Chapter 18

Dominic did not spend a particularly comfortable night on the couch in the library, but he knew why he was doing it. During breakfast, he would occasionally rub the back of his neck, easing the stiffness. Perhaps he could sleep in one of the other guestrooms, without his aunt noticing. That might raise questions he wasn't ready to answer.

As the morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table, Aunt Penelope turned to Catherine with a gentle smile.

"My dear, would you care to join me for a walk through the garden after breakfast?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Catherine's face lit up with delight at the invitation. "I would love to," she replied.

Dominic raised an eyebrow in mock indignation. "And what about me?" he interjected playfully. "I am not worthy of accompanying you ladies on your morning stroll?"

Aunt Penelope chuckled softly at Dominic's jest. "Oh, darling, don't be so dramatic," she teased with a dismissive wave of the hand. "I simply thought it would be nice to have some alone time with Catherine to get to know her better. But don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for us all to spend some time together."

Dominic's expression softened at his aunt's reassurance, a playful grin still tugging at the corner of his lips. "Very well, then," he conceded with a chuckle. "But don't think I won't be keeping an eye on you two from afar. Who knows what mischief you might get up to without my supervision?"

With a shared laugh, the trio finished their breakfast. Dominic figured he would read the morning newspaper in the library, then perhaps indulge in a good book, until he was allowed to join the female party. He had to admit, he didn't believe that his aunt would take such a liking to Catherine. Then again, who could not like Catherine? She was pure perfection. That was why he couldn't accept anyone else as his wife, other than her. That was why he was willing to stoop so low in order to make her his wife.

But there she was, obviously enjoying herself. But that isn't because of you, he reminded himself. It was Aunt Penelope who was responsible for Catherine's good mood. Not him. Still, he welcomed this change.

He wanted to be a part of it. He wanted to have Catherine happy all the time because that was what she deserved. She didn't deserve to be blackmailed into a marriage, but to have someone worship the ground beneath her feet. He wanted to be that man for her, if only she would let him.

"If you are done, my dear, we could head out into the garden," Aunt Penelope said to Catherine.

"Yes, I'm ready," Catherine smiled. She glanced quickly in his direction, and he wondered what that glance meant. She didn't smile at him, but she wasn't serious either. That glance was a message. Only, he wasn't sure what it meant.

"Enjoy yourselves, you two," he waved them goodbye as he followed them with his gaze out of the dining hall.

Once he was alone, he inhaled deeply. This place had always been a home for him. And it would always remain a home, even though he was living somewhere else now.

But this was where his childhood days were spent, by the side of the woman who had always been like a mother to him. He would never be able to repay her for all the love, kindness and tenderness she showered him with while he was a boy. And not only then, but now as well, as an adult. The thought of her growing old and ill frightened him beyond belief. He tried not to think about it.

What he said before was true. He had two wonderful women by his side, and he didn't need anything or anyone else. It was true that Catherine didn't think him the best of men. Not even close. But hopefully, he would be given the chance to prove her wrong.

All he needed was one brave act, where she would see that he would not even hesitate to help her, to save her, to give up his life for hers. But all of that said in words meant nothing. Words were empty. Actions provided proof, and that was what he needed. Hopefully, he would be able to prove himself worthy of her trust, her affection, and eventually, her love.

He hastily got up, grabbed the newspapers, and headed to the library. He was certain that he wouldn't be able to focus on a single article in there, but he would at least try. He had to.

***

"Thank you for joining me, my dear," Aunt Penelope said gratefully, as the two of them stepped out into the garden.

"Oh, don't mention it," Catherine smiled, looking around. "Your garden is breathtaking."

"Why, thank you, dear," Aunt Penelope replied. "I owe it all to my gardeners. They are the magicians of this unearthly place."

As they continued walking, they were enveloped by a kaleidoscope of colors and scents that danced on the gentle breeze. The garden stretched out before them like a verdant paradise, its paths winding through a tapestry of lush greenery and vibrant blooms.

Towering trees arched overhead, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the canopy of leaves, bathing the garden in a soft, golden glow that seemed to imbue everything with a sense of magic and wonder.

The air around them was alive with the hum of bees and the thrill of songbirds, their melodies mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves to create a symphony of nature's own making. Fragrant blossoms perfumed the air, their heady scents spreading all around.

Catherine's eyes widened in wonder as she took in the breathtaking beauty of her surroundings. Everywhere she looked, there was something new and enchanting to uncover. There was a riot of colors, a hidden nook, a fragrant bloom, begging to be admired. All the while, Aunt Penelope le the way with a serene smile, her steps slow and deliberate as she, too, savored each moment spent in this idyllic oasis.

"So, I understand that what you and my nephew have is a whirlwind romance," Aunt Penelope spoke tenderly, with a slightly teasing note as they strolled.

Catherine was caught off guard for just a moment, but regained her composure instantly. "I suppose you could say that, yes."

"Ah, young love," Aunt Penelope spoke as if she, too, was remembering someone she loved dearly, someone who was not there any longer. But Catherine was too polite to pry with such personal questions. Instead, she was glad to answer them instead.

"Cherish it," Aunt Penelope continued. "Life can be cruel. It can take away those you love in a blink of an eye. After all, that is what happened to Dominic's parents."

"His parents?" Catherine echoed. Only then did she realize that he had never spoken of them, just like she had never spoken of hers. They kept that part of their lives a secret from each other.

"Yes," Aunt Penelope nodded. "He hasn't told you about it?"

Catherine tried to save what little she could save of the situation so that Aunt Penelope wouldn't get suspicious. "I mean, he did tell me that they died, but he didn't go into much detail. I could tell that it was too painful for him."

"Yes," Aunt Penelope repeated, her voice tinged with sadness. "It was a difficult time for him. He was just a boy of ten when he lost both his parents. They were robbed on their way home from a ball one evening. But that wasn't enough for the robbers. We've assumed that Dominic's father tried to defend his wife, to save her, and that was when they killed them both."

"My goodness," Catherine gasped, pressing her hand to her lips. She couldn't even imagine that something so horrible had happened to him.

"That sweet boy was far too young to bear such a heavy burden," Aunt Penelope sighed.

Catherine's heart ached at the thought of a young boy enduring such a loss at such a tender age. In fact, she understood him better than anyone else because it happened to her and her brother as well. They knew how he felt then, and they also knew how he felt now.

"So, of course, being the only relative he had, I took him in," Aunt Penelope continued. "It was never a choice for me."

"It is obvious that you both care deeply about each other," Catherine pointed out.

Aunt Penelope smiled a little sadly. "We've created a deeper bond out of necessity. You see, I never had any children of my own. My husband died at war two years after we got married, and I never wanted to marry again. My heart will always be Harry's. I was so happy when he was born.

I remember visiting his parents and holding him for the first time. That feeling… I just can't describe it. I had that same feeling when he was brought to me here that evening. When the constables told me what had happened to his parents, I held him tightly, and I knew that I would never let go of him, never."

Catherine listened intently, her heart breaking for Aunt Penelope, for Dominic, for herself and Reginald as well. Against all odds, it seemed that they were all more alike than she thought.

"But he was always such a resilient young man," Aunt Penelope continued, remembering more and more of Dominic's youth, which sparked Catherine's curiosity. She wanted to know everything she could about him. "Even if the face of adversity, he remained strong and determined, always striving to make his parents proud."

"Do you believe that they are looking down on him from above?" Catherine wondered, as something gripped her chest, refusing to let go. Perhaps her own parents were doing the same. Had she made them proud? She hoped she had.

"I am certain of it," Aunt Penelope nodded with conviction. "I am certain that they are as proud of him as I am, of the man he has become, of the choices he has made."

At that moment, Catherine wondered if it would be appropriate to ask his aunt something. Whether or not it was appropriate, she was unable to resist the temptation to do so, because no one knew him better than she did.

"Yes, that is all true," she nodded, "it's just that sometimes… he tends to be a little… demanding. I wonder why that is."

"Oh, my dear," Aunt Penelope chuckled. "All good men are like that. Dominic is a man of strong convictions and unwavering determination. When he sets his sights on something, he pursues it with single-minded focus and dedication."

Catherine wondered for a moment; her curiosity piqued. "But why is he so… insistent?" she pressed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Aunt Penelope chuckled softly, her expression gentle and understanding. "It is simply the way he is, my dear. Dominic is not one to give up easily. Once he has made a commitment, he will stop at nothing to see it through."

"I see," Catherine nodded.

As she absorbed the weight of Aunt Penelope's words, a newfound understanding began to dawn upon her. Perhaps Dominic's demanding nature stemmed not from cruelty or selfishness, but from a deep sense of dedication and integrity, a commitment to honor his word and fulfil his obligations no matter the cost.

And as she thought of Dominic in this new light, she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration and respect for the man that his aunt saw him as. In her eyes, he was a man of strength, determination, and unwavering loyalty. She herself did not see him as such. In her opinion, the end did not justify the means.

But maybe, just maybe, there was more to the Duke of Fairhaven than she had once assumed.