Page 50 of Duke in Shining Armor
“You did not, Your Grace,” Catherine replied, a smile spreading across her face.
“How remiss of me. Lady Catherine, you are the most dazzling woman here this night.”
“Why, thank you, Your Grace. You have added your compliment to those I have received from my many suitors this evening,” she said.
“Do you seek to make me jealous?”
“I do believe you were the first one to try such trickery, Your Grace. Do you now cry foul?”
“Touché.” James replied with a smile. “I anticipated dancing with you this night, and I did not think much of any of the other ladies. Be assured, my Cath.”
Catherine gasped. “You should be careful you are not overheard, Your Grace, unless you wish to set tongues wagging.” She did not want to admit his words filled her with happiness.
“I trust you don’t believe I favor another. I am by no means of that inkling. Do I need to do anything else to persuade you?”
It was at that opportune moment that the dance came to an end, and Catherine did not reply. James took Catherine to the side of the ballroom and procured some refreshments. He bowed and melted into the crowd, and momentarily her mother went off to greet one of the ladies. Finally, Catherine was alone when she realized how hot she was, and the ballroom was rather stuffy. She decided to get a spot of fresh air, and she walked out through the large double doors leading into the garden. She knew this was unconventional, but she only meant to get a few minutes’ respite.
Catherine lifted her face to the sky, drew the cool night air into her lungs, while the pleasant breeze washed over her skin. She felt refreshed. She took another deep breath before she realized she was not alone, for she could see a shadow had advanced down the path.
What the blazes is amiss?
“Who goes there?” she demanded.
The figure stepped into the faint moonlight, and she was relieved to see that it was James.
“Catherine, have I not impressed upon you the need to be cautious? You ventured into the garden without anyone knowing your whereabouts.”
“I just needed to get some fresh air, James.”
“Fortunately, it was I who happened upon you, and not some bounder that would take advantage.”
Catherine sighed. “I can very well take care of myself, James. I ….”
She did not finish her sentence, for in two long strides James was directly in front of her. He lifted his hand to stroke her cheek, and this gesture was more powerful than words, for she was robbed of hers. She gazed up at him as he brushed aside her golden locks that had fallen over her eyes, then he went on to caress her face.
James brought his mouth swiftly down upon her lips for a hard kiss. She was worried he would bruise her lips, but this thought remained only for a fleeting moment. She was lost in his embrace when he drew her close to his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. James broke the kiss, moving his lips to her face, eyes, and cheeks before he found her mouth again. She felt her breath coming quickly, and she withdrew from the kiss and gazed at his face.
James’s lips went to her ear as he whispered ever so softly. “I longed to taste you all night. It was driving me mad.”
Catherine closed her eyes, and sighed as he kissed her forehead.
“You must return to the ballroom before you are missed, my sweet Cath. I will remain here until I see that you are safely inside. I will follow thereafter.”
Catherine said nothing, for although it was risky to be alone with him in the garden, she was happy they shared a private moment. She longed for it to be more, but she understood this was not the time or place. She discreetly slipped through the double doors and merged into the merry crowd. True to his word, James waited for a while longer before he entered the ballroom. His timing was impeccable, for the orchestra moved on to play the next waltz, and James went to claim the hand of his next dance partner. Catherine discreetly peered to see which one of the ladies it was, and she found it was none other than Lady Jane. She could contemplate this no further, for her own dance partner had bowed and claimed her hand.
As they twirled around on the dance floor, she kept a discreet eye on James and Lady Jane, who she believed was batting her lashes and giving exaggerated smiles. Lady Jane hung on to every word that James uttered and replied, leaning her head slightly to one side. Catherine was not surprised at her coquettish behavior. As they swirled on the dance floor, Lady Jane’s gaze caught hers, and Catherine was sure there was a smile of triumph on her face. Catherine looked away as she vowed to focus on her own dance partner and ignore the mean-spirited woman, and this was exactly as she did for the remainder of the dance.
At long last, her dancing with other suitors came to an end, and James stood before her to claim his dance. He smiled at her with a twinkle in his eyes as he took her to the dance floor and the orchestra piped up. Catherine put Lady Jane from her mind and enjoyed the dance, confident in knowing James would not dance with another as much as he did with her.
“I am quite looking forward to your ball, Lady Catherine.” James said.
“We look forward to hosting you, Your Grace, and the duchess of course.”
Catherine was deeply involved in the preparations because her mother wanted to ensure that everything was perfect. She wondered if she should dare to try to see James alone at the ball, but she thought better of it. It would be too risky when things were going so well, and she did not wish to cause an upset. Although her parents had encouraged her to spend time with other suitors, she knew they favored James. They were perhaps hoping he would soon declare his intentions, and Catherine wondered if their ball would be the occasion.
CHAPTER17
The entire household was hustle and bustle. Catherine made her way to see the drawing room, where refreshments would be served, and reviewed the preparations to ensure all was in order. She checked the menu, which was a selection of waffles, sherbet, candy, tea, coffee, biscuits, crackers, cheese, sandwiches, trifle, and cakes. For those who required a more substantial serving, there would be fowl and ham. Catherine met with the cook to ensure it would all be ready on time.
