Page 35 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“After that game of croquet, we are all exhausted,” Dominic remarked playfully. “And you mustn’t stop throwing parties. They are the talk of the town every single time.”
Aunt Penelope beamed at those words, taking a sip of her wine. “I remember one summer in particular,” she began, her voice filled with the rich, bitter-sweet notes of nostalgia, “we hosted a grand ball at the estate, a magnificent affair that drew guests from far and wide.”
Catherine and Dominic listened intently, not interrupting for even a single moment.
“It was a sight to behold,” Aunt Penelope’s words were weaving a tapestry of memories. “The gardens were adorned with twinkling lights, and the air was filed with the strains of music and laughter.” Then, she seemed to remember something, and burst into a boisterous chuckle. “I remember that one of our dogs jumped into the fountain and it took three servants to get him out!”
All three of them chuckled at this memory. She continued sharing with them stories of her own youth, painting a vivid picture of a time long gone. When her stories came to an end, she suddenly seemed to remember something.
“Do you remember what we used to do every evening after dinner?” she asked Dominic.
Instantly, he smiled. “How could I forget?”
Catherine waited for either of them to clarify, but all they did was continue to smile mysteriously.
“Well, I’m done with my dinner,” Dominic said instead of an explanation. “As far as I’m concerned, we can head to the library immediately.”
“Yes, let’s,” Aunt Penelope got up as well, and Catherine followed suit. Obviously, something was going to take place at the library. She patiently followed the duo, who refused to explain anything even then.
When they reached the library, Catherine stared at it in awe. Its walls were lined with towering bookshelves that seemed to reach the very ceiling. The scent of aged leather and polished wood permeated the air, mingling with the faint aroma of old parchment and ink.
Aunt Penelope led the way, her steps confident as she moved through the rows of books with a sense of reverence. Her fingers trailed lightly along the spines, as if seeking out a familiar friend among the countless volumes that lined the shelves.
“We had this game that we played,” Aunt Penelope started to explain. “We would each choose a book, then read a chapter from it. But it had to be something crucial from the book, not just a simple description or anything of the sort. Then, the other person would try to guess the title of the book.”
“I like that game,” Catherine beamed. “May I join?”
“My dear, I wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Aunt Penelope smiled back at her. “Now, everyone find a book of their own, and no peeking.”
The trio all scattered about the library, each selecting a book from the shelves, their choices as varied as their personalities. Then, they settled back into their armchairs, their eyes alight with anticipation as they delved into the first chapter of their chosen reads. Catherine found herself eager to start the game. She was honestly enjoying herself, something she wasn’t expecting.
Aunt Penelope was reading from her book first. Her choice was a romance novel, its pages worn with age, but its story as timeless as ever. As she read aloud, her voice filled with emotion, Catherine and Dominic exchanged knowing glances, their minds whirring with guesses as to the title of the tale.
“The Canterbury Tales?” Dominic suggested with a doubtful frown.
“Really?” Catherine turned to him, unable to resist chuckling.
“Well, do you have a better suggestion?” he teased.
She thought about it for a moment, then she smiled. “Pride and Prejudice?”
“Yes!” Aunt Penelope closed the book, turning to Dominic. “It seems Catherine is winning.”
“We shall see about that yet,” he pretended to pout, much to the delight of both ladies.
“My turn,” Catherine said in a way that made her feel as if she had already won.
Catherine herself had chosen an epic work that transcended time and language borders. As she read, Aunt Penelope and Dominic were transported to a different place, but the time could have been the same. They listened intently, their imaginations soaring as they ventured numerous guesses.
“Circles?” Dominic said aloud. “I know nothing that has circles.”
“Think about it,” Catherine helped with a smile. A part of her actually wanted him to win. How odd.
He shrugged, but obviously, the right answer was eluding him.
“Oh, I know!” Aunt Penelope clapped her hands joyfully. “It’s Dante’sInferno!”
“Right!” Catherine smiled, then she addressed Dominic. “See? Circles.”
