A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,123
“All my life, I’ve known that I had been wronged. I’ve let people use my misfortune against me. With their looks, taunts, and scowls, I’ve allowed myself to feel as if I wasn’t worthy or somehow less of a person. Whenever I would meet someone, my first worry was whether they’d know about my past. That’s no way to live. With Christian, I want a life where I can give all of myself.”
Willa raised an eyebrow.
Katherine narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t tell Morgan, did you?”
“I may like the young man’s company, but it doesn’t mean I tell him tales he has no business knowing.” She huffed a breath. “As if I’d share such a secret with one of the duke’s employees. It’s your business, lass. Do you ever blame your mother for you being a bastard?”
“I could never blame her. She loved me.”
“Do you blame me for not being there and protecting ye when you were arrested?” Willa asked so softly that Katherine wasn’t certain she heard correctly.
“No.” Then in a firmer voice, Kat said, “I blame myself for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and for not fighting harder.” She leaned forward in her seat and took Willa’s hand in hers. “I would never hold you accountable for my mistakes.” She squeezed her hand. “My mother was the first person who loved me for who I was. You were the second.”
Willa wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you, lass. I love you like my own.”
Katherine leaned forward a little more and kissed Willa on the cheek. “And I love you like my own.”
Willa straightened and tidied Katherine’s cloak like a mother would. “If I were your mother, it would be remiss of me not to tell you there is a third person who loves you. Your duke.”
“Do you think he’ll be angry?” Kat asked softly.
Willa shrugged. “I don’t know, lass. But if he is, I wouldn’t blame him.”
Before Kat could answer, the carriage slowed to a halt in front of a lovely estate on the outskirts of York. It was the home of Mr. George Dane-Fox, the local magistrate. A footman stood ready and opened the door.
In moments, they were escorted to the study, where Mr. FitzWilliam and the magistrate waited for their arrival.
She stood tall, didn’t twist her fingers, and smiled. “Good afternoon, Mr. Dane-Fox. My name is Miss Katherine James from London, and this is my companion, Miss Willa Ferguson.” She turned to Mr. FitzWilliam. “Hello, sir. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being here.”
After greetings were exchanged, Mr. Dane-Fox had them all take a seat. “I read the letter Miss Howell sent. She speaks highly of you. Now, what can I help you with today?”
Katherine took a deep breath for fortitude. She could not fail. Her future with Christian depended on it. “I’d like to tell you what really happened ten years ago when I was convicted of stealing an apple.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Thank you for listening to both me and Mr. FitzWilliam.” Katherine shook Mr. Dane-Fox’s hand.
“Of course, Miss James. I was glad to be of assistance.” The magistrate bowed slightly and turned toward his study.
The footman opened the door. With Willa by her side, Katherine stepped out into the fresh air. The bright sun blinded her for a moment.
“Look, Kat,” Willa whispered. “He’s here.”
She blinked twice, not believing what she was seeing.
Christian leaned against the side of his massive travel carriage, staring at the ground. The instant he sensed the change in the air, he raised his gaze and found her. She stopped to drink in the sight of him. His face was drawn as if he’d lost weight, and shadows lingered beneath his eyes. It appeared he hadn’t slept any better than she had since they’d parted.
He didn’t move as she hurried down the steps to meet him. Marble had to be more pliant than his expression. After what seemed like an eternity, she reached his side. “Hello, Christian.”
“Katherine,” he answered.
No Kat. No sweetheart. Just Katherine, which perfectly matched the formal tone in his voice. She clasped her hands in front of her. “It’s good to see you. Actually, it’s better than good. It’s everything. But … how did you find me?”
“I called on Venetia. She stepped outside your house and told me. No one mentioned that she couldn’t talk to me outside.” A hint of displeasure sounded in his deep voice. “I believe Willa wanted her to mention York to me.”