The American and the Duke

Chapter 6 Katerina

    Talia's parlor have been a hive of activity since the opening ball. Julian called on me the day after the ball. He arrogantly asked for forgiveness about the night before. He admitted that he was smitten with me. From the moment he laid eyes on me, he was smitten. And blamed that feeling for his rudeness. Though I made it very clear that I had no interest in marrying, especially here in London. And it would take the whole world to end for me to ever consider marrying Julian Samuels. Even then maybe not. But it was Talia who I felt for, every day men came to call on her. Sighting her beauty and grace at the ball at Howard House. Each man brought some kind of gift or token for her. The drawing room had been filled with flowers, and even when walking by it you could smell the sweetness. One man brought a puppy, it was such a beautiful golden pomeranian puppy. We named him Julian, for he had the same face as Julian. And after that we laughed when Julian tried to pet the dog, only to be rewarded by a small bite on his hand.

On the third evening, when the last caller left for the evening. Talia pleaded with her father. She said that there were too many suitors, and that it overwhelmed her. In truth I think it was because of the way my brother looked at each suitor. As if he would kill each one who tried anything with Talia. Or even sat to close to her. There was something there, something between James and Talia. But aunt Julia was preoccupied by the total number of callers who came to call on her daughter. After much protesting from my aunt, my uncle did finally agree to limit the number suitors who called on Talia per day. Talia had so many suitors, but Julian was the only one who called on me. And I was growing tired of him, I was as cold and distant with him as possible. But that seemed to only further his ambition. He ambitiously told my brother that he would marry me by the end of the season. My brother only laughed at such a remark, and told Julian that I would decide on my husband and not him. That I had a mind of my own, and could decide my own future. But Julian did not accept this. He saw me as a prize to be won, and he had to win my hand. 

Four days after the opening ball, a picnic was being held at the park across from my uncle’s home. I was excited to escape the house and spend the day outside in the warmth of the sun. I would often spend my summers in our garden or by the docks in Boston. It made me happy to be outside in the sun. To enjoy the warmth on my skin. I noted that the day was glorious for such a thing, the sun was shining. And there were very few clouds in the sky. I prayed that this weather would last the entire day. As the weather in London often changed very quickly. I had Roselyn dress me in a simple light pink day dress. The sleeves were made entirely of lace. and landed just above my wrist. I just wanted my hair to fall in curls down my back. So I had Roselyn leave my hair be. I had a rope of pearls around my neck, papa had bought them for my 16th birthday. And I touched them fondly, missing papa. It had been two weeks since his last letter. He was doing well, but missed both his children terribly.  I made my way downstairs. Talia and James were in the parlor, speaking in hushed tones. I noticed that Talia was wearing a similar dress, but she had a bonnet on. I cleared my throat, they both turned. Talia’s cheeks are flaming. I looked around but did not find my uncle or my aunt. Which was odd at this hour, it was just before noon.

“Were you waiting for me,” I asked. Talia laughed and walked away from my brother. She looped her arm around my arm and we left the parlor. James quickly caught up behind us. Henry was by the door. Talia gave him a curious expression. Aunt Julia had made an excuse for a headache at breakfast. In honesty she hated picnics and being out in nature. But it was a blessing in disguise, she would have made Talia walk with every suitor that even smiled at her. With her in tow behind them no doubt. Now Talia could enjoy herself. We all could enjoy ourselves. We all could enjoy the freedom that the outside world had to offer.

“Pardon me Lady Talia, Mr. Malcolm, and lady Katerina. Lord Seabury offers his apologies. Urgent business has called him back to parliament. And he will not be able to attend the picnic. But he wants you all to enjoy yourselves and will see you at dinner,” he said. I looked at Talia, and she looked disappointed. James saw it too, and reached out to touch her shoulder. She placed her hand over his.