper something to his aunt, a playful smile dancing on his lips. Aunt Penelope’s laughter rang out like music, her hand reaching out to affectionately pat her nephew’s arm.
