Chapter 5 - Cornered in the Library (1/2)

Dinner was largely a silent affair. I was seated in between my brothers and directly across from the duke. I could feel his stare boring into me.

What was that about? Is it just because Catherine is pretty? I hardly said two words to the guy.

Edmund kicked me under the table and I jumped. I turned towards him furiously since the countess was distracted and whispered. ”What?!”

”You've been so quiet since I got here. You're no fun, Cathy.”

”I prefer Katie these days,” I said stiffly as I kicked him back.

He seemed surprised. ”Really? Alright then. Katie it is. I suppose there are a lot of nicknames that can come from your name. All I've got is Ed or Eddie. You can't exactly call me Mund.”

I was totally going to start calling him Mund. ”I think Mund suits you.”

”Aww, don't be like that, Katie!”

”Edmund! Catherine! Please behave yourself at the table!” the countess scolded, sounding completely scandalized. ”Please forgive them, Your Grace.”

The duke's bland expression shifted slightly.

”I do not mind, Lady du Pont. It was quite entertaining. I have no siblings so it is interesting to see how they interact. I have heard much from Edmund about Lady Catherine. She appears quite spirited.”

The countess sniffed. ”A bit too spirited at times, Your Grace.”

Wow. Thanks, Mom. And after all I've done to emulate you since coming here.

”I apologize for my misconduct, Your Grace. I was merely scolding my brother for his behavior.”

”Traitor,” Edmund muttered.

I hid my grin. I could see why he and the original Catherine got on so well. He's kind of funny.

I returned quietly to my soup but the duke resumed staring at me. How was I supposed to eat like this?! It's like he has laser vision or something!

Was our one minute of conversation that interesting to him? Edmund started it, not me! Stare at him!

At the end of the dinner, the men went off to talk business so the ladies were dismissed. I stuck my tongue out at Edmund when I thought no one else was looking but of course the duke saw. Just my luck.

One of the most powerful men in the kingdom and I'd embarrassed myself in front of him three times in one day. I didn't want him to take notice of me.