by Ella Edon
She needed to let him know she was on his side. She never got to tell him that she trusted him. And she would not betray him. She breathed in. It was time to let him know that she had respect for him, as the Marquess of Bowmount. She also wanted to let him know that while she was here, she would help him with the manor. Tell him everything she knew about the business that Victor had. Even the one that would have been a big break. The one from the Indies.
Amelia picked up the vase and stood beside Victoria again.
Victoria slipped her hand into Katherine's. There was a genuine smile on her face. Katherine wondered if it was a smile for seeing her, or one that was still there because of Lord Bowmount.
"Mother, Lord Bowmount is teaching me to play draughts. It's quite amazing."
"Are you enjoying the game?"
"Most certainly. He's let me win twice and I'm certain he'll keep doing that. Come on, Mother. Come watch me play." Victoria pulled on her hand with a smile. Katherine wanted to object to the invitation, but the smile on Victoria's face was unwavering. Hopeful, even. Katherine knew that if she dared turn the offer away, both she and Victoria would return back to square one.
She walked into the foyer with her. Perhaps this was an opportunity to pour her heart out to Lord Bowmount. It was time she stopped running.
Chapter Twenty
When he saw Lady Bowmount walk in, with Lady Victoria gripping her hand and pulling her along, he blew out a breath. She looked as she did every day. Not a single hair out of place, her dress molded into perfection to suit her. Her smile was uncertain. It had been three days since he’d last seen her. And with their last encounter being that kiss that had left him wanting more, he felt the need to pull her to him and do just that. But he didn't. He wouldn't. She had given him a message and he understood perfectly well. It wouldn't work out between them. She didn’t want it to.
But he had wanted to talk to her desperately for days. He had tried, asking casually about her during breakfast and even sometimes, dinner. But most times, he was told that she was unwell. He knew what she was doing. Avoiding him. And even on the times he saw her, she skillfully avoided his gaze. Avoided being left alone with him. Many a time, she walked out with the Dowager Marchioness, both discussing something of utmost irrelevance. He knew she tried to feign conversations with the Dowager Marchioness, just to escape him. After much trial, he decided to sit back. He would wait for her to come to him, if she so chose.
Lady Victoria waited, gesturing and saying sternly. "Have a seat, Mother. So, you can be comfortable watching me play."
Lady Bowmount laughed. "Of course, my darling."
He marveled at the way Lady Bowmount looked at her daughter. With love, open, and eager for everyone who cared to see. He wished for that kind of look from her. He wished that they could both express how they felt, without fear.
Lady Victoria took her seat and grinned up at him. "Let the games commence, Lord Bowmount."
"If you insist, Lady Victoria of Bowmount. But I must warn you. You are oblivious to the kind of player you are up against."
Lady Victoria laughed. "How grand, My Lord. I better make use of my oblivion, then."
They began to play. Just like the other times, he let Lady Victoria win. And just like the previous times, she knew he let her win. She warned him against it with a smile, but he could tell she enjoyed the victory. After two rounds, they were both exhausted. Victoria wanted to have an afternoon bath. She complained of the sunny day.
"There's so much heat, Mother."
Lady Bowmount had then instructed Amelia to bathe Lady Victoria. That left Lady Bowmount and himself, alone in the foyer. An awkward silence descended. He thought it best to leave. He rose, preparing to take his leave. Lady Bowmount rose, as well. She stepped to the center of the foyer, blocking his path.
His eyes widened. He was forced to look her in the eye. His own were, he knew—full of questions.
"May I have a word?" she asked quickly. Her blue eyes bounced, searching his desperately.
He creased his brows, wondering what it was that she wanted to discuss. He knew, surely, that it wasn't the kiss. She wouldn't talk about that. Or would she? She looked terrified and uncomfortable. His concern grew.
He touched her upper arm and led her to the seat. "Is everything alright?"
Her eyes lit up as he made her sit while he sat beside her. "You look pale, Lady Bowmount. Are you alright?"
"Arthur..." she said, speaking his Christian name. It stunned him. But he liked it. He liked that she called him that. "I need to talk to you."
"I'm here. If you wish to speak to me, then you have me," he assured her.
She breathed out. She rubbed her hands together. It was something she did when she was nervous. He knew this because he had watched her for long.
"I am truly sorry for how I and the entire household have treated you, since your arrival at Bowmount Hall. When you arrived, I was angry and perhaps that anger drove me to do many things that were wrong. I am sorry I slipped a draught in your meal that made you oversleep. I am sorry for how rudely I referred to you, which in turn, caused most of the staff to do the same." She looked up then. "I want to call a truce. I will no longer try to do you harm because I have grown to trust you. I will help you with everything you need, in order to fully understand the manor and everything Victor has left behind. And in return, you will not send me out of the manor. I need more time here."
His shoulders sagged. Did she think he was ever going to send her away? He could never bring himself to do that. He shook his head. "I never planned on sending you away, Katherine. Like I said to your father, Bowmount Hall is home to you, for as long as you like. And of course, I forgive you, Lady Bowmount."
She flung her hands around his shoulders and hugged him. He was stunned by this gesture. It seemed so informal, and he liked it. But before he could place his hands around her to hold her close, she let go, her eyes wide. "Pardon me."
He cleared his throat. "Of course."
She giggled as she watched him shift uncomfortably. He laughed as well.
"Why did you not go in to town today?" she asked. Her question was so casual. It was as though nothing of sorts ever happened. It came without awkwardness and he appreciated her for it.
"Lady Victoria demanded that I spend the day with her."
Lady Bowmount shook her head. "She seems to have you wrapped around her little finger."
"She is demanding, and it reminds me of someone else." He smiled.
Her face grew crimson. She did not try to hide it. But her tongue was as sharp as ever. "Pray tell, who?"
He tapped his chin and made pretended to be in deep thought. "I am trying to fit in the pieces. I will let you know when I am fully aware."
Lady Bowmount rose. "Ah, I see. Do inform me."
"Where were you headed?"
Lady Bowmount sighed. She placed her hands to her stomach rather dramatically. "I have not had breakfast."
He jolted up. "Pray tell, why?" All of his playfulness was gone. "Breakfast is of utmost importance."
She blushed. "I am fully aware, Lord Bowmount."
He sighed. "Then stop missing it. Stop missing breakfast for whatever reason. Not even me. And now that we have put all of that aside, I hope I'll be seeing you for breakfast, Lady Bowmount."
She nodded. "Of course."
He narrowed his eyes. "I do promise you, Lady Bowmount. If I do not see you for breakfast, I will bound up the stairs and throw you across my shoulders and then carry you to the dining room."
She raised her chin. "That would be an awful sight, My Lord. I do not wish to experience that."
A smile crept to his lips. They both ended up chuckling. She nodded curtly and walked out. He smiled as he watched her go.
I have grown to trust you.
Those words still made him smile. She trusted him.
* * *
Dinner came quicker than anticipated. He took a seat beside Lady Victoria. Lady Bowmount sat oppos
ite him. There was a glint in her eyes. After their conversation in the afternoon, he was pleased, happier than he had been in days. It was not exactly where he wanted them both to be, but it was something. And it was enough. For now.
Lady Victoria was smiling again.
"Mother, you should certainly play draught with me sometime. I wager I'd beat you, without you helping me, of course."
He laughed at the jab thrown at him.
Lady Bowmount nodded. "Of course, darling. So long as you are quite sure who you are up against."
"I wager that the lady has just threatened you, My Lady. And even questioned your skill," Arthur sighed to Lady Victoria.
Her eyes widened. "You think so? I presume she is oblivious to who she is up against," Lady Victoria said, quoting his lines.
Lady Bowmount raised a brow at him. "You are becoming quite an influence on the lady. I'm not sure I like that, My Lord."
Arthur laughed boisterously. She was referring to him openly. And with a smile. It was as though she cared nothing of anyone’s opinion of. He sat up, willing himself to look her in the eye and not feel weak. "Perhaps it is for the best, My Lady. Do you not see? She has become master in a board game and has even challenged. She is brave."
Arthur let his gaze wander. His eyes landed on the Dowager Marchioness. She watched them all curiously. Her lips twitched, and she was squinting, as though she was trying to understand what was going on. After a while, she cleared her throat. "I suppose you all are well aware that the dining table is meant for eating, and not discussing irrelevant subjects. Katherine, say the prayer so we may eat."
Lady Bowmount obliged. She bowed her head and did as asked. As she prayed for the meal, Arthur prayed in his heart, thankful for how easy it was to fall in step with Lady Bowmount. He was grateful that they were on good terms again. He may not be able to hold her yet, or claim her as his own, but it did not mean that he was giving up on her. He wanted her, so much. He wanted her smile, her friendship, and her comfort. He wanted so much from her. He would hold on to it, for now. When he was sure that the time was right, he would make his wish known, not just to her, but to all.
Chapter Twenty-One
Between talking with the Dowager Marchioness, helping Lord Bowmount sort out everything concerning the manor and having Victoria play against her in draught, Katherine couldn't have been happier.
"You smile so much, these days, My Lady."
Katherine smiled at Darlene. Her lady’s maid blushed and cast her gaze down. They were both in the study, sorting out the books. Katherine wanted to find Victoria's old books. She had recently started reading to Victoria at night again. And she wanted all the books that had been packed away. She placed one on the table. She remembered that only Victor had read that one to Victoria. She caressed its cover and smiled as she did.
Her Victoria was finally back. She had Arthur to thank for that. Arthur... After settling her differences with him, they had become friends, genuinely. She couldn't help, but find herself wanting more. However, the thought of her reputation often stopped her from telling Arthur how she felt. She was not done with mourning, and if the ton found out that she had anything to do with the new Marquess, who was not only family, but also had taken the former position of her husband, they would suspect her of having an affair long before Victor's passing. She imagined so many things going wrong if she let Arthur in. She wanted none of that. And even for Victoria to grow up, looking behind her shoulders because her mother wasn't a reputable woman disturbed her. All of these were reasons why Arthur was not right for her.
But the desire was there. When their hands brushed by accident, she felt a shiver. When he smiled at her, she wanted to pull him to her and kiss him. She wanted him and she knew he wanted her. She saw the way he looked at her. The way he stopped himself from letting their lips merge anytime he had to look up while she was showing him some records in the files. She shook her head to discard those thoughts and focus on the work at hand.
There was a knock at the door. Katherine rose. Darlene stepped aside. She walked out of the study into the hallway. Mr. Stewart held a letter in his hand. Katherine smiled at him as he handed it to her.
"The courier said it is from India," Mr. Stewart said.
"India?"
Katherine tore it open and began to read through rapidly. Her breath caught as she fully understood the letter.
Victor had made a profit from the business—the merchants in India wanted to know if it was safe to send the profit, or if Lord Bowmount wanted to collect it himself.
Katherine touched her chest as she read on. If he wanted it sent, he had to send a legal proof of identity, and his signature used to sign the deal. Katherine had thought the merchants were aware of Victor’s passing.
It dawned on her. Through all the mourning, they had never sent word to the merchants in India. She patted her forehead. How could she have been so forgetful? She folded the letter closed. The moment Arthur returned; she would tell him of this. Surely, he had a solution.
* * *
He returned just before dinner. Having anticipated his return, she rushed to the door. But the moment she saw how exhausted he was, she decided to show him the letter after he had eaten. Immediately after dinner, she stopped him from retiring to his bed chamber. He seemed so tired. He could have told her to hold on until tomorrow, but he stood where he was and waited for her to speak. She handed him the letter then and stood by as he read.
Arthur looked through the letter. His eyes moved as he read each line. His lips were pressed in a thin line. His focus was solely on the letter. She liked the way the lines between his eyes deepened as he concentrated. He looked up at her immediately.
"Victor made a huge profit from this. They want to be sure he is the one to respond. They don't know why he has not reached out to them for so long." Arthur read on. "Katherine, why did you not inform them of his death?”
"Seeing as the shipping company knew, I thought the merchants he worked with would, as well."
Arthur shook his head. He let his hands fall to his side. He was done reading the letter.
"We must inform them that Victor is dead. We need legal documents claiming the transfer of the property to me, so that can be a proof, so they will release the profit. Or else, they may not. Once we get the documents, I will go down to India to meet with these merchants myself."
Katherine's eyes widened in horror. She would have none of that. Arthur would not even think of getting on a ship and going to India. Not after what happened to Victor.
"No! There is an option of them sending it over once they have the right documents," she said quickly.
Arthur started to shake his head, but Katherine objected quickly. "Say no more. I would rather we lost the profit than we lose someone dear. I won't lose anyone, and certainly not the same way I lost Victor."
Arthur stared at her for a moment before he smiled. He reached out and almost touched her cheek, but she watched him clench his fist and return his hands to his sides. It didn't prevent him from speaking, however. "Lady Bowmount. There's nothing to worry about. We do not need to over think the situation. First, we need to get the documents from the solicitor who has worked with Bowmount Hall for years."
Katherine knew he was trying to play around the situation. She would have to insist that he would not go to India. His life was much more important than money. For now, however, she responded to what he asked.
"Our solicitor is in London. I have been there once with Victor. We would have to go into the city to see him."
Arthur held up the letter. "Then we leave for London as soon as possible. We cannot let what Victor has earned go. He made this profit for his family. And I swear to you, Lady Bowmount, that it shall be received."
She shook her head. There were some things which were more important than money. She wanted him to know that.
"Lord Bowmount, life is more important than money. I can't have any more loss in my life, Lord Bowmount. Promise me that you s
han't get on a ship and leave for India. We will send a letter and await their reply."
For some reason, Lord Bowmount found her request amusing. He was smiling. Katherine felt the urge to nudge him, but instead, she folded her arms beneath her bosom and glared at him. He found this more amusing and chuckled.
"Pray tell, Lord Bowmount, what do you find so amusing?"
He shook his head. "It doesn't matter."
She wanted to protest, but he spoke up. "I promise you, Lady Katherine of Bowmount, that I won't die."