Bewitching the Duke

And yet, that was all he’d thought of for hours. He’d even walked to the door that connected the rooms and held onto the handle. But his principles would not let him open that door. She deserved better than a man who couldn’t put his past behind him.

Determined to put her out of his mind, he walked downstairs to breakfast. He entered the room expecting to see his stepmother. Instead, Selina sat at the table wearing the same dress he’d removed from her last night. She looked over at him with a shy smile.

“Good morning, Your Grace.”

“Good morning, Selina. Are you enjoying your toast?” He took the seat across from her.

“Very much so,” she replied. “I haven’t looked in on your sister but I will as soon as I’m finished. Then I shall get out of your way.”

“You’re hardly in the way,” he said as a footman placed a plate of eggs and ham in front of him. He had an overwhelming urge to find an excuse for her to stay. Perhaps he should twist his ankle again.

“You have enough going on with the wedding plans.”

Mr. Roberts cleared his throat to get Colin’s attention. “Your Grace, this just came for Lady Katherine. The messenger said it was very important.”

Colin picked up the letter and stared at the seal. It was from her betrothed. “Why do I feel like this is more bad news?”

“He couldn’t possibly know about the incident from last night,” she whispered.

“I need to give this to her. Excuse me.” He walked up the stairs slowly. After a quick knock, his stepmother bade him entrance.

“Is Kate awake?” he asked softly.

“Yes, I’m awake. And I’m not dying, Colin. You can speak in a normal tone of voice.” Kate sat up slowly. “What’s the matter? You look like hell.”

“I shall take my leave to change my clothing,” his stepmother said and then left the room.

Other than being slightly pale, Kate looked very well rested. He would have to thank Selina for that. “You have a letter from John.”

Her face lit up like a small child who’d just received a sweet. “Let me see it.”

He handed the note to her and then sat in the chair nearest the bed. He watched with dread as her brows furrowed and tears welled in her eyes. “What’s wrong, Kate?”

“His mother died three days ago. He’s in mourning and shouldn’t marry me for another three months. He thinks we should run to Gretna Green, regardless of his mourning period.”

Colin clenched his fists. “What do you think?”

“There’s no point in rushing the marriage and suffering the consequences of the gossip it would cause.”

“Are you certain?” he asked softly.

She stared up at him and nodded. “You know, don’t you?”

“I was suspicious when you moved the wedding date. When Miss White told me it was feminine issues, I assumed you lost the child.”

“Yes.” She brushed away a tear.

“I’m sorry, Kate.”

“I just wish I could be there to comfort him. He was very close with his mother. I will write to him and tell him there is no need to elope now.”

There was nothing else he could say to her. What was it about this house that caused so much misery? There had to be some way of changing it. “Miss White would like to check on you. Should I send her up?”

“Please.” She placed the letter on her nightstand and lay back against the pillows. “I’m so glad she was here last night, Colin.”

“Me too.” But he did wonder how she’d arrived so quickly. “When did you call for Miss White last night?”

Kate shrugged. “I’m not certain. Why?”