The Duke's Masked Wife

"I do not need this blue one. It was in style two seasons ago and I should have gotten rid of it sooner. That doesn't mean you can sell it too cheap, James. The daughter of a Baron wore it and whoever is buying it should be thankful for the price I am selling it. They wouldn't have been able to buy it at the original cost," Kate tossed a blue dress onto the floor for a maid to pick up and pack.

"I understand. What about this red dress?" James held up another dress for Kate to decide whether she wanted to sell or keep it.

After the Baroness and Kate returned from the ball, Kate had ordered James to have all her dresses, shoes, and bags brought down to be inspected. He had no clue what happened at the ball for her to order him to do this as soon as she got home, but James felt someone wore a better dress than Kate.

"That can stay. Although it is old, it looks exceptionally well on me and the dressmaker no longer makes this style. Dresses like this will always be in style because of how rare it is. Have it sent back to my closet. I am tired," Kate fell back into the comfort of a chair. "As soon as these things have been sold, bring the money to me, James. I will go shopping the next day."

"You are surprisingly determined, Kate. I should give you a reward for doing this rather than prolonging it. I will take you shopping after your father's funeral. Thanks to some of the belongings we sold, I have managed to pay off one of his smaller debts. Our only worry is paying off William so that man will not visit us anymore," Katrina sighed, placing a paper to the side.

'I might have no choice but to dip into my own money. I will have to claim an old relative took pity and gave us a large sum of money. It hurts my heart to see Kate sell her clothes,' Katrina sighed. She didn't want Kate to become like what she was. Constantly worrying about money and being looked down on.

"He has called off the debt, mother. We should just find a way to hand over Alessandra to him and get it over with. By the way, shouldn't the Duke have brought proper gifts before marrying Alessandra? Don't tell me he is cheap. Mother, everything will be alright after we bury father in two days' time. You have managed to pay off his debts better than he could. You're awesome!" Kate held up her thumb to offer her mother support.

Katrina smiled, feeling cheered up by Kate's words. "Each time you compliment me there is something you want. What is it?"

"You can reward me with a new bag. There is someone who provides beautiful bags to the princess. I want one."

'A bag worn by the princess cannot be cheap. They will get out of debt only to fall back into it. At least the Baroness has started to pay me properly,' James thought.

"Excuse me, lady Kate. I think there is someone at the door," James left the mess Kate created in the dining room with her dresses to check the door after he was certain he heard a knock.

"It must be the paper. I've been dying to read what was said about the ball last night. Mother, there is something I wish to discuss with you about our cook. You see-"

"Baroness, Lady Kate. The Marquis is here to pay a visit," James return with the said man right behind him.

"The Marquis?" Katrina looked to Kate who was just as equally shocked as she was. Her eyes drifted to the mess of clothes Kate had scattered around on the floor. Why wouldn't James take the man somewhere else?

"Please call me Simon instead of my title. I'm sorry for intruding when you are," Simon paused to look around at the mess of clothes. "Busy. I came to visit your daughter, Kate Barrett. I thought it would be best if I paid a visit to properly apologize for spilling my drink on her last night.

"You did? I wasn't made aware of this," Katrina side-eyed Kate. This wasn't something anyone should forget to mention. The Marquis would make a fine choice for Kate to marry. His wealth would take them far out of the financial hole they were in now. "It is kind of you to visit her. I have to apologize for the state of our home. Kate is looking for clothes to donate."

"Is she? How wonderful," Simon turned to Kate. "I admire that even in these times you are thinking about others."

"It is how my mother raised me," Kate smiled. She sat up in her seat to look poised. 'I hit the gold when he spilled his drink on me. Wait till everyone hears he paid me a visit.'

'I'm sure they could make good money being actresses,' James thought as he listened to the conversation.

"I'm sure you would love to have a private conversation with Kate. Go on sweetie. I will take care of your clothes for you. You can take the-sorry, Simon to have a seat in the garden. James will bring a refreshing drink to keep you cool. Go on," Katrina said. She gave Kate a look to not mess up this golden opportunity.

"Please follow me, Simon. There truly was no need for you to visit because of the drink. I got over it quickly last night as it was simply an accident. I find it hard to process that you came all this way because of that. Not many others would do that. You are too kind," Kate complimented Simon as they walked to the garden.

If only he had mentioned visiting last night, she would have dolled up herself. Still, it was good for him to see how wonderful she looked when she wasn't dressed up. Not too many had the beauty to do this.

"How can I simply forget about it after almost ruining how beautiful you looked at the ball? I felt so guilty that I contemplated visiting your home after the ball," Simon chuckled.

"No way," Kate covered her mouth and faked a laugh. "You can rest assured that I have forgiven you. I am not one to hold unto things from the past. My father's death has taught me that life is too short to remain angry about small things."

"The Baron was a good man and he raised a fine young lady. I hope this doesn't sound bad but I believe it is fate that I accidentally spilled my drink on you. I am quite curious about you, Kate. I have not stopped thinking about you all night. Is there anyone who has captured your eye? Are you soon to be engaged to anyone?" Simon asked as he wanted to court her.

Even though her family situation was not the best right now, he wanted to get to know her better and if they were a good match, he wanted to marry her.

Kate's eyes lit up as she knew where this conversation was going. If only it had been this easy with Edgar. Simon did not compare to Edgar in terms of looks or wealth but he would do. "The only man to capture my eyes is now married and no one has come forward to court me. There must be something wrong with me," she forced a sad expression.

"He must have been blind," Simone held Kate's hand and stopped walking. "But I am not. From this day on, I will court you, Kate Barrett."