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Chapter 15

Dominic could have guessed that Catherine would not be coming down for breakfast. Then why was he disappointed to eat alone?

He tried to focus on the newspapers. His gaze focused on the first article. Political Unrest in Europe: A Threat to Stability? He could not care less at that moment about the growing tensions and political upheaval in various European countries.

The second one held his interest with the same success. Society Gossip: Scandal Rocks the Upper Echelons. In his opinion, there was nothing tantalizing about the glimpse into the private lives of the elite. He couldn't care less about their scandals, affairs of financial improprieties.

With a disgusted sigh, he threw the newspapers back on the dining table. His breakfast, poached eggs on toast, lay untouched on his plate. The same could have been said of his tea, which had already gotten cold. Hoping to find another sort of distraction, he turned his attention to his morning correspondence. He recognized his aunt's handwriting immediately, as he grabbed the first letter. He started reading immediately.

My Dearest Nephew,

It is with much anticipation and eagerness that I take up my quill to write to you. Time seems to pass swiftly, and I find myself yearning for the opportunity to meet your esteemed wife, the lady who has so suddenly brought light and joy into your life. I regret wholeheartedly not being able to attend your wedding, but my health is unfortunately not what it used to be.

My dear boy, the halls of my ancestral home have been far too quiet without the laughter and warmth of another lady's presence, and also, might I add, the pitter patter of little feet. Oh, how I miss those!

While I understand the demands and obligations that accompany your esteemed position, I cannot help but feel a sense of longing to see you both grace my doorstep. The bonds of family are precious, my sweet boy, never forget that. Please, do not delay in arranging a visit to my humble abode. If you cannot attend the garden party, then please come soon! Let us revel in the pleasure of each other's company and celebrate the union that has brought such happiness into your life.

With fondest regards and eager anticipation,

Your devoted Aunt

Dominic didn't need to think about it twice. He and Catherine would attend that garden party even if he had to drag her there himself. His aunt was the last person he wanted to offend in any manner, and seeing she expressed such a profound desire to meet Catherine, Dominic couldn't see why Catherine wouldn't simply indulge him and come along.

Pride raged inside of him. He wanted to storm into her chambers and tell her to immediately start packing. She was his wife, and as such, she had obligations. Some he could omit, but others were mandatory. This was one of those.

Still, he knew that if he did exactly that, he would only push her away even further. She would fight him and refuse to go. The only option was to swallow his pride and ask her nicely. Perhaps even explain why his aunt was such an important person in his life.

No. He shook his head immediately. That was too personal. They weren't opening up to each other. Not yet, at least.

He inhaled deeply, then got up from the dining table. He instructed a nearby servant girl to prepare a tray with freshly made scones and strawberry marmalade, along with a cup of tea.

He realized that he had no idea what Catherine liked. He had no idea what she preferred having for breakfast, or any other meal, for that matter. He didn't know what made her laugh, what made her sad. He knew what made her mad. Him. He chuckled to himself as he waited for the tray.

Several minutes later, the servant girl brought it to him, curtsying respectfully as she placed it on the dining table.

"Thank you," he smiled, reaching for it and heading upstairs, where he stumbled upon Mrs. Jenkins.

"Good morning, Mrs. Jenkins," he greeted her.

"Your Grace, good morning," she chirped back, curiously eyeing the tray in his hand. "Is that for Lady Catherine?"

"Yes," he nodded a little awkwardly. "She didn't come down for breakfast, so I'm taking it up to her."

"That is so kind of you, Your Grace," she beamed. "I am sure that she will appreciate it."

I certainly hope so, he thought to himself.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins," he replied, when she waved and went to tend to her work, allowing Dominic to continue up the stairs.

When he reached Catherine's door, he realized that he was nervous. In fact, he was a nervous wreck. He wanted to convince Catherine to come with him to his aunt's garden party, but he didn't want to make it sound as if he were convincing her or blackmailing her. He shuddered at that word. As time went by, he hated that word more and more.

Mustering the courage, he knocked on the door. At first, there was no reply. Then, a moment later, Catherine's voiced echoed from inside the room.

"Who is it?"

"It's… me," he said, wondering what on earth had him so tongue-tied. He paused, expecting her to ask him why he was there, but obviously she was expecting him to merely state his business. So, he did. "I, erm, brought you some breakfast."

"I'm not hungry, thank you," she replied, not even opening the door.

"Catherine," he called out again. "Please. Be upset with me all you want, but I did promise your brother that I would take care of you. You not eating would make me break that promise, and despite what you think of me, I'm not a man who breaks my promises."

He had no idea where those words came from. It seemed that they came from somewhere within him, but most importantly, they were all true. He did make a promise, and he had been taught that if a man didn't honor his word, then he was no man. Catherine, of course, could not have known that. Just like he barely knew her, he was also a closed book for her. They were strangers to each other, and yet, they were the closest two people could be. The irony of it all.

Suddenly, he heard the doorknob turn. A moment later, the door was ajar, and Catherine peered through. He could see only one eye and a strand of her fiery hair falling over her forehead. She must have been still lounging in bed. She looked at him, then at the tray in his hands.

"See?" he grinned a little awkwardly. "Breakfast."

Her eye narrowed. "Is that strawberry jam?"

"Mhm," he nodded. "It's splendid. Mr. Jenkins makes it herself."

That same eye was now frowning. "I… I love strawberry jam."

He couldn't help but smile. "Then you will absolutely adore this one."

She opened the door then tried to take the tray, but he pulled it back, away from her grasp. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"I forgot to mention one little thing," he added mischievously. "Breakfast comes with my company included in the service."

He could see that she was fighting off a smile. She ended up winning and that beautiful face of hers remained grave. "I didn't come down for breakfast exactly to avoid your company."

"Yes, well," he grinned, adamant not to be beaten, "I sort of figured that out on my own. But you see, you need to eat. And only I can place this tray down, seeing I'm the one holding it." He pretended to think about it for a moment. "How about this? Endure me for five minutes, then I will leave you to have breakfast in peace."

She didn't say anything at first, then she nodded, stepping away from the door. Dominic stole a glance at her silhouette as she was closing the door behind him. The soft fabric of her elegant house robe draped gently around her slender frame, accentuating her feminine curves.

Her hair, usually bound in intricate coiffures, now flowed down her back in a cascade of silky waves. Loose tendrils danced delicately around her face, and upon noticing that he was staring at her, she hastily slid a strand of stray hair behind her ear.

"There," he said, placing the tray on a small table by the bed. "Just a simple breakfast, but if you want anything else, you can have it brought up here to you whenever you like."

"Thank you," she nodded. "This will be enough. Like I said, I'm really not that hungry."

He resisted a chuckle. "I thought you said it just because it meant eating with me."

She raised an eyebrow. "Not everything I do is somehow connected to you; you know."

This time, he did chuckle. "I'm actually glad to hear that." He looked around, remembering how much thought he invested into this chamber. "Do you like it?"

"The room?" she wondered. "Yes. It is… lovely. Thank you. Mrs. Jenkins told me that you supervised the arrangement of everything."

He shrugged. "I wanted you to be comfortable, if not glad to be here."

"I am comfortable, thank you," she nodded. She didn't mention anything about being glad.

He inhaled deeply, raking his fingers through his hair. "Listen… I just received a letter from my aunt, inviting us over for the garden party or if I can't make it, to come for a visit afterwards."

This time, her response surprised him. "Whichever one you wish."

"Really?" He stifled a gasp.

"Yes," she nodded calmly, ignoring the fact that he was taken aback by any of this. "You made a promise to my brother and I… well, I made a promise when I married you. Of course, it is expected of us to visit your family together. I… I was just angry when I said it last night. That is all."

He wanted to ask her if she was still angry, but he changed his mind. He didn't want to question his good fortune.

"In that case, I think she would be very happy if we could make it to the garden party tomorrow afternoon," he said, clearing his throat a little as he spoke.

"That is fine," he responded, giving him a single nod of the head. "Are we to go for a longer visit?"

"Several days, yes," he confirmed, still not sure if this was a dream and whether he should pinch himself.

"In that case, I shall pack today, so we are ready to head out tomorrow morning at any time you wish," she assured him.

"That sounds perfect." He nodded again, confused beyond belief.

He had no idea what caused this compliance. With her, he felt as if he were walking on slippery ice. At one moment, he had control over the whole situation, but at another, he felt that he was falling down. Still, she had agreed to come with him and that was enough.

"Well, all right then," he said, feeling once again like a lost little boy who had stumbled into the room of his governess while she was changing by complete accident, and now he didn't know what to say. "That's settled then."

"Yes," she nodded again, utterly grave. "And thank you for the breakfast."

"Of course," he replied. "Like I said, if you need anything else, just let Mrs. Jenkins know. Or me. That's also fine."

He thought he saw a flicker of a smile, but then she was serious again.

"All right," she said. "Thank you. I will."

He nodded one last time, before he opened the door, lingered for a moment, then let himself out. Breathing as if he had just been running a race, he wondered what had just happened. What was that strange effect she had on him, without even trying? It was as if, when she was cold and detached, he yearned for her even more, to prove to her that he wasn't as bad as she thought him to be. A part of him wondered if he would even be able to show her that.

He raked his fingers through his hair as he headed down the corridor towards his study. If they were going to spend a few days away visiting his aunt, he needed to wrap up a few business matters that he had been dealing with.

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