Chapter 23

Still in his aunt's home, Dominic enclosed himself in his late uncle's study, which had become his own after the man's death. He was sitting at the writing table, his quill poised in his hand, as he carefully crafted his words on the parchment before him. He wanted to have the letter sent as soon as possible.

With each stroke of the quill, he poured out his thoughts, penning a letter to Catherine's brother.

Dear Lord Stanhope,

I hope this letter finds you well. I write to you with a tale of adventure and misfortune, though I am pleased to report that all is well in the end.

During a recent outing, Catherine and I found ourselves in the midst of an unexpected escapade. While horseback riding, Catherine suffered a minor mishap, having sprained her ankle while falling off a horse. Rest assured, it was nothing serious, and she is on the mend as we speak, staying with my aunt, Lady Penelope Huntington.

I must confess, the responsibility for this misadventure falls squarely on my shoulders, as it was my idea to embark on this excursion. I gave you my word that I would take good care of your sister, and it seems that I have fallen short, for which I apologize. But as you yourself know, Catherine's indomitable spirit always shines brightly, even in the face of adversity.

However, now that she has been advised to rest, she has expressed a desire to see you, prompting me to write this letter with a heartfelt invitation to visit us here, at Huntington Manor. I have no doubt that your presence would bring her much joy and comfort during this time.

With warm regards,

Dominic Worthington

Duke of Fairhaven

With a final flourish of the quill, Dominic sealed the letter with wax and affixed his family's crest upon it. As he set it aside to dry, he couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that welled within him. He hoped that Reginald would accept his invitation and come to visit, despite what had happened between them.

He knew that Reginald didn't think him a good man. In fact, Dominic didn't think himself a good man, after what he had done. But he hoped that he would be able to make amends. And what better way to start with Reginald than to invite him over and talk to him, prove to him that he was being a good, dutiful husband?

A husband who allows his wife to fall off a horse? There it was, that treacherous little voice that asked the questions which Dominic was afraid of asking. He tried to remind himself that it wasn't his fault. But he had promised Reginald he would take care of his sister. But how was he taking care of her when she was lying in bed right now?

He sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. He got up from his chair, which squealed as his weight left it. He strolled past Catherine's chamber on the way to the library, when he caught the sound of laughter spilling from within. A gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Pausing for a moment, he couldn't help but feel a pang of longing stir within him as he imagined the scene unfolding behind the closed door.

Inside, he could hear both the voices of Catherine and his aunt, their laughter mingling together in a harmonious melody of joy. It was a heartening thing to overhear, and he couldn't help but marvel at the comfort that they seemed to bring to each other.

He slowly continued on his way, as a subtle twinge of sadness crept into his thoughts. Would Catherine ever feel as free and comfortable in his presence, after everything that had happened? Would they ever care such carefree moments together, unencumbered by the weight of how they entered into their marriage?

It was a question that lingered in his mind as he made his way down the hallway, the echoes of laughter fading into the distance behind him. And though he longed for nothing more than to see Catherine smile with the same unguarded warmth in his presence, he couldn't help but wonder if such a moment would ever come to pass.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, with him spending the afternoon with Catherine and his aunt, playing cards, chess and reading. With anyone other than them, he would have found it a bothersome time. But with them, it was different. With Catherine, it was different. He wanted to make every moment of her stay there fun and carefree. And he knew just how to go about obtaining that goal.

The following morning, Dominic received the response he had been hoping for.

Duke Worthington,

Thank you for your letter. I appreciate your invitation and will make arrangements to come in the early afternoon.

Regards,

Reginald Stanhope

Dominic had to admit that he was also hoping for a more elaborate response, but that would have to do. From what he knew, it would take Reginald three hours by carriage to reach him. With the messenger waiting for the confirmation, that meant Reginald would have enough time to receive the confirmation and journey to them.

Folding the letter and placing it into his pocket, he headed towards Catherine's chamber. He paused in front of her door for a moment, feeling sightly nervous. He had no idea why that was so. Mustering the courage, he rolled his fingers into a fist and knocked on her door.

"Yes?" he could hear from inside.

He burst into her chamber with an air of excitement, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Their eyes locked, and he could barely resist telling her about the surprise he had prepared for her. He found her in bed, where he expected to, reading a book.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked, glancing at the book.

"No," she smiled, closing it and placing it into her lap. "Is everything all right?"

"Even better," he grinned.

"Even better?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," he nodded. "Which is why I need you to put on a nice gown."

This time, she frowned. "A gown?" A puzzled expression crossed her features. "Why?" He could tell that her curiosity was piqued by this sudden urgency.

"It's a surprise," he replied with a mischievous grin, unable to suppress the thrill of anticipation dancing within him. "Please, just do as I'm asking. I shall send a maid to help you, and I shall come fetch you shortly."

He could see that she was still suspicious, so he added another, "please." That did the trick.

"All right," she smiled.

With a tantalizing promise hanging in the air, Dominic turned on his heel and made his exit, leaving Catherine to ponder the mystery of what awaited her.

***

Put on a nice gown? A surprise?

Catherine had no idea what it could be. She already had her fair share of surprises. The man she thought would be a horror to live with was turning out to be exactly the opposite. Had the entire world turned upside down? It certainly felt that way.

Suddenly, a soft knock sounded at her chamber door. She allowed entrance, and in stepped one of the maids, a kind smile gracing her features. "His Grace sent me to assist you in selecting an appropriate attire for the occasion," she explained, her voice gentle and reassuring.

"I just wish I knew what the occasion was," Catherine chuckled. "But yes, thank you. I do need help getting dressed."

Together, they sifted through the array of elegant fabrics and intricate designs of gowns found in the wardrobe, until at last they settled upon a gown of deep sapphire blue, its rich hue complementing Catherine's complexion perfectly. With deft fingers, the maid helped Catherine into the gown, cinching the bodice and fastening the buttons with practiced ease.

As she smoothed out the fabric and adjusted the intricate folds, Catherine couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within her. Whatever surprise awaited her, she was determined to meet with grace and elegance, as she always did.

Just as she was about to announce to the maid that she was perfectly happy with their choice, a knock on the door interrupted them. It was Dominic.

"Are you ready, Catherine?" he wondered.

"Yes," she nodded, noticing that he wasn't able to take his eyes off of her. "What is it?" She bit her lower lip. "Am I overdressed?"

"No," he shook his head with a smile. "You look… perfect."

His simple words tugged at the very edges of her heart. "I do?"

"Mmm," he nodded. "Just… perfect. I have no other words for the way you look now."

"Is the gown special enough for the occasion?" she wondered playfully.

He smiled again. "It is."

Suddenly, she frowned.

"What is it?" he asked, worried.

"Do you have a cane I could use?" she inquired, looking down at her foot as she was seated on the edge of the bed. "You know I shouldn't walk."

He waved his hand dismissively. "You won't need a cane."

She wanted to ask him what he meant by that, but she didn't get a chance to do so. Without saying another word, he swept her into his arms with effortless strength, eliciting a surprised gasp from her lips.

"Dominic!" she protested, her laughter bubbling forth like music in the air. "Really, a cane would suffice!"

But he only shook his head with a playful glint in his eyes. "Nonsense. A lady such as yourself deserves nothing less than to be carried like a queen," he declared with a charming smile she couldn't resist.

She knew that her defenses against his charms were wavering. And now, being in his strong arms, all she wanted was to turn to him and feel his naked skin underneath her fingertips. She blushed upon imagining what his naked body might look like, his skin glistening under the flickering light of the candles.

Catherine! That little voice scolded her. She was caught. And the shame blazed red all over her cheeks.

She swallowed as Dominic descended the grand staircase with her cradled in his arms. Despite her initial protests, she realized that there was nowhere else she would rather be than in his arms. And the thought both thrilled her and petrified her.

In that moment, as she gazed up at his handsome face, she realized that she had been too focused on a destination she wished to reach… alone. Now, she was more focused on the journey, wherever it decided to take her. Most importantly, it would be with him.

"Are you ready?" she heard him ask as they approached the parlor door. Her heart was now beating inside her throat. She was both thrilled and nervous at the same time, wondering what he had prepared for her.

"For a surprise I know nothing of?" she asked with a shy smile. "Can one ever be ready for such a thing?"

He laughed melodiously, a full, throaty laughter she wanted more of. So much more.

"I suppose not," he replied, pushing the parlor door open with his leg, and revealing a figure standing in the middle of the parlor.

Catherine swallowed heavily. The man was standing with his back to her, but it was a back she had seen a million times before. She knew him even before he turned around to face her, his eyes caressing her with the depth of his brotherly love.

"Reggie?"