“I—can’t—breathe…” she rasped.
He smiled as he pressed his fingers around her neck.
How beautiful you look.
Just like the others…
When he didn’t hear anything, Rosco pulled back, but Endora kept staring at him—no longer mocking him. He leaned down and didn’t feel her breath. Noooo!” he screamed and pulled her body close. “She did this. She killed you.”
Chapter Eight
Three Days Later
“My dear,” the dowager said as Millie fastened the fencing jacket over Katie’s day dress. “When Sebastian arrives for your lesson, Paula and I will leave for a brisk walk to take in some air. I find it good for my constitution. Millie will remain outside the door, as she’s been doing.”
“Your Grace, Miss Latham, Lord Soren has arrived,” Franklin announced at the entrance to the ballroom.
Katie’s breath caught as the tall, handsome man stepped from behind the butler. They had practiced for a week now. She felt more confident handling both weapons—the epee and her parasol. And she really liked it when the dowager and Paula left her here. Katie had noticed that since her duties were lighter at the dowager’s, Millie tended to take advantage and nap when no one was looking. But since the advantage had been hers in the form of time with Sebastian, she would not complain. Or say anything to Millie.
“Good morning, Sebastian. We are so glad to see you,” the dowager said with a thump of her cane as she walked to the door to greet him.
Sebastian smiled. “Good morning, Duchess, Katie, Paula. I trust you are all well this morning?”
“Good morning, Sebastian,” Katie said, her voice sounding breathless to her ears.
“Good morning,” Paula echoed with a smile.
I can see you are ready to begin,” Sebastian said to Katie.
“Katie has been practicing her moves this morning,” the dowager said. “I helped as much as I could. But I’m afraid my advice was not as meaningful as yours has been. Although I’m very pleased with her progress.”
“Indeed, I agree,” Sebastian said with a smile. “Katie has a strong will and is a most determined pupil.”
Katie beamed at the compliments, the heat of a blush warmed her cheeks.
“I asked Franklin to set a refreshment table in the corner.” The dowager nodded towards the window. “
“Thank you, Duchess.”
“Come along, Paula,” the dowager said with a thud of her cane. “It is time for our morning walk. Millie will be right outside the door in case you need anything.” The dowager turned and walked out the door. Paula gave them a quick wave, then hurried after the old woman.
“Please take your time, Sebastian. I need to take a moment and have a glass of lemonade.” Katie had been practicing for the past hour under the duchess’ tutelage. She had proven to be quite a taskmaster. The dowager would call out instructions and Katie would follow them. It wasn’t as effective as actual fencing, but it helped build her reflexes.
“It’s good to see you smiling,” Sebastian said. “Fencing seems to agree with you.”
“It’s good to be smiling,” Katie said. “And it feels wonderful to learn something that gives me control over my life again,” she said, setting down the epee and pouring herself a glass of lemonade. “Would you like a glass?”
“Yes, thank you,” he said. “How was your practice this morning?”
“It all feels more comfortable to me. And I also practiced with the foil in my parasol to make sure I’m comfortable with that, as well.”
“Excellent idea,” Sebastian said. He took a few sips of his drink, then set down the glass. “Did you have any trouble sleeping last night? Any more bad dreams?”
Katie shook her head. “I slept like a baby, to be honest.” She had been surprised that she hadn’t had any nightmares, considering everything she’d recalled while Paula sketched the men’s faces.
“That is good to hear. And it might be because you were able to clear your mind of some of that darkness that was buried inside. Perhaps you are beginning to heal, Katie,” he said softly.
She heaved a deep sigh and blinked back sudden tears. “T-thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
