Page 21 of Duke in Shining Armor
James closed his eyes,trapping the image of Catherine behind his lids, as he sat sprawled on the chaise longue where he had just kissed her thoroughly. She had caught him unawares when he came upon her beautiful slumber in the library. He had made his way here to continue the review of the ledgers he had not completed. He had been working on them diligently that morning when thoughts of Catherine invaded his mind, so he had decided to go for a ride to clear his muddled desires.
He was surprised to find her in the library for he had no knowledge the leg bandage had been removed and that she could move about freely. On this occasion he had missed the physician as he was out on his ride. James was well pleased to see her progress was assured.
When he had arrived and found her asleep on the chaise longue, he was warmed by the peaceful and content appearance on her face. He had quietly walked over to her and took his time to study her smooth features bathed in the candlelight. He had thought, here lay the woman who was torturing him in his sleep and captivating his thoughts during the day. Though he longed to know her more, James had first thought that if he stayed away from her, he could calm the effect she had on his mind. He wondered how it was possible that in such a short time she affected him so. He’d completely lost his desire for Madame Nicolette, and everything inside of him was leaning toward Lady Catherine. A lady whom he still did not know the full of her connections and family life.
The only certain thing for James, in regard to her, was that he knew that he wanted to possess Catherine. There, he admitted it. He was hard with longing for her. There was a fire inside him, and he knew that only she could put it out. It was not as if he hadn’t tried an alternative, but it just wouldn’t do. It had to be this golden-haired beauty. Upon his honor, James felt he should not think about such things, but his body had a mind of its own.
He was not ready to marry. Or more accurate, James had not found a lady suited to be his wife. Despite his attraction to Catherine, he did not know enough about her to offer courtship. Though he had decided to get to know her better to assess if she could be his perfect duchess, until he had tempered the desperate desire rising inside, he had to be careful. He suspected that once Catherine was gone from under his roof, he would be his old self once more. What if it was not so; what then? James was not one to be indecisive or easily confused, but he did not have a ready answer to this question.
While all these thoughts were raging in his mind, he had watched as she slept peacefully. He realized how much he missed her companionship and sparring with her. She was a woman of substance and great wit, which made it a pleasure to converse with her. Over the last few days, he stuck to his resolve and did not spend time alone with her for he did not trust himself.
Why should this be?
When Catherine queried why he was avoiding her, he thought it was a pity she did not know the effect she had on him. Just watching her sleep had put him in a state of arousal.
He enquired if she had any pain in her ankle when she said it was only a dull throb. She could not know that he was feeling much more than a dull throb in his breeches at that moment. He had felt it for days on end, and there was no relief from it. His visit to Madame Nicolette was an abject failure, and he was somewhat embarrassed. It was like being a schoolboy once more. He was sure madame would not forget, and she may very well ask for an explanation. He could hardly provide one when he knew nought himself, and he would not venture a guess.
James reasoned that if he were to possess Catherine, it would not end well. She was forthright in expressing her desire to not wanting to marry like most young ladies, and she gave no inkling that she wanted an affair. He could not ruin her. Nevertheless, he could not declare any intentions, not at this time. James had a feeling Catherine could be the one, but he was uncertain for he had known her only but a few weeks. He wanted to be sure of the lady he chose to be his duchess, and it was not a task that should be rushed or a decision that should be influenced purely by his desire.
James ran his hand through his hair and sighed with frustration. He had kissed her again and, despite reminding himself to tread with care, James had still blurted out an invitation to his tenants’ visits tomorrow. He must have restraint and patience so that in time he may determine if Catherine is the one. He would not allow passion to overtake him. James believed his reasoning was sound, but it did nothing to dampen the desire that was raging inside him. It was still very much alive, playing havoc on his mind and body.
CHAPTER7
Despite a heated and wildly improper dream, Catherine had a good night’s sleep, and on this occasion, she knew what accounted for it. It was such a wonderful feeling; she felt alive, awakened, and cherished when James took her in his arms. He was strong and yet so gentle.
Catherine began to sit up, but she promptly fell back to her bed and closed her eyes. She sighed heavily for her thoughts were muddled. After they shared their first intimate moment, she resolved not to be distracted by an affair, but she found her thoughts were filled with James and the kiss they shared. She could not put him from her mind, but to be fair he was more than just a good kisser. He was kind, and despite what thehaut tonmay say, he was honorable, which was evident when he did all within his power to prevent bloodshed at that duel.
Catherine sat up and walked over to the window where she looked at the beautiful garden and sighed. It could very well be that she had misjudged him. He was no scoundrel. After all, the fact that he kissed her did not, in and of itself, make him a rogue. Now that she had gained this particular bit of wisdom, she pondered if it was possible for them to form an attachment. Catherine smiled and put her hand on her heart.
Perhaps it was.
She was looking forward, with anticipation, to spending the day with him. Catherine caught herself smiling and humming a little tune before she stilled herself. She went to inform Helen about the trip, but she had not yet awakened, and Catherine made the decision not to wake her.
James sent for her, and she slowly made her way out to the courtyard. He was present and so was a beautiful carriage.
“I will be driving the carriage, so I presume that makes me your coachman today,” James said with a smile.
“I see.”
“You are welcome to sit with me at the front, so that you may have a good view of the estate. When you tire yourself, you can always sit inside,” James said as he placed her cane into the carriage.
Delight rushed through her. “What a novel idea. I shall sit up front with you.”
James lifted her effortlessly, and she made herself comfortable on the padded seat.
It was a beautiful day, and the birds were chirping. She took a deep breath and savored the fresh air. James took his seat and the carriage rolled away.
“What will you be doing on the estate today?” Catherine enquired.
“We have several tenant farmers on the estate. I would visit them from time to time to see about the progress of the farms.”
“I see.”
“As you know, the tenant farmer pays an annual rent to the estate as I am sure they do on your family’s estate. The farmers plant crops such as wheat, corn, potatoes, and beans. We have had a bounty for the last few harvests with greater volume and better-quality food. Therefore, the farmers are producing more, and they are considering more efficient ways to plant and harvest.”
“I believe that is the same at my family estate. I recall Edward and our steward discussing such things. We had a rousing debate once on how to ensure our farmers do not lose their livelihood in the wave of industrialization.”
He cast her a side glance filled with warmth and admiration. “Well, the bounty in harvest leads to a moderate rent increase, and I have invested some of the rents back into the farms to make them more productive. There are some who charge such high rents that the farmers can barely survive, even so my father was not one of them. He was an honorable man. He believed the farmers should thrive and that would improve productivity.”
