The American and the Duke

Chapter 13 Katerina

I have now resided at Rowan’s home; Howard House for a week now. Talia has been given rooms beside mine. She has helped me unpack and adjust to the many callers that have called on me. To congratulate me on my engagement to the new Duke of Kent. The announcement of my engagement to the very wealthy Duke of Kent has become the talk of the town. We have attended three dinners since the announcement. Every mama has eyed me with loathing. Their daughters eyes with jealousy and sadness. They were all talking about the American who ensnared the Duke of Kent. Every politician has complimented me to curry favor with Rowan. But Rowan was so happy, and only has eyes for me. We often sat together at night. In his study in front of the fire. We drank whiskey, and talked about politics and our families. He often did not talk about his past. I knew that he had a maternal uncle that he was close with. All his father’s family had passed in a plague in his youth. But he would not tell me much after that. I told him all about my papa. His career in the revolution. And how he fought underneath George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. And his success in his business now. We talked about our future together. Where would we reside? How many children we wanted. I wanted to reside in London, and visit Boston as much as possible. Though Rowan wished to reside in the countryside. We would be honeymooning at Hever Castle in Kent. The notion that I, Katerina Malcolm, would be living in a castle astounded me. This whole trip to London has felt like a dream.

Three days after moving to Howard house, papa’s letter arrived. He was overjoyed that Rowan wanted to court me. And the idea that his daughter, a fiery rebellious  American, may become a Duchess gave him great joy. He expressed how much he missed both his children terribly. And he hoped that he would see his children soon. After James finished reading the letter, I sat down and began to respond to the letter. Knowing that James' letter would arrive before mine.

Dearest  Papa, 

I miss you terribly. And often think of you during the day. I pray for your health every night in my prayers. I am writing you the most exciting news. Rowan has asked for my hand in marriage. And I have accepted it. I have fallen in love with Rowan. And Rowan and James have become fast friends. We have all become fast friends since arriving to London. I will be married within a fortnight. I pray that you can arrive in that timeframe. I know that  once you receive this letter you will board a ship in an instant. For I wish to have my papa give me away.
I find myself completely in love with Rowan in such a short time. A prospect that both excites and terrifies me. We have known each other for such a short time, meeting at his ball just a few weeks before. Marriage is for life. We will grow old together, He will be the father of my children. What would happen if I die in childbirth? If he dies from sickness. If something tears us apart? Did mama feel this way? Feel the same anxieties as I do? You both were so in love. How did you know that your love would last and endure? Rowan is devoted  to me. He says that I am the only woman he has ever wanted. And he wants me, just as much as I want him. I have never desired anything more in my life. I look forward to seeing you soon. I love you papa. 

Your Dearest  Daughter, 
Katerina Malcolm

I sent the letter that very same day. One night after a week of being at Rowan’s home. I sat in my vanity in my new room. I was brushing my long curls. They were hanging in red ringlets down my back. I was in a ivory satin nightgown. With a red shawl wrapped around my shoulders. I could see my breasts through the sheer lace fabric. But Talia had said it was the latest fashion. And that all the fashionable ladies were wearing them. What if James or Rowan were to walk in? Talia was sitting by the fire looking at bolts of fabric. I looked at her and chuckled. 

“Which color? Do you want a cream or silver wedding gown? Silver has become very popular lately for wedding gowns, though white is pretty as well. Though silver may match your complexion better,” she said. Talia has thrown herself into helping me plan the wedding. She was engrossed in every detail.