Page 30 of Duke in Shining Armor
“I may be overly tired, mama, and I shall retire for the evening,” Catherine said as she bid her mother goodnight.
“Of course, we will speak of this again on the morrow.”
Bloody hell!
Catherine did not want to speak of it at all. It was not fair or just. How could it be that the first ball she was to attend would be one thrown by James’s mother? Was this merely happenstance or was something afoot? Were the stars conspiring against her? She had worked in earnest to rid her thoughts of James, but perhaps he was not totally gone, and there were possibly remnants of him in her heart.
She bloody hoped not.
It was only time that would tell, hopefully he would not attend the ball for he would be busy chasing some hussy. Deep down inside she knew he was likely to attend.
She entered her bedchamber and closed the door behind her. The lady’s maid was waiting to undress her, and once she departed, Catherine sat on her bed, deep in thought. She must keep her wits about her for she was bound to meet James at some point, though she hoped it would not be this soon. She would be jolly well ready when that occurred, and she was pleased to have had advance warning.
* * *
Catherine hadterrible jitters which was quite unlike her. Only a few days ago they had arrived in London and opened the townhouse for the season. The day of the duchess’s ball had finally arrived. Her mother ensured she had a new wardrobe to make her debut. She took her time to select one of the gowns, which was the latest of French fashion. It was a lovely dark mauveine, and she knew it would do because the color was unusual and vibrant.
Her lady’s maid carefully applied her face powder, rouge, brow color, lip salve, and perfume. Just then her mother appeared with diamond jewels.
“I thought these would look lovely on you this evening, Catherine. They were handed down to me by my mother, and now it is time for me to hand them down to you.”
“Oh mama, they are beautiful,” Catherine exclaimed as the duchess placed the necklace around her neck and dropped cluster earrings with dangling diamonds on her ears. The diamond ring was lovely with a center garnet. Catherine was amazed at how beautiful the jewels made her, and she stared at her reflection for some time.
Her mother smiled. “You will certainly turn heads this night, but come now, we cannot be late. Let us be on our way.”
“Yes, mama,” Catherine replied as she followed the countess down the stairs.
Catherine had butterflies in her stomach for the entire carriage ride. She understood how important it was for her to be received well. She pondered what the Duchess of Pembroke would be like, and if she would lay eyes upon James this night. How would she fare?
The carriage came to a halt, and all too soon her family stood at the entrance of the Duchess of Pembroke’s townhouse waiting to be introduced. She saw her parents move forward as the Earl and Countess of Windemere were announced. Catherine was pleased to have Edward at her side. She heard an audible gasp when she entered the ballroom, and glancing over she saw two matrons of thehauttonwhispering behind their fans. She gave no notice, and she held her head high.
A well-dressed, striking, mature lady made her way toward them, and greeted her parents. Catherine studied her and found she had much grace and a welcoming smile.
“Duchess of Pembroke, may I introduce my daughter Lady Catherine Davenport.”
“Your Grace,” Catherine replied as she curtsied.
The duchess’s eyes gleamed. “You are a treasure, my dear, and you caused a stir when you entered the ballroom. I must say, you will be the belle of the ball.”
“You are most kind, Your Grace.”
“So have you been in hiding?”
A small smile tugged at Catherine’s mouth. “I have only just returned from Switzerland. I was fortunate to attend finishing school there.”
“Those were the days. I remember lessons on niceties and deportment. Well, I shall not stand here and prattle away. Let me introduce you to my special guests.”
With that the duchess whisked her away, and as she left, she glanced at her mother and saw her bursting with pride. Once introduced, Catherine engaged with the ladies, and she felt herself relax for it was not as bad as she thought it would be. She was also introduced to some eligible young men as she continued to mingle with her mother. Her dance card was getting filled rather quickly, and she was pleased with herself. Her mother was clearly delighted with Catherine’s reception.
“His Grace, the Duke of Pembroke,” the butler announced.
Catherine’s belly dipped. She was already facing the entrance, and she could not help but gaze upon him. For that matter, all eyes in the room were affixed to James. He looked even more handsome than she remembered as she had not seen him dressed so formally. He wore a black, tight-fitting, calf-length frock coat, waistcoat, white shirt, cravat, and black trousers.
Her breath caught when he found her in the crowd, but then she remembered his mother stood beside her, and he made his way there. She sincerely hoped she had not gone pale or appeared stiff when she smiled.
“There you are, my darling,” said the duchess.
“Mama, you look as lovely as ever,” the duke replied as he kissed her on both cheeks.
