Page 29 of Duke in Shining Armor
James stood and peered through the window. How was he to ensure Catherine would be enamored with him? And what if he never encountered her again? Somehow the very notion was unbearable.
CHAPTER10
One year later
Catherine was elated to be returning home, and she was looking forward to seeing her family; she missed them so. She had sent them a letter promptly on arriving in Switzerland explaining the reason for the delay and why the coachman had not returned with the carriage. How they must had worried about it. A prick of guilt lanced Catherine. She failed to mention the extended time she spent at Pembroke Estate for she thought it was for the best. It was a secluded estate, and they did not have any visitors.
She kept her family apprised throughout her time abroad. Charlotte and Beatrice were particularly keen to hear about her experiences there, and she was always pleased to receive their letters with news of Windemere.
Finishing school had certainly prepared her for entry into society. She discerned she had grown mature, and much more sophisticated, while abroad. It was meant to teach her the art of interesting conversations, but she had already mastered those skills. What she developed was the grace, poise, and confidence to command a conversation, and the entire room, if she so wished. Overall, she was a bit disappointed with the academics because she had not learned much, but she enjoyed reading and the classics. It was not as if she embarked on this journey of her own volition, but it must be said that it was an enriching experience.
Switzerland was interesting, but Catherine was pleased to be home. She returned just in time for the start of the season, and it would be all the rage this year. She could hardly believe the time had come for her to be placed on the marriage market, but she resigned herself to her fate. It was her duty. She could at least hope to find a good husband.
Catherine felt a sense of excitement as her carriage pulled up to Windemere. She saw her family was awaiting her arrival as they all stood in the courtyard, even her father. The carriage stopped and the footman knocked down the steps and assisted her out. They all greeted her, then Charlotte and Beatrice began speaking at once.
“There will be time for that later, girls. Let’s give Catherine some time to refresh herself before supper.”
“Thank you, mama,” Catherine replied, smiling.
She was not tired, per se, but she needed to refresh herself and change her clothes which were dusty from travelling. Another of the lady’s maids assisted her for Helen would retire for the evening. Once changed, she summoned the butler to take the gifts she bought to the drawing room. She would give them to her family after supper.
Catherine joined her family at the dining table. “Have I missed anything important while travelling?”
“My dearest sister, you have not. Thehaut ton’sgossiping machine will no doubt commence with the start of a new season,” Edward replied.
I hope I will not be fodder for such gossip, Catherine thought.
She did not realize how famished she was, and she tucked into her supper. She missed the meals one could only have at home, and it was even more enjoyable in present company. After supper they retired to the drawing room where Catherine bestowed gifts to everyone. Charlotte and Beatrice both ran to their rooms to try on their new scarves, and to see what dress it could be matched with. Edward and her father retired to the library to discuss business over a drink.
Finally, alone with her mother, Catherine could ask the question that was foremost on her mind. “Mama, is everything the same with our finances?”
“I am afraid so, Catherine, and we must proceed as we discussed. Edward has made no notable connections. I suspect there is someone, but he has been very tightlipped.”
Catherine frowned. In their letters, her brother had mentioned knowing his duty to marry an heiress. She had detected some reserve, but he had not divulged it, and she had not probed. Catherine sighed. “I am ready, mama, and I will do you proud.”
Her mother tilted her head slightly and gave Catherine a smile filled with pride. “You have already done us proud, by going to Switzerland, and returning to us with such confidence and grace. There is a glow about you.”
Catherine’s breath caught in her throat as tormenting memories teased her.Oh, do not think about him!
“Is all well, Catherine?”
Flushing, she murmured, “Yes, mama. Please tell me of your plans for the season.”
An excited glimmer shone in her mother’s eyes. “Well, the Duchess of Pembroke was the first to issue an invitation to her ball in London, which will be the first of the season.”
Catherine had just taken a sip of her tea when she spluttered. She was shocked. “Duchess of Pembroke did you say?”
Was it possible that James had discovered her identity and sought out her family? Perhaps not, for it could be a coincidence.
Her mother shot her a look of enquiry. “Yes. Have you met her acquaintance?”
Her heart pounding, she murmured, “No, mama. I have not.”
“I was most excited at the prospect. I thought this would be the perfect ball to launch you for the season. She is quite distinguished and a formidable host. Her son the Duke of Pembroke is eligible; quite a catch for he inherited a rich dukedom from his father, and even prior to that he was independently wealthy. An astute businessman they say, but a bit of a rogue with the ladies, if the gossip among thehaut tonis to be believed.”
“Hmm.” Was the only response Catherine could muster.A bit of rogue with the ladies.An unbearable sensation pricked her chest.
“Are you sure you are well, my dear?”
