Page 47 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
A husband who allows his wife to fall off a horse?There it was, that treacherous little voice that asked the questions which Dominic was afraid of asking. He tried to remind himself that it wasn’t his fault. But he had promised Reginald he would take care of his sister. But how was he taking care of her when she was lying in bed right now?
He sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. He got up from his chair, which squealed as his weight left it. He strolled past Catherine’s chamber on the way to the library, when he caught the sound of laughter spilling from within. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Pausing for a moment, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing stir within him as he imagined the scene unfolding behind the closed door.
Inside, he could hear both the voices of Catherine and his aunt, their laughter mingling together in a harmonious melody of joy. It was a heartening thing to overhear, and he couldn’t help but marvel at the comfort that they seemed to bring to each other.
He slowly continued on his way, as a subtle twinge of sadness crept into his thoughts. Would Catherine ever feel as free and comfortable in his presence, after everything that had happened? Would they ever care such carefree moments together, unencumbered by the weight of how they entered into their marriage?
It was a question that lingered in his mind as he made his way down the hallway, the echoes of laughter fading into the distance behind him. And though he longed for nothing more than to see Catherine smile with the same unguarded warmth in his presence, he couldn’t help but wonder if such a moment would ever come to pass.
The rest of the day passed uneventfully, with him spending the afternoon with Catherine and his aunt, playing cards, chess and reading. With anyone other than them, he would have found it a bothersome time. But with them, it was different. With Catherine, it was different. He wanted to make every moment of her stay there fun and carefree. And he knew just how to go about obtaining that goal.
The following morning, Dominic received the response he had been hoping for.
Duke Worthington,
Thank you for your letter. I appreciate your invitation and will make arrangements to come in the early afternoon.
Regards,
Reginald Stanhope
Dominic had to admit that he was also hoping for a more elaborate response, but that would have to do. From what he knew, it would take Reginald three hours by carriage to reach him. With the messenger waiting for the confirmation, that meant Reginald would have enough time to receive the confirmation and journey to them.
Folding the letter and placing it into his pocket, he headed towards Catherine’s chamber. He paused in front of her door for a moment, feeling sightly nervous. He had no idea why that was so. Mustering the courage, he rolled his fingers into a fist and knocked on her door.
“Yes?” he could hear from inside.
He burst into her chamber with an air of excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Their eyes locked, and he could barely resist telling her about the surprise he had prepared for her. He found her in bed, where he expected to, reading a book.
“Am I interrupting?” he asked, glancing at the book.
“No,” she smiled, closing it and placing it into her lap. “Is everything all right?”
“Even better,” he grinned.
“Even better?” she echoed, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” he nodded. “Which is why I need you to put on a nice gown.”
This time, she frowned. “A gown?” A puzzled expression crossed her features. “Why?” He could tell that her curiosity was piqued by this sudden urgency.
“It’s a surprise,” he replied with a mischievous grin, unable to suppress the thrill of anticipation dancing within him. “Please, just do as I’m asking. I shall send a maid to help you, and I shall come fetch you shortly.”
He could see that she was still suspicious, so he added another, “please.”That did the trick.
“All right,” she smiled.
With a tantalizing promise hanging in the air, Dominic turned on his heel and made his exit, leaving Catherine to ponder the mystery of what awaited her.
***
Put on a nice gown? A surprise?
Catherine had no idea what it could be. She already had her fair share of surprises. The man she thought would be a horror to live with was turning out to be exactly the opposite. Had the entire world turned upside down? It certainly felt that way.
Suddenly, a soft knock sounded at her chamber door. She allowed entrance, and in stepped one of the maids, a kind smile gracing her features. “His Grace sent me to assist you in selecting an appropriate attire for the occasion,” she explained, her voice gentle and reassuring.
“I just wish I knew what the occasion was,” Catherine chuckled. “But yes, thank you. I do need help getting dressed.”
