by Skyler Grey
Abigail’s bottom lip began to quiver and for a fleeting moment, Catherine almost felt sorry for her.
Then suddenly she dropped her head, sobs racking her body. “I’m sorry I have done you all a huge injustice. Please forgive me.”
Before Catherine could speak, the princess raised her hand. “Madam, control yourself. I for one tired of your dramatic performances long ago.” Turning to the Duke, Lavinia sighed, “It appears this woman who calls herself a Lady has some dark secrets of her own.”
Abigail’s face flushed as she clamped her lips tightly together, an expression Catherine had come to know well over the years.
The Duke’s brow’s furrowed in anger as he glared at her. “Abigail, what vicious lies have you spread?”
Abigail shook her head in defense. “Not lies! Everything I’ve said is true, I swear! I might have mentioned something I’ve overheard here or there but I would never gossip on false hear-say. All my information is based on facts; I pride myself in that as many of the ladies in polite society will attest.”
Catherine spoke out, her voice laced with irritation. “The Ladies whom you speak as your defense aunt…might they be the sisters, Florence and Hilary Montgomery? Because if so, then how clever you are to use those two gossiping hounds to do your dirty work! Everyone knows they’ve the two biggest mouths in London, and that they’re famous for over dramatizing the least bit of gossip regardless of how much truth or lack of there is.”
Abigail glared at Catherine. “I’m not surprised you would accuse me of such a foul deed, Catherine Townsend. You’re an ungrateful young woman who’s never appreciated anything I’ve ever done for you. Regardless that I’m the very one who has stuck by you, trying to make a comfortable life for you when your very own father wanted nothing to do with you.”
Lord Richard jumped to his feet, causing his chair to fly backward as his body trembled with rage. “How dare you, woman? You knew all along why I never came back. I wrote faithfully, asking how my daughter was faring, sending you money every month and more when you requested it.”
Catherine gasped. “What?” Looking at her aunt, she jumped to her feet as well, her hands balled into angry fists. “You knew all along where my father was? I can’t believe that you’d be so cruel.”
Abigail squared off her shoulders in defense. “You don’t understand, Catherine; I had to make you strong. I didn’t want you to be weak, I know how spiteful some people can be and I didn’t want to see you suffer their abuse. But you never understood that, you always thought ill of me and it has broken my heart to know it.”
Catherine spit her words as she fought for control. “Liar! You’ve never once cared for me, not even as a child. All you did was coddle Devan, everything was about Devan and I was only a burden, one you were sure to remind me of every chance you got.”
Abigail inhaled sharply as she reached for her throat. “That’s a lie.” She hissed.
The princess finally stood up, taking a large book and slamming it onto the table to silence the room of angry voices.
“The only lie in this room is you, Abigail Armstrong. You’ve done nothing but lie from the time you moved here. You see, I’ve been doing some research on you for some time now, research that, needless to say has shocked me to my very core. Shall I share it?
Abigail paled as she stared silently at the princess.
Lavinia turned to Catherine, Lord Townsend, and the duke. “It seems that it has been the Lady Abigail who has been leading a very colorful life, one she tried to pass onto her niece in her stead. But thanks to some very powerful friends who owed me a few favors, I was able to get my hands on certain documents that were thought to have been sealed or burned.” Turning to the little man, she held out her hand as he handed her a bundle of papers.
As she spoke, Lavinia passed them to Lord Richard who in turn read and passed them onto Catherine, who, after gasping in shock, passed them to the duke.
The duke’s face became red with rage. “How dare you slander the good name of my family? To say that my brother is your son’s father is preposterous.”
Abigail jumped to her feet, wailing, “It’s true. I swear it! Jonathon and I were secretly in love and we would slip away to steal a few hours of happiness whenever we could. When I became pregnant, we were devastated, for he could not marry me as he was already married. So we plotted and I quickly married Sir Armstrong, God rest his soul, who was kind and generous.” Abigail looked pleading to the Duke with tear-filled eyes. “Please, do not tell Devan; it would destroy him.”
She dropped into her chair, covering her face with her hands as loud sobs racked her body.
A deep voice filled the room behind them.
“It’s too late, Mother. I already know.”
Catherine and Abigail gasped in unison as their heads turned to look at Devan, who stood angry in the doorway.
Abigail reached for him, whimpering, “Devan. I’m so sorry.”
The princess spoke. “Come in, young man. I’m glad you were able to join us. I did have my doubts that you’d be able to make it on such short notice. And I am sorry that you had to learn of these things so harshly.”
Devan crossed the room and stopped before the princess, bowing low as he took her hand, kissing it.
“My dear princess, when you said it was urgent and that Catherine was involved, I would have moved mountains to be here.” With that, he went to stand behind Catherine’s chair, resting his hand gently on her shoulder as he gave her a soft pat.
The Duke looked from Devan to Abigail and he slowly shook his head. Then looking back at Devan, he gave him a dour look. “Son, I’m sorry to say, but your mother is telling yet another lie. My brother did not father you. It was impossible, as he could never have children.”
Now all were once again looking at Abigail. Slowly she dropped her hands away from her face. Her eyes were swollen with tears as she choked back sobs. “What? No, that’s not true.”
Devan growled in anger as he hissed, “Mother! Enough of your lies! You have shamed me far more than I could imagine. I know who my true father is. The princess was kind enough to supply that information to me. But rest assured, I will not tarnish the name of Sir Armstrong, the man who raised me as his own. His memory does not deserve the slander or humiliation you have brought this family.”
The princess softly spoke. “Allow me to explain all that has happened.” Looking at Devan, she smiled. “No need to worry, young man, for I will never speak of your private affairs. That is something between yourself and your mother now. But for the rest…” She turned to Catherine before she continued.
“Catherine, neither your grandmother nor mother had affairs. Your father is truly Lord Townsend, and your mother was as all knew her to be, an honest and well-brought-up Lady in polite society. Your aunt is a very jealous and bitter woman. She resented the fact that her father doted on your mother and took it out on you, all the while hiding her own dark past, trying to compensate by being the most popular and envied Lady among the Ton. She went out of her way to see to it that the name of her husband be spoken in awe, something she knew that she herself would never achieve alone. Once you were sent to live with her, she felt the old jealousy return and thus began her new reign of hate. Unfortunately, you suffered the brunt of her hate for many years, and I for one am truly sorry for it. I have brought everyone forth this evening to expose the truth and the lies and to ensure they stop, along with the fact that my brother the king also demanded the truth. You see, he wanted to give his blessing on your betrothal and insisted I uncover the facts to these vicious rumors, ensuring Eric would not suffer embarrassment.”
Slowly, the tears began to slip down Catherine’s cheeks.
Lord Richard placed his arm around his daughter’s shoulders and pulled her to him in a warm embrace.
As the room quietly cleared, only Catherine and her father remained.
Looking down at her, he smiled. “It’s over, Catherine. There will be no more rumors, a
nd those that have been spread will be laid to rest. I have Devan’s word.”
Shaking her head, Catherine whispered, “I just can’t believe that she would have said such terrible things.”
Lord Townsend shrugged his shoulders. “Why do people do or say half the things they do? It’s a question that has always made me to wonder.”
With a soft pinch to her cheek, her father kissed her forehead and rose. “I think there’s someone here who might make you feel better.”
As Catherine turned to look over her shoulder, she felt her heart soar. Eric stood in the doorway, his brows drawn in concern as his eyes searched her face.
Jumping to her feet, she ran to him as he wrapped his arms protectively around her, holding her close.
Chapter Ten
It had been a month since the princess had called for the private gathering in her home, and Catherine had felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders.
After the initial shock of how devious her aunt had truly been, it had taken Catherine some time to get her anger under control. It was actually her cousin Devan, of all people who softened her heart.
Devan had come to visit often since that day, humbly apologizing for his mother. Catherine accepted his apology but made it clear that she never wanted to see or speak to the woman again. As far as she was concerned, the Lady Abigail was no longer her family.
Devan hung his head, but understood. He knew that Catherine had every right to feel as she did. It wasn’t long after, that his mother left for the country, to retire.
Also Devan had gone to the sisters himself, immediately threatening to disgrace them and their family if they were to speak another ill word against his cousin. He laughed when he learned that Catherine had already made a visit to them herself.
So Catherine had finally found a peace she thought never existed in her home in London.
Lord Richard, too, was happy, pleased at what a fine young woman his daughter had become, inside and out.
Taking up her favorite weaved basket, she practically skipped outside into the back garden where she began clipping the blooms for the flower arrangements she loved to create.
“I was sure this is where I’d find you,” came a deep voice from behind her.
Catherine yelped before turning to see Eric standing behind her with a boyish grin. A strand of hair blowing across his forehead made her unable to resist reaching out as she ran her fingers through it, brushing it from his handsome face.
“You’re always doing that to me, you rogue. It’s not fair that you sneak up on me like that.” Her eyes twinkling, she reached up on her toes and kissed him, only to find herself quickly in his embrace.
Her head spun as her heart beat wildly in her chest. No matter how many times they kissed, he always made her weak.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her alongside him. “Let’s walk, my little minx. I’ve a surprise for you.”
Catherine giggled as she set down her basket of fresh cut flowers, snuggling happily against him. “I love surprises. What is it?”
Shaking his head, Eric only laughed. “Now, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if I were to tell you, would it?”
Catherine looked up at him, a teasing pout on her face.
He raised a dark brow. “If you must know, it will cost you.”
She grinned. “And what, pray tell would be the price?”
Eric pulled her roughly to him as he shoved her against a large oak tree. They were far enough from the main house not to be seen, and he took full advantage of the situation.
Reaching down, he grabbed a handful of skirt and yanked it high above her thigh, causing her to catch her breath as her eyes dared him to continue.
He gave her a wicked grin as his lips brushed across her mouth, his teeth grazing down her neck and nipping her collarbone. Expertly, he tugged at the lace with his teeth, pulling the tiny ribbons free until her bodice fell open, exposing the soft roundness of her breasts through a thin chemise.
She fought to calm her breathing as her chest heaved beneath his heated kisses. Head spinning, she closed her eyes, sighing. How easy he made it to give way to the sensations he stirred deep within her.
Gasping, she felt his fingers slip along the inside of her thigh, searching through the tight curls that covered her instantly wet heat.
Groaning, Eric freed one breast and greedily took the firm bud into his mouth, drawing it deep as his tongue circled and danced around its tip until she dropped her head back, gasping in pleasure.
As his fingers slipped between the folds of her womanhood, she spread wider, inhaling sharply as he slid a long, thick finger inside her tight opening. She craved for more, but knew he was careful in his strokes.
She shivered as he took her other nipple into his mouth, feeling as if she would pass out from the exquisite pleasure he ignited deep within her.
“Eric. Can a woman die from such feelings?” She gasped.
Panting, Catherine grasped his shoulders as he sunk to his knees before her, lifting her skirt above her waist.
“I’m not sure, my sweet.” He chuckled wickedly. “Shall we see?”
Groaning, he whispered against her bare skin. “Spread your legs around my shoulders, Catherine.”
His breath was hot as he blew against her clit, causing her body to shiver in a cascade of convulsions. Gently placing each leg upon his shoulders, he used the tree to brace her back.
Catherine cried out as his mouth covered her sex. Her lower region trembled from the caress of his tongue as it circled the throbbing bulb of her clitoris then dipped deep within her wet opening. Her hips began to rock against his mouth as she moaned.
Wrapping her fingers through his hair, she held her breath as her body trembled violently against him. “Please, Eric, I think I’m going to die.” She cried out.
His only response was to suckle the engorged pearl of her bud harder.
Lights of white explosions burst in her head as her body convulsed in multiple orgasms. Her hips bucked as her fingers tangled though his hair, bringing his mouth tightly against her flowing juices.
She moaned in ecstasy at the feel of Eric licking the wetness between her thighs, swallowing as he groaned with pleasure, whispering against her sensitive clit how sweet she tasted.
Her body limp, he carefully lifted her from him, laying her on the grass as he pulled her skirts down to cover the soft flesh of creamy thighs.
She lay spent as he slowly retied her lace bodice, kissing each mound before covering them.
Then resting beside her, he smiled as he traced the curve of her jaw and outline of her lips.
She opened her eyes, still dazed with passion. Smiling, she whispered, “Is that to be the price of every surprise you’re to give me, my Prince?”
Erick chuckled. “For now. Come our wedding night, you’ve a much greater price, one that a certain rogue has been patiently waiting on. And now that you have fairly paid your due, it’s time you were rewarded.”
She grumpily allowed herself to be hauled to her feet.
His eyes sparkling, he grinned. “There, behind you.”
Catherine turned to look across the pond and shrieked with excitement. Slowly swimming across the smooth surface of water were two sets of the most beautiful swans she’d ever seen; Two black, two white. Turning to him, she whispered in awe, “Oh Eric, they’re magnificent. How on earth did you find them?”
“It was not an easy feat, my little kitten, rest assured. But the look on your face has made it well worth it.” He smiled as he clipped her chin, walking her closer to the pond.
It was much later when they returned to the house for lunch, as Eric’s mouth and hands had pleasured her several more times after showing her the swans. She knew he would be an expert lover when the time came for her to give herself completely to him, and she could barely wait.
When she saw her father already seated, she ran to him excitedly. “Oh, Father, you have to come see what Eri
c brought me. They are the most beautiful swans I’ve ever seen. I’m sure there is not another in all London that can hold a candle to mine.”
Lord Richard chuckled, as he looked at Eric, pleased. “I take it she loved them.”
Eric grinned. “More than I imagined, Lord Townsend.”
Catherine almost choked as she caught the mischievous gleam in Eric’s eye. Fear that her father might guess what had taken place by the pond caused her to quickly intercede, “Yes, I am overjoyed to say the least. So what is for lunch, father? I’m simply starving.”
Oblivious to the secret looks, Lord Richard smiled broadly and ordered lunch to be served.
After stuffing herself, she leaned back, a silly grin on her face. “Come, Father, let us all walk to the pond and look at my beautiful birds. I’m anxious to see them again.”
Like a little child, Catherine’s eyes lit up with excitement. Stealing a loaf of bread from the kitchen, the three walked back to the pond where Lord Richard and Prince Eric sat along the bank, watching Catherine coax the birds over to her. They were both amazed at how quickly they trusted her. After feeding them the last of the crumbs, the three stretched and headed back to the house.
As they walked, Eric looked at Catherine warmly. “I think it’s time we set our date. Don’t you, my Lady?”
Catherine grinned, her heart pounding with joy. “Yes. I do, my Prince.”
Lord Townsend studied the two for a long moment as he watched them in silence. “Let us retire to my study to discuss this further, Prince Eric. I feel the need to address certain matters, if you will?”
He then turned to Catherine. “My Dear, if you’ll excuse us. I’m sure we won’t be long?”
After a long sigh, she returned to her abandoned basket of flowers, which were now wilting, and tried distracting her thoughts with fresh clippings.
Lord Townsend entered his study, holding the door open for Eric, then closed it quietly behind them. After offering the young prince a drink, he saw to it that they were comfortable.