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“A naggin’—after I find ye wi’ two hussies in yer hall? Ye have the gall to call me a nag? I wouldnae have bothered myself with such clarty behavior if ye knew how to conduct yerself properly. I am to be yer wife, and ye’re cavortin’ like a common… a common randy laddie!”

As soon as the last word had hit the air, she gasped and clapped her hands over her mouth, mortified by what she had just done.

Her days and nights of practicing her posh accent seemingly withered away in the face of her annoyance with this man. As if the embarrassment curling up her spine was not enough, panic shot through her.

She had promised her father that she would be on her best behavior to ensure that she remained in the Duke’s good graces.

And yet she had scolded and insulted him—in her native tongue no less.

What if he found her unworthy to be his bride? What if he demanded that they pay him in full like they were meant to because he had no desire to marry her anymore?

She was pulled out of her thoughts as he stepped closer to her, his eyes bearing a light that surprised and confused her as he leaned forward until mere inches separated their faces.

“So this is who you really are… I like it.”

He reached out and tucked a lock of hair that had slipped out from her simple tie at the back behind her ear, his fingertips lightly caressing her neck and sending shivers down her spine.

Catherine blinked up at him, stunned.

He straightened, dropped his hand, and nodded in the direction of the door. “You should begin your preparations because our wedding will take place tomorrow.”

He took one step back, then turned around to leave the room, tossing over his shoulder with that infuriating smirk of his, “Good night, Miss Lennox.”

CHAPTER TWO

“It is far too quiet.”

Somehow, even Catherine’s attempt to exhale her complaints over the silence that surrounded her came out quieter than she had intended, almost as though her voice felt scared of disturbing the peace.

It frustrated and worried her how she could not remember the last time she had experienced such deathly silence. The estate felt worlds apart from her usually cheerful and bright childhood home. She missed the incessant chatter, the buzz of life that tinged the air.

This place lacked all of that, standing as a stark contrast to the house she had known all her life and had practically sacrificed herself to save. No matter what expectations she hoped would be met, she would still carry out her duties as the Duke’s wife.

As she had settled on that thought, her stomach growled, and the ounce of civility she had found was gone with the wind. She recalled that her frustration with the Duke and the annoying conversation had robbed her of her appetite, and by dinner time, she could barely swallow a morsel.

“I suppose it wouldnae be so bad to rummage through the kitchens and see what I can find,” she mumbled to herself as she slipped out of bed.

The hallways of the house were as empty during the night as they were during the day. It was rather odd, that a dukedom would have so few servants milling about, regardless of what hour of the day it was. Catherine couldn’t understand how her family, despite their lower standing, seemed to have more servants and more life around their home.

When she finally made it to the kitchen, she tried to quietly find something quick for a meal. But she started when a girl appeared from behind the shelf of bread and dried meats.

The girl’s eyes widened, and she immediately curtsied. “Y-Your Grace! Good evening. Is there something you need?”

Feeling nervous, Catherine shook her head, waving her arms. “No, I am not the Duchess… not yet, at least. Did I frighten you? I apologize if I did.”

The girl seemed to calm down slightly and stood straight. “You did not, Your—er, Miss Lennox. But I am surprised to see you inthese parts of the manor. Did you need something?” she asked kindly.

Catherine’s stomach chose that moment to growl, loud enough for the servant to hear it.

The girl smiled sympathetically and gestured to the table and chair in the corner.

“Perhaps you would like to wait here while I prepare you something to eat? I imagine you’ve had a rather long day and you are in need of food and rest,” she said gently.

It was unexpected, the sudden kindness that had found her, but Catherine was grateful for it, especially after the day she had.

“Thank you. You are too kind… What is your name?”

“Anna, Miss Lennox,” the maid said with a smile as she darted around the kitchen with a plate, seemingly gathering several options. Soon, she set it down before Catherine.