Page 23 of Duke in Shining Armor
She was filled with a sense of pride that James was forward thinking. It was not long ago that Parliament, influenced by the church, decided to provide grants for schools, and of course like all these things, it was a rather slow process. James did not dawdle, and when she thought about it, she realized that James was a visionary. She pondered if this was what he wanted her to see when he asked her to accompany him.
All too soon it was time to move on to the next farm, and Catherine bid Hobbs and Hetty farewell. She watched the farm fade into the distance.
“Was it a productive meeting, James?”
A satisfied expression settled on his handsome face. “As a matter of fact it was, Catherine. We discussed several progressive ideas such as more modern tools which are made of iron rather than wood and different strains of seeds that could increase the harvest. Hobbs has already implemented crop rotation.”
“I am impressed, James. There is much that you have done here.”
She was sure James knew what his accomplishments were, but he appeared much pleased that she recognized them and understood his aims.
The rest of the afternoon passed in much the same way when they visited the second farm. They were now on the return journey to Pembroke Estate, and they had made good progress. Catherine must confess that she was beginning to tire, and she believed James sensed this.
“There is a lovely river close by, so we will stop there so that you can have some respite before we continue on.”
Warmth invaded her body at this thoughtfulness. “That would be much appreciated, thank you.”
Shortly thereafter Catherine heard the running water, and James guided the carriage from the main roadway, onto a narrow path between the trees and secured it. When he took a small basket and large quilts from the carriage, it reminded her of their first picnic and her first kiss. They proceeded through the trees and into a clearing as Catherine realized it was quite picturesque, calming, yet somewhat clandestine. They could not be seen from the main roadway. James prepared plates of pastry and offered her a goblet of wine.
They ate in companionable silence, and once finished they both stood and walked over to the river. James removed his boots, and Catherine stared at him quizzically.
“The water is refreshingly cool, and I shall take a dip in it.”
Catherine gaped as he removed his shirt and undershirt to reveal his broad muscular arms and chest and his fine waist. His breeches followed, showing his drawers beneath. He promptly turned and splashed into the river. Catherine laughed to cover her embarrassment at seeing him unclothed.Good heavens!
“Will you not join me?”
“You reprobate,” she said laughing, “I shall do no such thing.” She watched him wade into a pool to fully submerge himself.
He was amusing himself, swimming and floating.
Catherine lay back on the quilt and closed her eyes but for a moment. When she sat up again, she saw James sitting on a large rock at the river. She ambled over to where he sat.
“This is a lovely spot, James.”
“It is indeed. I enjoy coming here from time to time for it gives the illusion of being cut off from the rest of the world.”
“I can see the appeal,” Catherine said softly. “I am pleased that you invited me to see the farms. I saw the children were attending school, and I must say you are ahead of the time, James.”
“You pay me a compliment?” James asked as he cocked his head and gazed at her.
“Yes. I must give the devil his due.”
James laughed heartily. “The devil, you say. What choice of words.”
Catherine smiled. “I must say that I was suitably impressed by the state of the cottages as well. You are a compassionate landlord, and it shows. It is clear you take much pride in this.”
A small smile touched his mouth. “That I do. I must always make my father proud and continue his legacy, improve on it even. I trust I have been able to accomplish this.”
James gazed off into the distance with a look of regretful longing. There was no doubt in Catherine’s mind that James was sad that his father was not alive to see how James improved his legacy.
“I understand the farmers are a poor lot, and there are times they cannot provide for their family because their rents are too high. It was refreshing to see you have not treated them so. Rather than just survive, they actually thrive. You are a good man, James.”
“I should thank you for saying so.”
She smiled. “Your tone suggests that you are amazed I think you are good.” Catherine cast him a teasing glance. “Is it that you are truly devilish?”
“Some have called me a scoundrel,” he drawled, flourishing a mock bow.
