Page 11 of Duke in Shining Armor
Relief unspooled through her body.Helen will heal, she silently prayed. Though she wanted to question the duke as to his decision, Catherine held back her anxiety. She tucked into her breakfast as she studied the duke from beneath her lashes.
“So, tell me about your family,” the duke invited, watching her with an unfathomable expression.
Catherine had not expected this, and she wondered if the duke was making polite conversation, or was he really interested in knowing about her family.
“I am happy to speak of them,” she said cautiously. “However, I shall not reveal their names in full.”
She noted the duke watched her with keen interest as if he could read her thoughts.
Poppycock, Catherine mused. He could do no such thing.
“I accept those conditions,” he said with an enigmatic smile.
Why do I find his smile…appealing?Catherine did not trust the warm ache that suffused her body, and she hurriedly looked away from the duke lest he read thoughts on her face that she did not understand herself. “As I mentioned yesterday, Your Grace, I have an older brother, Edward. I also have two lovely sisters who are younger, Charlotte and Beatrice. Might I add that they are quite different from me, as they are both quite poised, ladylike, and act appropriately. They are looking forward to their debut, eventually marriage, and children.”
“Hmm…” he muttered as he chewed contemplatively. “How old are they?”
“Charlotte has just reached six and ten years, and Beatrice is a year younger. Charlotte will have her season after I have been presented, and it will be Beatrice’s turn the following year.”
“You are quite right. If they are looking forward to being wed, they are not like you.”
Catherine nodded. “Yes.” A small smile touched her mouth. “My mama is a strong woman, and I believe her to be fearless. I believe she senses that she has indulged me much. Well, papa says as much, but I know that he loves me. What of your family, Your Grace?”
“I live alone here at Pembroke Estate for my father passed away, and the duchess has retired to her Devonshire Estate. Running this estate takes much of my time, but I visit her often. She wishes, as all duchesses do, that I would marry and give her grandchildren.”
“Indeed, you understand my position.” Catherine said, trying not to wonder at the odd lurch in her heart.
Amusement brightened his hazel eyes. “I fear she is starting to despair, and she mentions marriage and children each time I visit with her. My sister Mary is married and lives in Derbyshire. I have a comely niece and a handsome nephew who are quite rambunctious.”
The duke smiled, as if he could picture them doing some kind of mischief.
“The duchess absolutely adores them. My sister and the children spend some of the summer months on the Devonshire Estate and it is the height of my mother’s holiday. I, on the other hand, get a bit of a respite from the ‘find a suitable wife’ badgering.”
Catherine observed the duke. He spoke of his family with such affection. No doubt they were quite close, so he understood the sentiments she expressed about her family. She perceived this as a positive sign; hence he may indeed be considering her unusual request.
“Unfortunately, my father died of a lingering illness. I miss him terribly. He was a good man.”
“I am sorry to hear that, Your Grace.”
Catherine felt his gaze upon her, and she felt her cheeks getting flushed. She made a concerted effort to finish her meal and she did not look up.What is this behavior?she asked herself.Blushing?She never blushed.
Crikey!This was so unlike her, and she wondered at this reaction.
“Breakfast was lovely, Your Grace. Thank you.”Good heavens, why do I sound so breathless?Catherine almost groaned at her unpardonable reaction.
“You are welcome,” the duke replied. “Regarding the matter we discussed yesterday, I have decided to concede to your request.”
Catherine’s gaze flew up to his face, and her breath caught in her throat. She was taken aback by the abrupt change in the direction of the conversation.
The duke’s expression was composed, and she gained no inkling of his thoughts as he continued. “You will remain as my guest until the physician pronounces you fit for travel. I will personally escort you to the port, to ensure your safety, while you board the ship bound for Switzerland.”
It was only after Catherine exhaled that she realized she was holding her breath. “I am most grateful, Your Grace.”
“Well, it is settled then. The physician will attend to you both later this morning. I have matters of the estate to address, but I will join you for supper if you are able. I know it is not easy for you to be confined to this space.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Catherine watched as he left the bedchamber, and the maid promptly appeared to collect the breakfast trays. The maid ensured Catherine was comfortably propped up and her ankle elevated before making her departure.
Shortly after the maid exited, another maid entered bearing a copy ofThe Spectatorperiodical, which contained information on politics, culture, and current affairs. A smile brightened her face.How thoughtful. The duke had apparently been listening to her yesterday, and he thought to find her something interesting to read.
