The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony Bridgerton

Chapter Three

Katherine sat in the carriage, her heart pounding with every clatter of the wheels against the cobblestones. As the Arlington estate loomed into view, her anxiety spiked. She hadn't set foot here since her wedding day, and now she was back, burdened with grudges and unfinished business.

The grand estate appeared unchanged, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside Katherine's heart. She clenched her fists, resolved to keep her composure. Her children, left at their London home, gave her a purpose and a distraction, but here, in the familiar halls of her childhood, she was forced to confront her past.

Upon arriving, she was greeted by the household staff, who quickly escorted her inside. Lady Eleanor Arlington, Katherine's mother, met her in the foyer with open arms.

"My dear Katherine," Eleanor exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and relief. "Welcome home."

"Mother," Katherine replied, her voice tight with emotion as she returned the embrace. "It's been too long."

Eleanor led her inside, where Sebastian and Charlotte waited. Sebastian's eyes lit up at the sight of his sister, and he quickly crossed the room to embrace her.

"Kate!" he said, using the affectionate nickname he hadn't spoken in years. "It's been ages. We've missed you terribly."

Katherine smiled weakly. "I've missed you too, Sebastian. It's good to see you."

Charlotte, standing a little apart, regarded Katherine with a mix of curiosity and hurt. She crossed her arms over her chest, a defiant tilt to her chin.

"Katherine," Charlotte said, her tone cooler than her brother's. "It's... good to see you."

Katherine swallowed hard, sensing the distance in her sister's voice. "Charlotte, I... I'm sorry I wasn't there for your debut. Circumstances... they were difficult."

Charlotte's eyes softened slightly, but she maintained her stance. "Difficult, yes. But you were always the strong one. I just wish you had been there."

Sebastian, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Well, let's not dwell on the past. Katherine's here now, and that's what matters."

Katherine nodded, grateful for Sebastian's intervention. "Yes, I'm here now. And I want to make up for lost time."

Eleanor gently placed a hand on Katherine's arm. "Let's go to the drawing room. We have so much to catch up on."

As they moved through the halls, Katherine felt a surge of nostalgia and resentment. Each room held memories, some sweet, others bitter. They settled in the drawing room, a space filled with sunlight and the scent of fresh flowers.

"So, tell us about your life in the countryside," Eleanor prompted, eager to bridge the gap years had created.

Katherine took a deep breath. "It's been... challenging. The children are my joy, but the responsibilities are heavy. Since the duke's passing, I've had to manage everything."

Sebastian leaned forward, his eyes full of concern. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
Katherine shook her head. "No, I must handle it. For their sake."

Charlotte, still guarded, asked, "And father? Will you see him?"

Katherine's expression hardened. "No. I have no desire to see him. Not after... everything."

The room fell silent, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Eleanor looked between her children, her heart aching for reconciliation.

"Katherine," Eleanor said softly, "Your father regrets many things. He was misguided, but he thought he was protecting you."