finish cataloguing Meri’s correspondence. That’s what he was here for. Not to fall in love.
He chanced a discreet glance Katherine’s way. Her skin glowed, and she held herself at ease. He’d always found he preferred people who were comfortable with their own company. And with her, he was relaxed without the need of formality. They could even sit and enjoy each other’s company without conversation.
He cleared his throat and continued to gently rub her hand. He hadn’t stopped since he’d taken her hand in his.
To touch her nurtured something deep inside that he’d always wanted but never dared hoped to find. Contentment. Acceptance. Someone who saw him as a human and not just their heir, or their guarantor in Meri’s case.
What it all boiled down to was that he wanted someone to put him first in their life. Because with that person, he’d do the same.
“Your friend Lady Woodhaven mentioned a few things about your marriage to my half brother … but I’d like to hear it from you.”
She shrugged. “There’s not much to tell. Your brother came into my shop one day, and we were married three weeks later. It was a whirlwind courtship.”
“Did you love him?” The words trailed to nothing, and for a moment, Christian didn’t think she’d answer. He stared, waiting for her to say something. Eventually, the silence grew tenuous.
She schooled her features into a pleasant expression. Yet her hazel eyes briefly flashed as if portending storms. Perhaps it was too painful for her to discuss.
“I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s all right.” She leaned away from the table, creating distance between them. Her gaze grew cloudy, her expression wistful. “Did I fall in love with him?”
His chest tightened waiting for the answer.
“No. I think we both fell in love with the idea of falling in love. At least, I did.” She glanced out the window.
Katherine let go of his hand, and immediately he wanted to take it. Instead, he smiled and said, “You’re a remarkable person, Katherine. Meri was lucky to have you, however briefly, in his life.”
When she turned her attention back to him, she had lifted her brows in shock. “Thank … you.”
“May I ask another question?”
“Of course,” she said, folding her hands together on the desk.
“Did Meri purchase a set of your linens? I seem to recall a bill from your shop.”
When she laughed, the bright sound filled the emptiness in his chest. “He did. That’s how I met him. I allowed him in the shop.”
“Perhaps you’ll reconsider and allow me the opportunity to shop in your fine establishment, then?” He waggled his eyebrows. “If we’re going to promote each other’s businesses, I’d like to have the experience of sleeping on your linens.”
She nodded in agreement. “You should.”
“Is that an invitation to sleep in your bed?” He tilted one side of his mouth upward.
“Behave,” she scolded with a grin.
“With you, I find it impossible,” he answered.
She laughed, and her eyes flickered with mirth. He wanted to make her laugh every day and be the man who gave her pleasure in every way. His reward would be her smile and the sparkle in her eyes that lit them from within.
“Now, sir, what are those piles of papers in front of you?” She pointed toward the papers.
Christian picked up the three separate packets. “Meri has assigned a packet of receipts to each wife.” He handed one to Kat. “This one is yours. The others are for Constance and Beth.” He shrugged slightly and frowned. “I’ve glanced at them. They’re nothing but receipts and records of transactions. Some deal with the sale of horses and livestock. Some are auction receipts. Others are some type of mineral leases. Frankly, I can’t make heads or tails of them. Nor does it make any sense why they’ve been separated for each wife. They’re all from the last year.”
Kat untied the bundle and rummaged through the pages. “You’re right. They appear to be transactions of some sort or the other.” Her brow creased as she regarded Christian. “I’m not really certain what it all means. If you’d like, I’ll take the ones for Constance and Beth.” Kat tied up the pile and retied the leather strap around hers.
“If it wouldn’t be much trouble.” He slid the remaining two packets toward her, then drew the bag toward him. “I think that’s all the papers here.” He slipped his hand in the bag again, where he discovered a hidden pocket sewn into the leather. Inside was a folded piece of paper. When