Dunwith nodded and left, returning in a moment with Charles.
"Catherine." Charles greeted her with a generous smile, walking over to her and taking her hand to kiss the back. "It is so good to see you again."
"It is nice of you to call, Charles." She couldn't help but stare at him, curious to see if there was any resemblance to Lucian. She could fine none.
He perched on the end of the chair opposite her. "I have heard all the dreadful rumors about you since my arrival yesterday and I had to stop by to extend my support during this trying time."
"Thank you, Charles. You are a true friend," she said noticing his eyes. They were dark brown like many men, but they appeared cold, almost as if his look belied his words.
"As you and your father have been to me since my arrival at the Brynwood estate. You both made me feel accepted into the small but prominent social circle of north Yorkshire."
"Nonsense, Charles. We were glad for your company and for your support of my father during his troubled time."
Charles dismissed her appreciation with a casual wave. "I never believed a word of that rubbish. Your father is too fine a man to even think of treason."
"Yes, he is a good man," she said, wishing Lucian had believed in her father's fine character as easily as Charles.
"Your father has offered his help to me in a most pressing matter and I immensely appreciate his assistance."
Catherine's interest was piqued. "What does my father help you with?"
Charles gladly related his troubles to Catherine. "My cousin, Lucian Darcmoor, has appeared to have returned from the grave and has laid claim to the Darcmoor estates and title. Your father is helping me in my attempt to secure the properties."
Catherine hid her shock behind a forced smile. "Have you seen your cousin Lucian?" His name trembled from her lips.
"No, he has arranged for a solicitor in London to handle all of his financial matters. I heard he doesn't even plan to live on the estate, but stay on the south sea island he has made his home these past many years."
"I'm sure my father will do everything he can to see that you retain the property," she said, though in her heart she wished Lucian victory. He had been robbed unfairly of his family's estate and he deserved to have his lands and title returned to him. She only hoped his decision to remain on his island never changed. She wouldn't want him to travel to Yorkshire and possibly catch a glimpse of his child.
"I have a hearing to attend tomorrow. That is when I shall learn what the courts have decided," Charles said nervously.
"I wish you well, Charles."
"Charles," her father said, entering the room. "Glad you stopped by. I have a few matters to discuss with you."
Charles stood. "I was visiting with Catherine. She looks well."
"Yes, she does. You must come and visit with us when you return to Yorkshire," he insisted. "We leave at the end of the week for home."
Charles laughed. "You have confidence in my victor tomorrow."
"Of course I do," he said. "No doubt in my mind."
Catherine stirred in her seat unable to listen to a conversation about matters that, if they turned out as her father predicted, would cause Lucian more pain. "I'll leave you two to talk."
"Nonsense, Charles and I shall take tea with you and then go off to my study to talk," her father said.
"That sounds delightful. I would love to have tea with Catherine," Charles agreed.
Catherine forced another smile, not caring for the gleam in her father's eyes.
Aunt Lilith waltzed into the townhouse in mounds of purple flounce announcing they were late and Catherine must hurry.
Catherine shook her head at her aunt. The woman didn't look nearly her more than fifty years, nor did she act it. Short and round and full of life, she defied polite society yet was accepted cheerfully by them. While most women wore modest wigs her aunt refused to cover her own hair, insisting it was her best asset. Her shiny brown hair bore not a trace of gray and was piled artfully on the top of her head unlike any style Catherine had ever seen, yet on her aunt it looked stylish.
"Come, Catherine, don't dawdle. Gwen and her guests are waiting," she said, and waved a commanding hand at Dunwith. "Fetch her cape so we can be off."
Catherine had taken pains to wear a dress that would conceal her expanding waistline. She couldn't wait to leave London so she could alter some of her clothes to more comfortably accommodate her changing shape.
Tonight she had, with the help of Dulcie, managed to alter the shape of her gown enough that no one would notice the slight bulge of her stomach. Besides, she had chosen a dark green gown with a matching shawl that would help conceal her shape. Though becoming to her fair features and silver hair color, it was bland in design and wouldn't draw attention to her.