Marriage Mart Mayhem: Hearts and Heroes by Cassandra Lord

Author:Cassandra Lord [Lord, Cassandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bassotto Publishing
Published: 2024-05-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter sixteen

Doubts and Distrust

Richard

In the days that follow our unexpected kiss, the memory of the moment consumes me, each detail replaying in my mind with vivid clarity. The softness of Catherine’s lips, the warmth of her touch, the shock and longing in her eyes when we parted—all of it haunts me, a constant echo of a moment that has irrevocably changed the nature of our relationship.

As I navigate the familiar streets of London, lost in thought, I scarcely notice the people around me until I quite literally bump into Lord Harrington. The abrupt encounter pulls me from my reverie, and I offer a quick apology, ready to continue on my way. However, Lord Harrington, ever the socialite, seizes the opportunity for conversation.

“Sinclair! Just the man I wanted to see,” he exclaims, his voice carrying the unmistakable tone of someone who relishes the gossip and intrigue of high society. “I’ve been hearing quite the tales about you and Lady Catherine Lathrop. Quite the pair you two make at these gatherings.”

I manage a noncommittal response, wary of where this conversation might lead. “Lady Catherine is a remarkable woman. Our acquaintance has been most…enriching.”

Lord Harrington chuckles, a sound devoid of genuine mirth. “Enriching, indeed. Tell me, Captain Sinclair, is there any truth to the rumors? They say Lady Catherine isn’t faring well this season. No suitors, no prospects. It’s almost as if she’s not playing the game as she ought to.”

The insinuation rankles, his description a jarring contrast to the woman I’ve come to know—a woman of depth, intelligence, and grace. “I believe Lady Catherine navigates society in her own manner, Lord Harrington. Not everyone plays the game by the same rules.”

Harrington’s smile thins, his gaze sharp. “Ah, but that’s just it, isn’t it? Women like her, they pretend to engage with high society, to partake, but when it comes down to it, it’s clear she doesn’t really understand. She’s playing at the game but not truly deserving of its rewards.”

His words strike a chord, igniting a protective fury within me. The notion that Catherine, with all her elegance and virtue, could be deemed undeserving by the likes of Harrington is both ludicrous and offensive.

“Lord Harrington,” I reply, my voice cool and steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface, “I would caution against underestimating Lady Catherine. She possesses a strength and a merit that far surpasses the superficial judgments of the ton. To suggest she is undeserving of high society is not only misguided but a gross undervaluation of her character.”

Harrington regards me for a moment, his expression one of mild amusement mixed with surprise at my vehement defense. “My, my, Captain, you do come to the lady’s defense with fervor. One might wonder where your loyalties truly lie.”

Lord Harrington’s insinuations stir discomfort within me, his words casting a shadow of doubt over the nature of my relationship with Catherine. His suggestion that our engagement with high society is but a superficial play gnaws at me—not for the truth it might hold

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