“I would love to have seen that.” Fiona popped a biscuit in her mouth. “I bet Lady Danford was fuming.”
“She was.” A voice said from behind them. “Though her anger was nothing compared to mine. No one speaks to my wife like that.”
They all spun around to see Alaric walk into the room, removing his riding gloves. When his eyes landed on Catherine, she felt her stomach tighten and flutter. He inclined his head toward her then bowed slightly as he saw her friends.
Out of the corner of her eye, Catherine saw the others get to their feet, each curtsying, though she noticed that Fiona’s was the barest curtsy possible whilst still being polite.
“On that much we can agree.” Fiona was looking at Alaric as though he were a particularly dangerous animal. “None of us would tolerate anyone trying to hurt Kitty.”
Catherine held her breath, partly worried that Alaric would snap at Fiona’s obvious hostility. To her surprise, Alaric simply tipped his head.
“I feel sorry for anyone foolish enough to try and do so in your company.” Fiona narrowed her eyes at his response, but she did not say anything. Alaric shrugged. “Though I suspect that, given your sex, many would not see you as a threat. A mistake, of course, and one I would never make.”
Fiona’s eyes widened, and Catherine caught sight of Louisa and Harriet giving each other a sidelong glance. “I think a round of introductions might be sensible. Alaric, I mean Alaric Deverell, Duke of Coldmere,” Catherine sprang into motion, gesturing to each of her friends. “May I present Lady Fiona Blackwood, Lady Harriet Montrose, and Lady Louisa Everly. Three of my dearest friends.”
“A pleasure to meet all of you, and welcome to Coldmere Castle.” Alaric moved further into the room and beckoned for everyone to sit. “Please, sit. I am sure you must be tired after your journey. Oliver will be along shortly. I suggest you move that bag, Lady Harriet.”
Harriet frowned as she picked up her handbag. “Why...”
Before she could finish her sentence, Daisy came hurtling into the room, barking loudly. Oliver followed her, but not as closely as usual. He stopped when he realized how many strangers were in the room, looking from Catherine to Alaric and the others.
Catherine saw him look at Daisy and realize he was trying to figure out how to get to her without entering the room. She glanced at Alaric, but he was already kneeling on the ground.
“Would you like to greet Catherine’s friends, Oliver?” Alaric’s voice was gentle.
Oliver took a step forward, then patted his thighs twice. Daisy looked around before returning to her efforts to get intoHarriet’s bag. Oliver tried the motion again, and Daisy ran back to him, but she darted between him and everyone else.
“We have met before, do you remember?” Louisa smiled at Oliver with such kindness that it made Catherine’s heart ache. “When you were in London?”
Oliver nodded, but did not move closer.
“Is this your puppy?” Fiona asked as she scooped the wriggling Daisy into her arms.
Oliver nodded again, his fingers twitching toward his slate. Catherine saw her friends’ brows furrow. Alaric had clearly seen the look, too, because he said, “Oliver uses the slate to communicate. It was Catherine’s idea, one of the many strokes of genius she has had.”
“It was not that extraordinary. I just saw it and thought it would be worth a try.” Catherine felt her cheeks warm.
Louisa laughed. “I see your ability to receive compliments remains unchanged. Or perhaps I should say your inability.”
“I have been trying to improve it.” Alaric smiled. “But I have had mixed results.”
“I am perfectly capable of accepting a compliment, thank you very much.” Catherine frowned at Alaric and her friends.
“And I am the Queen of England.” Fiona snorted so indelicately that Daisy stopped wriggling in her arms, and Oliver giggled. “You see, even Oliver agrees with me.”
Catherine saw her flash Oliver a smile and felt a thrill run through her when he returned it. She caught Alaric’s eye and saw that he was smiling too. Her heart fluttered.
Daisy took that moment to squirm out of Fiona’s arms and dash around the table in frantic circles, making everyone laugh. Oliver moved a little closer, his eyes wide with curiosity.
“How long have you had Daisy?” Louisa asked.
Catherine watched as Oliver scrunched up his face, counting on his fingers. Then he held up his hands, indicating the days he had been with her.
“Where did you find her?” Harriet asked as she deftly avoided Daisy careening into her leg. “She is delightful.”
“It was Alaric’s doing.” Catherine gestured toward Alaric, who was attempting to wrangle Daisy into his arms. “He found her after a storm and nursed her back to health before giving her to Oliver.”
Catherine heard both Harriet and Louisa make noises of awe, and even Fiona appeared impressed. Fiona leaned forward. “You nursed the puppy yourself, Your Grace?”
