by Ella Edon
He had just openly announced that she could stay for as long as she wanted. Her father pressed his lips in a thin line. He nodded at Arthur, jerked his head to the Duchess and made his way to the door. Arthur was not sure what that meant, but when he turned to look at Katherine, she was trying to smile at her father. The Duke did not return the smile, but he simply nodded at her.
When they left, Katherine stared at him with gratitude. Her glistening eyes spoke the thousand words her lips could not. Arthur would protect her if it became so unbearable for her because of the ton’s gossip. He would also do anything, so she didn't have to leave Bowmount Hall. Because her leaving meant being away from him. He couldn't bear that because he knew that Lady Bowmount was finding a place in his heart.
Chapter Eleven
Katherine moved her long fingers against her throat as she gazed at the door. It was morning and the sun peeked in through the French windows, making all parts of the house glow with sunshine. Katherine stood before the Dining Room doors, rethinking her decision to walk in. Perhaps she would return to her bedchamber and claim that she was ill.
Her last conversation with Lord Bowmount had left her so flustered and guilty that she was embarrassed to face him. He had been so near, and she had been at loss for words. And at that moment, with him near, she had felt guilty for her past actions. Especially because he had saved her. His words had calmed her father. Although he was not all convinced, he walked out of Bowmount Hall reassured.
Perhaps she had been too harsh in her judgement of Lord Bowmount. Too extreme in her actions. Giving him a sleeping draught and then preventing Gerald from calling a hackney was a bit extreme. Perhaps he didn't deserve all that. Despite knowing that she was the one who had done all that, he hadn’t done anything about it. He knew, didn't he? She was so certain he knew. The way he had whispered to her, after it had happened, she was more than certain that he knew. Then again, he had boldly defended her in front of her parents. She felt her cheeks grow hot again.
Katherine frowned and thought deep. Why hadn't he even confronted her? He should have. She'd done something wrong, sabotaged something that meant so much to him. He had every right to be angry, yet he wasn't. Yet he had walked into the drawing room and defended her. That meant something. She stared at the door of the dining room, wondering how to walk in. Perhaps she should have been seated before him. But now everyone was seated and waiting for her.
"Good Morning, My Lady," Mr. Stewart greeted as he stood beside her. "Are you well?"
Katherine forced a smile. "I am splendid, Mr. Stewart."
He didn't seem quite convinced, but he let her be. He bowed and walked away. Gathering her wits, Katherine pushed the doors open, then she walked in gracefully, making sure to appear unaffected. She took in everyone in the room, briefly, looking at each one of them, especially Lord Bowmount.
No one said anything, but Victoria, the Dowager Marchioness, and Lord Bowmount all nodded to her as she walked in. Victoria kept her eyes on the table. Katherine took her seat and smiled before speaking to her daughter. "Victoria, darling."
Victoria finally looked up. She inclined her head and smiled a bit. "Good morning, Mother."
Katherine smiled. "Good Morning."
"Are you well this morning, My Lady? You are never late. You never keep us waiting," Lord Bowmount said. Katherine froze at the sound of his voice. She didn't want to have to look at him then.
“I am well, My Lord,” she said, then turned her gaze to her mother-in-law.
"Good Morning, My Lady. Perhaps we should bless the meal and move on with the day?" she suggested.
The Dowager Marchioness nodded, sending her a small smile. She bowed her head and blessed the meal. After a chorused response, they all began to eat. Katherine tried as strongly as she could to keep her gaze lowered; however, her glances kept moving towards Lord Bowmount. She felt him watching her. She felt his gaze on her, all over her.
Breakfast went by quickly and quietly. Once the meal was done, Victoria was the first to rise. Then the Dowager Marchioness rose as well, for she seemed to be in a hurry. Katherine was not sure she heard completely what the Dowager Marchioness said as she excused herself from the table, as she was more concerned about the pair of eyes that never left her. Once the Dowager Marchioness rose, Katherine rose as well, willing to flee rather than to be left alone with Lord Bowmount.
"Lady Bowmount," he called. She had almost reached the door. Upon his calling her name, she stopped. Her eyes closed momentarily and ever so slowly, she turned.
"Lord Bowmount. You seem to be seeking too much of my attention today."
He laughed. He was still seated, and it seemed he had no intention of rising. "Of course, I seek your attention." He rose then.
She marvelled at the grace in which he rose with. He was smiling at her, which made her stomach flutter. Katherine looked away from him. Her cheeks were growing hot again. "And how may I be of help, My Lord?"
"I shan't be opening my office, yet. So, it makes perfect sense that I'd focus on my duties as Marquess of Bowmount, in the meantime. I could use your guidance, if you have the time. What do you think?"
Katherine felt her cheeks grow hot when he smiled at her again. She felt warm, she had never felt so uncomfortable, yet at the same time, utterly at ease. It was a complicated feeling, and he was the reason for it. She needed to stay away from him. She squared her shoulders and replied him. "I am not sure if my opinion on what decisions you should make matters."
Lord Bowmount frowned. "It does, My Lady." He didn't wait for her to respond before he spoke again. "I need to see the records for everything done on the entire estate of late. I trust you would not mind showing me?"
He walked around the table and stood before her. Katherine was compelled to move away, but when their gazes locked once again, she felt trapped. "It's in the study."
"Do you mind showing me? I would very much appreciate it."
She minded being alone with him. She didn't want to be alone with him in the study or anywhere else.
"I am afraid I will be preoccupied today. Perhaps —"
"Are you going somewhere?"
"No, but —"
"You'll be here? At Bowmount Hall, though?"
"Yes, but —"
"Then what's the matter?" he cut her short again.
She raised a brow at him and kept her gaze leveled. "Perhaps, if you let me complete my sentence, then you'll be fully informed, don't you think?"
He cast his gaze away, and smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, Lady Bowmount."
Katherine sighed. "I have to be with Lady Victoria."
"Lady Victoria?" he blurted out. His question seemed more like an accusation and it annoyed her.
She narrowed her eyes. "Is there any other one you know?"
Lord Bowmount smiled shyly and looked away. "Pardon my manners, Lady Bowmount. Your response came as a surprise. But surely, you can spare me just a few minutes. Show me the records and be on your merry way. It won’t be but five minutes"
Katherine knew that the longer she stood there telling him no, the more ways he would find to convince her. She curtsied, rising gracefully, and said. "Excuse me, My Lord."
She turned and headed out.
"Lady Bowmount," she heard him call after her. She walked on, ignoring him. She smiled as she did, knowing that he was coming after her. Soon she heard approaching footsteps behind her. She didn't need to turn to know who it was. She smiled to herself but didn't look back.
"Lady Bowmount, please," he finally said.
The resignation in his voice made her slow down. She stopped walking, but she didn't turn.
"I would not be here, pleading that you show me the records if I weren't serious about keeping Bowmount Hall in order, to maintain it just as Victor had."
"You'll never be like Victor," she said quickly. She was not sure why she said it, but she could not stop herself since she had already blurted it out. She knew that it was mean.
"I never
said I wanted to be — you..." he stopped. Katherine gazed at the ray of sun that shone through the window and across the floor of the hallway. Perhaps if she focused on it, she would not wonder about Lord Bowmount and what he wanted to say.
After more silence, she decided she was going to walk out on him. But she was interrupted by his voice, again. "Lady Bowmount," he called, his tone thick and serious now. "Please."
Katherine really wanted to protest. She had no plans of helping him, but his tone was pleasing, apologetic and defeated. Feeling guilty, she whirled around. He was standing far away from her, and his shoulders were sagging. She felt even more drawn to him as she looked at how vulnerable he was.
“My Lady, it would mean the world if you would help me,” he said, softly.
“Very well,” she said, recalling how he had helped her with her parents.
He seemed quite happy that she had agreed to it. She tried her best not to smile, before she walked ahead of him towards the study. She pushed open the door and stepped in. The study was just as it had been the last time Victor sat behind the desk. Katherine tried not to think of her late husband as she ushered Lord Bowmount inside. She walked around the table while he stood by the door. On the shelf, at the very right end, she received the papers Victor had left there, everything concerning Bowmount Hall was there. She placed it on the table and coughed when the dust rose.
"Here —" she looked up immediately, to tell Lord Bowmount that this was everything, but she stilled when she saw him looking through the shelf, picking out books, staring at them, smiling and replacing them. Victor had never read books. Every book there had been placed there for Anne to read. Lady Anne Huntington, who was one of her very best friends was also Victor's sister. Before she was wed, she'd lived in Bowmount Hall and every book in the study had been read by her. Katherine recalled well that books had been what Anne bonded with Henry, her husband. Katherine bit back the dark memory, the memory of when her intended and her best friend had bonded, thereby leading to their marriage. It had hurt, but Katherine had found it within herself to forgive them. After all, she and Victor had come together not long after.
Lord Bowmount raised a book. She didn't see its title and she didn't care to see it as she looked away. "Have you read this?" he asked.
"No. I don't read," she replied in a clipped tone. She nodded to the papers. "Here are —"
"You don't read? Why not?" he interrupted. She heard shuffling sounds and fought back the urge to groan.
"Because I've never found myself to enjoy it."
"Why, there are so many books here. I know Victor didn't read, or at least that’s what I knew from the very little time that we had spent together. I am not sure anymore. Did he read?"
"He didn't. Those books weren't for him. They were for his father. After his father passed, Anne read most of them."
Lord Bowmount placed another book back in the shelf and whispered. "Anne."
Katherine cocked her head to the side and nodded. "Yes. Anne. The Duchess of Richmond, now. You're aware that you have another cousin aside from Victor, are you not?"
Lord Bowmount nodded and turned to face her. "I’ve heard of her, yes. However, I've never had the chance to meet her."
Katherine smiled a little. "She reads. I am sure you'll enjoy her company. She's read almost all of the books on that shelf. She made me read a little of Hamlet at some point, but I didn't quite finish it."
"Oh, Hamlet is quite nice. A tragic story, but a good one nonetheless. You didn't read 'Romeo and Juliet' now, did you?"
Katherine laughed and shook her head. "I watched the plays at the theatre. Isn't that enough?"
Lord Bowmount smirked and shook his head. "They reduce the content, so they can pass it unto the audience really quickly. It's not the same when it is acted out."
Katherine, finding his declaration wrong, opposed him. "Not true."
"Alright, here." He brought down a book from the shelf and tossed it on the table. It seemed to be a story of some pirates. She made to pick it up, but he stopped her. "This book will be read by you, and after that, we'll watch it at the theatre to see if any scenes were cut out or not."
Katherine wanted to take him up on the challenge. She was so excited that she had started to agree, but she remembered her situation. Her hands moved back, curling in fists at her sides. She stared down at her dress. She was still in mourning, thus it was inappropriate for her to be seen enjoying herself outside. She looked up at Lord Bowmount. Just as she thought, he was also looking at her.
"Oh," he sighed, realizing what she had. "Pardon my forgetfulness."
Katherine opened her mouth to tell him not to worry, but she stopped. What did it matter?
"Here, these are the records you requested. Excuse me." She moved around the table, but he blocked her path.
"Is something wrong? You seem a bit, restless." His eyes searched hers, laced with concern.
Her heart melted at this reaction, and she wanted to open up, tell him about her insecurities, but she froze once again. She just could not bring herself to do so. "I am alright, Lord Bowmount. I just need to see Victoria."
"You're running away from me, Lady Bowmount."
She swallowed hard. He was so close to her. If she stood on her tiptoes, their noses would touch. And perhaps, their lips. How she longed for it. She sucked in a breath and shook her head. What was she thinking?
"Lady Bowmount," he whispered. Katherine closed her eyes and let his voice serenade her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. He had a glow in his eyes. He was leaning in, his eyes glinting. She wanted to give in to his touch, and to his face leaning towards her. But she stopped herself immediately. If she did this, then it made the rumor true. She backed away.
"I... I have to see Lady Victoria."
His eyes widened and he stepped aside immediately. "I am so sorry. Truly, forgive me. I almost forgot."
"Alright, I must be on my way, then."
"Of course." She heard the amusement in his tone.
"Lady Bowmount —"
"Lady Bowmount!" Mr. Stewart's voice called from outside, cutting Lord Bowmount short. Katherine saw this as an opportunity to flee. She wanted to believe that if Mr. Stewart had not come in at that moment, she would have given into her desires. Into his voice.
Before Lord Bowmount could say anything, she responded to Mr. Stewart.
"Come in, Mr. Stewart."
The door opened, she stepped back a bit. Mr. Stewart walked in. He barely spared Lord Bowmount a glance as he turned to Katherine. "My Lady, the Duchess of Richmond and the Duchess of York would like to see you. You, as well as Lord Bowmount.”
Katherine nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Stewart. We will receive them in the drawing room."
The man bowed to them both and left. The study was silent again. Lord Bowmount simply stared at her, as though thinking of what to say or deciding not to say anything at all. She was hopeful; however, because once again she wished that he would say something. Anything. But then again, it was all wrong, to warm up to his company and his free-spirited nature. She turned around and walked out of the room, leaving him there alone and to his thoughts.
Chapter Twelve
She was unpredictable. One moment he thought he had her right where he wanted. Right where she wanted as well. And then, she would draw back. He heaved a sigh as he stood alone in the study, surrounded by books and several dusty ledgers.
He stroked his chin as he thought of her. She was shying away from him. She had not even been able to meet his eyes. That was a good thing, wasn't it? It meant that she felt the same as he did. That she felt the many emotions that he felt.
The door creaked, he looked up and saw Mr. Stewart by the door. The man squared his shoulders and stared at him.
"My Lord, Her Grace, the Duchess of Richmond, has requested to see you."
Arthur rose swiftly, determined to put his wandering mind to rest. He had to meet his cousin. He nodded at Mr. Stewart. "I will be right there."
The man inclined his head before walking away. Arthur stared at the ledgers for a while, contemplating whether it was best for him to take them with him or leave it there. After much thought, and a promise to himself that he would return to the study, he decided to leave them there. He walked out of the study and shut the door firmly behind him. He pulled at the collar of his coat and walked towards the drawing room. As he drew near, he could hear sounds of laughter coming from it, echoing through the empty hallway. He was close to the door when he heard the ladies all laugh together. He smiled. It had been so long since he'd heard such joyous laughter. A thought came to him as he stood there, and then, curiously, he peeked into the room rather than walking in. He wanted to see what it looked like when Lady Bowmount laughed. He wondered if she laughed with the other ladies, or if she simply sat and watched them laugh.
