The American and the Duke

Chapter 8 Katerina

That evening Rowan escorted me home. My body still glowing from the pleasure Rowan gave me that afternoon. When we reached the stables at the Seabury home. He helped me down from my horse. His arms lingered around my waist. 

“Kat, there is something I must ask you,” he started. But I put my finger on his lips. I knew what he was going to say. What he was going to ask. But I was not ready for it. For the question that hung in the air between us. He brushed a loose strand of hair from my face. I knew that men raced into such things as marriage. But I was not going to marry him until I knew if I was ready to marry here and now.

“We have only just met. Give us, the idea of us some time. Court me, pleasure me, seduce me,” I murmured. He smiled and leaned forward, planting a small kiss on my lips. 

“Until next time then my darling Kat,” he murmured huskily. I smiled and I watched him remount his horse. I opened the side door that led to the kitchen. I leaned against it. Today has been one of the best days here in London. It made me long for more. I could feel myself falling for Rowan. I also saw something in Rowan’s eyes. Was he falling for me as well? This idea of love scared me. He was a Duke after all. Didn’t he have to marry a woman of noble birth? Someone of  social standing in London society. But maybe Rowan was different. He seemed different, not like the other men I had seen or met here in London. Those who came to court Talia. He was certainly different from Julian. Rowan wanted me. He enjoyed my company, as evident as we had talked all afternoon today. He admired my mind and my wit. He did not care that I was American. 

I suddenly realized that Henry and Roselyn were staring at me. I felt my cheeks go red. And pushed myself from the door, straightening my cape. And shutting the door behind me.

“Mistress, are you alright,” she asked.  I felt a grin spread across my face. She read my face and returned the smile. Henry took in the sight and gave us both a curious expression.

“Yes, I am quite alright. Roselyn I would like a hot bath, my legs are sore from riding. And Henry, please let the family know that I am too tired to join them for dinner. And I will have dinner sent to my rooms. Please give them my apologies,” I said. I was too tired to handle my aunt's hateful glare and the numerous questions that both Talia and Jaime would ask.

“Of course Miss. Malcom, I will have a plate sent up for you. And apologies sent to the family,” Henry said. I nodded, and headed upstairs. Once I was in the privacy of my room, I peeled my boots off, and then my shirt. I stared at my reflection in the mirror on my vanity. My eyes were brighter than before. My skin and cheeks were flushed. My lips are still swollen. As I turned I noticed a letter on my desk. Odd, Henry did not mention that I received any letters while I was gone. I walked over and picked up the letter. There was no seal, just my name neatly written across the parchment. I opened it, and felt my mouth go wide. 

Gemma,

You have ruined yourself  totally and completely. I saw you with the Duke of Kent. How he kissed you, and groped your body. You have not only ruined yourself, but brought dishonor to the home you reside. Bringing ruin to Lady Talia and her honor. Rowan can never marry you now. He knows this. He has to marry a woman of standing here in London. Not some lowly American, who whores herself to the first man who touches her. Or woos her with affection and attention. Do you honestly think that Rowan loves you? Rowan will never love a slut like you. He will never marry or love anyone of American descent. His father has forbidden it. Marriage is the only way to save you and your reputation. And Rowan and your brother will not save you. Not from this. 

I stared at the letter, I read it and reread it again and again. Tears formed in my eyes. How did anyone find out? I told one person. And then suddenly anger flooded my body. Talia… She must have told someone. Did she tell her mother? No, she would never betray me like that. But then who did? Did someone else see us at the picnic yesterday? But why write such a horrid thing? Soon after, Roselyn came with the tub and hot water. I spent my entire bath numb. I knew I was falling for Rowan. Was I just a game to him? Was he even falling for me? Or was he fooling me? Was he the one who sent me the letter? Was he that cruel? No, I could not believe such a thing. Roselyn dressed me in a simple shift and robe. She brushed out my hair and then left me alone. I sat on the couch not knowing what to think or feel. I stared at the flames. My heart is broken and torn. My happiness is gone, replaced by bitterness and anger. I did not know how it was still beating. My food had grown cold, but I could not bring myself to eat. My stomach was too anxious to eat. I then heard a knock at my door. Breaking me from my trance. I sighed, wiping away a stray tear.