Page 15 of Duke in Shining Armor
“Come in,” she said.
She was surprised to see the duke walking into the bedchamber so early in the afternoon. The door remained open and the maid hovered there. Deep inside where she held all her secretive improper thoughts, Catherine wished they were alone without a chaperone. Perhaps then she would learn even more hidden complexities about the duke. And she so wanted to know everything.
“Good afternoon, Catherine. Yesterday you mentioned needing some fresh air, and I have considered this. The physician believes you are healing well so a short visit outside is in order.”
Catherine’s face lit up with a smile. She longed to feel the sun caress her skin and to breathe dew-kissed air. She was pleased to learn that James would indulge her.
“I have had cook prepare us a hamper, and we shall have a picnic in the garden.”
“I am most grateful, James.”
A ghost of a smile touched his mouth, and he briefly dipped his head. “Well, that is settled and everything is prepared. Now, we must have regard for the physician’s instructions. You cannot stand on your feet, so I shall lift you and take you there. Shall we?”
Lift her?Their gazes collided and suddenly she knew without any doubt that the duke’s heart was pounding as harshly and loudly as hers. There was something in those hazel eyes, a guarded awareness, yet a delight. As if he had longed to hold her closer.
“Yes,” Catherine replied in a soft murmur, releasing the edges of the sheets that she’d gripped.
James padded over and scooped her effortlessly from the bed. She was so close to his face that her eyes were suddenly drawn to his lips before she quickly averted her gaze. She placed one arm around his neck and the other on his shoulder. Her heart jerked and Catherine marveled at the feel of his muscles beneath her fingertips. It was rather uncanny, but she had a sense that … that she belonged right here in his arms. They felt powerful and protective. She knew no harm would befall her when he held her.
Oh, Catherine, she silently scolded herself, do not be silly and fanciful!
His strides were purposeful, and it was clear that he was strong for holding her did not take much effort. She felt his strength and the warmth of his body. She rested her head atop his shoulder and filled her nostrils with the scent of him … brandy, musk, and spices. The maid followed as they went down the stairs.
On the final descent of the wide staircase, the butler opened the door, and Catherine was enveloped by the brilliant afternoon sun. She inhaled deeply and sighed softly at the simple pleasure. She realized, at that moment, how much she missed the outdoors.
James strode through the garden of shaped beds, filled with colorful plants and superbly manicured lawns. They passed under an arch into an enclave which was rather private. Catherine observed that under a tree there was a quilt laid out with a picnic basket atop. There was padding against the tree, and a pillow to be used to elevate her ankle. James had been very thoughtful.
“Here we are,” he said as he carefully lowered her onto the quilt before placing her ankle atop the pillow.
After lifting her for such a distance, she noticed James was not breathing heavily. He was in good shape to do so effortlessly.
“Are you comfortable?”
“I am, thank you. The garden is lovely, James. Such peace and tranquility.”
“I am happy you find it so.”
He proceeded to remove items from the picnic basket, such as ham, duck, fish, meat pie, potatoes, and a selection of fruit. Dessert included cakes, pastries, and ice cream. There was a flask of wine. James prepared her plate, and they ate in companionable silence, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company.
Catherine did not realize she was famished until she looked down at her empty plate. She raised her goblet and took another sip of her wine. James sat beside her and stored her plate. They spoke of matters Catherine considered to be trivial, but she was enjoying the outdoors, his company, and the wine. All too soon the flask was empty. The duke directed the maid to fetch another flask of wine.
Now that she was sated, she was in the mood for a good conversation.
“This sennight’s edition ofThe Spectatorhas a most interesting article.”
“I am afraid I have been too busy to read the periodical this past sennight. Interesting?” he asked cautiously.
“Hmm …. It reported that slavery continues, despite the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act.”
“I am aware of it,” he said. “There are some of the motions I have been working on to present on the floor at the next sitting. We cannot allow the law to be disregarded.”
Catherine perked up and gazed at him.
“It is rather unfortunate that many of the enslaved have not been freed. The avarice of those already wealthy has, yet again, taken hold. It makes me so angry!”
James arched one brow and it reminded her how handsome he was.
James watched her intently. He nodded and said, “Slaves have been metamorphosed into what are now being called apprentices. Slave owners proport this to be in preparation for independent living.”
