Something about her intrigued him. Most women of her age would be fluttering their eyelashes at him, desperate to become Mrs. Oakley. Catherine always met his gaze head on, and during her first few days at Oakley Castle, he’d learned that she was very intelligent. She was also very stubborn, which was why he was at that moment searching the grounds for her. He had not seen her for six months, having left his Aunt Harriet to take care of their needs whilst he took dealt with problems in France, where the revolution was causing untold misery. Despite the length of time that had passed passed, he was surprised to find that Catherine was still dressed in mourning. He found her sitting under an oak tree, lost in concentration at her easel. Even though he walked towards her, in full view, he was aware, and somewhat intrigued, to realize that she hadn’t even noticed him. Although everyone agreed that her sister, Miss Alyssa, was the stunningly beautiful sister, Catherine had something else.
