by Ella Edon
She hit him gently. He stumbled back and barked out laughter. Katherine placed her hand over her mouth and giggled. He made her feel so young. She hoped no one would hear them. They were alone in the hallway that led to his bedchamber.
"That was certainly not what I requested, Lord Bowmount," she said after she cleared her throat and glared at him.
He was smiling at her. His eyes were so blue under the light. His smile seemed so bright. It made her smile. His eyes said all that his lips could not. She wondered if her eyes were as open as his, expressing all her desires, her wants and regrets. She wanted to reach out to him then. He took a step forward. She stood still, unable to move. At each step, her cheeks reddened. He stopped in front of her, his breath merely an inch away from hers. She sensed how he wanted to touch her. Her body grew warm as he closed in. But rather than touch his lips to hers, he moved his lips to the side of her face, so she could hear his voice.
"Get ready, Lady Bowmount. We will leave for London the day after tomorrow."
She felt his weakness in the dark. How close he was to giving in. She felt the heat from his body even through all the layers of clothing that separated them. She clenched her hands and forced herself to stay still.
"Good night, Lady Bowmount."
"Good night, My Lord."
Katherine blushed. She was thankful for the weak glow of the candles. He could not see the blush on her face. She curtsied.
With that, she turned and headed to her bedchamber. She felt his gaze follow her, until she walked into her bed chamber, but she did not look back, because if she did, she would run back, and into his arms. She rushed into her bedchamber and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the door and breathed out roughly. She could tell how much he wanted her. She knew that he had been seconds away from giving into his desires, desires that she would have welcomed. She yearned to feel his lips on hers, to feel his hands on her. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.
Chapter Twenty-Two
It pleased Arthur that Katherine cared for him. Even now, she had more concern for his life than the money. He recalled how she had made him promise not to get on a ship for any reason. He had seen the fear in her eyes. He saw her sincerity. He saw how much she cared for him. It made him desire her even more. He had wanted to kiss her there, to express how he felt. To show that he understood well enough just how she felt. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her as well. With each and every passing day, she became more important to him than anyone else.
Katherine was anxious about leaving. She had never been anywhere else except Somerset. She had grown up in Somerset and had married in it as well. She was cautious, afraid to see the world and shy all at once. He saw it in her goodbye, how she held on to Lady Victoria.
Lady Victoria on the other hand had been so excited. "You will be traveling, just like Papa."
Katherine laughed. Arthur did as well. And in the silence following her laughter, Arthur understand that she was afraid to leave Lady Victoria all alone. She had never been without her for more than a few hours. He was not sure what to say to her. So, when The Dowager Marchioness swooped in to save the moment by assuring her that she would take care of Lady Victoria, Arthur was more than relived.
"I will take care of my grandchild, Katherine. Think about bringing the profit home. Victor did not die for nothing."
After Katherine told the Dowager Marchioness about the profit, she had been thrilled. She was in support of the traveling. As a matter of fact, she had been so excited that she wanted them to leave right away. Arthur spent the day before the journey, arranging his office. In just a few days of being open, he had received several clients who needed his legal expertise. After posting a notice of his absence for a few days, he headed home.
Now, after they had left, Arthur and Katherine were in a carriage heading for London. She was smiling at him. Her lavender gown was bright, a lovely reminder that she was coming out of her mourning period. He was happy she decided the wear the bright color. She looked beautiful sitting across from him in the carriage. The light shone on her, keeping her face dark for only a brief second before they rode further. He smiled at her, happy to be travelling with her.
The ride to London was quite bumpy. The road leading to it was filled with mud and when they stumbled upon the path, they just knew they had arrived at the heart of London. It was a whole day’s journey, so they sought an inn to rest for the night. The inn was quite full already. So, they had been lucky to get two bed chambers. The innkeeper was shocked that they would want separate rooms, as he thought them to be a married couple. But Katherine denied that faster than lightning.
“One room?” the innkeeper asked.
"Oh, no. We would rather have separate rooms. We're not wed."
The innkeeper opened his mouth and nodded in understanding. "Very good. Welcome to London. There’s a pub outside if you are famished." He wrote down something on a blank paper and handed them keys.
Arthur only smiled. The innkeeper looked at him and said. "If at all you need anything, tell me. I’m at the service of both you and your lady, My Lord."
Arthur nodded to the man. He still thought Arthur was courting Katherine. He watched as Katherine blushed. But instead of correcting the innkeeper again, she simply began to walk away with her key, dangling in her hand.
Arthur walked behind Katherine. He was sure that she was flustered with everything the innkeeper had said. He didn't want to make her feel any more uncomfortable than she already felt. After their driver had deposited their trunks in their chambers, Arthur bid Katherine a brief good night.
He heard her mutter a reply, but he had shut the door behind him almost immediately. And walked to his chamber to have a good night’s rest. He barely slept a wink, he kept tossing and turning and imagining Katherine in his arms.
* * *
Arthur awoke to a loud knock on his door. He opened his eyes quickly. But he was made to squint them because the rays of sun peeking through the shutters shone directly into his eyes. He shied away from the sun and rolled to the other side of the bed. He made to get up as the knocking persisted, but stumbled and fell. He heaved a sigh.
"Lord Bowmount? Is everything alright? " It was Katherine. Perhaps she had risen early and was dressed.
"I'm alright, Lady Bowmount. I will be out with you in a little while."
"Alright then. Please hurry, My Lord. The solicitor is quite a busy man. Before midday, he has his office packed with clients." As she spoke, he lifted himself from the floor and walked over to his trunk to pick out a good outfit for the day. Once he had, he took a hurried bath and then went out to meet Katherine.
She had her back to him when he saw her. She stood at the far end of the hallway, peering out the window. She turned as he stared, and he was able to see more of her. She looked like an angel, wearing a grey dress with gold embroidery, hair pulled back in a chignon with two ringleted curls framing her face. She was smiling radiantly. She gestured towards a painting that was on the wall.
"Victoria used to paint, but she stopped after Victor's passing. I would love to see her start again."
Arthur held out his hand to her while assuring her. "Victoria will be herself again because she has you."
Katherine couldn't contain her smile. She thanked him and slipped her hand into the bend of his elbow. He led her outside, where they took a hackney to the solicitor’s office.
* * *
After they alighted in front of the solicitor’s office, Arthur handed the driver just the right amount of coins. He adjusted the position of his hat on his head and said to the Lady beside him, “Shall we, My Lady?”
Lady Bowmount blushed, but fell in step beside him as they walked in. Thankfully, they arrived at the solicitor’s office on time for their appointment.
The solicitor was an aged man. He wore his round spectacles, and spoke and laughed slowly. Despite his age, however, he seemed agile—fit and ready to do his job.
He glowed with h
appiness when he saw Katherine. He rose and bowed to her gallantly. “Lady Bowmount.”
Katherine curtsied. “Mr. Albert. It has been such a long time.”
“How have you been, My Lady? My condolences, for your loss. Lord Bowmount was a very honorable gentleman. Much missed.”
Katherine nodded stiffly. “Of course. Thank you.”
Katherine gestured to Arthur, who stood a safe distance behind her. “Mr. Albert. You know that after Victor’s passing, a new Marquess has been appointed.”
“Yes,” Mr. Albert said. He took his seat and then gestured for both Katherine and Arthur to seat opposite him. “I am aware of that. The next in line is automatically the Marquess. Arthur Shepherd has been stated as such. I have long awaited his visit.”
“As this firm has been the Willingtons’ solicitors for the past thirty years, I expected that the next Marquess would come sooner, so we could arrange all of the legal documents for his inheritance.”
Arthur removed his hat and bowed to the man. “Hello, Mr. Albert. I am Lord Arthur Shepherd, Marquess of Bowmount.”
"It's my pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance, My Lord," Mr. Albert said, bowing to him.
"The pleasure’s all mine, sir. Circumstances have brought me here earlier than planned."
Mr. Albert looked between him and Katherine. "Pray tell, what circumstance may that be? I hope it is nothing too serious."
Katherine smiled happily. "It is, Mr. Albert. Victor... The business he went to India for has yielded profit."
"Splendid news!"
Arthur nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Mr. Albert. However, the merchants want to hear from Victor. If we are to claim his profit, then proof is needed that we have right to it."
Mr. Albert leaned back against his seat and nodded. "I see. We must get to work immediately, then, Lord Bowmount."
With Katherine present and attentive, Arthur began to speak with the solicitor, and arrangements were made on what to be done to receive the profit Victor made, and to legally announce that Arthur had claimed the inheritance.
Chapter Twenty-Three
While Katherine struggled to pay more attention to what was being said during the meeting with the solicitor, it suddenly began to bore her. Her mind wandered. She found herself praying profusely that the meeting would be over, and a conclusion would be drawn by its end. No sooner had her prayer ended, than Arthur rose, along with Mr. Albert. She watched them clasp hands together firmly.
"I hope to see you soon, Lord Bowmount," Mr. Albert said.
Arthur nodded. "You will. What time do we come to pick up the legal draft?"
"First thing tomorrow morning. My assistant will hand them to you." Mr. Albert turned to her. Katherine rose then and curtsied. "It was so nice to see you again. My regards to The Dowager Marchioness and Lady Victoria."
"I will tell them." She curtsied again.
Arthur stepped out and gestured for her to walk through the door. Katherine did as he requested, and Arthur followed closely behind her. They walked out of the office and stood outside, both uncertain of what to do. London was busy, busier than Somerset. Too many people walked on the street. There were so many shops around and all were filled. The noise was new to Katherine. So many people talking all at once, from different angles. Hackneys rode past speedily. She wondered how she had never been to London. The air smelled of so many things. But she caught the smell of freshly baked bread and she inhaled uncontrollably. It was such a wonderful smell. Beside her, she heard a chuckle. She turned to see Arthur staring down at her with amusement.
"Pray tell what amuses you, My Lord?" She raised a brow.
He shook his head. He was about to speak when she spotted a flower shop at the corner. She gasped as she took in all of the lilies, roses, and hibiscuses that were out in front.
She smiled at them and then, looked at Arthur. "You were about to say something? "
Arthur pressed his lips in a thin line. Then, he placed out his palm before her. She placed her hand in his. With their hands interwinded, he walked them over to the flower shop. She watched him pick a rose and a Lily. First, he handed the Lily to her, while she stared at him. "For you, my lady, for these are as radiant as your smile."
Katherine blushed. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
He handed her the rose and said. "This is for lady Victoria. "
Katherine couldn't believe what she was hearing. She couldn't believe that he would be so considerate as to buy flowers for Victoria as well. Her heart melted at this. She was surprised and shocked and certainly thrilled. "This means a lot to me, Arthur."
He smiled.
As Arthur paid for the flowers, Katherine had the vendor hold their stems together, and then, held them close to her bosom. She turned, hoping to see Arthur standing where she had left him, but was surprised to see him standing so close to her. She gasped in fright. He placed his hand on her arm gently, his eyes going around and wide with worry.
She exhaled and smiled. "Thank you."
He nodded and let go of her. She looked up at the sky, still inhaling the flowers. Her stomach rumbled again. "Perhaps we should have a meal before we return, I'm famished." She blushed as the words came out.
Arthur laughed and shook his head. "There is nothing to be shy about. I am famished, as well. We would have a meal and then return to the inn."
"Perfect idea."
So, they set out to find a place to eat. Katherine ended up buying the freshly baked bread she had smelled earlier. And they continued to search for where to have a meal. As one who hadn't eaten anywhere else except home, Katherine was cautious about where to have a meal. She was indecisive, as well, as to what to have. After going around for a while, she found a place that she liked. Arthur followed her quietly, the only times he spoke, were when he asked if she liked what was being served in an eatery. Despite her hesitance in saying what she wanted, Arthur encouraged her to speak up.
"It really isn't a bother if you do not like this meal. We can find somewhere else," he said with a grin.
He was comfortable with anywhere, while Katherine was not. She feared her indecisiveness had frustrated him at some point, so before she found where she liked, she already said to herself that she would pretend to like the next place even if she did not.
But Arthur stopped before they could walk further. He gripped her forearm and she turned. He smiled down at her. "Perhaps we should head back to the inn." He looked up at the sky. "There's a pub beside the inn we have lodged in. I'm sure they will have what you like."
Katherine wanted to protest. She liked the streets of London and she wanted to inhale more air, see more of everything. She wanted to hear more noise, feel freer. She did not want to retire so soon. But when she looked up at the sky, she was shocked. Time had run by so quickly. It was late afternoon. Soon, it would be dark.
"I promise you, Lady Bowmount," He stretched his palm before her. "You will enjoy this place. If you do not, you may hold it against me."
Katherine narrowed her eyes at him. "I'll hold you to your word, Lord Bowmount."
Arthur grinned cheekily when she placed her hand in his. Holding her hand in his, he hailed down a hackney.
* * *
She had never been to a pub. Somerset was a small town, where gossip flowed like a river. It was so natural that people would talk about anything. It was a society that knew everyone else’s business. With lots of the ton living around Somerset, it was impossible for young ladies to be seen at such places. But now she was walking inside of one, it scared her. A man stumbled past her, smelling strongly of liquor. He raised his hands in apology and saw himself out.
She took a good look at the place. On the other side of the pub, a table was surrounded by men who had tankards of ale before them. They laughed very loudly and patted each other’s backs. The rest of the tables were occupied, as well, only a few people seated around them.
Katherine calmed herself. The pub was just fine. She started to feel at ease as soon as their fo
od arrived. Aside from the general noise of many people speaking, everywhere was calm.
The meal was delicious. "This soup is amazing." Katherine laughed.
"I knew you would like it," Arthur said.
Katherine blushed under his gaze. She ate until she was content. However, fate had other plans. The men gathered on a table seemed tipsy, but not drunk that they were so unaware. They rose and two stood outside the table while one leaned against the wall and began to sing, in a rough voice, a Scottish melody.
The men who had stepped out, began to tap their feet and hop and dance to the tune. They soon joined and everyone turned to watch them all dance. Katherine watched, too. It was like a dance unlike any that she had never seen before. The men hooked their arms together and hopped and danced round, turning and singing. It seemed so fun to witness. A roar came from everyone seated and some people began to join in the merriment. One of the Scots went around, seeking others to dance with. Most people shied away. Katherine was about to as well, but the Scot was having none of it. She was shy, and she had never danced that way before. She liked what she saw, but she was unwilling to participate. Arthur was already tapping his feet and rocking his head side by side.
