She would tell Sebastian that she loved him. And if he didn’t feel the same, then so be it. But she refused to hide away from life anymore.
Chapter Eleven
A Week Later
Katie whirled around and thrust her epee. She’d been practicing every day that week, determined to become as adept as she could. Even if the danger had passed, she enjoyed the practice—it made her feel stronger and more secure whenever she went out.
“Well done, Katie,” the dowager said, with a thump of her cane.
Katie smiled at the elderly woman over her shoulder. The dowager had been good to put her through her paces, calling out moves and critiquing her form, but it wasn’t the same as the lessons she had enjoyed with Sebastian.
She sighed as she executed a repost. No matter what she did, and no matter who was with her, Katie’s thoughts always seemed to find their way back to Sebastian.
She wished she could stop thinking about him. Heck. She wished she could stop wanting to think about him. But she couldn’t. With each day that went by, she wondered if his feelings had waned.
It had been almost a week since the kidnapping. He’d returned her to the dowager’s and updated everyone on what had happened, including what they knew about Endora Deville and Rosco Black. The next day, she received pink roses and a card saying he hoped she felt better, and that he’d see her soon. And then—nothing. No visit. No cards. No missives whatsoever. She had been prepared to declare her love, in the hope that he too felt the same about her, or at least cared enough to want to court her, but now she wondered if she had misread him.
After all, Sebastian was a man of the world. His mistresses were no doubt sophisticated, worldly, and independent. A man of his caliber no doubt had his pick of women. Yes, he’d been caring and had helped her enormously but perhaps that was all it was.
But what about the kisses we shared?
And he practically swept me up in his arms and declared how worried he’d been when I went missing.
When Sebastian had entered that cottage to rescue her, her heart had soared with hope. But now, time and distance had worn down her new-found self-confidence, and she was no longer sure of what she’d shared with him.
For a moment in time, her life had seemed bright and hopeful again, but she was growing doubtful she would ever find happiness again.
“You’re making great strides, my dear. l, am pleased you are continuing to practice. You’ll feel even more confident with the parasol when you are out and about,” the dowager said.
“You’re right, Duchess. It makes sense to gain a good feel for its weight.”
“Keep practicing while I check on dinner. I’ll be right back,” the dowager said. “This practice will pay dividends, dear. I promise.” She thumped her cane once more. “Don’t give up hope on him.”
How can I not?
Katie thrust and reposted, then lunged.
“Excellent form,” a deep male voice said from behind.
Katie froze. Her heart leaped to her throat. She took a deep breath and then turned to see Sebastian standing in the doorway to the ballroom.
“Sebastian, how are you?” She wanted to whoop with joy and run and jump in his arms, but she no longer felt certain it would be welcomed.
“I am fine. And you?”
“I’m feeling ever so much better, thank you. And as you can see, I’m keeping up my practice.” She gave a quick flick of the foil from left to right.
“Yes, I can see. You are doing splendidly.” His lips curved up in a slow smile.
“Thank you,” she said, silently curing her squeaky voice.
“Er, did you finish your investigation?” she asked.
“I did,” he said, as he began slowly walking towards her.
“What will happen to Gummy and Doogan?”
“The Crown is involved and is trying to determine their value to the rest of the investigation. Black was a serial killer, so if they cooperate and give evidence, there might be hope for them. Otherwise, their prospects are bleak.”
