“No, Mother. I wanted love. I wanted a real family and companionship. I wanted partnership and happiness, and you did not care. All you could see was titles and power, and that was what life was supposed to be.”
Catherine closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath before opening them and meeting her mother’s gaze. “I may not have the life I thought I would, but it is mine. I now have the freedom to make my own choices, and if you cannot respect that, then you have no place in my life.”
“You are my daughter. You do not know what you are saying. I– ”
“I think it is best for you to leave,” Catherine interjected, pointing to the door. “Now.”
“I am your mother.” Lady Danford stepped toward her.
“And I am the Duchess of this house.” Catherine drew herself up to her full height. “And I am asking you to leave.”
“I will do no such thing. Clearly, you are completely mad if you think I will– ”
Her mother’s words were cut off as the smell of cedar and amber filled the room, followed by a cold voice.
“I believe my wife asked you to leave,LadyDanford.”
Alaric loomed in the doorway, cold, tightly controlled anger radiated off him in waves as he stepped into the room.
The Duke of Coldmere is back.
CHAPTER 16
“Ibelieve my wife asked you to leave,LadyDanford.” Alaric did not bother to hide the cold anger in his voice.
He had heard raised voices as soon as he had stepped into the house with Oliver. The look of panic on Oliver’s face had sparked Alaric’s ire, but the fact that someone had dared shout athiswife inhishome had turned that spark into a white-hot wildfire roaring through his body.
He had instructed Oliver to take Daisy into the garden whilst he saw to whatever was going on and asked one of the maids to look after him. Then he had made his way toward the sound of arguing.
Alaric entered the drawing room like a panther stalking its prey. In a single glance, he absorbed the scene: a woman who resembled Catherine so closely she could only be her mother. Her title and name flashed through Alaric’s mind, but that was all.
“Y-Your Grace, I had not realized you were home.” All the color had drained from the woman’s face as Alaric moved further into the room, and she took several steps back.
“Clearly. Or I doubt you would have had the gall to behave as you have.” Alaric’s voice cracked out like a whip as his eyes sought Catherine’s.
Her face was pale, and her blue eyes were watery. His heart twisted fiercely as blood surged in his ears. Her lip trembled, and he positioned himself between Catherine and her mother. The scent of lavender enveloped him. Her eyes widened as he moved closer. His heart hammered so loudly he was sure it would burst as he fought the urge to pull Catherine into his arms.
“Your Grace, I... I can only apologize. This is all just a silly misunderstanding between a mother and a daughter, nothing you need to concern yourself with.” Lady Danford’s voice shook even as Alaric heard the pathetic attempt at false cheer.
Alaric saw Catherine’s eyes dart to her mother, her muscles tense, her jaw clenched, but beneath the anger, he saw pain. That pain broke a dam in his chest.
I may not know the man I was, but I know the man I will become: no one hurts my wife.
A cold, clear anger settled over Alaric—he did not need his memories, not for this. He turned slowly to face Catherine’s mother, instinct guiding his movements. “Lady Danford, just how big a fool do you take me for?”
“I beg your pardon!” Lady Danford’s smile faltered as Alaric rolled his shoulders back, letting his anger show in his eyes even as one corner of his mouth quirked upward.
“I asked you just how much of a fool you think I am.” Alaric’s voice carried a hint of danger, and from Lady Danford’s fading smile, it was clear she felt it too.
“I... I do not think you a fool, Your Grace.” Lady Danford swallowed. “I would never– ”
“Then why would you lie to me in my own house?” Alaric said, his smile razor-sharp as he loomed over her.
“I did no such– ” she started, but Alaric interrupted her once more, raising a hand.
“I will not tolerate it again, Lady Danford.”
“Your Grace, you cannot accuse me of lying when I was not. I apologize for the scene. I tried to tell Catherine not to behave like this, but she would not listen. She is in one of her stubborn moods, I fear, she is always so– ”
