The American and the Duke

Chapter 11 Rowan

“Your grace,” my butler Mr. Johnson said. He broke me from my trance, I looked at him. Mr. Johnson had been with my family since my parents' marriage. And he was loyal to the family and loyal to me. For the past three days I have waited for Katerina to return to London. I know James and I decided that Katerina being out of London was the best course of action, since Julian accosted us. But, I missed her terribly. It has been the longest three days of my life. Each day is longer than the last. It took all I had not to get on my horse and to go to Oxford. But I feared that would push her away. That space would be the best for us. That she would realize how serious I was in pursuing her. And so I buried myself into my work. I had to review Will’s correspondence. Will’s letters were most disturbing, father had been extremely neglectful in his last years. And the farmers in Kent were struggling. Will had toured most of the lands and farms in Kent. And he would arrive back in London shortly. I missed his company, though James and I had bgrown close in the meantime. And so we would all be friends soon enough. I was certain that Will would get along with James well enough.

“What is it,” I asked. He straightened up and allowed Lady Julia Seabury and Talia in. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Of course Lady Julia would try to push Talia on me while Kat was away from London. Even though Talia was in love with James, it was plain to see to all who paid attention. Everyone but her mother could see that the pair was smitten with one another.

“Frederick, please have Mrs. Townton prepare us some tea and biscuits, please ladies have a seat,” I said. Mr. Johnson nodded and both Lady Julia and Talia sat across from me. I organized my correspondence and waited for Mrs. Townton to arrive with the tea. Talia appeared visibly distressed and uncomfortable being here. But Lady Julia appeared to be determined. What were they doing here? 

“It is a pleasure to see you again Talia. Has James arrived back from Oxford? I offered him and Katerina my country home while they both toured the college,” I said. I saw Julia’s face grow a shade of red. Why did she hate her niece and nephew so much? Them being American made them popular this season.

“No, my niece and nephew have yet to return to Seabury House. Though I have to say, Talia has grown much more while they have been gone. They have been a distraction,” Julia replied. I gave her an irritated expression. Could she not see that Talia and I were not suited for one another? Just then Mrs. Townton arrived with a tray of tea and biscuits. She set the tray on the desk, and gave us a small bow. 

“Thank you Mrs. Townton,” I said. She flashed me a smile and left the room. I poured the tea into the three teacups. Handing them to the ladies across from me. 

“So what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit,” I asked. Julia took a sip and placed the tea back on the desk. She gave me a delicate grin. I knew that grin all too well.

“As you know your grace, Talia has been introduced into society this season. And is marked by the queen as her favorite. Talia is looking for a suitable match. And I believe that you would make a wonderful husband,” Lady Julia began. I almost spat out my tea, coughing. Talia tried hard to not look appalled.

“Yes, most eligible girls have been introduced into society this season. And Talia has had many callers. But I have made my intentions clear to court her cousin Katerinar Malcolm. Or has that conversation been erased from your mind,” I said. Julia's face grew red.

“No, your grace, that conversation has not been forgotten. But courting does not mean an engagement. And I have it on good authority that Katerina will marry the future Earl of Shrewsbury. An ambitious leap for a mere American if I might add,” she replied. Talia looked over at her mother. As if she had been hearing this for the first time. 

“Mama, do not spread baseless rumors against Katerina, this is mere rumor spread by Julian himself. Katerinaa has no intention of marrying Mr. Samuels. She dislikes the man very much. That is very plain to anyone who has seen it,” Talia demanded. I could see her hand tightening around the teacup.The liquid shaking in the cup.

“Lady Julia, who told you this rumor,” I asked. Trying my best to control the storm inside my mind. It was impossible to think that Katerina would even consider marrying Julian. Not when she has expressed such utter contempt for the man. This would not be the doing of Kat or her brother.

“It does not matter your grace. A man such as yourself, and in your position in society must marry someone with a spotless reputation. And Ms. Malcolm has been a loose woman. She was seen kissing someone in the park outside our home during the picnic. American women are loose women. Unlike my daughter,” Julia said. I could not help but laugh, making her jump. Katerina kissed me, and I returned that kiss. And now Lady Julia has tried to ruin Katerina’s reputation by citing that kiss. I may have been reckless, but Katerina matched my recklessness. I love that she is like me. Reckless and passionate, and I wanted her to be my wife. And this woman would not tell me otherwise. No one but Katerina could tell me otherwise.

“And let me guess, you want me to marry your daughter. Even though I do not love her and she doesn't love me. And we will not be happy together,” I replied. 

“Love has no consequence in our world. Talia is an English woman of standing and has the most promising dowry. You need a wife, your grace, a wife that your father would be proud of,” Lady Julia said. I felt my anger flare up again. How dare she speak of my father. My father hated me, and would soon find a wife that would despise me too. He would not have a hand in my marriage, he was dead. And he would stay dead. I would decide whom to marry, and both my heart and mind had set its eyes on Katerina.

“Mama, no, I will not marry Rowan. He is not the man I would choose for a husband,” Talia declared. She attempted to get up. But her mother grabbed her wrist. Talia grimaced in pain. 

“Sit down Talia, let your betters decide on your future. I am doing what is best for you. What is best for your future? For our future,” Julia snapped. Talia sat down, but Julia still held her wrist. Talia pleaded with her eyes.

“Let her go, Lady Julia. You will not harm your daughter under my roof, and in my presence,” I said sternly. Trying not to let my venom out. But it was not to avail. 

“Do not tell you how to speak to my child. I will make the best match for my daughter. And you are the best match for my daughter,” Julia hissed. I felt my hands balled into fists.

“Let me make something quite clear, Lady Julia. I will not marry Talia. My heart is set on marrying Katerina Malcolm. I have fallen in love with her. And it is my choice whom I  marry. And you, Lady Seabury will not tell me what to do or who to marry. Is that clear,” I said. I saw her cheeks go red with anger. Just then Mrs. Townton came in. Her face white with worry. The anger I once had drained away. 

“Rowan, I mean you grace, there is word from Seabury house. And it is urgent,” Mrs Townton said. I looked at both Lady Julia and Talia. Julia had a smug look on her face. But Talia had a look of concern on her face. I took the note, my heart in my throat. It was from James. I looked up at the two women after I read his words. My heart tightening in anxiety. His words repeating over and over again in my mind.

“I must go,” I said. Lady Julia stood up to protest. But, I only threw the letter at her. She read the words, and Talia looked at her mother. As she too read the words on the parchment.

“Mama, what has happened? Why is Kat injured,” I heard Talia ask. But I was already out the door. Julian had attacked Katerina. He almost killed her. If I saw that bastard again. I would kill him.