Chapter Thirteen #2
“That was an unexpected and nice surprise,” she said softly, rubbing her hand across his chest.
He grunted.
Cathryn giggled at his response. “What does that mean?”
“I was agreeing with you. Did I do it wrong?”
“Heavens, no. It was wonderful.”
“Good. It was for me too.”
He felt her kiss the skin on his shoulder. “We should really try and get a few hours’ sleep. The house will wake shortly.”
“I find myself falling asleep.”
The last thing he thought he remembered was Cathryn whispering the words “I love you.”
Sleep overtook him before he had time to respond. Instead, he had dreams. Dreams of them somewhere tropical. He couldn’t recall where as places which were hot year round didn’t interest him. A year was supposed to have four seasons.
His parents appeared in his dream. It was hot and humid. Everyone was miserable. His parents were ignoring him almost like they didn’t know who he was. What was this and where was he?
Not waking up, his mind found another dream, only in this one, he and Cathryn were riding horses on a beach.
He liked to sneak out and do that on Wight.
There was something about a horse cantering through the sand, the breeze running through your hair or standing knee high in the water that appealed to him.
In the dream, he watched as Cathryn rode her horse to him.
She had a huge smile on her face and then everything turned dark.
Was he dreaming this or was it real? Why was it dark?
*
Walking into the breakfast room, found his brother scouring the newspapers. Usually, Arthur didn’t do this until he’d finished eating. This morning, he was doing both at the same time.
The two men exchanged pleasantries and Charles sat down while a footman set a plate filled with his favorites.
“Is something important going on? Are we at war?” Charles asked, picking up a piece of toast and slathering some marmalade on it.
“No, but you certainly were the talk of last evening. All the society pages are talking about you.”
He shook his head and took a bite. “I don’t know why. I certainly didn’t do anything.”
“People gossip, Charles.”
“Yes, I know, but doesn’t one have to do something odd to be gossiped about?”
Charles lowered his toast to his plate and stared at Arthur as reality set in. “I’m the oddity, aren’t I? So now let’s tell all of London since seeing me at the theater wasn’t enough entertainment.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I should be used to it by now. People are fascinated by me. I don’t know why I can’t just accept that fact and go about my life.”
Arthur held up one of the newspapers. “Care to read one for yourself, or I could read it to you?”
He grabbed the paper and began reading the article. Nothing unusual. It was the author’s opinion that he did not know why his brother, the duke, couldn’t keep his twin out of sight and out of mind. Then they made mention of Cathryn, wondering how and why she married the eccentric gentleman.
Charles felt his teeth gnash as he continued to read the article.
This was exactly why he didn’t want to go out into society.
He was perfectly happy with his life otherwise.
Now people would stop and stare if they ran into him.
Or they’d look at him in horror and back away from him.
It was what had happened a few times on Wight.
When it happened, he would simply disappear to his cottage and keep a low profile.
He found people forgot quicker than they remembered.
“After my talk at Oxford, I think it’s time to return to the country until all this blows over. Cathryn and Daphne don’t need to be part of this.”
“They won’t be. If they are, Daphne will set the record straight, and I believe your wife is just as capable. Do not underestimate either of them.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Do I need to address this or ignore it as I usually do?
” Charles asked his brother. He’d lost his appetite.
It was easy for him to go through this. He never acknowledged any articles.
The same needed to be done here. Still, he was sure it would affect Cathryn one way or another.
It wasn’t fair for her to get pulled into this situation.
He would have to keep an eye on her and how she acted.
“Ignore it,” Arthur replied.
“Ignore what?” Cathryn asked as she glided into the room. She looked breathtaking in a stunning lavender dress.
“It seems you and your husband made the society pages of some of the newspapers,” Arthur said.
Cathryn sat down and, smiling, looked between both men. “That doesn’t surprise me. I hope they were not too horrid.”
“No, I’ve seen worse,” Charles replied.
“The ton is so fickle. Something new will interest them and we’ll be yesterday’s news,” Cathryn said.
“We’ll return to Kent after my speech at Oxford.”
“That’s probably for the best,” she agreed.
“You don’t mind?”
She shook her head. “No, not at all. While I love London, there is only so much one can endure.”
“Now you sound like Daphne,” Arthur said with a laugh as he folded the newspapers neatly and moved them near his brother. He rose to his full height. “If you will excuse me, I need to tend to some correspondence.”
Once Arthur left, Cathryn got up and took two of the newspapers from the small stack. Sitting back down, she placed them to one side as a footman set a plate in front of her. She wasn’t a huge eater this time of day but appreciated toast along with tea.
“What are you doing?” Charles inquired.
“I want to see what they had to say.”
Charles firmly shook his head. “You don’t need to read such trash, and you don’t need to get yourself upset.”
“I’m not going to get upset, Charles.”
He said nothing for a moment, mulling over how to word what he needed to say next. “You say that now. I’ve made a decision.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re returning to Kent when I go to Oxford. Once I’ve finished my speech and business with them, I’ll join you. I really see no point in staying here any longer than necessary.”
“It’s probably for the best, though I would rather go to Oxford with you. We could spend the night and leave for Kent the following morning.”
“I suppose that would work. I just don’t wish for you to be bored.”
“I won’t be. I’m sure they have shops and places to eat. I’ll be fine, and once I’ve had my fill, I can go back to the room and wait for you.”
Charles was once again intrigued by his bride.
Obviously, she’d taken her time and thought this all out.
He hadn’t even thought about her being able to visit shops or bakeries.
Just that she couldn’t or shouldn’t go with him when he went to Oxford.
He’d much rather them travel together than for her to go to Kent without him.
“Go ahead and look into it,” he said.
“I have and I will. Thank you, Charles.”
“No need to thank me. I simply don’t want my wife traveling alone.”
He stirred his tea before taking a sip. It was a delightful blend, one they served in Kent as well. He needed to find out what it was called or if it was blended in the kitchen.
“Would you like to take a walk, or have you things to do?”
“I need to finish preparing my notes. A word of advice, wife; it might be best to stay here for a day or two.”
“I see. So you’re hiding and expect me to do so as well? That is not going to happen.”
Charles sighed. It was next to impossible for Cathryn to let things go.
The better he got to know her, the more he noticed.
“I was simply trying to spare you from the gossips, but if you aren’t going to be bothered by their whispers and stares, go, have your walk.
I have to finish preparing my presentation. ”
Rather than reply, Cathryn huffed, lifted her skirts, turned, and quickly walked out of the room.