Page 7 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
“Of course we can,” he nodded. “And speaking of legacies, you know that I’ve been exploring avenues to leave a mark of our own.”
“How is that coming along?” she wondered, taking a sip of tea. Her brother’s political interests were not news. In fact, he had always been interested in the topic, so it was no wonder that asan adult, he was slowly dipping his toe in the political waters of London.
“I’ve recently been meeting with various influential figures, discussing matters of political interest, such as parliamentary reform.” he clarified. “There’s much to be done in the area of representation and electoral practices, and I’m eager to contribute.”
Catherine beamed with pride as she listened to her brother’s words. The bond between them, forged in familial love and affection, didn’t end there. It also extended to a mutual respect for each other’s interests and aspirations, and she always believed that he was her biggest supporter in whatever she chose to do. In turn, she wanted to be the same for him.
“I have no doubt that you’ll make a significant impact and change the world for the better,” she gushed, pride brimming from her every word. “And I think our parents would be proud to see the man you’ve become and the path you are carving for yourself.”
“They would also be proud of you, dear Cate,” he told her.
“Of me?” she shook her head dismissively. “But I haven’t really done anything worthy of praise.”
“It’s not what you’ve done, but who you are,” he reminded her. “I look at the other ladies of the ton, none of them has such a strong head on her shoulders.”
Catherine chuckled. “You have to say that. You’re my brother.”
“No, no, no,” he shook his head with amusement. “I don’t have to say it exactly because I’m your brother. I have to tell you the truth, and that’s what I must do.” He got up, then picked up the letter again. “And speaking of things I must do; I’ll go and send a response to the Duke of Fairhaven that we shall be attending his dinner party tomorrow evening.”
Reginald walked around the dinner table, then approached Catherine and placed his hand gently on her shoulder, while kissing her on the cheek.
“Unless you have a reason you don’t wish us to attend?” he asked, giving her a chance to say no.
Her eyes lingered on his for a few moments. This was her moment to speak up, but she wondered… if she really wanted to. Then she shook her head and shrugged as she replied. “Why? It is just a dinner party.”
He seemed as if he wanted to say something, but changed his mind at the last minute. He nodded with a smile, then left thedining hall. It was then that Catherine realized that a subtle but nervous energy fluttered within her. The following day’s dinner party caused a grappling mix of excitement and trepidation inside of her, stirring emotions that danced just underneath the surface of her graceful and poised demeanor.
It is just mere curiosity;she tried to explain to her own self these strange stirrings. The duke’s home must be grand and therefore worthy of being visited. She had always appreciated the architectural beauty of such places. It was the allure of a different world that had her so excited. It had nothing to do with that intolerable duke.
But if that were really true, why couldn’t she dismiss the flutter in her chest?
Chapter 4
In the grand chambers of his residence, Dominic stood before a looking glass, contemplating his reflection. An uncharacteristic sense of anticipation and apprehension lingered in the air around him as he prepared for that evening’s dinner party. He was usually much more indifferent to such occasions, seeing them as nothing but chances to expand his social circle and improve his standing in society.
However, that evening was different. The reason behind his meticulous attention to detail continued to elude him. The only thing he could consciously realize was his desire to present himself in the most impeccable light.
Staring at himself in the looking glass, adorned in a tailored evening coat and a crisply starched cravat, he methodically adjusted every single element of his ensemble. Everything had to be perfect. The gleam of his polished shoes, the sheen of the finest fabric and the sparkle of his pearly whites—nothing short of perfection.
Indeed, any other lady could have been a fit. Not a perfect one, but a fit, nonetheless. The will his father left stated its conditions clearly. Dominic was to be married until he reached the age of thirty, after which, everything that once belonged to the name of Fairhaven would be divided among numerous cousins and relatives, leaving Dominic with just a title, that in itself, would serve very little.
And now that he was already nine and twenty, Dominic knew he had no time to waste. He had used up his days on fun and games. Now, he had to take responsibility for his dukedom. And strangely enough, Lady Catherine titillated him enough to want only her to fit that role.
Now, only one thing was left. He fastened the buttons of his coat, and suddenly, he found his thoughts wandering to Lady Catherine. The mere memory of her presence only seemed to fuel an inexplicable determination to leave a lasting impression on her. He was certain that it was simply due to the fact that she had the audacity to refuse yet another dance with him, when any other lady would have considered herself beyond fortunate to have been given the chance for it.
“It’s the intrigue she brings,” he mused loudly, grinning at his reflection. And he was right.
Because an hour later, his small, carefully selected assembly of guests was seated at his dinner table, and there she was, intrigue embodied. In the way she smiled, glanced at everyone and simply sat there, looking like an otherworldly goddess.
“No, no, it was Lord Livingstone who had called the constables when it happened,” one of the guests clarified a story that Dominic was not even listening to. He was too busy staring at Catherine, unable to take his eyes off of her.
She was dressed in a gown that exuded timeless elegance. The fabric, although simple enough, cascaded in graceful, shimmering folds around her perfectly silhouetted body. The delicate embroidery only added to the sophistication that mirrored the lady herself.
Her hair was styled with equal elegance, framing her face to perfection. He couldn’t help but notice her beautiful green eyes, alive with intelligence and a hint of mischief, as she sat there in peace, silently holding the secrets of a thousand conversations.
“… don’t you think so, Lady Catherine?” One of the guests had addressed her directly, and instead of withdrawing, Lady Catherine shone.
“Well, it depends really on one’s perspective,” she replied, continuing to explain her own point of view on the matter. “The horse is an animal with a mind of its own, but it is the rider who needs to assure that the animal feels safe.”
