Her sisters had left the house together, and her uncle was locked up in his office, so there was no one around to notice Catriona’s restlessness. Except Nina, of course, who watched Catriona drift back and forth with concern steeped in her doggy eyes.
“Do you think he will come, Nina?” Catriona asked. Nina gave no response, but when she glanced at her loyal pet, she could have sworn she saw a flash of humanly pity in her eyes.
Catriona couldn’t blame her if that were the case. She’d been like this for the past hour now, waiting to see some sign that Joseph had gotten her note and heeded her call. A part of her had hoped that he would come racing to Heaton Manor on horseback, barely dismounting properly in his haste to get to her. It was a foolish thought but one that pressed on the back of her mind every time she glanced out the window of the drawing room.
Frustrated with herself, Catriona threw herself into the chaise lounge and picked up the embroidery she had been working on before the fine idea to send a note to Joseph had struck her. She managed it for two seconds before she was on her feet again. Nina let out a sigh.
“Don’t judge me too much, Nina,” Catriona said as she went back to the window. Sadly, there was no Joseph alighting carelessly from his horse. There was no carriage either. “If you had been at the ball yesterday, you would understand why I am acting this way.”
She hated to admit it to herself, but Cassandra and Belinda’s words had gotten to her. Now, she truly wondered if she was cut out for the life she was about to walk into. What did she know about being a duchess? How could she possibly live up to such standards when she’d spent most of her life without expectations in Scotland and the last three years expecting to become a spinster?
She was doing this for Ava and Maisie, she knew. But did they truly need her connection to the Duke? Wouldn’t they be able to fare well enough on their uncle’s influence?
The sound of horses interrupted her train of thought. Catriona’s breath caught in her throat as Joseph’s carriage pulled into the driveway. She waited until she saw his door open and saw his head of dark hair appear before she went back to the chaise lounge to pretend she hadn’t been watching for his arrival all this time.
Francis’ announcement of the Duke’s arrival was met with cool indifference, a far cry from what she actually felt. But when he walked into the room, brows already knitted together, she lost her grip on her facade. He marched right over to where she was, not giving her enough time to get up, before he asked, “What’s the matter?”
Catriona’s heart tripped over itself as she studied the look on his face. Was he concerned about her?
“I’d wondered how long it would take you to come,” she admitted without thought. She immediately wished she could take back the words, especially when his brows lifted.
“I hope you did not purposely make your note cryptic just to test me,” he said.
“I didn’t. I was in a state of urgency, you see. Though I suppose I could have taken the time to address you properly. I had simply assumed that you would know that it was me.” She hesitated. “And what it was about.”
Joseph studied her for a moment before he said, “Last night?”
Catriona nodded. “I wish for another lesson. A proper one. One that will truly prepare me for the life I will embark on when we marry tomorrow.”
He was quiet for a few seconds, so Catriona braced herself for the rejection or at the very least, for his annoyance at being called from his home for a reason such as this.
“You were the one who said you would teach me,” she reminded him when he took too long to answer.
“I recall quite clearly. But such teachings were meant to be given throughout the course of our marriage. I don’t expect you to know everything in one day.”
“You’d be surprised how quickly I learn.”
“I don’t doubt it for a second.” He looked as if he wanted to say more but then decided against it. Instead, he stood, helping her to a stand. “Very well then. Let us begin.”
Suddenly nervous, Catriona took his hand, ignoring the spark of heat that seized her stomach at the simple touch. She had to get used to this, she told herself. Even if they lived a loveless marriage, she would be expected to touch her husband once in a while. She couldn’t very well react like this every time their skins brushed.
“Let us do a bit of role play,” he said as he led her to the center of the room. When he released his hand, the chill that washed over her was a little alarming. She schooled her face into submission.
“Not what I was expecting, but I’ll indulge.”
Joseph’s lips twitched. “Thank you,” he said dryly. “Pretend that I am the son of a duke, wishing to gain the favor of your husband. But your husband is away when he suddenly appears for a visit.”
“I don’t see how this could help.”
“Just play along, and you will understand.” He sat, crossing a leg. Catriona slowly did the same, watching in amazement as his normally aloof face morphed into a haughty one.
“When did you say His Grace will be returning?” he asked, eyes drifting idly around the room.
Catriona pulled her shoulders back, folding her hands in her lap. She ignored the tremor of nervousness that immediately seized her. “He will be returning in three days’ time.”
“Three days.” Joseph sighed heavily. “That’s a long time. I was hoping to speak with him today about an important matter.”
“Perhaps you could let me know the purpose of your visit, and I shall make him aware of it when he returns.”
