The Devil Duke Takes a Bride by Rachel Van Dyken

Author:Rachel Van Dyken [Van Dyken, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Astraea Press, LLC
Published: 2012-10-27T01:17:20+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

The Visitation

Benedict suddenly wished lightning would strike the very ground he stood on. Logically speaking that is, he would push Katherine out of the way and take the brunt of it. Then again, she would be left to face Agatha without him.

Sometimes it was better to be the selfish cur.

Struggling between his two lofty dreams, Benedict decided it was time to face the music, or in this case the dragon, and stood his ground, pulling Katherine firmly by his side.

Agatha hobbled in, rather than walked. It seemed her health truly had taken a decline. Either that or she was a splendid actress and belonged on Drury Lane with the rest of them.

Most likely the latter.

“Ah, Aunt! How splendid to see you!” The lie fell easily off his lips as did his smile, stunning his aunt so completely that her jaw dropped and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

“I knew it!” she shouted. Did she need to shout her victory in front of an audience?

“Knew what?” Katherine asked.

“That he would one day remember to smile. He just needed something to smile about. Isn’t that right, my dear?”

Katherine blushed profusely.

“Am I interrupting the morning meal?” Agatha peered around Benedict to see everyone sitting stiffly at the table.

“Not at all, Aunt. Join us?” He held out his hand as a sort of peace offering.

Grinning, she took it and tucked his arm close to her frail body. Had she been losing weight? She smelt of his family, of memories, and he was suddenly feeling like an absolute cad for his treatment of her, his one remaining relative.

“Do tell me you shall go ice-skating on the pond?” Her eyes glistened.

“Yes,” he answered unable to pull his gaze away from her face. When did she begin to age? And why was her skin so pale?

Katherine joined them and kissed Agatha on the cheek. He never thought he’d see the day that his aunt would blush. “Actually, would you care to join us? We were just going to grab our skates.”

Agatha smiled and patted Katherine’s hand. “I would love to, dear.”

Dear? Benedict fought to keep the shock from his face.

“It is such a beautiful house, and a perfect day for the outdoors!” Agatha announced. At that precise moment, the butler collapsed and a footman exhaled thanks to God while servants slumped against the walls. As if the woman had just declared that Parliament was in session and everything was as it should be.

She gave a jolly laugh and walked out with Katherine. Benedict followed, his heart warming at Agatha and the woman he cared for chatting about ice-skating.

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