Page 22 of Duke in Shining Armor
“It is a logical argument, James. He was most wise.” She was lost in thought for some time before she continued. “I do recall my father speaking of the Corn Laws.”
James smiled. “Is there an act of Parliament with which you are not familiar? You are an exceptional woman Catherine and quite astute.”
Catherine was surprised and equally pleased by his compliment. “I daresay I need to introduce you to my father so I could triumphantly say that there can exist a gentleman who is not alarmed by my opinions.”
“Ah…are you now ready to tell me the full of your family name?”
“No.” This was her most absolute way of protecting her reputation given that she has been living under his roof for so long without a proper chaperone. Should this come out, no one in society would accept servants as adequate chaperone for a male with his reputation living with a lady.
“Do not believe I do not understand,” he murmured.
She lifted her gaze to James’s face and their eyes locked. It seemed they stood frozen as they stared deeply into each other’s soul. His gaze was pulling her in before she lowered her eyes to his lips where it lingered. She thought of their first kiss, of the smell and taste of him. Heat rushed to her face, and she was almost relieved when James averted his gaze and broke the silence.
“What did you make of it?” James asked. He cleared his throat roughly. “The Corn Laws?”
Catherine sensed he felt that thrumming tension between them and wanted a distraction. She was still elated that he wanted to know her thoughts and showed such interest in them. It took a moment for her to banish the illicit memory and furnish an answer to his question.
“It seemed rather unjust if I may say so. While the wealthy landowner’s profit, the people suffer because the price of wheat, oats, and barley increased threefold. There was a proposal inThe Spectatorthat suggested the Corn Act should be repealed, and I agree. I can’t condone such suffering.”
James appeared pleased with her reply. “On that we agree, Catherine. As a matter of fact, I am one of the proponents of this reform, being a powerful voice in the Lords. I even contributed to the paper, and I can tell you it was a hearty debate. I believe we can make an honest profit without making people impoverished. This is what I seek to do at Pembroke Estate, and I hope that today you will see that.”
Catherine wanted to discover this other side of James as she was sure there was more to him than what she had seen. He was most certainly an intriguing man.
They rode in companionable silence, while Catherine looked over the countryside which was so green and lush. She had a great appreciation of it. As they approached the first farm, there were crops as far as her eyes could see, and the farmers and farm hands were hard at work. There were several cottages for the farmers, and she observed they were decent and in a good state of repair. She understood James was a compassionate man and a good landlord, from what she could see.
The farm was well kept. The farmers had a local vegetable garden where they planted crops for their own use along with a couple of pigs. She knew from her own experience that the farmers were adept at making their own flour and bread, so they were capable of sustaining themselves.
When they arrived, a young lad took control of the carriage while James assisted her. She was happy to be standing again after the long carriage ride. The farmer approached them.
“Mornin, Your Grace.”
“It is good to see you again, Hobbs,” James replied as he made an introduction. “May I introduce you to Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine, this is Hobbs.”
Catherine greeted Hobbs warmly. She remembered James recounted using one of Hobb’s carriages on the dreadful night when she was injured. It seemed like such a long time ago now. Hobbs was also instrumental in the search for her coachman.
“Hobbs, perhaps you could ask your wife to accompany Lady Catherine while we discuss business.”
“Aye, Your Grace.”
Hobbs departed.
“How is your ankle?” James asked.
“It is improving, Your Grace. It is much less stiff than it was yesterday.”
“We will not tarry here as there is another farm we must visit. “
“As you wish, James.”
Hobbs’s wife Hetty approached, and James introduced them. Catherine glanced over her shoulder to see James observing as Hetty led her away. He had a look of admiration, and his eyes were fixed on her.
As Catherine began walking with Hetty, she reflected on what she knew of farming. All members of the farmer’s family were required to work to ensure that the family survived. Children as young as six years old would help in the barns, fields, and dairies, especially at harvest-time. Wives generally would take care of the cottage, plus make whatever could be stored for the winter, such as preserves and root crops.
Catherine understood what happened at Windemere, but she was looking forward to seeing how things were done here. At her request, Hetty gave her a tour of the barns and dairies while she explained the duke was a good landlord.
Catherine noticed while walking around there were no children in the fields. It was no sooner that she had this thought when they came upon a cottage much larger than the others with several windows. When she enquired, Hetty told her it was a school room.
I’ll be dammed, Catherine thought, a sense of wonder opening inside her chest. She moved closer, and she could see the tutor and the children engrossed in a lesson.
