A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,39
for Katherine’s ears only.
When her startled gaze shot to his, he lifted his eyebrows innocently, then proceeded with his own farewells. The faster they were out of there the better.
However, for Christian, the night wouldn’t end until he found out what Kat’s decision was.
He needed her now more than ever.
Chapter Nine
Katherine followed Christian out of the formal dining room without uttering a word. They traveled down the hall that led to the entry, where they gathered their belongings. Soon, he escorted her outside to the carriage. A footman had already pulled down the steps and opened the coach door.
Christian stopped, then turned. “I’ve heard that Lady Woodhaven has a spectacular garden pond with some unique plants. Would you be interested in a stroll? Unless, of course, you need to return home because of your day tomorrow?”
His voice was smooth but the side-eyed glance he gave her revealed he knew her excuse to leave early had been a ruse.
“That would be wonderful. The pond is one of a kind, rectangular in shape with a small fountain attached.” She still felt riled from the appraisal she had received from Helen’s brother. The man had stared at her as if she were some sweet treat. When he’d held on to her hand while she tried to pull away, it felt as if she were caught in a net. Thankfully, Christian had reached her side and provided her with an escape.
Christian handed their hats and wraps to the footman. “Iverson, we’ll take a little stroll, then we’ll be ready to be on our way.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” The footman nodded.
Christian held out his arm, and she slipped hers around his. Soon, they were out of sight of the carriage and had made their way to the garden. The bubbling of the fountain greeted them, along with the sweet fragrance of flowers. They entered a wooden archway covered in blooms that led them to the pond. Several small lanterns provided light for the paved pathway.
Once through, Katherine took a deep breath and exhaled.
They stopped, and Christian reached into his evening coat and pulled out a small flask. “Take a sip.”
Without protest, she did as he directed. She didn’t particularly care for whisky, but she needed something to take the chill away. “Thank you.”
“You look as if you’ve seen your husband’s ghost.” He took the flask and drank after her. “Did you know Lady Woodhaven’s brother would be here?”
“Yes,” she said softly. “I’ve never met him before. Helen wanted us to meet. She thinks we’d be a good match, but I told her I didn’t want to remarry.” She was babbling like the fountain, but it allowed her a moment to tamp down the dread that someone would recognize her as Elise Fontaine’s daughter. Lord Abbott hadn’t known her true identity, but he’d examined her for so long, she was shaken. Fear wasn’t always logical and often appeared when she felt uncomfortable or in new situations. “I didn’t care for the way he held my hand. Was it that apparent?”
Christian stared at her with unwavering calm. “I’d be lying if I told you no. However, I don’t think anyone noticed except for me. Everyone’s attention was on my exchange with Lord Abbott.” He waved his hand toward a bench beside the pond. “Come, let’s sit down.”
“I don’t care to sit.” Instead of following, she walked to the fountain at the opposite end of the pond. Another wooden archway led to the small formal garden that Helen had lovingly restored. Several of the flowers Katherine had personally planted herself when she’d come to visit. Never had she felt as welcomed in society, or really by anyone, as she had that day. She’d been accepted by a peeress, and they’d become dear friends. Helen was the only one she’d ever confided the truth of her birth, but she’d never told her friend that she was a convicted thief. Katherine took a shallow breath and carefully released it.
A large warm hand touched her shoulder. Somehow, Christian had come to her side, once again without her hearing him take a step. Instead of being frightened, she found his touch more soothing. For a moment, she wanted to place her hand over his and draw from the strength that resided there. He, of all people, had seen her distress and helped her escape from Lord Abbott’s perusal.
“Better?” Christian’s voice was as smooth and dark as the whisky they’d shared.
“Yes, thank you.” She turned around and faced him.