Lady Catherine's Secret: A Secrets and Seduction book Read Free Page B

contention between them. “I don’t know how he expects to do well in the tournament in two months’ time if he doesn’t work harder.”
    That stung, especially since he’d already said she had a good chance of winning. Had his opinion changed that quickly? “I haven’t decided if I’ll take part in it yet,” she said.
    Bernini shot her a sharp glance, and then grinned. “Playing coy? I know you, ragazzo . You’ll never be able to resist the challenge.”
    Huntley’s eyes flickered toward the door, and Catherine followed his gaze to find Wentworth standing there, glowering at them. He already wore his cloak and was obviously impatient to leave.
    Huntley gave Wentworth a nod and then turned back to them. “Maestro Bernini, Mr. Gray,” he said, glancing back and forth between them, “I bid you both a good evening. I look forward to our paths crossing again.” He took a step toward the door but then paused and turned back to Catherine. In a low voice he said, “I hope Wentworth’s temper didn’t offend you. He’s both quick to anger and quick to forgive. He might indulge in a bit of posturing, but he’s an honorable man. I’ve never had a truer friend.” With a brief nod, Lord Huntley left and joined his companion.
    She watched him for a moment and then frowned as she tried to parse his message. Was he trying to reassure her? Or perhaps to underscore his friendship with the other man? Perhaps he simply wanted to cast his friend in a better light.
    With a shrug, Catherine gathered her things together and met her brother near the main doors. “I didn’t get the opportunity to see your match with Lord Huntley,” she said. “How did you do?”
    He grimaced. “Badly.” She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up a hand, preempting her. “Don’t ask.” Turning his back, he hurried into the foyer.
    Catherine caught up to him. “Wait,” she said, grabbing his forearm and pulling him to one side. “What do you think about the tournament? Should we enter?”
    He twitched one shoulder. “Why? I don’t have a chance, and even if you manage to win, what would you do with the trophy? Hide it in the stables?”
    She jutted out her chin. “Maybe. But first I’d have to win it. Where to put a trophy is the least of my concerns.”
    He shrugged. “Enter. I’ll help you get here. It’ll probably be during the day, so I can help you slip away from the house.”
    She squeezed his solid forearm by way of a thank you and then crossed the foyer to Mr. Winston’s tall desk. It didn’t take long to fill out the entry form and provide him with the fee.
    It was a cold night, and Catherine tossed her black cloak over her shoulders. As she stepped onto the front steps, her breath trailed a puff of white smoke in her wake. She immediately spotted Huntley in the flickering gaslight. Even here, in the near darkness, the man commanded her attention.
    Huntley and his friend climbed into a carriage, chatting amicably. When Wentworth spied her on the steps, he shot her a cold look.
    She lifted her chin and stared back at him. She’d beaten him, and publicly, too. He clearly resented it. She kept her gaze locked on Wentworth’s eyes until the movement of his carriage carried him out of sight. She’d show him and all the others not to underestimate her.
    She’d win that tournament.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    2 - A Ride through London
     
    As Catherine rode home, a cool breeze ruffled her horse’s mane. The chilly air felt a bit warmer than it had earlier in the evening, and she wished she could pull off the white cap. She tipped her head back to stare up at the stars as her horse followed the familiar path through the slushy streets of London.
    “See anything interesting up there?” Charles asked.
    He rode next to her, and at his teasing tone, she stopped contemplating the stars to glance at him, noting his grin. The lamplight glinted in soft brown eyes that were so similar to hers, and she couldn’t resist