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“Well, for one thing, if you were to look up you would see him watching you with concern. I strongly believe that he can perceive your distress at the moment.” Looking up, Selene appeared to observe the man they spoke of more closely.

Catherine could tell from her snicker and raised eyebrow that she had a clear opinion on the matter.

“I would also guess that right now he is contemplating the best way to come over and see to your wellbeing.”

A furtive glance in his direction did reveal that Theodore was concerned.

The mere thought that he might be concerned about her sent a wave of goosebumps up her arms and down her back, creating an almost irresistible urge to shiver.

Clamping down on the hand that held her own for support, Catherine whispered, “I have been trying for some time to conceal my feelings. With this possibility before me, I find I do not know what to do.”

“Do? I suppose there are several things that you might do. You could play as if you do not know and watch him follow you around like a puppy until he gains the courage to let you know of his feelings on his own. Or, if you are very brave, as I suspect you are, I say you should confront him about it.” Selene smiled at Catherine, squeezing her hand again in support before casting a glance over her shoulder.

“And perhaps you can confront him about it sooner than expected. He is coming this way.”

Lizzie sat on the floor next to her beloved husband. They were taking advantage of the free time they had managed to wrangle and were spending it with Artie. His little hands clapped as his father stacked the blocks for him. Resting her head against Darcy’s shoulder, she sighed in happiness.

Leaning down, Darcy kissed her forehead before asking. “So do you think our Kitty will lead him on a merry chase?”

“I suppose it is possible, but my sister does not strike me as the type to force a man to chase after her. We both know she has developed a regard for him, though I suspect she thinks she has succeeded at hiding it. How would you like to have him for a brother as well as a cousin?”

Artie reached out and knocked over the stack of blocks and then giggled in glee as they all tumbled down.

“Good job, little man.” Darcy reached out to ruffle their son’s hair.

He seemed to think for a moment before looking at his wife with a smile.

“I am already close to my cousin, but I would love getting closer.

I know I can never be a replacement for Cedric, but I think it would be nice for him to have a brother to rely on again.

He already fits in so well with our family.

Ever since he worked with me to help free you all from Mr. Bennet, he has been warmly embraced by all, especially your mother.

“Bock! Bock!” Waving his hands wildly, Artie picked up a block from where he sat and showed it proudly to his parents. Artie's wide green eyes and curly dark hair marked him easily as their child if their love for him had not.

“Yes, my love, you knocked down the blocks. Do you want your papa to stack them up again?” Lizzie took the block and held it out to her husband.

She flushed when he took the block from her and kissed her wrist before stacking the block with its friends.

“I would love to see them both happy the way we have found happiness. Who would have thought that my little sister would become a countess?”

Leaning down, Darcy nuzzled Lizzie's temple. “Everyone deserves to find such happiness, my love. Especially your sisters. It would bring me great joy to see them all in loving matches.”

Watching Artie start rubbing his eyes, Elizabeth drew him to her.

She recognized the look as only a mother could.

Her son would very soon be asleep. She was slightly sad that their time together was over now that he needed a nap, though she got an idea looking down at his sleepy face. “Do you know what I would love to see?”

“What would you love to see?” Darcy stood and then leaned down to help his young wife up off the floor while she held their tired son in her arms.

The nurse came up to them, and Lizzie handed over her sleepy son, taking a moment to kiss his curly crown before letting go. With a playful grin, she tugged her husband into the hallway. “I would love to see Artie get a little sister.”

“It took us nearly a year before we managed Artie.” Darcy tried but failed to maintain a doubtful demeanor. His uncontrollable grin, complete with dimples, gave away his true thoughts. “I am not opposed to attempting that endeavor, but what if we have another son? Will you be disappointed?”

“Not at all. We can always keep trying.” She headed towards their room.

Walking down the hall together, she felt his fingers intertwine with hers, and it brought a smile to her face.

Sharing a room was not common among couples of the ton, but they had always done things differently.

Lizzie laughed as they made it to the room they shared and pulled him in after her. “I won't complain.”

“Miss Catherine, are you well?” Theodore's voice was laced with worry as he spoke.

The sound of Theodore's voice coming from right behind her sent another wave of goosebumps down Catherine’s arms, and this time she did shiver.

Turning, she looked at him. She knew she was blushing, but there was nothing she could do about it.

“I am well, though I would not mind continuing on the walk we were taking.”

“I would be more than happy to oblige you.” Offering his arm, he smiled when she took it.

Catherine noticed that Mr. Burgess had taken both Selene’s and Lydia’s arms and was walking with them as well.

The change in the pairings left her feeling nothing but happiness.

She much preferred walking with Theodore.

Despite trying to maintain propriety, Catherine relished the sensation of holding his arm.

The goosebumps had come back, or had they never left?

Trying to distract herself, Catherine watched the trees blowing in the slight breeze of the spring morning.

“It is a lovely day to be out for a walk. I always enjoy watching the trees in the breeze. I have attempted to paint it, but never have gotten it quite right.”

Looking around, Theodore appeared to take note of the breeze moving things about. Looking back at Catherine, he seemed concerned. “It is lovely, but I would hate for you to catch a chill.”

“Oh?” Catherine replied, caught off guard by how his protective tone seemed to kindle something within her. If she was allowed to feel these amazing things about him instead of trying to ignore them, she might get carried away.

To prevent the breeze from reaching Catherine, he moved his larger body in a protective stance. “I noticed you shiver earlier. Are you feeling cold? Do you want to return to Darcy House?”

Unable to keep a smile off her lips, Catherine nervously licked them before speaking. “I am enjoying my time with you. Maybe we can take the longer path back?”

“Of course.” Turning, Theodore took the path that would lead them in a larger loop before returning to Darcy House.

How did one tell the love of their life just how much they meant to them? Was there an easy way to express such a thing? Or did one always have to endure feeling like they were going to vomit a kaleidoscope of butterflies in order to confess their feelings? “I have something to confess.”

“That sounds rather foreboding. What could you have done that could merit such concern?” Theodore pulled Catherine closer to him, and she felt her body relax in his embrace.

Catherine resisted the urge to lay her head against his shoulder. She briefly wished they were back at Pemberley where no one would have batted an eye had she done so. “Not so much something I have done, but there's a secret I'm anxious to tell you, and I'm afraid of your reaction.”

Theodore paused as if to assess her, his eyes full of worry as he leaned in. “I'm here for you, and I'll always be a safe place for you to share anything,” he said kindly.

Glancing back, Catherine noted that the others were out of earshot and were distracted looking at something. It was most likely Selene’s doing. The wonderful girl really was a darling friend. Realizing this was her chance, Catherine took it.

“IthinkIloveyouandIamhopingyoucanreturnmyregard.” Gasping for breath after saying everything in a rush, Catherine closed her eyes.

Face aflame, Catherine felt like they would be surrounded by those butterflies at any moment.

She knew she had spoken so fast that it was nearly impossible he understood her, but she did not think she could say it again.

Peeking up at him, she hoped with everything in her that he would not make her repeat herself.

With his eyebrows drawn together, Theodore looked to Catherine as if he was trying to do long division in his head, or possibly translate Portuguese. “Are you saying that you have feelings for me? Romantic feelings?”