Love Me Always

by Marie Higgins

  She gave them her best smile. “Good morning, gentlemen.”

  Her gaze flew to Nick when she realized what she’d just said. He arched an eyebrow and a glimmer of humor touched his expression before disappearing. She had to remember that although Nick may not be a gentleman, his brothers were.

  Gregg pulled out the empty chair next to him for her to sit. “We didn’t think you would be awake this early, especially after the late night you had.”

  “I’m usually an early riser.” She sat and the men followed.

  “We are not used to women being up so early, but it’s a pleasant change,” Gregg answered.

  “I must apologize. I suppose I’m not like most women.”

  “That’s fine with us,” Ian spoke.

  “It’s refreshing to have someone who’s out of the ordinary,” Gregg cut in. “We are getting rather bored with the ordinary, are we not, Nick?”

  Nick was in the middle of sipping his drink, and she waited for him to put down his cup before responding.

  “Yes, most certainly.” He paused and met her stare. “How did you sleep, Catherine? Comfortably, I hope?”

  “My bed is perfect, thank you.” His stare caused a blush to creep up her cheeks, so she quickly asked, “Where’s Grant? Is he not up yet?”

  Ian shook his head. “The duke usually sleeps later.”

  “I’m certain he needs the rest after last night.” She shook her head. “He looked so fatigued.”

  A maid brought over a dish of oatmeal, sausage and eggs and set it in front of her, then left. The juice and tea were already on the table. It wasn’t until the heady aroma of the meat touched her senses that her stomach growled.

  “So,” Gregg said as he turned toward her, “what do you have planned for today?”

  “I’m not certain. What’s there to do?”

  Ian chuckled. “Were you not invited to brunches with the other women last night?”

  “Honestly, I cannot remember. Most of the evening passed so fast it wasn’t much more than a blur. There were only a few things I vividly remember.” Her attention darted to Nick who still watched her, but this time he looked bored. She quickly switched her focus back to Ian. “The few things I do remember didn’t include brunches.”

  “Not to worry.” Ian patted her hand. “The proper way to invite is with a written invitation. Besides, the barracudas will probably give you about a week before they start hounding you.”

  She laughed. “Thank goodness for that.”

  “I know what we can do,” Ian spoke to Gregg. “We can take Catherine with us on our morning ride.”

  Gregg grinned and met Catherine’s stare. “Yes. If my memory serves me correctly, I think you used to ride quite well back in your younger years.”

  Enthusiasm bubbled inside her. “Well, I will have you know that age only improved my ability to ride.”

  “Splendid,” Gregg cheered.

  Nick pushed away from the table and stood. “I hope you three have an entertaining time this morning.”

  “Are you not going to join us?” Ian asked.

  “No. I have important matters to attend.” He nodded. “Good day.” Lifting his chin, he walked out of the room.

  Catherine took a refreshing breath now that he was gone.

  Gregg and Ian stood. “Catherine, finish eating and we will get the horses ready.”

  She nodded and took a bite of her oatmeal.

  Nick’s attitude about everything disappointed her. Best that he act this way. She could handle him better when he was mean and rude. Last night proved she couldn’t be around him when he was charming.

  She scolded herself again for doing what she’d done last night with Nick. She blamed it on the night’s confusion and how he’d literally made her swoon with a smile. So then what was Nick’s excuse for kissing her? He could have easily left her alone, walked right by her on the stairs without touching her.

  Catherine growled and stabbed her fork into the sausage. Nick should have realized her innocence. Did he not know what he’d done to her? Perhaps that’s why she’d fallen so easily into his arms like a woman starved for affection.

  She sighed. She might be craving that kind of affection, but unfortunately, not from her own intended.

  After finishing her breakfast, she hurried upstairs to inform Mrs. Berkley about her outing – who not surprisingly was going to accompany her – then Catherine asked Emily to help her change into a riding habit. Grant, of course, had purchased this along with everything else she owned. The forest green material with elegant black trim, and the white silk blouse ruffling at her neck and wrists added maturity to her appearance. Once her attire was completed, she grabbed a matching hat with the jaunty feather fluffed at the side and left the room. Venturing outside, she proceeded to meet Gregg and Ian by the stables. Mrs. Berkley stood ready with her riding crop in hand.

  Both brothers were very attentive, going out of their way to make certain she was happy. Gregg helped her mount a white thoroughbred mare that Grant had previously purchased for her, while Ian struggled with the older plump woman to get her atop of her horse. Grunts and groans came from Ian, more so than Mrs. Berkley.

  “Ian and I thought you might like to have a tour around the estate,” Gregg mentioned.

  She smiled. “Indeed, I would like that very much.”

  Gregg led the four on the countryside tour. The wide-open fields of greenery and an assortment of flowers cleared Catherine’s mind of everything except the beauty of the land...and the man inside the house that lately hadn’t left her thoughts no matter how hard she tried to rid him.

  * * * *

  Nick paced in his study as he flexed his hands, unable to concentrate. Memories of last night occupied his mind. Why did he talk to Catherine the way he did and kiss her as if his sole purpose was to charm her? She wasn’t his and never would be.

  And another thing... Why did she have to be so beautiful? Not only was she lovely, but charming and witty, so different from any other woman he’d met before. It surprised him when he heard her curse, yet it reminded him of the Catherine he’d fallen in love with as a young boy.

  He growled and punched his fist into his leather chair. He needed to get her off his mind and keep her out.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Fielding.” The butler interrupted Nick’s thoughts as he entered the study.

  “Yes, Gentry?”

  “Your secretary is here. Shall I show him in?”

  “Of course.”

  George Crane walked into the study, carrying his briefcase. He greeted Nick with a nod. “Did I arrive at a bad time?” George asked.

  Nick took in a deep breath. “No. I just have a lot on my mind. Please, sit and we’ll begin.” He motioned toward the empty chair on the side of his desk.

  George took a seat across from him then Nick started the meeting, but too many times during the hour, his mind wandered outside, especially when a woman’s laughter rang through the air as her horse galloped near his office window. He glanced out the window, hoping to get a glimpse of her, but only her angelic voice flitted through the air. Shaking his head at the interruption, he checked his ledger again.

  He hadn’t realized how many times he stopped in the middle of a sentence as his mind drifted to Catherine, until George suggested calling a halt and rescheduling. Nick quickly snapped back to the present and insisted they finish. Finally, after what seemed a very long two hours, he concluded his business and sent George on his way.

  Nick rang for tea, mainly to have something to occupy his hands and keep his mouth entertained for a little while. Unfortunately, drinking didn’t keep his mind off a certain beautiful woman, especially when he imagined her on horseback, her long brown hair flapping behind her in the breeze as she raced.

  “Nick? Are you busy?”

  Nick swung his head around to face his uncle. “No. Not at this particular moment.” Guilt ate at him for having such thoughts about Grant’s future bride.

  “Good.” Gran
t took careful steps into the study and lowered himself into the chair by the fireplace.

  The older man’s precise movements drew Nick’s attention. “How do you feel today?”

  “I’m still quite tired from last night’s celebration, but that’s to be expected.”

  Nick studied his uncle’s frail face. “Are you regretting your decision to bring Catherine here then?”

  Grant’s head snapped around to meet Nick’s stare. “Of course not. Bringing her here was the best thing in the world. I’m happy. I feel complete.”

  Nick turned to refill his teacup. “I’m sorry if I made you upset, but I had to ask.” He sat in the chair across from his relative. “You just look so weary today.”

  “Well, I may be tired but not unhappy.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  Grant took a deep breath, and released it with a ragged sigh. “Nick, I need to ask a favor.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Will you take Catherine into town to do some shopping? I wish I could accompany her, but I haven’t any energy left in me.”

  Nick’s heart sank, yet at the same time, his pulse quickened with the mere thought of being alone with her – alone as he could be with Mrs. Berkley anyway. “Uncle Grant, I’m quite busy today. Sorry.”

  “That’s understandable, so if not today, then how is your schedule tomorrow?”

  His uncle would prod until he got his way, so Nick gave in. “As you wish. I shall take her tomorrow.”

  Grant’s face beamed. “Splendid. You have always been such an obedient boy. Your father had mentioned frequently how thankful he was that the good Lord blessed him with a son like you.”

  Nick tossed back his teacup, gulping the remaining liquid. Yes, he’d always been the obedient son. It was his station in life. His duty.

  “And where is my darling Catherine?”

  “Gregg and Ian took her and Mrs. Berkley riding, and by the sounds of the commotion that interrupted my business meeting all morning, they are doing more than having a quaint little jaunt around the grounds. In fact, by the sounds of it, I would suspect they were racing instead.”

  “What? All of them racing?” Grant shook his head. “I don’t believe the proper Mrs. Berkley knows how to race, or even ride a horse very well.”

  Nick shrugged. “Well, then maybe the others were racing while she sat back and watched.”

  Grant laughed. “Yes. I wouldn’t doubt that a bit. If my memory serves, I believe Catherine used to race all of her childhood friends and win.” His laughter grew. “I even remember a time when she’d raced you.”

  Against his own will, Nick grinned, his heart softening in memory. “Yes, but she never won. She came close, but I think I let her to make her feel better.”

  “You always were a considerate boy.”

  Laughter entered the hallway from outside the study door. His brothers and Catherine were back, and by the sound of it, Gregg, Ian, and Catherine were teasing each other.

  “Catherine, my dear?” Grant’s voice rose. “Could you please come in the study?”

  Nick’s eyes darted to the door in anticipation. When she entered, he noticed she’d changed out of her yellow morning dress into a green riding habit. The color made her blue eyes shine. Her face glowed with laughter, and her always-perfect hair appeared slightly messed in the thick braid that hung down her back. A few loose hairs around her face and neck clung to her slightly damp skin. Her appearance literally took his breath away.

  Catherine walked to Grant and kissed him on the cheek. “Good morning. How are you faring today?” she asked sweetly.

  “Much better now that I’ve seen your lovely face. Pray, why were you up so early?”

  “I should apologize for that, because the truth is I cannot sleep once the sun is awake.”

  Grant caressed her cheek. “You do whatever pleases you. I only want to make you happy.”

  Her answered was to give him another smile.

  “My dear,” Grant continued, “how would you like to take a day doing nothing but shopping to your heart’s delight?”

  “Why do I need to go shopping?”

  The men in the room chuckled. “Why?” Grant answered. “Do you really need a reason? I want you to, that’s why. I want you to buy whatever your heart desires. You shall need many more dresses for all the parties and balls you will be invited to, and because you will soon be Duchess of Ashton, so looking the part is necessary.”

  Catherine’s smile disappeared and a frown crossed her brow. “But, Grant? I have no idea how to attire myself in such a way.”

  “My dear, do not worry your pretty little head about that. Nick has agreed to take you into town tomorrow and help you get what you need.”

  Nick waited for Catherine’s eyes to meet his, and when they did, they widened. Color darkened her cheeks.

  “Nicholas is going to take me?”

  “Yes, my dear.” Grant grasped her hand and patted it. “I would, but I’m still too weak, and I don’t want to postpone your trip any longer. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “No,” she answered, keeping her eyes on Nick. “Just as long as I’m not a bother.”

  Nick stood and moved to the window. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he told her over his shoulder. “You won’t be a bother.”

  “Very well, then. Tomorrow will be fine.”

  “Good. Everything is settled,” Grant replied. “So, Catherine, how was your morning ride?”

  Nick leaned against the window as he studied Catherine. Her smile and eyes widened as she proceeded to tell Grant about the ride around the estate and how it turned into a horse race instead of a tour. Because she had won the first race, Gregg and Ian challenged her to another, and another, until they could finally beat her. Poor Mrs. Berkley was left behind, more upset than an irritated mule.

  The longer Nick kept his eyes on her and listened to Catherine’s sweet voice, the angrier he became. The thought of her becoming his uncle’s wife bore in his gut like an infection, eating away his very will to breathe. Everyone loved her, but he couldn’t – not the way he wanted. His two idiotic brothers gazed upon her with such admiration written all over their spellbound faces, and Nick’s uncle...well, the duke had been smitten from the very beginning when she was only fourteen years old.

  “Catherine, my dear, I’m in the mood for a ride in my carriage. Would you come with me?” Grant asked.

  She hesitated briefly then nodded. “I need to freshen myself a little first. Do you mind waiting a few minutes?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Besides that, you’d better send a servant to find Mrs. Berkley. I fear she must have lost her way.”

  Everyone laughed except Nick. She turned and her dress swished with her hurried steps. When she was out of hearing distance, he asked his uncle, “Do you really think going for a drive is a good idea? You are still very exhausted from last night.”

  “Nonsense.” Grant waved his hand through the air, shoeing him away as he stood. “I would like some private time with her, and that my dear boy, is worth an outing.”

  Nick didn’t argue, only because it wouldn’t do him any good. Once Grant made up his mind that was the end of their conversation.

  The duke put all his support on his cane as he walked out of the room. Nick hurried to his side to help him out of the house and to await the carriage. Excitement danced in his uncle’s eyes, and this worried Nick. What if Grant became too wound up and his heart couldn’t take it? Any normal man would be overly anxious to be alone with Catherine. Look at the way Nick had reacted last night.

  It surprised Nick when Catherine came outside not more than fifteen minutes later. He’d never seen a woman take less than an hour to ready herself. In the small amount of time, Catherine’s hair had been taken out of her thick braid and combed, then pulled away from her face with a ribbon. She still wore her riding habit, but it looked like it had been brushed clean.

  Because they had yet to find Mrs. Berkley, Cathe
rine’s maid went along. Nick helped his uncle into the buggy first, then turned and aided Catherine. When a whiff of her rose scent touched his senses, his stomach flipped.

  “Please be careful,” he whispered in her ear. “The duke is still very fragile.”

  She pulled away and sat, giving him a confusing stare. Nick hoped the more she thought about what he whispered to her, the more she could understand what he really meant.

  Nick stood back with his brothers as his uncle, Catherine, and her maid drove off together, Catherine doing the driving.

  Gregg chuckled. “You know, I think Catherine will be good for Uncle Grant’s health. She has already brightened up our home. We have been too long without a female around here.”

  Nick’s answer to that was a loud, angry laugh, then he turned sharply on his heels and stomped back inside the house to his study where he slammed the door for better emphasis. The echoing of his brother’s laughter only made him more irate.

  Chapter Six

  A leisurely wind blew through the trees, gently caressing the overhead branches that shaded the desolate country road. The afternoon weather was perfect for the ride. The air had warmed slightly since morning, making the outdoors a little easier for Catherine to take. Even her visit with Grant wasn’t as nerve-wracking as she’d thought it would be. She talked to him like she used to as a child, and not once did she feel uneasy.

  Since Grant couldn’t guide the horses, she handled the reins in the two-seat buggy and led them down the road. At Grant’s request, she pulled over, under the shade of a hickory tree. Her maid climbed out, but didn’t wander away, giving her and Grant a little more privacy.

  “I have always favored this part of the estate,” he commented, squinting as he scanned the area. “I came here as a lad many times. Occasionally, your father joined me in a game of rock skipping in the pond over yonder.” He pointed in the direction.

  She laughed. “It sounds like such cherished memories. How long have you known my father?”