Page 28 of Duke in Shining Armor
He could not recall a recent time when he awakened with the sun so high in the sky. He was miserable and tired. He would retire to his bedchamber and get some well-deserved respite. The estate would need to wait until he felt more disposed to see to those affairs. He proceeded to his bedchamber, pulled the drapes, and promptly fell on his bed, fully clothed. He knew he had been a bit of a fool, not getting further details on her family and connections. They would have served him well for he could have gone to see her father had he known whom he should seek. He could kick himself.
James knew not the time that had passed when he slowly opened his eyes and heard the rumble of his belly. He needed sustenance, so he prepared himself and changed his garments before venturing down the stairs. While he descended, he heard voices in the drawing room, and he wondered who the devil it was since he expected no one. He was sure he had not received a calling card for this day. James entered the drawing room without knocking and found the butler and his good friend, Charles Blaine, Earl of Warwick.
“Ah Pembroke, there you are my chap,” Warwick said.
“What the devil are you doing here, Warwick? I thought you were not yet due to return from Scotland,” James said.
“Is that the way to greet your best mate? What accounts for this foul mood?”
James turned to direct the butler. “Please bring us some refreshments. I am rather famished.” He did not speak again until they were alone.
“Warwick, it may not appear so, but I am happy to see you. What news of Scotland?”
The earl sat in the armchair by the fire. “Not so fast, my chap. First things first. How is it that you are abed when the sun is about to set? This is not you. What manner of madness is this?”
James suppressed a sigh, moving to sit in another high back chair by the window. “I am trying to understand this myself, Warwick. You may not believe this, but I have met a woman.”
“If my memory serves me correctly you’ve met many women,” Warwick replied with a chuckle.
James was silent for a beat, then he said, “Not one like this. She’s different … special.”
“Have I lost my sensibility? One would think you should be happy if you met a special woman. What is amiss?”
“I will only share if you swear on secrecy.”
“Hmm. I am rather intrigued. Pray tell.”
“I do not jest, Warwick. The lady we speak of, her reputation would be ruined if this were to be discovered.”
“You have my word, Pembroke.”
James sighed with relief, and he unburdened himself, telling Warwick all that had transpired since he met Catherine. He was very sparing with the intimate details but nevertheless, in recounting it, he felt a pang of guilt that he behaved like a titled lout who took what he wanted, without consequence.
Warwick listened without interrupting, and at the end he said soberly, “Well, well, well, I never thought to see the day. James, you are in love?”
For a moment everything inside of James stilled. Then his heart resumed a stuttered tempo. “Whatever is being in love? I enjoy spending time with Catherine, and I admit she is unique and special. Isn’t that enough?”
Warwick smiled almost slyly. “No need to be testy, my chap.”
James pinned his friend with a stare. “You are married and very much in love with your wife. Yours is a rare union in this society because you both love each other. While your family chose your wife, it was fortunate that you bonded. You did not rush the engagement, and you spent time getting to know your wife. I thought Catherine could be my duchess, but I was not sure. I needed more time, Warwick.”
“What you say is true; I took time to get to know my wife, but I also waited until the wedding night to deflower her. You, on the other hand ….”
“Don’t push it, Warwick,” James growled. “There’s no need to chastise me, for I have already done that many times this past evening. It is a matter of honor, and I must ask for her hand.”
“Hmm. As I understand it, the lady might need to make a good marriage, as is customary for her station.”
“Yes. However, I am unsure if this is what she truly wishes. More than once she mentioned that not all young ladies hope for a marriage alliance.”
“Well, that settles it even further. She is not likely to get hitched in Switzerland, is she? It seems more likely she will attend finishing school to prepare her for entry into society in London, with hopes of arranging a match. I daresay, the best course of action would be for you to capture her attention when she returns.”
James remained pensive for a few moments. “What worries me is the manner in which she departed. I cannot help but wonder at the reason and if she will accept me.”
Warwick lifted a brow. “Would she have a choice? You are a duke!”
“Catherine’s parents have somewhat indulged her. Furthermore, she is strong willed …. Well, stubborn. I do not know if she has even considered this, but she may be with child.”Bloody hell.Everything felt messy and muddled, which was not like his usual style.
“I take your point, but I suggest we cross that bridge when we get to it, my chap.”
