Page 49 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
Tears welled up in Catherine’s eyes as she returned her brother’s embrace, overcome with gratitude and relief at the sight of him. For a moment, they simply stood there, locked in a heartfelt embrace, the bond of sibling love unbroken by time or distance.
Reginald finally pulled away from her, but still kept her in his arms. “How are you? The duke has written to me about your injury. Are you all right? Does it hurt?”
Catherine glanced at Dominic. Sothatwas his surprise. She couldn’t believe it. He had orchestrated this entire thing because she stated that she missed her brother and would like to see him. Her heart swelled up with joy, with love, and with many other inexplicable emotions she couldn’t decipher at that very moment. She had to leave that for later. For the time being, shewanted to be with her brother and hear everything he had to share with her.
“I’m quite all right, don’t worry,” she smiled, allowing him to gently lead her towards the nearest armchair and slumping into it.
“Well, I’ll give you two some privacy,” she heard Dominic say as he moved a step back. “I shall send for some tea though, and scones. If you need me, I shall be in my study.”
Reginald didn’t say anything, which didn’t surprise her. But she couldn’t allow him to leave just like that.
“Dominic?” she shouted after him the moment he was about to open the door. He lingered there, turning to face her. “Thank you,” she smiled.
He only nodded once, a faint flicker of a smile gracing his handsome face. Then, a moment later, the doors closed, leaving her alone with her brother. She quickly turned her attention to him, leaning closer so she could take his hands in hers.
“Cate, are you sure everything is fine?” Reginald spoke slowly, in a hushed tone of voice, almost as if he feared that someone might overhear them, and that was the last thing he wanted.
“I am,” she tried to reassure her.
“What is this I hear of you falling off a horse?” Reginald frowned. “You are a spectacular rider. How did that happen?”
She shrugged. “It was a horse I’ve never ridden before, and it got spooked by a noise from the woods.”
“But you know what to do in those circumstances,” he reminded her. “What happened?”
She sighed heavily. “I suppose I was distracted.”
By Dominic and the fact that I wanted to win the race, at all costs.
Yes, that was the truth, but she couldn’t very well say that to her brother. He wouldn’t understand how she could start liking a man who forced her into marriage. Where would she even begin to explain how that came to happen?
“Well, I’m glad that it all ended well,” he smiled, but his brows were still furrowed with worry.
“It did,” she nodded. “We shall be staying here for a while longer and then returning home.”
“I would prefer to have you closer to me,” he pointed out.
“Reggie,” she said softly, her tone gentle yet resolute. “You needn’t worry about me. Dominic treats me with kindness and consideration.”
“Kindness and consideration fromthatman?” Reginald raised an eyebrow in shocked surprise. “Those are the last things I would expect from him.”
“I know, I know,” she was quick to agree. “You know better than anyone else what happened, but I am well taken care of, I assure you.”
Despite her assurances, Reginald could not be appeased. “But are you truly happy, Cate?” he pressed, his voice tinged with deep brotherly concern. “You seem… unsettled.”
Catherine hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting to the open window and the chirping of the words that was heard from outside. A second later, her gaze returned to her brother’s earnest expression.
“Happiness can mean different things to different people,” she replied evasively, a faint shadow passing over her features.
She wanted to tell him everything that had taken place in the past couple of days, but she was afraid that he wouldn’tunderstand. It frightened her that the only person who had ever been there for her would not be able to understand her.
She didn’t want to drift away from him. She wanted him by her side, as always. But perhaps now wasn’t the time to discuss something she herself wasn’t certain of. Perhaps in time, her emotions would crystalize and she would recognize them for what they truly were. Was it mere infatuation, desire and passion, or was it something more?
“You didn’t answer my question,” he pointed out. “But it’s all right if you don’t want to discuss it now. Just know that I am here for you if you need me, for whatever, Cate. Always.”
“Thank you, Reggie,” she smiled, gushing over his words. “And how is Annabel? Rosie?”
“They are both fine, thank you,” he smiled upon their mention. “Annabel sends her regards.”
