Page 27 of Duke in Shining Armor
Helen cast her a probing stare but did not object to the impolite request. She assisted Catherine in packing her wardrobe, so now that they were both fully recovered, they did not require a great deal of preparation to be on their way. She would borrow a carriage and coachman from James, and they would be returned once she boarded the ship. The staff were comfortable enough with her that they would not question her command once she ordered the travelling carriage to be readied.
The duke had offered to escort her when she first arrived at Pembroke Estate, but she did not wish to spend another moment with him. Catherine checked her belongings, and her derringer was safely hidden away. She prayed she would not have use for it.
Catherine had gone about making all the arrangements with Helen. She decided to retire for they had an early start on the morrow.
Catherine laid atop the bed tossing and turning that night. Sleep would not come no matter how much she compelled it. She did not realize the depth of her feelings for James until she overheard him and that lady in the library. It hurt her so deeply within her soul. She found she resented the thought of him being with another, although she should not care for he treated her poorly.
The following morning Catherine realized she had indeed fallen asleep when she awoke. Nonetheless, it was a fitful sleep, and she felt exhausted. She lifted her hand to massage the pounding in her temple. When it finally eased, she moved from her bed and sat by the window, waiting until she saw James ride away. Helen was accustomed to rising at an early hour, so she went to see Helen who informed Catherine the carriage had already been ordered. A few minutes later the trunks were taken to the carriage.
The coachman suggested a groom would also accompany them to the port. Catherine was pleased with this suggestion because it provided more security. As the carriage rolled away, Catherine looked back and thought she may never see Pembroke Estate, or its owner, again. She must admit that her heart ached, so going to Switzerland did not seem so bad after all.
While she was reluctant to go to Switzerland when her father first mentioned it, she had accepted it, even though she knew she would miss her family. There was a sense of adventure lurking within her as she wondered what she would discover in Switzerland. Still, she felt a sense of loss at the prospect of not seeing James again. She felt confused.
What piffle is this?
Catherine was happy when they finally arrived at the inn, which was within a short distance of the port. They had made good progress. They made enquiries about any ships bound for Switzerland and were pleased to discover they would set sail at high tide on the morrow. Luckily, when she had missed her first trip, Catherine had written and made arrangements for the ticket to be posted to another voyage. The duke had even helped her with this task. Pushing aside memories of his kindness she thanked the coachman and groom, who would spend the night at an inn and return to Pembroke Estate on the morrow.
Catherine and Helen made themselves comfortable in their cabin on the ship. The journey would be a fortnight, and then she would start the next chapter of her life.
On this journey her heart would have time to heal, and she would forget about that scoundrel.
CHAPTER9
Pembroke Estate
Wiltshire
James had returned from his three-day visit to one of his estates last evening. He had wanted to speak with Catherine first thing this morning, but it had been too early, so he had taken his morning ride and completed a few rounds on the estate. He returned only an hour ago, refreshed himself and summoned the servant to ask after Catherine.
“Gone! What do you mean gone?” James demanded, his heart lurching with his shock. He lowered his gaze to the table and chairs he had set up for them to play checkers. “She is gone?” James asked again.
The expression on his servant’s face was one of acute discomfort. He cleared his throat. “Lady Catherine left at first light, Your Grace, shortly after you departed. Bound for a trip abroad she said.”
“Damn it to hell!” James swore. “Dismissed.”
The footman hurried away, closing the door behind him. How could Catherine leave, taking a carriage, coachman, and groom without a bye your leave? Mark you, he would not have refused her, but he was hoping to persuade her not to go. Although he had his doubts about her, he did not want to believe that a passionate liaison was all she wanted. James raked his fingers through his hair.
By God, this was truly happening. He had thought about it and finally decided. He was planning to tell her that he would ask for her hand. Why the devil did she leave in such a manner? He could not fathom it. He promptly strode to his library and slammed the door, pouring himself a generous helping of brandy. He put the snifter to his mouth, swallowing all before pouring himself another.
James had a sinking feeling and sighed heavily in frustration. Catherine had been careful not to reveal information about her family and her connections. He did not push her for more information than she wished to disclose, but now he deeply regretted it.Who the hell is she and how would he find her?
He felt a tightness in his chest when he reasoned she must have planned this, and planned well she did. He realized that if she left at first light, there was no point in chasing after her for much time had passed. James had not returned to the main estate right away, but had visited several tenant farmers, and even met with his groundsman. Then when he eventually returned, he had merely presumed Catherine was in her rooms.
Even if James were to leave now the ship would set sail before he arrived. He had only himself to blame for he should have declared his intentions. Another jolt of shock went through his heart. Catherine could be with child, given he took no precautions, and at that moment James felt like the rogue he was rumored to be.
They had not spoken much after sharing such an intimate moment, and he did not know what she was thinking. Could it be that she thought he rejected her? Was it that she expected him to offer for her immediately after deflowering her? Catherine was a smart, self-assured woman, and he had no doubt she knew exactly what she wanted in a husband. Perhaps she examined him and found him wanting. It could be that he did not meet her criteria.
James exhaled a sharp breath. He did not know for certain, and the questions made him more exasperated. What was he to do? James had no answer and poured himself another snifter of brandy.
James remained in the library that night and drank himself into a stupor. He felt such frustration when he remembered Catherine’s smile and the smell of her. He was left with only memories and questions, but no answers. He fell asleep at some point during the night and woke to the sound of a loud knock on the library door, and an even louder pounding in his head.
“Come,” he said although he wished to see no one.
The butler entered. “I thought to enquire if you would break your fast, Your Grace.”
It was only then that James realized the sun was high. “I wish for nought,” he replied more sharply than he intended.
“As you wish, Your Grace.” The butler bowed then quickly exited the room, sensing James’s mood.
