Page 47 of Duke in Shining Armor
“Thank you, Lord Windemere; I would enjoy that.”
“Ladies, shall we proceed to the drawing room,” the duchess said as she led the way.
The staff served glasses of sherry when they arrived in the drawing room. The older ladies sat together, while the younger ladies sat where they had a view through the large windows.
The duchess turned to Catherine’s mother. “Do tell me more of your travels to Italy.”
Her mother started to recount her adventure, which Catherine had heard several times over. Her mind thus wandered, but Lady Jane spoke and brought her from her reprieve.
“Have you known the duke for much time, Lady Catherine?” Lady Jane asked, pretending she was not curious, when she was.
“Unfortunately, I have not, Lady Jane. I made his acquaintance this season.”
The smile she directed at Catherine was almost feral. “Hmm. Our families have known each other for many years, and I have visited the family on many occasions. We played together as children.”
“And what was that like?” Catherine asked sweetly, as she observed Lady Jane puff up.
“We were very rambunctious as children, and we were fortunate enough to have free run of the estate. We spent many a day’s exploring. The duke is fond of board games such as chess, checkers, and ludo.”
Catherine smiled to herself, for she had already discovered this while she was at Pembroke Estate. “How charming.”
At the coolness of her tone, irritation flashed in Lady Jane’s eyes. “When His Grace was much younger, he favored train sets and toy soldiers, and fancied himself a soldier in some great war. Even then he was keen to know how everything worked. Such curiosity.”
“Hmm,” Catherine replied.
“He was fiercely protective of his younger sister, who is now married with two children. She spends the summer with the duchess on her estate in Devonshire.”
Catherine pretended not to know of what Lady Jane spoke, and she amused herself by watching Lady Jane’s superior air when she spoke of James.
“The duchess is badgering him to wed and provide her with more grandchildren,” Lady Jane continued.
“Is that so?” Catherine said in a conspiratorial whisper.
The lady sniffed. “Yes, but I believe the duke has shown himself to be a consummate bachelor. He has failed to take heed of her advice.”
“I am sure one day he will wed, when it suits him,” Catherine replied.
Lady Jane gazed at her with a measure of surprise. She probably wondered if these words had more than one meaning. Let her wonder.
“The duchess surely hopes so,” Lady Jane said.
There was a knock on the door, and the gentlemen entered. Catherine knew her father did not wish for them to overstay their welcome. He understood much had gone into arranging this lovely dinner party, and he thanked the duchess. As they prepared to leave, James approached Catherine.
“Shall I see you out, Lady Catherine.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
She turned to Lady Jane. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Jane,” Catherine said with a triumphant smile.
James led her outside to the carriage and assisted her to enter.
“I bid you good evening, Lady Catherine. Until the morrow.”
“Have a good evening, Your Grace,” Catherine replied. She was feeling elated at the prospect of meeting him again, without the annoying Lady Jane traipsing about. Her skin tingled in anticipation. She hoped they would have a moment alone for a stolen kiss.
What will tomorrow bring?
* * *
