Page 39 of Duke in Shining Armor
“What of the marquess?”
“He has been kind and made several introductions. I believe he would also like to take his time to call on a few ladies. It is early in the season yet.”
“You are correct. Well, that is all. Afternoon tea is nigh so prepare yourself.
“As you wish papa,” Catherine replied as she exited the library.
She understood her parents had spoken of this before she entered the library. She could not help but think they wanted to impress upon her the importance of her task. She was a bit irritated. She did not need to be reminded, for it was in the forefront of her mind, ever since she decided to venture to Switzerland.
Catherine resolved to go for a short ride before afternoon tea, so she donned her riding garments. Charlotte and Beatrice were only too happy to accompany her. As they rode around Rotten Row, on the south side of Hyde Park, Catherine felt free, and she knew this feeling would not last. While it was early days yet, she knew an offer would likely be made by the end of the season. From thenceforth her life would not be the same. She understood this, but nonetheless she felt a sense of loss, for then Windemere would no longer be her home. Nor would she retain the freedom and sense of self which she enjoyed.
She watched as Charlotte and Beatrice galloped and frolicked around.The age of innocence. It would be some time before they found themselves in the position she was in right now, but it was destined to happen. This was the life of a lady with genteel breeding.
She felt somewhat invigorated after the ride as the fresh air had done her some good. She rang for her lady’s maid and began her preparations.
Catherine descended the stairs and went to the drawing room where tea would be served. The duke was already present, and her mother sat in the far corner of the room doing embroidery.
“I bid you good afternoon, Your Grace.”
“Good afternoon, Lady Catherine. I already presented the invitation to Lady Windemere, and she has kindly accepted.”
“I look forward to it.”
Catherine and James sat facing each other when they were served tea and pastries. James asked after her sisters and how the season fared, to which she replied cordially. Afterward they ate in relaxed silence.
“Can I persuade you to take a stroll in the garden with me, my lady?”
She saw James gazing at her face, as if he was studying it.
“That would please me,” Catherine politely said.
The countess hid her smile and rang for Helen who would be their chaperone.
Catherine led James through the foyer and down the garden path. Neither of them spoke for several minutes; nevertheless, the silence was not strained. They arrived at a small alcove.
“Shall we?” James asked, pointing in the direction of the seats.
Catherine proceeded ahead of him and took a seat. James sat a respectable distance away, and Helen continued to stroll around the garden but remained in sight.
“Catherine, we must speak, and I am asking for your patience.”
She lifted her chin. “What do you speak of, Your Grace?”
“You left Pembroke Estate without a bye your leave and ….”
“A bye your leave, you say?” Catherine said with annoyance.
“Yes. I understand you wanted to leave for Switzerland, but I don’t understand why you did not tell me. Did I not deserve this courtesy after everything we shared?”
Her heart pinched, and she loathed that she felt some sorrow even now. “I thought the intimacy we shared was something special, but you fooled me. I was nothing more than one of your conquests,” Catherine fired at him.
“How could you utter such nonsense?” James stared at her incredulously. “What we share is special to me. It was not my intention to compromise you, and once it happened, I wanted to give you a bit of space, so as not to overpower you.”
Catherine gazed at him and he appeared sincere. “I beg your pardon?”
James continued, “I planned to discuss the entire affair with you, making an offer for your hand. Clearly, these were unconventional circumstances, and it was not what you planned, but I had hoped you would consider it.”
Catherine’s eyes bore into him, and her jaw went slack as she studied him with disbelief. Her heart pounded so harshly, she felt disconcerted. James had planned to make an offer? “I came to the library to see you the night before I departed.”
