Chapter 7

Still hiding in the shadows of the corridor by the door that held the answer to his questions, Dominic listened attentively. He realized that he could only overhear murmurs, so he inhaled deeply, walking all the way up to the door itself. He looked behind him. He was alone, but that did not mean that someone wouldn't be walking by at any moment.

What are you doing? A little voice inside of him warned. What if you are seen?

This could ruin his reputation. Just the mere thought that he was lingering by the door of an actress, him a duke nonetheless, but he was actually pressing his ear to the door, in an effort to listen in to the conversation taking place inside.

The risks were huge and the repercussions devastating. There would be no way for him to explain himself in the judgmental eyes of the ton. But nothing could tear Dominic away from those doors, not even a hurricane of repercussions leaving him destitute and a pariah.

The soft murmurs reached his ears once again, more audibly this time, drawing him closer to the unfolding intrigue. He could hear a woman's voice, who he presumed was Annabel Thompson. Her voice was tinged with a surprising blend of tenderness and anticipation. The man's voice belonged to Lord Stanhope, of course. Dominic could easily recognize it. His voice also seemed eager, too eager, almost.

"Reggie!" Dominic heard her exclaim, and from the affection that oozed from her voice, he knew that something was happening between them. That much was obvious.

A few more inaudible murmurs were heard, then her voice sounded off again, crystal clear. "When can you visit the little one?"

"Tomorrow…" The reply came immediately. A few more words were exchanged, but Dominic could not hear them clearly, no matter how hard he was pressing his ear to the door. "… everything alright?"

The lady's chirping filled the room on the other side of the door. "Quite well… lovely… missing you… see you…"

The emotional gravity of the situation was becoming more than evident. The actress and Catherine's brother were bound by a shared secret, and the layers of their apparent relationship seemed to transcend merely friendly ties. Not only that, but Dominic soon realized that the situation took on different undertones, one of an illicit affair.

"Tomorrow…" Lord Stanhope seemed to repeat. "Tonight… a moment alone with you…"

"I've missed you so much…"

Dominic couldn't see through the door, but he could easily tell that the couple had begun to flirt and exchange affectionate gestures, because there was no more talking heard from the other side. Their hushed whispers were inaudible and obviously more intimate, punctuated by the unmistakable sound of kisses. Dominic gasped silently, his mind racing with the implications of the scene unfolding before him.

He had had enough. He turned around and slipped away, leaving the duo behind him. He made his way outside, still elbowing a small group of people lingering in the foyer of the theatre. The revelation of Lord Stanhope's secret echoed in his mind. He could see it as a ticking time bomb that threatened to explode into a full-blown scandal.

He had come to find out that he had political ambitions, and if such a scandal was to take place, it could cast a shadow not only on the man's professional opportunities but also over the entire family's standing in society. It was a dangerous game the lord was playing. Dominic wondered if the man even knew how dangerous it truly was.

With the echoes of the clandestine affair, Dominic returned to the sanctuary of his own home with a brooding determination that seemed to fuel every fiber of his being. He had always been a man who navigated the intricate webs of societal expectations, but now, he found himself confronted with a new challenge.

He held in his hands the potential key to the heart of Lady Catherine Stanhope. In light of everything that happened, she seemed even more alluring, and coupled with the unraveling secrets of her brother's affair, a fiery determination was ignited within Dominic's heart.

He paced his bed chamber hastily, a man with a purpose. A new plan was slowly crystalizing in his mind. Yes, Tim was right, but now Dominic had a different plan, one that had no chance of failing. He refused to acknowledge defeat when it came to Lady Catherine's affections. She would be the one to save him from the repercussions of the will.

Although it was quite late, Dominic's mind was still as sharp as a blade while formulating a strategy that would get him exactly what he wanted. The secrets he had unearthed would become a tool in his arsenal, elements to be delicately woven into this courtship.

Although it was not the usual way he would go about things, he refused to back down when it came to something he desired greatly. And with each passing moment, Lady Catherine was more and more worthy of any sort of strategy that would win her over.

Those were the thoughts that lulled him to sleep, assuring him of his victory.

***

The following morning, he immediately sent a note to Timothy, with the words to come as soon as possible. That afternoon, Timothy was seated in Dominic's study, discussing their new plans.

"Thank you for coming so soon," Dominic told him gravely, his plan the only thing on his mind.

"I got the impression it was something urgent," Timothy wondered. "Did something happen at the theatre yesterday?"

"In a way," Dominic nodded, leaning back in his chair. "I saw Lord Stanhope there, and I had the intention of speaking to him. But instead of leaving the theatre after the show, he snuck back and headed towards the actor's quarters, where he had a secret rendezvous with one of the actresses."

"Goodness," Timothy whistled. "That is something!"

"But that's not all," Dominic shook his head. "If what I managed to overhear is correct, the two have a child together, out of wedlock."

"Out of wedlock?" Timothy repeated, shaking his head. "That is quite a predicament."

"If a man has such a secret, I reckon there could be a few more," Dominic mused.

"Possible," Timothy agreed. "But… what's that got to do with you?"

Dominic got up from his chair and circled Timothy, continuing to pace about the room. He found it almost impossible to remain seated when he had something huge on his mind, as was the case now.

"He is Lady Catherine's brother, of course," Dominic reminded his friend of something they both knew well. But that was beside the point. "Seeing that I am quite adamant at courting her, it is imperative that I find out all the man's indiscretions, apart from this one. And this is where I need you."

Timothy turned around in his chair, as Dominic was now standing behind him. Dominic knew that Timothy's reputation was impeccable. However, he also had deep connections inside London's murky waters, just in case he ever needed to quickly find all the dirt on someone. It was not something Timothy spoke about often, but that did come in handy on more than one occasion.

For instance, when a friend of his was accused of cheating at cards and almost got beaten to a bloody pulp after that particular card game. If it hadn't been for Timothy and his dark connections, the man would probably never walk again.

"What is it you need to know?" Timothy asked, business personified.

"Everything," Dominic clarified. "I want to know every single thing there is to know about that man, not only the things he has done but also the things he plans on doing. Everything, Tim. And also, about that woman he is seeing. There must be another reason why they are keeping their relationship a secret from the public. I know the man has some political aspirations, but that can't be all of it, I'm sure."

"I understand," Timothy nodded gravely. Then he tilted his head. "What do you intend to do with this information once you have it?"

Dominic thought about it for a moment. "Nothing much. I merely plan on using it as… incentive to prove to Lady Catherine that I am the right man for her. But in order to do that, I must understand the dynamics at play here."

"Do you think she will agree to… that?" Timothy inquired. He wisely chose not to call it as it was, and Dominic was grateful for that.

Blackmail.

Timothy didn't need to say it. Dominic's own mind reminded him of the dirty deed he was about to do unto someone who didn't deserve it. Dominic could feel a bitter taste in his mouth, but he tried to brush it off. He had to meet the conditions of that will, and the sooner he did it, the better. Also, this was not really blackmail.

This was merely him offering to help keep this clandestine affair a secret if she agreed to be his wife. He could see nothing wrong with that.

Well… nothing much wrong. Maybe a little. Just a tad bit. But he was a man who was simply going after what he wanted in life. That was what his own father had taught him. That every goal justified the means by which one was to obtain it. Dominic was merely using everything that was available to him in order to save his dukedom, and eventually win Lady Catherine over.

But will you truly win her over if you blackmail her into marrying you?

That treacherous little voice always knew what questions to ask, especially when Dominic had no desire to hear it. Luckily, he had a response to that. He would simply make her see that this marriage could benefit them both, and then he would get the chance to truly woo her, court her, and show her the kind of man he really was.

Once he managed to do that, he was certain that she would see the error of her ways and she would fall madly in love with him, creating their happily ever after.

"Dom?" Timothy's voice echoed, bringing him back to the present moment. "Are you listening?"

"Yes, sorry," Dominic cleared his throat. "She will agree to it, I'm sure of it, because she and her brother are very close. My guess is she has no idea of this clandestine affair, and especially not the child. So, she will firstly be grateful that I have revealed to her something her brother has probably been a secret from her. And secondly, she would do anything to save him from public disgrace, therefore jumping straight into my arms."

Timothy clicked his lips together as he spoke. He seemed hesitant for a moment, although he had always been on Dominic's side, no matter what. "It seems like you really worked out this plan of yours."

"I had to," Dominic explained, sounding a little defensive. "Seeing that I am to pursue a meaningful connection with Lady Catherine."

"In that case, you know that you can count on me," Timothy nodded, getting up, signaling that the conversation was slowly coming to an end. "I shall leave no stone unturned, and once I have the information you need, you shall hear from me."

Timothy shook his friend's hand, then locked eyes with him. Dominic could see a flicker of something in there, doubt perhaps, or maybe even sorrow.

"Dom…" Timothy started, hesitating to continue. This was the first time that he had seen his friend like that. "Are you sure you want to do it this way?"

Dominic smiled. "If everyone agrees to these conditions, then nothing can go wrong. Everyone gets what they want. I see no harm in it."

Timothy seemed to want to say something, but then he changed his mind at the last minute, only exhaling deeply. "I'll come see you when I have something for you."

"Thank you," Dominic squeezed Timothy's hand, then saw him out of the study. Timothy always preferred to find his way out on his own, not liking to be escorted out. Dominic closed the door, then inhaled deeply.

He was smiling as he walked back towards his writing table. His mind was already envisioning the delicate dance of influence and strategy he would embark on in pursuit of Lady Catherine. The secrets he sought to find out were the keys to her heart. He knew that for certain.

Unexpectedly, doubt lingered in his mind. Perhaps Timothy was right? Perhaps this was not the right way of pursuing a young lady?

He frowned. This would yield results. The sort of results he wanted. There was no doubt about that. As for her affections, he was certain that he would be able to change them when the time was right. But at the moment, Lady Catherine was adamant about keeping her distance from him. He needed to change that first. Later, he would change her mind, too.