Page 32 of Bound By the Duke

Aurelia smiled at her reaction before offering gently, “That would be Sir Whiskerton.”

The girl looked stunned, her blue eyes darting to Aurelia once again. “You have a cat?”

“I do,” Aurelia replied with a graceful nod. “He’s rather spoiled and very dramatic. But I couldn’t leave him. He has been my best friend for six years now.”

“That’s lovely,” Lottie said in a sincere tone. “But what a unique name, I suppose.”

Aurelia could have sworn there was a hint of humor in the little girl’s voice.

“Well, if not that, it could have been Majestic Tail.” She shrugged.

The girl let out a very brief laugh.

The cat meowed again, louder and more insistent this time. Obviously asking for attention. Lottie drew closer to the fur ball.

“He doesn’t bite,” Aurelia assured the moment she noticed the girl’s hesitation. “Only when his food is late.”

Lottie finally knelt beside the cat and reached out a hand. Sir Whiskerton sniffed her fingers, then slowly rubbed his head against them with a loud, unashamed purr.

The girl’s face lit up. She looked at Aurelia with wide eyes, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter.

“See?” Aurelia beamed.

Lottie rose and scooped up the small creature into her arms like he was the most precious thing ever. “He’s soft,” she said quietly, rubbing behind his ear.

“He likes you already.”

Aurelia watched her, and something in her chest loosened.

She was aware that Percival stood across the hall, watching them with his arms folded. As usual, his face was unreadable. But upon closer inspection, Aurelia caught a certain look.

An angry look? Or a look of disapproval?

She wasn’t quite sure what to call it.

She straightened slightly at the sight of him. Whatever had loosened in her chest a few minutes ago twisted into a tight knot.

Her eyes dropped. “Have I displeased you?”

He took a moment to stare at Sir Whiskerton before muttering, “No, you have not.”

Aurelia took a deep breath, not sure what she should say, until he spoke again.

“Charlotte.”

Lottie looked up at once.

“You should return to your room,” Percival instructed.

Lottie hesitated, her eyes flickering back to Aurelia. “Yes, Papa.”

She bobbed a small curtsey and gently set down the cat. She turned around, but not before giving Sir Whiskerton one last rub. Then, with quiet steps, she disappeared up the stairs, leaving the two newlyweds standing alone in the dimly lit hallway.

CHAPTER 10

The hallway was quiet now. Lottie’s footsteps had faded, and with her absence, Aurelia and Percival stood facing each other, the air thick between them.

Percival cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “Follow me.” He inclined his head slightly as he lifted two fingers.