The American and the Duke

Chapter 7 Katerina

The next afternoon I sat in the parlor with Talia and James. Talia was sitting beside me on the couch sewing. I was reading out loud. James was writing a letter to papa. No doubt telling him about Rowan, and his intentions to court me. Last night I had dinner brought to my room, for I needed a hot bath. For I was soaked through to the bone. But I did not feel the chill. When I was eating James came in smiling. He inquired about Rowan and what happened after we left their company. I told him about what we spoke of, but never did I mention that he kissed me. Or that I kissed him back. I wanted to keep it a secret for now. Something only that Rowan and I could share. I then scolded him for not telling me that they had met before at the club. Jamie said that both he and Rowan wanted to surprise me. Rowan was very taken by me. I knew that all too well from the kiss we shared.

“You were not at dinner last night. And you did not come home until the sun began to set. I trust that your walk with Rowan Howard went well,” Talia said inquisitively. I set my book aside and looked at her. She had a sly look upon her face. As if she had known what happened between us. 

“Rowan and I were caught in the rain. And had to seek shelter, we lost track of time,” I replied. She chuckled at this thought. I felt my body get heated at the memories.

“What did you speak about,” she asked. I smiled, there was not much talking in that gazebo. But I could still feel the feeling of his lips on mine. His hands on my body. His ragged breathing in my ear. His desire meeting mine.

“Talia, I must confess something to you. Though you must swear not to repeat this to anyone,''I asked. Talia nodded earnestly, I looked over at James. But he was intent on his letter to our papa. I moved closer to Talia. My voice low enough that only she could hear.

“Rowan kissed me yesterday. In the stone gazebo, he kissed me. He wants to court me,” I said. I saw her eyes go wide in shock at this confession. She almost dropped her sewing but caught it in time.

“Kat, he did not,” she said. I looked at her, she had concern written on her face. Why would he not kiss me? We were alone and we had passion between us. That much was evident. 

“Kat, you will be ruined if someone finds out that Rowan took liberty with your honor. If someone questioned your virtue. You would be considered spoiled. And you could never marry a gentlmen,” she said. I rolled my eyes at this ridiculous society. As if women were not as passionate as men. As if we did not crave the same desire as they did. Women wanted love and desire as much as men wanted. Though love was something men did not question. They often tie it desire and lust.

“Talia, things are so different in America.James gave his permission for us to walk the pond. The storm came and went and Rowan and I shared a moment in a private setting. No one would have seen us,” I replied. She reached over and took my hand. 

“You are not in America Katerina. Things are different here. Rumors or mere gossip can destroy a woman and her reputation. If mama finds out, she would force papa to send you home,” she said. I felt shocked, surely she would not do such a thing. We were alone, no one would have saw us. No one but Talia knows what happened between us.

“It is done, surely your mother is not that cruel. And there is nothing I could do to stop what happened. But please keep this between us for now,” I said. There was still fear in her eyes.

“Of course Kat, you are like a sister to me. But mama is that cruel, she will do anything to see me married, and if she knew that you kissed the Duke of Howard. She would surely lose her mind,” she said. I saw the look in her eyes. As she looked over to James who flashed her a smile. I knew what she meant in this. I picked up my book and resumed reading. Not a few moments later, Henry appeared at the door. A grin on his face.