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Spoil Alert

The illustrations and the extracts might give away what is to come, so you may want to see them after you read a chapter and see if anything is accompanying the story.

Chapter 1 - Masks and Mirrors

Catherine looked away but then nodded. She looked into the gentleman's eyes and spoke the truth. "I desperately want to be part of this world," she gestured with her hand, "but I'm afraid I'll lose my true self in the process."

The lord looked at her first without reaction, but his eyes flashed as he searched hers. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then he changed his mind. Finally, he said: "I take it you spoke honestly. How refreshing!" His words carried an edge of something she could not quite place – was it admiration, or was he simply surprised that a debutante could be so bold? He shook himself and said phlegmatically, "Well, I am like an open book. I do not need to hide anything."

Catherine was about to laugh but controlled herself. She shook her head and simply responded, "My lord, then I wonder why you are wearing a lorgnette when you can see perfectly without it." His stunned expression was all the reward Catherine could want. "Enjoy your evening, sir. I must return to my parents. Please excuse me." Catherine's voice was steady, but her heart raced in her chest.

Photo gallery

In this photo gallery, you will find a beautiful collection of images that capture the essence of the Regency Era, the time period in which my novel, Catherine, is set. From elegant ballrooms and lavish estates to intricate fashion and social customs, these photos will transport you back in time to the world of my novel. The first set of images showcases the opulence and grandeur of Regency Era architecture.

Below, there are some illustrations, so if you do not wish to see my imagined characters, avoid scrolling down. Otherwise, have fun matching the pictures to the scenes in the novel.

The flashback

The young man noticed her looking their way. After a few moments, he leaned down and whispered something into the little girl's ear. The little girl giggled but took some of her bread, approached Catherine, and shyly offered it. Catherine was touched by the girl's kindness and expressed her gratitude to the young girl for her offering. She then looked up at the young man.

That was when it happened.

Their eyes met, and for the first time, Catherine was affected by the presence of a gentleman. She felt breathless, and her stomach fluttered when he smiled at her. To her, he was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen, even more handsome than her brother, and she weakened at his smile. And smile he did. She always regretted that she did not dare to return it.

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Chapter 2 - Reflections and Revelations

As he galloped, instinctively, he looked beyond the tree line to the walking path, where a flash of colour caught his eye. A figure stopped to watch him. His heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned upon him – the young lady from last night's theatre, the very one who had put him in his place with her sharp wit. She stood poised, her eyes fixed on him with curiosity and something akin to amusement.

His grip on the reins tightened instinctively. The horse, sensing his distraction, maintained its steady gallop, each stride powerful and unerring. The lord's mind raced, replaying their exchange from the previous evening, and he could not help but wonder what she thought of him now, seeing him in this light, commanding and unrestrained – without his hat, he remembered. As he sped past her, their eyes locked for a split second. The moment was electrifying; he knew this unexpected encounter would linger in his thoughts long after the ride.

Chapter 4 - Art and Intrigue

"I see you're not wearing your lorgnette, my lord."

He had to smile at that. "Yes, well, I found I could see without them perfectly."

"Is that so? Good for you, my lord."

He bowed his head slightly.

"What was that?" Robert gazed at the two quizzically.

"It's a small joke between us." Nevill deflected.

"I hope I did not overstep… I mean, I know I overstepped with my comment, but…"

"Miss Berrington, I admit I was taken aback at the reminder, a rare occurrence, but only for a short time. In reflection, I realised that you were right. I had adopted the silly habit as some status symbol. I do not really need that, do I?" Strange as it was, he did not mind acknowledging the truth to her. He observed her face again. Yes, lovely, he said to himself.

Chapter 5 - At Almack's

"In that case, thank you, Lord Nevill. I would gladly dance with you…but on one condition."

Behind the lord now, Mrs. Berrington's eyes grew impossibly big, and she put her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp. What condition? Is she mad? Her heart raced, and her palms sweated as she dared not let the air out until she heard the lord's reaction. Thankfully, her husband drew her into his conversation with the couple next to them to give the young people some privacy. It was just as well; her heart might not have borne it.

The marquess's expression turned blank for a moment, intrigued by her boldness.

"Is that so? A condition? That is a novelty. You do realise that ladies are usually grateful for my condescension."

"You condescend when you ask a lady to dance? My lord, that is not flattering to either of us." Catherine straightened as she said this.

Chapter 6 - Meeting Maximus

"He is truly magnificent," she murmured.

Lord Nevill stood close behind her, his presence both reassuring and stirring. "Maximus has been my companion for many years. He has a gentle disposition despite his size."

Just then, Maximus shifted with a restless snort. Catherine started back – and stumbled.

In a heartbeat, strong arms caught her. Lord Nevill.

She gasped, the sudden closeness stealing her breath. Through the layers of her walking dress and his coat, she could feel the unmistakable warmth of his body.

His hold was firm but gentle, steadying her effortlessly.

For a moment, she could do nothing but stare up at him. His gaze held hers – steady, unreadable – and the world narrowed to the space between them.

"Are you hurt, Miss Berrington?" he asked, voice low and rough.

"No…no, thank you, my lord," she whispered, her cheeks flaming.

Chapter 9 - at the Spencer Ball

She was escorted back to her mother, her heart pounding with anticipation. He was across the ballroom, engaged in conversation with a group of distinguished guests. When their eyes met, Catherine offered him a warm smile, hoping to bridge the distance between them and seeking reassurance in his familiar face. However, to her dismay, Lord Nevill looked at her for a long moment before returning to his conversation.

His expression remained inscrutable – no bow, no smile, not even the ghost of recognition in his eyes.

Time stood still. Catherine could not move.

The unexpected slight stole the air from her lungs, leaving her breathless and with a tight ache in her chest.

Chapter 10 - in the library

A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "That is all I can ask for."

That smile had the opposite effect on Catherine. That smile disarmed, but she would not have it. The bitterness of his earlier actions reared its head. Catherine took a deep breath, steadying her heart, which had been pounding with indignation. Her posture straightened, and with a tone of controlled indignation, she spoke firmly.

"My lord, let me remind you that you sought me out. I never asked for your attentions. It was you who approached me repeatedly as if I were of some import to you.

Chapter 12 - making amends

Nevill took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her question. "Yes, it was more than just an apology, Miss Berrington," he began carefully. "I felt it was important to show you that I regret my actions at the ball. I fear my behaviour was unbecoming, and I understand how it must have affected you."

"Lord Nevill," she started, her voice steady but with an undertone of vulnerability, "Maybe we can discuss what happened now with cooler heads. When we last spoke, I was rather emotional."

"I know my actions were…disappointing. I cannot think about it but with abhorrence."

Chapter 16 - at the Windermere dinner

Catherine looked at him expectantly. Nevill had to turn away. A flicker of discomfort crossed his face before he masked it with a polite nod.

"But then you probably know everybody. Milord?" she pressed.

He turned back to her, his lips twitching slightly as though considering his response carefully.

She looked at him encouragingly. "Please, no subterfuge."

Nevill sighed as he placed the napkin in his lap. "You are very clever, Miss Berrington."

She could not help but smile. "Come, sir, Lady Windermere and my family do not exactly move in the same circles. But before you think I am a genius, she mentioned she had heard of me from your mother. Did–did you know…?"

Nevill hesitated. She had asked for honesty. He nodded slowly. "Yes, my mother asked her friend for your family to be included on her guest list."