| |
As she had done the previous morning, Kitty woke before dawn. But on this day, excitement flowed through her veins instead of dread.
She stood in front of the mirror studying her reflection, and bit her lip in worry.
Yesterday the duke had met her when she was dressed in a beautiful gown, her hair clean and perfectly braided and pinned on the crown of her head. This morn she was dressed in a pale green riding habit. While she knew the duke was intrigued by more than merely her attractive features, Kitty certainly hoped he would not think any less of her.
Admittedly, she was also filled with excitement for their race, as well as their ride to the meadow. She had not informed her mother and father of the race between her and the duke, as her mother would not have allowed it. Kitty had promised her parents she would be on her best behaviour, but what they were not aware of would not harm them.
Kitty took one last glance at her reflection and nodded to herself in encouragement, before she snuck out of her chamber. The hallways were still dark, the thick drapes tightly closed, smothering out any signs of daylight, allowing the guests to enjoy their peaceful slumber as long as they wished.
Kitty passed the paintings in the hallways, a glint of excitement manifesting its way to her lips. She passed several maidservants, greeting them happily until she descended the main stairwell. The great hall was ominously dark as she passed through it, the eyes of the portraits following her eerily. Kitty did not, however, allow their eyes to deter her from her goal.
A maidservant noticed her approach the door to the terrace and she hurriedly opened it. “Have a pleasant ride, my lady. The meadow is beautiful this time of the year.”
“Thank you. I will indeed,” Kitty answered.
Kitty stepped out onto the terrace and made her way down the stone steps to her right. Somehow, she’d been under the impression the duke would not inform anyone who worked at the estate of their whereabouts. But upon further consideration, Kitty came to the conclusion that James had certainly informed everyone, for his own safety and hers.
Woodlock Manor was his estate, his home, and he did not appear to keep any secrets. He spoke candidly regarding his father and how he was raised, which pleased Kitty to see his openness towards her. He had certainly warmed up in a most unexpected manner.
When her parents had informed her of the arrangement they had made with James of Somerset, she had been devastated to be forced into a marriage she did not wish. But when her father had explained the terrible situation their family was in financially, she had reluctantly agreed. She did not wish to defy her parents and cause her family’s ruination.
Kitty still had an obligation towards her parents, and she was well aware that the fate of her family rested on her shoulders. Kitty did not have any siblings with whom this responsibility was shared, hence the only way to ensure her family’s survival was to marry a wealthy and titled man.
As Kitty followed the path that led to the stable, she noticed three horses standing outside with saddles on their backs, and their reins in place. The groom who was to accompany them stepped out of the barn, followed by the duke.
The moment Kitty gazed upon him, her heart pounded in her chest and time slowed down.
The duke noticed her approach and turned towards her.
She smiled breathlessly. “Your Grace.”
“A good morning to you, my lady. You look absolutely radiant,” the duke greeted with a charming smile.
“Your words flatter me, Your Grace,” Kitty said, lowering her gaze to hide her heated cheeks.
“I speak only the truth, my lady,” James said. “Are you ready?”
Kitty glanced at the duke and noticed his outstretched hand. “Perhaps it is more appropriate if I ask you that question, Your Grace,” she answered with a sly chuckle.
“Your confidence is admirable,” the duke chuckled in return as Kitty placed her hand on his.
James smiled as he led her to the snow-white stallion that stood a short distance from them, beside the chestnut stallion that she assumed was meant for him.
“Your horses are beautiful, Your Grace.”
He settled Kitty onto side saddle on the white horse before the groom gave the duke a leg up onto his. Within a short while, they slowly made their way in the direction of the meadow.
Kitty adored the feeling of being on the graceful and majestic white stallion’s back, her body moving up and down as the animal trotted through the tall grass.
It had been much too long since she had been able to ride her horses, which sadly were no longer in her father’s possession. As soon as the news came to light with regards to his business partner and his theft of finances from the company, Lord Dunne was forced to sell their assets, which unfortunately had included the horses.
Of course, Kitty had been devastated, but she understood the necessity. This was why it was important for her to make certain her union with the duke went smoothly. Although it would not bring her horses back, it would most certainly ensure that her father did not lose his estate.
Her father had, in Kitty’s opinion, already lost enough.
Kitty gazed at the sky as the sunrise illuminated the area in a warm glow and a shiver of delight ran down her spine. The meadow was extraordinary, and the man riding his horse beside her was even more so. The light fell on his face, accentuating his features, and Kitty could not help but stare at him longer than usual. His dark hair blew softly in the fresh breeze, and his shoulders were relaxed as he gazed out before him.
“The meadow is beautiful, Your Grace. I have not seen anything like it in my entire life. Not even riding the countryside with my father,” Kitty said.
“It is, quite. I have not been at the meadow for a long while.”
“Other matters required your undivided attention,” Kitty said with a nod. “Thank you for bringing me here. It is calming and relaxing. A welcome break from the busyness and the ruckus of the manor.”
“If you are referring to your parents,” James said with a grin, “I could not agree with you more, my lady, and it is my utmost pleasure.”
Kitty chuckled in amusement and she glanced at James. “You and I should do this more often, Your Grace.”
James glanced at her with a furrowed brow and she pursed her lip briefly.
“When we are married, this could become a new family tradition perhaps,” Kitty said, the thought of spending the rest of her life with James now more than palatable. When he did not respond, she lowered her gaze. “I understand if you do not wish to do that, Your Grace. It is, after all, simply an arrangement between you and my father.”
“Is that what you think, my lady?” James asked.
“It does not matter what I think, Your Grace. It is the truth, is it not?” Kitty asked. “You had not met me before, or seen me, for that matter. You do not know nearly enough about me to fully support this marriage.”
“My lady, it does not mean—”
Kitty waved her hand. “You do not need to make excuses for me, Your Grace. I am aware of the situation.”
“You misunderstand, my lady. If there was even a moment I doubted this was what I wanted, I would not have gone through with it,” James answered.
Kitty glanced at him and her brow furrowed. “How can you say such a thing, Your Grace? You barely know me.”
“But that which I do know of you, my lady, appeals to me very much,” the duke pointed out.
“And what, precisely, is that?” Kitty asked with a sly smile.
“Your ferocity, the manner in which you stay true to yourself regardless of what others may say. The love you have in your heart towards the things that make you truly happy,” James answered.
Kitty’s knees weakened and she was infinitely grateful she was not standing, as she would have fallen on her face “Your words are kind, Your Grace.”
“They are true, my lady.” The duke smiled at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling together.
Kitty reciprocated the gesture, but her smile soon changed into a sly smirk. “Perhaps it is time you and I prepare for that race you proposed.”
“As I recall, it was...” His voice trailed as he noticed the smug expression on Kitty’s face. “Perhaps we should.”
Kitty chuckled and steadied her horse. “We will race to the top of that hilltop in the distance.”
The duke glanced in the direction Kitty motioned and nodded. “Very well.”
“And whoever is the winner...” Kitty’s voice trailed off as she brought her hand up to her chin and pondered for a moment.
“The winner can decide a suitable punishment, in a manner of speaking. It can be anything he, or she, wishes,” the duke suggested.
Kitty found his suggestion intriguing and rather appealing, so she nodded. “That is an excellent suggestion, Your Grace.”
“I thank you, my lady.”
The duke seemed slightly nervous as Kitty positioned her stallion beside the duke’s and glanced at him.
He fidgeted with his reins and Kitty cocked her head. “Is everything well, Your Grace?”
“Indeed. Why do you ask?”
Kitty shrugged her shoulders and answered, “You seems nervous.”
“Nonsense. It has merely been a while since I rode a horse, let alone raced with an opponent,” the duke admitted.
“I can understand that, but in order to preserve my honour, please do not allow me to win. I do not feel that is in any manner a compliment,” Kitty felt compelled to say.
“Understood, my lady.” The duke nodded.
“Excellent. Are you ready?”
“As ready as I will ever be, my lady.” The duke cringed ever so slightly and glanced at the groom standing nearby. “Shall you see us off, Kenneth?”
“It would be my pleasure, Your Grace,” the young groom answered. “Three, two one...”