Page 32 of Duke in Shining Armor
“I am curious as to why you have no wish to answer my question. Surely, I am owed the courtesy.”
Her heart lurched. “This is not the time, nor the place, for this conversation. I don’t understand your reasoning, and I am sure you don’t wish to create a scandal,” Catherine said.
“I see,” the duke replied as he raised his brow with a hint of exasperation and frustration.
Catherine hoped that would be the end of the matter, but her hopes were dashed with his next request.
“I need to speak with you. Shall we meet in the garden between dances?”
Her heart squeezed, and a most peculiar sensation shivered low in her belly. “I shall not meet with you privately, Your Grace!”
The scoundrel.
Catherine was beginning to realize that James still had an effect on her no matter how unwelcome. She would not be alone with him for she was terrified that it would awaken her desires and inspire her to act foolishly.
“I am bereft,” he said with a lopsided smile.
Did he dare to mock her? She glanced at him from beneath her lashes, but he appeared quite serious.Would this dance never end?Catherine cast a discreet glance at the other ladies whose dance partners twirled them across the dance floor. James squeezed her shoulder imperceptibly to gain her full attention, and she was momentarily distracted by the memory of his fingers being elsewhere. She felt flushed and she would not meet his eye, not for one moment.
“The abolitionists are arguing vehemently in Parliament. The current proposal is that those enslaved should not be indentured,” James said. “Are you abreast with the various motions?”
The sudden shift in the conversation caused Catherine to glance up at his face before lowering her eyes. What was he about? Catherine paused momentarily before she conveyed her thoughts.
“I am in agreement, and fully support their arguments.” She had not engaged in any conversation like this since leaving the duke. Her heart wrenched under the awareness. Catherine did miss their discourses like these. “Slaves became free men and women, thus being indentured only returns them to slavery. It is slavery, but by a different name.”
His eyes gleamed. Perhaps with triumph that she was not shutting him out. He confused Catherine.
“I too am pleased this step has been taken, but it may be a while yet before it becomes law.”
“I do not see what all the kerfuffle is about. Freedom is freedom with no modifications. Is there no end to their greed?”
Memories of their many spirited conversations at Pembroke Estate assailed Catherine, and she became more conscious of their proximity. She most certainly would not meet him in the garden. She did not wish to speak of those times, or to be alone with him. She had buried that heartache in Switzerland, and it would remain there.
She was pleased when the dance ended, and the duke led her to the side of the ballroom. All the same, he did not leave her, pushing her anxiety. Well, it appeared he was trying to charm her parents for he stood there making polite conversation, and she questioned his intentions.
He had his dance so why did he not just leave?She availed herself of another goblet of wine while she tried to hide her irritation.
Alas, the second waltz commenced, and she was yet again on the dance floor with James. Surprisingly, he reverted to small talk, and she breathed a sigh of relief. The ball was almost ended for this was the final waltz and she was overtired. The duke escorted her from the dance floor, and when he stood by her parents he spoke.
“Thank you for the dances, Lady Catherine. Would you allow me to call on you on the morrow perhaps.”
“Why, Your Grace, we would be delighted,” her mother replied before Catherine could even form her thoughts.
No!
“I bid you good evening. Until then.” He bowed and retreated.
“Mama, I have a headache. Can we retire for the evening?”
“Of course, Catherine. You are overwrought, but the evening has been a great success.”
Mama, if only you knew … you would never agree for me to spend a moment with this scoundrel.
CHAPTER11
In the early hours of dawn, James reposed on his palatial bed and ruminated on when he first caught sight of Catherine at the ball. She had looked exquisite, bedecked in a lovely ball gown and jewels. It was not just her beauty, but she had a certain air about her, one of charm, enchantment, and confidence. She stood apart from all the other ladies in thehauttontonight. No doubt her time in Switzerland accounted for some of these changes.
James was rather pleased with himself, and he counted the evening as a fine success. He was spending time with Catherine on the morrow after all. He was not surprised she refused to meet him in the garden. All that passed between them would make her all the more cautious, and she was protective of her reputation. He also knew duty was important to her, but he would not concede so she could be with another.
