Page 38 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“So, of course, being the only relative he had, I took him in,” Aunt Penelope continued. “It was never a choice for me.”
“It is obvious that you both care deeply about each other,” Catherine pointed out.
Aunt Penelope smiled a little sadly. “We’ve created a deeper bond out of necessity. You see, I never had any children of my own. My husband died at war two years after we got married, and I never wanted to marry again. My heart will always be Harry’s. I was so happy when he was born.
I remember visiting his parents and holding him for the first time. That feeling… I just can’t describe it. I had that same feeling when he was brought to me here that evening. When the constables told me what had happened to his parents, I held him tightly, and I knew that I would never let go of him, never.”
Catherine listened intently, her heart breaking for Aunt Penelope, for Dominic, for herself and Reginald as well. Against all odds, it seemed that they were all more alike than she thought.
“But he was always such a resilient young man,” Aunt Penelope continued, remembering more and more of Dominic’s youth, which sparked Catherine’s curiosity. She wanted to know everything she could about him. “Even if the face of adversity, he remained strong and determined, always striving to make his parents proud.”
“Do you believe that they are looking down on him from above?” Catherine wondered, as something gripped her chest, refusing to let go. Perhaps her own parents were doing the same. Had she made them proud? She hoped she had.
“I am certain of it,” Aunt Penelope nodded with conviction. “I am certain that they are as proud of him as I am, of the man he has become, of the choices he has made.”
At that moment, Catherine wondered if it would be appropriate to ask his aunt something. Whether or not it was appropriate, she was unable to resist the temptation to do so, because no one knew him better than she did.
“Yes, that is all true,” she nodded, “it’s just that sometimes… he tends to be a little… demanding. I wonder why that is.”
“Oh, my dear,” Aunt Penelope chuckled. “All good men are like that. Dominic is a man of strong convictions and unwavering determination. When he sets his sights on something, he pursues it with single-minded focus and dedication.”
Catherine wondered for a moment; her curiosity piqued. “But why is he so… insistent?” she pressed, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Aunt Penelope chuckled softly, her expression gentle and understanding. “It is simply the way he is, my dear. Dominic is not one to give up easily. Once he has made a commitment, he will stop at nothing to see it through.”
“I see,” Catherine nodded.
As she absorbed the weight of Aunt Penelope’s words, a newfound understanding began to dawn upon her. Perhaps Dominic’s demanding nature stemmed not from cruelty or selfishness, but from a deep sense of dedication and integrity, a commitment to honor his word and fulfil his obligations no matter the cost.
And as she thought of Dominic in this new light, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration and respect for the man that his aunt saw him as. In her eyes, he was a man of strength, determination, and unwavering loyalty. She herself did not see him as such. In her opinion, the end did not justify the means.
But maybe, just maybe, there was more to the Duke of Fairhaven than she had once assumed.
Chapter 19
The following morning after breakfast, Dominic’s aunt excused herself with the obligation of needing to write to her friend, leaving Dominic and Catherine alone in the dining hall. He wondered what his aunt had been telling Catherine the evening prior, as she had been rather quiet that morning, something that was unlike her. She always had a comment to make, especially when she didn’t like something.
A strange thought occurred to him. Was it possible that she actually enjoyed being there and had nothing to complain about? Strange, but possible. Then another thought occurred to him.
“It promises to be a wonderful day,” he said, dabbing the corner of his mouth with his napkin, signaling that he had finished with his breakfast. Catherine’s fork and knife were still next to her plate, instead of it in, so he couldn’t tell if she herself was done or not.
“It does,” she nodded, looking at him from across the dining table.
“I was thinking, maybe you would like to join me for a morning of horseback riding,” he suggested. There were some lovely spots he could show her, maybe even spend some time alone with her, which was something he yearned for. He didn’t know if shewould agree, though. Perhaps if he offered her a specific activity, she would be more inclined to agree to spending time with him.
She tilted her head a little. “You wish to see who is the better rider?”
He immediately remembered the conversation they had had a while back, one that amused him immensely, focusing on women’s skill of horseback riding.
He had to admit that he didn’t have that in mind when he invited her, but that only seemed to add a bit of flair to what promised to be an amusing morning. If that would make her agree to his proposal, he was more than happy to add a competitive spark to their conversation and the subsequent activities.
“Maybe,” he said with a smirk. Then he shrugged. “But unless you are afraid of a little bit of competition…”
“I most certainly am not,” she snapped back, but he could see that she was taking it all good-humoredly. There was a smile dancing in the corner of her lips, but she was doing her best to keep it concealed.
“In that case, you shall join me?” he inquired politely, getting up.
She followed suit immediately. “Of course,” she nodded. Then she looked down at her gown. “I just cannot be riding in this gown. I must change.”
