Free Love Me Always by Marie Higgins

breaths were quick, harsh. Her heart pounded a fierce rhythm while a heavy pain gathered in her chest. Although a dream, it seemed real. Guilt for kissing Nick last night had condemned her for certain. Yet why had she dreamed about the time she found her mother?
    A tear slid down her cheek and she wiped it. How long had she been crying? Apparently, the dream caused more heartache than she’d been prepared for.
    Lying back, she clutched a pillow to her chest and rocked. It’d been quite a while since the confused memories from long ago when her mother died crushed her so painfully she couldn’t breathe. Her Father had told her that memory loss – which Catherine obviously had – was a sign of her mother’s illness. A shiver ran through her and she pushed the depressing thoughts aside.
    She dragged herself out of bed and let Emily help her with a bath and dressher for the day. Glancing in the mirror, the yellow and white balloon-sleeved day dress added to her complexion and brightened her face. Unfortunately, it didn’t do anything to lift her spirits or erase the throbbing headache from her horrible dream.
    After Emily finished brushing Catherine’s hair, she wound the thickness into a loose bun and covered it with white netting. She looked elegant today, befitting the almost fiancé of a duke.
    She took her time going down the stairs – the same stairs where she’d kissed Nick – to the breakfast room. As she neared, men’s voices echoed through the halls, and she realized she’d made the right decision to awaken early. Apparently, the rest of the household didas well. When she entered, all three brothers ceased their discussion and turned their eyes toward her. Right away Gregg and Ian stood, and by Nick’s tight lips, he appeared too irritated to show her a little respect so quickly as he slowly lifted himself out of the chair.
    She gave them her best smile. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
    Her gaze flew to Nick when she realized what she’d just said. He arched an eyebrow and a glimmer of humor touched his expression before disappearing. She had to remember that although Nick may not be a gentleman, his brothers were.
    Gregg pulled out the empty chair next to him for her to sit. “We didn’t think you would be awake this early, especially after the late night you had.”
    “I’m usually an early riser.” She sat and the men followed.
    “We are not used to women being up so early, but it’s a pleasant change,” Gregg answered.
    “I must apologize. I suppose I’m not like most women.”
    “That’s fine with us,” Ian spoke.
    “It’s refreshing to have someone who’s out of the ordinary,” Gregg cut in. “We are getting rather bored with the ordinary, are we not, Nick?”
    Nick was in the middle of sipping his drink, and she waited for him to put down his cup before responding.
    “Yes, most certainly.” He paused and met her stare. “How did you sleep, Catherine? Comfortably, I hope?”
    “My bed is perfect, thank you.” His stare caused a blush to creep up her cheeks, so she quickly asked, “Where’s Grant? Is he not up yet?”
    Ian shook his head. “The duke usually sleeps later.”
    “I’m certain he needs the rest after last night.” She shook her head. “He looked so fatigued.”
    A maid brought over a dish of oatmeal, sausage and eggs and set it in front of her, then left. The juice and tea were already on the table. It wasn’t until the heady aroma of the meat touched her senses that her stomach growled.
    “So,” Gregg said as he turned toward her, “what do you have planned for today?”
    “I’m not certain. What’s there to do?”
    Ian chuckled. “Were you not invited to brunches with the other women last night?”
    “Honestly, I cannot remember. Most of the evening passed so fast it wasn’t much more than a blur. There were only a few things I vividly remember.” Her attention darted to Nick who still watched her, but this time he looked bored. She quickly