The American and the Duke

Chapter 19 Katerina

I stare at myself in the mirror. Not recognizing the woman staring back at me. I was not the same woman who arrived in London just a few months before. In just a few months, I had gone from an average American girl from Boston to a Duchess. An American Duchess at that. I would have never imagined such a thing. And now I was attending the final ball of the season as a Duchess. Uncle Edward had insisted on hosting the final ball. As an apology for my aunt's behavior, and folly. Talia was excited to host the ball. She had spent the past few weeks planning and seeing to every detail. I was excited to see the outcome. Jamie had wrote to me and told me all about it.

My dress was so beautiful. It was made from the finest ivory silk. It had pearls decorating the bodice. The sleeves off the shoulders. And had lace trimmed around the shoulder. My ivory skirts spilled from my hips, and the top skirt had beautiful lace designs. The dressmaker had truly outdone herself. A rope of pearls was around my neck. I let my hair spill down my back in curls, I had Mrs. Townton braid my hair with pearl pins. I wanted to look my best for the Seabury Ball. Wanted to look my best for Rowan.

"You are truly a vision my darling Kat," Rowan whispered into my ear. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against him. I stared at him through the mirror. Rowan was handsome in his formal evening wear. Sometimes I could not believe he chose me. Chosee me to be his duchess. But something in his eyes concerned me. He had anxiety in them, so I turned in his arms.

"Rowan what is it, has something happened," I asked. Rowan had been shut away for most of the day with Will. Mrs. Townton said they were discussing business. I felt a pang of disappointment, I wanted to know everything there was to know about running an estate. And they had left me out.

"There is something I must tell you," he said. I felt anxiety rise in my stomach. What had happened? What had he found out tucked away in the study. His blue eyes dull with anxiety.

"What is it Rowan? Please tell me," I said. He cupped my face. As if mesmerizing my face. The moments moved so slowly that I felt as if time had stopped.

"The carriage has arrived," Will said, breaking the moment. Rowan pulled away and handed me my gloves and shawl. I put my gloves on and stared at my husband. Something was bothering him.

"I love you Rowan, nothing will change that, and no one will come between us," I said. Trying to reassure him. He sighed and wrapped the shawl around my shoulders.

"Come, Talia will not be pleased if we are late," he said. He offered me his arm and we made our way to the carriage. This was the last ball of the season. I had seen papa this afternoon for tea. He would be returning to Boston after the ball. I wanted to speak to Rowan after the season. To plan a visit to Boston. Possibly around Christmas time. Boston was so beautiful around that time of year. But I also wanted to go back to Hever. I enjoyed my time at Hever. I always thought that I would want to raise my children in the city, but since returning to London. I realized that I want to have my children at Hever. And I wanted to have them with Rowan. I looked over at Rowan, his eyes were so distant and silent. He looked as if he was a million miles away. I took his hand, he turned and took our intertwined hands and kissed them. Before I could ask him again what had happened. We had arrived at Seabury House. The windows were aglow with candle light, and people were lined up to be greeted. The footman opened the door and helped me out. Rowan made his way around and offered me his arm.

"Are you ready darling," Rowan asked. I looked up and gave him a brilliant smile. We made our way with the crowd up the steps to the large entrance hall. Jamie and Talia were there with Uncle Edward. Aunt Julia was noticeably absent. Uncle Edward bowed to us both. He reached out and took my hand.

"You look absolutely stunning, your grace. The new title suits you," he said. He kissed my hand. I felt my cheeks go red. I walked over to Jamie, he gave me no such formality. He pulled me into a hug. He pulled away smiling, and Talia hugged me.