She opened her mouth, knowing that she should say no, but as soon as she saw Oliver’s hopeful expression, she knew she could not. “Of course.”
Oliver’s smile broadened, and Catherine felt her heart twist violently at the joy on his face. He immediately wiped the slate clean and drew a big, smiling face.
Catherine grinned back at him. “Well, it is just as well Mrs. Danvers brought up my riding habit. Though we might need to visit the tailor in town to have something made for you.”
“There might be something of mine from childhood. I can have the maids check for you.” Alaric glanced at a pocket watch. “I must take my leave of you. I should bathe before dinner; I would not want to join you reeking of horse.”
“I have always rather enjoyed the smell,” Catherine said without thinking.
“Do you indeed?” Alaric raised an eyebrow at her.
“I mean... I am not... I just… I never understood why people were so offended by such things when there are worse smells. And you do not smell bad, not that I am saying you smell good. I do notreally notice what you smell like… I…” Catherine trailed off as Alaric chuckled.
“Peace, Catherine. I only meant that I have promised not to present myself improperly around you.” His eyes twinkled as he moved toward the door. “And I am nothing if not a man of my word.”
He bowed low. “I will see you at dinner.”
He left without another word, and Catherine felt a tug in her chest. She frowned and turned to Oliver, trying to work out what had caused the prickle of irritation across her chest.
Her eyes drifted to the flowers once more.
‘I am nothing if not a man of my word.’
If only she could believe him.
CHAPTER 12
“Are you sure?” Catherine crossed her arms over her chest, her lips pursed.
Alaric nodded sagely, clasping his hands behind his back to keep from reaching toward his wife without thinking. Sunlight streamed through the window of his study, turning her hair to spun gold and highlighting her rosy cheeks.
How does she look so effortlessly stunning?
His heart ached, but he kept his face neutral. It had been a few days since he had offered to teach Oliver how to ride. He still was not sure what had made him suggest it, only that it had made sense at the time.
“I am perfectly capable of watching the boy.” Alaric gestured to his study. “Miss Annabelle is in town fetching his riding clothes; the other maids are busy with their duties. And you have business that requires your undivided attention. I, on theother hand, am simply enjoying a good book and being a man of leisure.”
Alaric held up the book. He saw Catherine bite her lip and could practically hear the gears turning in her mind. “Very well. I will leave Oliver with you. It should not be for very long. It is moments like this when…”
Alaric canted his head toward her. “Yes?”
Catherine shook her head and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “It does not matter. I was just thinking that it would be helpful to have some extra help with such things. Though I know why that cannot be arranged.”
“A governess, you mean?” Alaric saw Catherine’s eyes widen. “Mrs. Danvers informed me that this is usually who tends to childcare in houses such as ours. I was worried you were taking too much upon yourself with your duties as a duchess as well.”
“I am perfectly capable, thank you.” Catherine bristled, her eyes flashing in a warning that Alaric knew all too well.
“I do not doubt that, Catherine. But you are only one woman.”I do not want you to wear yourself out.Alaric could see the start of dark circles under his wife’s eyes.
He saw her deflate slightly, her eyes meeting his, reminding him of a summer sky. “It would be a risk to bring someone else in, Alaric. You know that.”
“I am aware, but it would be a manageable risk. The woman’s primary focus would be on Oliver. And I have regained a little more of my sense of propriety thanks to you.” He inclined his head toward her and then tapped his forehead. “And more memories, though they are mostly of my time at Oxford with Hale and the occasional tiresome business venture.”
Catherine chewed on her bottom lip. “I shall think on it.”
“That is all I ask.” Alaric stepped away from the doorway, the smell of lavender washing over him. “Bring Oliver to me.”
Catherine disappeared and returned with Oliver a few moments later. “Now, Oliver, you are going to stay with your fa... Alaric, while I meet with Mrs. Danvers and handle some urgent but very boring business.”
