Page 49 of Duke in Shining Armor
She descended the stairs where Edward waited.
“I am sure you will be the belle of the ball this evening, Catherine.”
“Stop teasing, Edward.”
“I do not jest. This color complements you, and you will be the envy of all the ladies tonight.”
“Thank you, Edward. You are kind to say so.”
Catherine took his outstretched hand as he led her to the waiting carriage. There was minimal conversation on the short carriage ride, and everyone appeared to be thinking deeply. Catherine knew there was much on her parents’ mind.
Alas, they arrived at the Shrewsbury’s to a ballroom filled with gowns of various designs and colors. This evening was like the others for there was a hush when Catherine entered the room. All eyes were on her, and the ladies were keen to see what she wore. She heard one of the ladies’ whispers.
“What an absolutely stunning gown.”
“The color suits her remarkably well,” her companion replied.
Catherine and her family sought the hosts who they engaged in pleasantries. Lady Shrewsbury took Catherine to be introduced to her acquaintances, and her dance card began to fill up. She had not yet set eyes on James, and she wondered if he would not attend this night. She continued to mingle, and her back faced the entrance to the ballroom, when she heard a low murmur through the crowd. She abruptly turned around, and she saw James.
It appeared that his eyes searched for her, and when it met hers, he smiled before making his way over to them.
“Lady Shrewsbury, it is lovely to see you. A splendid evening for a ball.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. I am pleased with the fine weather,” Lady Shrewsbury replied.
“Lady Catherine, we meet again. May I kindly request dances this evening? Your dance card,” James said as he moved into a position where he could see her dance card.
Her heart thrilled when James reserved two dances before he moved on to mingle in the crowd.
“Lady Catherine, the duke appears to be quite taken with you. He reserved two dances with one being the final dance no less,” Lady Shrewsbury commented. “Whispers mentioned this has happened quite frequently. Should we be expecting an announcement?”
“Good heavens, no, Lady Shrewsbury.” Catherine feigned innocence. “My mama says I should accept invitations and dance with other gentlemen during the season.”
“The countess is right. It is the convention to keep an open mind whilst one is courting.”
“Yes. My dance card is almost filled.” Catherine looked up, and it was almost on queue that she was approached by the Marquess of Claydon, who reserved the final dance on her dance card.
Lady Shrewsbury led her back to her mother, while she went to greet other guests.
“Well, Catherine your dance card is full, and Lady Shrewsbury has made several introductions.”
“That she has. You will be pleased to learn that the duke has reserved two dances. Lady Shrewsbury said that he appears taken with me.”
“It has been a few sennights since he has been singling you out, so perhaps he will speak to your father before our ball. Although this is my reasoning, one can never truly rush these things.”
“I understand, mama. He needs to give it much thought and be sure.”
“Absolutely; a broken engagement is a scandal we do not need.”
The chandeliers overhead cast a warm glow over the room, as the sound of the orchestra filled the air, and Catherine’s first partner came to claim his dance. Catherine took a deep breath, straightened her back, feeling the texture of her flowing gown through the soft fabric of her gloves. They began to dance, moving gracefully across the floor. Catherine observed the ballroom was filled with couples swirling and twirling to the rhythm of the music.
Although she enjoyed the merriment, she could not help but think of James. Finally, the time had come for their first dance, and James promptly appeared to lead her to the dance floor. Catherine smiled as James took her hand and twirled her into his arms.
They fell in step, almost as if the rhythm controlled their sway. Their twirling was fluid, and they glided as one, for they were comfortable with each other and knew the routine. All the scenery and people around them faded to obscurity. Catherine felt as if it was only James and her in their world. They danced in companionable silence for some time, for their melodic steps were the only language they needed.
James broke the silence.
“Have I told you how absolutely exquisite you look this evening, Lady Catherine?”
