Page 44 of Duke in Shining Armor
“I understand,” Catherine replied with compassion.
There was a pause in the conversation while the soup bowls were removed and another course was served. There was roasted lamb, venison, veal, and chicken served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. It smelled divine, and it was only then that Catherine realized how famished she was. The duke served her before serving himself, as was the custom since he escorted her into the dining room. She tasted the veal which was succulent, and she chewed it slowly, enjoying all the flavors.
Lady Jane continued as if she had not heard Catherine commiserate with James.
“I do not understand why you do not leave the running of the estate to your staff, Your Grace. Papa …”
The Earl of Wentworth overheard his daughter, and there was a pause in the conversation between himself and Lord Windemere.
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace; I believe Lady Jane made comparisons with the running of my estate, but these are entirely different circumstances,” the earl said.
Lord Windemere was seated on one side of the earl, while his daughter was seated on the other. She was sure Lady Jane received a swift, well-deserved kick under the table. The lady’s comments symbolized the spoilt view of a lady in society, who has had everything handed to her and has never considered its origin. More shame on her.
“I think travel abroad for one’s honeymoon would be absolutely lovely. It is rather unconventional, but the couple can enjoy their time alone,” the duchess gracefully changed the direction of the conversation.
Catherine’s hands stilled, for only but a second, as she wondered at the duchess’s comment. She glanced at her mother, and she could see her mother beaming, so she knew the meaning her mother took from the comment. The duchess favors an attachment, but Catherine preferred to be more cautious.
“Lord Windemere and I have been fortunate to travel to Italy and the French Riviera. Italy was most interesting, having been divided after the Napoleonic war, and now it is unified,” her mother replied cheerily, as she and the duchess continued to speak of travel.
Catherine was pleased when the conversation was steered away from honeymoons. Although she knew she must marry, she had not thought of what would happen next. Most likely it is her husband who would decide if they should travel abroad or remain in the countryside. Ladies did not usually have a say in such matters.
“Where would you travel abroad on a honeymoon, Lady Catherine? That is presuming you are inclined to make such a journey,” James asked.
Catherine was surprised, for it was as if James had read her mind. She glanced at him, not wishing to stare but felt helpless against it.
“To be frank I had not thought of it, Your Grace. Perhaps it will not be my decision.”
“If your husband treasures you, I am certain your wishes would be the determining factor.”
Her heart gave a frightful squeeze, and she hurriedly looked away from him, lest he saw the soft want stirring inside her.
The rest of the meal progressed without incident, and Catherine was getting to know even more about James. Their conversation flowed comfortably, and it reminded her of the time they spent together at Pembroke Estate.
“Would you care to join me for a stroll in the garden, Lady Catherine?” James asked.
“It is such lovely weather. Thank you, Your Grace.”
It appeared that the duke had thought of this long before because shortly thereafter a mature lady’s maid appeared to act as chaperone.
James led her out into the garden, which was a stunning mixture of well-manicured lawns and flower gardens with beds of hollyhocks, snapdragons, asters, chrysanthemums, yellow and red calceolarias, marigolds, pansies, violas, hyacinths, lilies, and irises.
Catherine thought it was breathtaking. “A delightful garden, Your Grace. I have always enjoyed walking in the garden, as there is such tranquility,” Catherine said, observing the chaperone was at a safe distance.
“I find a walk can do much to clear one’s head; besides, it does one good to get a spot of fresh air.”
“Hmm. So, tell me, Your Grace, who is Lady Jane … well, the Wentworth’s?”
Catherine glanced at James to find him smirking. She thought of how nice it would be to wipe that smirk from his face.
“The Earl of Wentworth was a very dear friend of my father’s. They often saw each other for business and social events. Our families remained close after my father’s passing.”
“I see,” Catherine said.
“The duchess wanted the dinner party to remain rather close, so she decided to issue an invitation to the family.”
“An interesting family indeed.”
“What is your reasoning?”
