“Yes,” he replied. “It’s about Lysander.”
“What about him? Has he been hurt?”
“No, not hurt.” Her father heaved a sigh. “I’m so sorry, my dear, and I hate to have to tell you this, but it seems Lysander is married.”
Catherine stared at her father and had a sudden and bizarre urge to laugh. “Married,” she repeated. “Lysander is married.”
“Yes, my dear. Just over a week ago.” He showed her the newspaper. “The announcement is right here.”
She looked at the paper, the words upon it blurring into an indecipherable mass. “That’s not possible, Papa. They’ve made a mistake. They’ve got the name wrong.”
“There’s no mistake, Catherine. I’m so sorry.”
At that moment, the door burst open and Philip stormed in, his face twisted and angry. “I’m going to kill the bloody bastard,” he said, through gritted teeth. “I swear it. I’ll take him apart, limb by limb.”
Lord Hutton rose to his feet. “I’m of a mind to do that myself,” he said. “I simply cannot fathom it. Whatever possessed him to do such a thing?”
A chill took hold of Catherine, as if someone had opened a window to the winter air. She began to tremble. “Who did he marry, Papa?”
Philip made an odd sound and looked at his father. “You didn’t tell her?”
“Not yet, no,” he replied. “You didn’t give me enough time.”
“Who?” Catherine cried. “Who did he marry?”
“Helena.” Philip’s mouth quivered. “He married Helena.”
“No.” Catherine shook her head. “It’s not possible. He would never do that to me. He wouldnot.”
Hurried footsteps could be heard coming along the hallway. A moment later, Henry appeared, clad in his coat. He looked around the faces and shook his head. “Well, it would appear I’m too late,” he said, regarding the newspaper in his father’s hand. “You’ve already read the announcement. I left Shrewsbury yesterday and hoped to get back in time to warn you.”
“You almost did,” Lord Hutton said. “We only got the paper a half hour ago.”
“How did you hear about it?” Philip clenched and unclenched his fists.
“From Lord Simmons. He was in London last week and said Gillingham’s wedding is the talk of the town. Every major town in England, I should think.”
Gillingham.
Catherine felt a stab of pain at the mention of Lysander’s duchy. Tears blurring her eyes again, she looked down at the diamond on her finger. All at once, she desperately wanted her mother.
“Where is Mama?” she asked.
“In her sitting room,” her father replied. “She’s very upset by all this as well. Go to her, Cat.”
“Actually, Papa,” Henry said. “I’d like a moment to speak to Catherine alone, if I may.”
“Certainly.” Lord Hutton gestured to Philip. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Sit down, Cat,” Henry said, once they’d gone. She took her seat again.
“I can’t believe he’s done this, Henry,” she said, her voice quivering. “I just can’t believe it. It’s as if someone has reached into my chest and torn my heart out.”
“Having trouble believing it myself,” he said. “Thing is, there are rumors already circulating, which is why I wanted to speak to you. I’m not sure they’re appropriate for your ears, but I just want you to be aware, in case you overhear some of what is being said.”
“What is being said?”
Henry took a breath. “That Lysander was drunk and seduced Helena. That being so, he had little choice but to marry her.”
