The words slipped out before she could stop them. Catriona looked away, wishing she could take them back.
“Lady Blimington has been hounding me for some time to attend one of her events. Once we give her our greetings and do our rounds, we may leave. I’m sure I can come up with a valid excuse.”
Catriona thinned her lips. Though she stared out the window, she saw nothing but the red of her irritation infringing on her vision. “I would like to stay.”
“You would?” Surprise was evident in his voice.
“Yes. It would be a welcomed change from the humdrum of my days.”
“I did not realize you were so unsatisfied.”
“Neither did I.”
Too many unspoken words lay between them. Catriona knew she was creating a false impression, making it seem as if she was unhappy with her circumstance. The last thing she wanted was for him to think that she regretted her decision, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak honestly. She couldn’t bring herself to admit that she had not realized how difficult it would be to be around him without developing feelings for him. It was far easier on her heart to let the misunderstanding persist.
“My apologies then,” he mumbled after a long moment. “I shall do whatever I can to make it not so.”
“Don’t. There is nothing you can do.”
Thankfully, he said nothing to that. She didn’t think she could deal with having this conversation for much longer.
They arrived at Lady Blimington’s manor ten minutes later. Ever the gentleman, Joseph helped her out of the carriage and kept her on his arm as they went inside. It was the first event they were attending as Duke and Duchess of Irvin, and all eyes were on them, but for some reason, Catriona didn’t feel that usual bout of nervousness when she was suddenly the center of attention. She didn’t know if she’d simply gotten used to it or if it was because she had other things on her mind, but she was grateful for it. At least, she didn’t have to worry about putting on an act if Joseph suggested that they leave again.
“Your Graces!” Lady Blimington chirped excitedly. “Oh, how lovely to see you both! It is quite an honor to be the first you have graced with your joint presence.”
“It is a pleasure seeing you again, My Lady,” Joseph responded politely. He placed a hand on the small of Catriona’s back, and it took everything in her not to stiffen, thrills running through her body. “Catriona and I are excited to be here.”
“As we are excited to have you.” Lady Blimington was having a hard time keeping her attention on Joseph. She kept glancing at Catriona as if fighting the urge to study her up close.
Joseph must have sensed the same thing because then he said, “Please, excuse us. There is someone we’d like to greet.”
“Oh, but?—”
He was guiding Catriona away from her before she could finish. It took all her strength not to step away from him. Being so close only made it harder for her to focus.
“She seems nice,” she murmured.
“On the surface, perhaps, but she is one of the biggest gossips in London.”
“I do not think there is much for her to gossip about regarding us.”
“Not if we escape any conversation with her before she sinks her teeth into something.” He dipped his head closer to her ear. “And not if you keep stiffening next to me.”
“I have just the solution for that.” She stepped away completely, heart hammering against her chest as she made haste for the refreshments table as calmly as she could. She was too aware of the fact that he was on her heels, hounding her.
“Catriona,” he said once she finally came to a stop.
She didn’t look at him. She was suddenly too hot, her clothes far too restricting. She pretended as if she was perusing the options laden across the refreshments table even though she couldn’t focus on any of them. “What is it?”
Catriona could sense the tension in him, as if his agitation had branched off him and was reaching its spindly fingers out to her. “Don’t do this.”
Catriona picked up a glass of lemonade. She didn’t know how she found the courage to face him, how she managed to keep her voice leveled and her expression calm as she met his eyes and said, “Actually, Joseph, I am doing exactly what you always wanted of me. Now, please excuse me.”
She walked off without a single idea where she was going. Thankfully, she spotted her sisters standing on the other side of the ballroom. Relief flooded her as she made haste for them, and the smile she offered them was forced in the light of their excitement.
“Cat!” Ava exclaimed, far too loudly considering where they were. “I thought you would never arrive.” She approached for an embrace, then paused, frowning. “What’s wrong?”
She blinked. “What do you mean?”
