The American and the Duke

Chapter 10 Katerina

I woke up to see Jamie sitting beside me on my bed. I looked up at him half asleep. He was wearing his riding clothes. Where was he going so early this morning? He had returned late from the club last night. Surely he would still be asleep?

“Jamie, what is it. And why are you wearing your riding clothes,” I asked. I sat up, brushing my hair from my face and off my shoulder. He smiled and took my hand. 

“I am taking a tour of Oxford. Rowan has graciously lent me his country estate located near the school. I am leaving today, and I want you to come with me,” he said. I gave him a quizzical look. What about Talia? We could not just leave her. We were here for her, to help her. We could not just abandon her, especially with her mother.

“What about Talia? There are so many events coming up. There is a dinner tonight, and another ball in a day,” I asked. There was so much to do in the meantime. 

“I already spoke to Talia. She thinks it will be a good idea for you to come with me. Explore England while we are here. She can handle a few parties by herself. She can handle our dearest aunt Julia,” he said. He watched me as I got up and wrapped my robe around my body. Talia and I had spent most of the night talking.  I had told her about what went on between Rowan and I. She was eager to know about such desires, and such moments. 

“Jamie, what is going on? We are here to help and accompany Talia. And now you want to leave London,” I demanded, crossing my arms. He sighed, getting up from the bed. 

“Julian accosted Rowan and I last night. And he has demanded your hand in marriage. When I told him that it was your decision he grew angry,” he said. I felt a laugh erupt from my body. Thinking about the image of us at the alter.

“Do you honestly think I would agree to such a match? I could never love such a man like Julian Samuels. Anyone with eyes could see as much. And I know that as my brother you will protect me,” I said. 

“Of course not, but Julian sees you as property. He does not understand that papa and I have given that decision to you. He thinks he is entitled to you. And that makes him dangerous,” James replied. I felt my stomach drop in fear. 

“Do you think that Julian would resort to criminal behavior,” I asked. Thinking about the note that was left to me the night before. Was he the one who saw Rowan and I. The one who would write such a horrid thing?

“I do not know, but both Rowan and I think that leaving London would be a good idea,” James replied. I looked over at the desk. The letter is still lying there. 

“Kat what is it? What are you looking at,” James asked. I walked over to my desk and picked up the note. I handed it to my brother. Jamie took the letter from my hand. His eyes scanning the words on the page.

“Katerina Malcolm, what the hell is this,” James demanded. He read the letter again, anger wide in his eyes. I knew that fury, I felt that same fury the night before. Though he was calmer, he did have the same temper.

“This was on my desk when I returned last night. No one signed it. Talia suspects her mother had a hand in it. But now I suspect that Julian may have wrote it as well,” I replied. 

“That would explain why Julian was here yesterday,” Jamie said. He reread the note one more time. Searching for answers. Answers he would not find in that note.

“We have no proof though James. And even if we did. Both our aunt and Julian could deny writing such a letter. We would look like the fools,” I said. I was hoping that I was wrong.

“Then we should go to Oxford, get out of London. Let things settle down. Talia understands why we are leaving,” James said. I knew that he was right. I did not have the heart to think about leaving Talia. That I would be leaving Rowan. I already missed him, missed his arms aorund me.