by Ella Edon
The lady shook her head. "I don't want to leave. What if we lose all before we return to fight for it?"
Arthur shook his head. "If he has spent the inheritance, he will be ordered by the court to pay it back in full, or there will be consequences," he assured her. "The law will give you what is rightly yours, My Lady."
Her eyes glistened happily. She sat up and thanked him profusely. After he took down her address and next of kin, she left. She left happy and that left Arthur satisfied.
Her case, however, reminded him of himself. Katherine. Was that how she had felt? He felt odd, thinking that perhaps he had wanted all that belonged to them. Because of Katherine, he understood how the Lady Dorchester felt. But perhaps all was not as it seemed. Perhaps the brother-in-law was after the inheritance, or he had good reason to keep it from her. Either way, Arthur would find out the truth on his own. It was part of his job.
The rest of the day was uneventful; he listened to a lot of complaints, settled small disputes and was asked to represent some people in court. All the while, he thought of Katherine. He wondered if she listened to what he had said and called on her friends. He wanted her to reconcile with them, for he knew how everything that had passed between them had hurt her.
Recalling once again what the Lady Dorchester had wanted, he thought about what would be right for Katherine and Lady Victoria, irrespective of whatever happened. They had no huge inheritance left for them, perhaps because Victor had still ben young and saw no need for it. Arthur felt that it was his responsibility to do something about it. Lady Victoria needed a secure future.
He closed up early, eager to return home, to see Katherine. Perhaps, he would find the courage to tell her how he felt. And then? He stopped his thoughts there. What if telling her ruined everything?
He stood outside his office which was not locked. The jewelry shop next door caught his attention. He had never given her a gift before. He wondered if she would mind him buying her something. Without thinking so much, he walked into the jeweler's shop with the intention to buy Katherine something beautiful.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Anne and Esther honored Katherine’s invitation. She had been so afraid that they wouldn't, but they had. They came as soon as they could, which warmed her heart. She wouldn't have had enough courage to face them one on one. It was better she saw them both together.
When they arrived, Mr. Stewart had come to inform her immediately. She asked that they be taken to the drawing room, so she would meet them there. She spent a few minutes, preparing herself to meet them. Practicing what she wanted to say, talking to the air, and hoping that it wouldn't be as difficult as it felt.
She walked into the drawing room, rubbing her hands against each other, her smile nonexistent. Anne looked sad, sitting in an armchair and looking around uncertainly. Katherine knew she had hurt Anne more in her choice of words. Esther on the other hand had a small smile on her face.
She rose immediately and walked over to her. "Katherine, dear. How have you been?"
Katherine sighed in relief and embraced Esther. She rested her head on her shoulder and apologized. "I'm sorry about how our last meeting went. I uttered words out of anger."
"You hurt Anne," Esther said flatly. "Your words hurt her so much, Katherine. She feels guilty about Henry. She has not been herself for the past weeks."
Katherine sucked in her breath. She let go of Esther and walked over to Anne. Anne was risen now, her eyes widened in anticipation. Katherine took both of Anne's hands in hers when she approached her. Anne's glistening, dark eyes found her blue ones.
Katherine shook her head slowly. "It was wrong of me to say those things, Anne. I was bothered by what I was going through, and I put it on all of the events in my life. But do believe me, Anne. I bear no grudge for what happened all those years ago."
Anne looked away. Katherine stared at her in confusion. She realized that Anne was trying to prevent herself from shedding tears. She hugged Anne then, hoping to stop her tears. Instead, Anne broke down completely.
"Oh, Katherine. I'm sorry, too. We should have come to hear what you had to say rather than jump into conclusions," Anne said, sobbing.
Esther moved from where she stood. She pulled them apart and stared at them with raised brows. "We've come here to talk and know what has been happening in each other’s lives. No more tears, my dears."
Katherine couldn't agree more. She nodded and took a seat. As they shared their tea, her friends questioned her about how she had been. They never mentioned that she had been away, which meant that they had no idea that she and Arthur had travelled to London. Which was good, of course, for she did not want to turn red at the simple memory of that. She was so certain they would see right through her. And then, what? They would judge her. She had, after all, gotten angry when they offered that she moved out of Bowmount Hall to avoid a scandal.
"How have you been, Katherine? And how is Victoria?"
Happy to discuss the subject of Victoria, Katherine proceeded to tell them everything.
"She no longer pushes me away,” she said, happily. “She embraces me. She lets me read to her at night. She lets me comb her hair. It has been so long since I did those things. It reminded me that before she pushed me away, I pushed her away. You won't believe it, but she is so eager to talk about Victor, as though he were still alive. And if Ar — Lord Bowmount, that is— had not pointed it out, perhaps I would still have been oblivious."
Anne and Esther bobbed their heads as she spoke. They were always good listeners and they always had the best responses.
They smiled at her, and only Esther spoke up. "I'm so happy for you, Katherine. Victoria has found her way home."
Katherine inclined her head. "True."
Anne looked like she was about to speak, when the door creaked open. Katherine felt her body still as Arthur walked in gracefully, his shoulders straightened. His eyes were glowing, and his lips were smiling. His eyes stopped to hold hers. For the brief moment their eyes locked, it felt like the heat in the room increased. Katherine felt hot all over. She raised her brows at him. "You're home early, Lord Bowmount. "
He nodded. "I just had to return early. I felt too exhausted to carry on, My Lady." He greeted Anne and Esther with a broad smile.
Katherine was sure that she knew what was running through his mind. He was proud of her, happy that she listened to him. He smiled at her before he slipped out of the room, and she felt her insides chill. She missed him before the door closed behind him.
"Katherine?" Anne called.
She turned to her and forced a steady smile. Esther stared at her strangely, but neither one said a word. Katherine tried to plunge into a discussion without arousing suspicion of her unsteadiness. She was all too giddy to see Arthur.
After Esther and Anne took their leave, it was time for dinner. Katherine was most uncomfortable at the dining table that evening. Whilst Arthur interacted with the Dowager Marchioness and Victoria, she simply ate in utter silence. Once, Victoria tried to include her in the conversations, but she simply smiled and kept her head down. Arthur was up to something and she couldn't help but feel it, every time she looked up at him.
Dinner was uneventful for her, but after dinner was when all of the events began. She read hastily to Victoria. Luck being on her side, Victoria was feeling sleepy that night. She kissed Victoria goodnight and left her bed chamber.
Katherine went on to have her bath, and then change into her nightgown. Just as she sat in the bath and tried to relax herself, she felt a hand fall on her shoulder. She nearly jumped up, but then his voice came in a whisper, she relaxed. "It's me," Arthur said.
Slowly then, she turned to face him. He was fully clothed, still dressed in the outfit he had worn that day. Katherine knew that if they did anything in her bedchamber, it wouldn't be hidden since her bed chamber was close to both Victoria's and the Dowager Marchioness’s. She couldn't risk anything happening, no matter how much she desired him.
&nbs
p; "Arthur, what are you doing here?" she breathed out. He smiled down at her. She shook her head. "You can't be here —"
"Will you come to me tonight?" he asked.
She smiled. "Of course, I will."
He dipped his hands into the pocket of his jacket and brought out something. She squinted her eyes to see, but Arthur had already walked around her. Standing behind her, she felt his hands moving around her neck. Katherine gasped when she felt something cold rest on her skin. She glanced down to see a gold necklace on her neck. It was a simple gold chain that glimmered even in the dim light.
Katherine looked up at him. Her smile was so wide she knew that if she kept it up, she might end up crying. She rose from the water and engulfed him in a hug. Arthur stood still for a moment, then he held her close.
"Thank you."
Arthur touched her wet hair. Katherine sighed and let go gently. Arthur stepped back. "I will see you, won't I? "
"As soon as I am done with my bath."
Arthur left then. He walked out of her bed chamber and she sank back into the water with a dreamy look. She rushed her bath, dressed in her night gown and was about to leave for Arthur's bed chamber when her door opened. Victoria walked in with Amelia behind her.
Katherine creased her brows. Victoria walked over to her and hugged her. Then she gazed up at her and said, "Mama, may I sleep with you tonight?"
Katherine closed her eyes briefly and held on to her daughter closely and brushed her hands through her hair. Everything she wanted for so long was coming to pass, all at once. Happiness for herself and the old Victoria before Victor's death. All of it was coming to pass. She could not, ever forfeit her joy of Victoria coming back to her, for a night of bliss in the arms of a man who made her happy. So, she squatted by her daughter with a smile on her face and said. "Of course, my love. We can sleep together."
The smile on Victoria's face melted her heart. And she knew, she just knew that her life was coming back together. Her smile faded when a thought hit her hard. Her period of mourning was almost over. She had about a few weeks left. A few weeks of performing her duties as a widow. But what would happen after she was done with mourning? It was expected that she returned to Somerset Castle and then to find a suitor. What then would happen with Arthur? What would happen to what they now shared? Her hands grazed the necklace he had given her. With so many thoughts in her mind, she fell to sleep, with Victoria in her arms.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The night Arthur gave Katherine the jewelry, he had expected to see her in his bed chamber. But she never came. He had been so tempted to go straight to hers, but his decision to keep a cool head led him to fall asleep. When he woke later, it was still dark. So, he walked to her bed chamber and opened the door quietly. His heart melted when he saw Lady Victoria tucked in beside her. He knew then, that he hadn't just fallen in love with Katherine, he would also have to accept that falling in love with her meant caring for her daughter, as well.
The next day, as he stood, watching Victoria giggle to her mother, and nod her head when her mother instructed her on what not to do, he felt as though he found home.
Katherine rose and smiled up at him while Victoria ran towards Amelia, who curtsied before leading her out.
"Are you well, My Lord? " she questioned; her brows furrowed from worry.
"I'm well, My Lady." He stretched out his hand. "Shall we?"
She gave him a look. She didn't take his hand, but he saw her faint blush as she walked out of the house and headed towards the stables. Sometimes, he forgot that they were surrounded by servants. Sometimes he forgot that what they shared was a secret. He wasn't sure how long he could keep everything a secret.
She mounted a white horse on his arrival at the stable. Katherine had said she enjoyed London, and she had been indoors for far too long. Since Victor's death, everything changed for her. But now, as her mourning period was close to an end, she wanted to reclaim her life back. She wanted to be herself again. So, Arthur had given up a day from work, so he could go horseback riding with her.
She nodded at him from where she sat. Her hair was let loose, not a pin holding it in place. He had pleaded with her to let her hair fall, so he could see its beauty as the wind blew across it. And she had agreed. She looked beautiful. With her golden hair, framing her face, and a smile that made his heart beat faster than anything he'd ever known.
He cleared his throat and forced his gaze away from her. He couldn't wait for them to be alone, in the woods. So, he could kiss her till she was breathless. He mounted his horse and he grinned as the horse stood by hers.
"Are you ready, My Lady? "
"As ready as one can be."
They rode deep into the woods, avoiding the town by around. Katherine was quite familiar with the woods, so he trailed behind her, not wanting to get lost. She looked happy, smiling under the sun, her golden hair shimmering as she rode. By a tree, Arthur suggested that they get down, for a moment. Katherine complied.
"It's been so long since I've been anywhere, really," she said as she tied her horse to the tree.
Arthur walked over to her. He stood behind her, so when she was done tethering her horse, she turned and stumbled into his arms. He did what he had been yearning to do for so long. He brought her lips down to his. She moaned in his arms.
His lips savored hers under the tree, taking what he wanted, as he wanted, in the daylight. It thrilled him, that he kissed her with nature surrounding them. Suddenly, he wanted more. He felt his manhood rise, straining against his breeches. He wanted her so badly, but he couldn't have her there. She clung to him when he pulled away. Her breathing was hard, her smile, nearly blinding.
"I've been waiting to do that since this morning, Katherine." He inhaled the scent of her hair.
Katherine giggled. "I feel like a young lady again, a young lady at her debut, new to society, new to the touch of a man."
He felt giddy, too. He felt happy. He was. He felt in love. And he just wished that he had the courage to tell her. But his fear stopped him. He stilled. She kept on smiling. He closed his eyes briefly and let go of her. She took his hands in hers and grinned at him.
"A stroll down that path, and when we return, we'll go home."
Arthur narrowed his eyes at the path she pointed to. He smiled at what he saw. There was a small river down there. He had the best idea.
* * *
She refused to get in the water with him.
"It's too dangerous, Arthur. What if we are seen?"
"It's noon, everyone will be too busy to wander the woods."
He tugged her closer, pressed her against the wide tree and kissed her, in an attempt to get her to agree. But she was having none of it. "I can't risk it, Arthur. We cannot risk being seen. And we have to head back soon. We've been out for too long —"
He kissed her. If she wouldn't get in the water with him, then perhaps the tree would do just fine. She moaned as he let go. Her eyes met with his.
"Arthur..." she whispered. She arched her back, so she could lean into him. Her eyes searched his. He knew what she wanted.
His hands raised the hem of her dress. Ignoring the fabric, he let his hands slip underneath. They rose high until they were exactly where they both wanted. He slipped his fingers inside of her and was pleasured when her moan came. His fingers pleasured her, seeking her when she was most sensitive. She leaned into him, satisfied by his hands.
"The tree would not be comfortable," he said.
She shook her head and reached for the buttons of his breeches. "You do not need to worry so much, Arthur. I'll be fine. Just make love to me," she pleaded.
Her legs were firmly around his waist while he let himself into her. The feel of her around him drove him mad with need. He moved in rhythm. Her moans were music to his ears. They pleased him. When they were both satisfied, they stayed that way for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms and breathing hard. He kissed her chastely on her lips while she blushed.
It wa
s all he could do, for fear of discomforting her, and as she had said, it was daytime, and anyone could come upon them. The moment they had fed their hunger only a little, they thought it best that they headed back to Bowmount Hall, but not before they had ravished each other there, in the woods.
Katherine walked ahead of him. They entered the house with smiles on their faces. When Mr. Stewart saw them, he sighed in relief. He moved towards Katherine and took her cloak from her.
"My Lady, the Dowager Marchioness has been looking for you since her return —"
"Mon Dieu. Where have you been?" The Dowager Marchioness stepped out from the study. She stopped short when she spotted him. Her eyes darted between them and with a brief shake of her head, she gave them a pointed look.