Page 51 of Duke in Shining Armor
Catherine proceeded to the ballroom, which was empty, for all the furniture had been removed. The carpet had been rolled up and placed in another room, and staff had waxed the floors. She personally supervised the staff to ensure there was no mishap, where a guest would end up on their rear. Perish the thought.
She observed the staff was hanging the new pale-yellow drapery that would adorn the room. Flowers of various colors and a rich green foliage were gathered and waited in a corner of the room to be dispersed once the drapes were in order. In the far corner of the room staff worked on the Japanese lanterns that would add their soft radiance, creating a lovely glow. Her mother suggested there were not enough chairs for a respite between dances, and she rented more.
When Catherine was satisfied, she went through the large connecting doors, which led to changing rooms for men and women. It was in these rooms that the guests would leave their outer clothing. The duchess had arranged for two maids to be on duty in the ladies’ room, to sew torn clothes, adjust lady’s hairstyles, and help with any other possible troubles.
Catherine moved to the second drawing room where staff prepared what seemed to be hundreds of candles, placing them in their holders, while other staff polished the silverware. Satisfied with all the preparations, she decided to get some fresh air before she took her bath.
As Catherine strolled, she found her thoughts returning to James. She found she did not like to see him dance with another, but she felt particular ire when he danced with Lady Jane. She believed Lady Jane fancied him; what’s more she was vying for his attention, and this would not do. James admitted he invited the lady to the dinner party to make her jealous, and he received some satisfaction. He had not thought much about how the lady would perceive the invitation. Perhaps the lady believed that James had some affection for her.
Catherine secretly decided that she wanted to be with James. Her feelings for him were strong, and she did not believe it was only passion, but something deeper. She enjoyed his company, notwithstanding the hurt he caused her when she departed for Switzerland. He had explained himself, and she believed what he said to be true. She agreed to allow him some time to show his true feelings, whilst he showered her with attention at every engagement, whether it was afternoon tea, a carriage ride, or a ball.
She thought of those beautiful flowers he sent her, which were also symbols of his feelings and intentions, mayhap. She received coreopsis, forget-me-nots, both white and red roses. It was said that white roses symbolize a heart ignorant of love, while forget-me-nots were an indication of true love. She smiled to herself for, knowing James, it was unlikely he knew the meaning of such.
She walked toward the house, taking time to smell the roses. All too soon her ruminating ended for she had to prepare herself before the rush of the evening festivities.
Later that evening when Catherine entered the ballroom, she was looked upon with admiration, and she reveled in it. She was quite comfortable with the ball being in her own home, knowing she had worked hard, along with her mother, to ensure everything was perfect. She saw two ladies whispering behind their fans, and she had no doubt they were admiring her elegant gown with short, puffed sleeves. She ensured her lady’s maid had not tightened her corset so she could breathe comfortably, nonetheless it accentuated her fine waist.
Her hairstyle was an upsweep, and like her dress it signified elegance and dignity, if she may say so herself. Her curls were piled atop her head in a bun, with tiny ringlets of curls falling loosely to the side of her head. There was not a hair out of place.
She glided across the room where Edward came to meet her.
“Mama is not amused that you are late, Catherine, but what an entrance,” Edward teased.
“I am afraid it is my fault. I took a stroll in the garden and spent too much time there.” Catherine’s eyes found her mother who was busy welcoming guests. “You jest, Edward, for mama is so busy she had no time to miss my presence. You are being rather mean this day.”
“I have been found out,” he said with an exaggerated sigh. “I do mean it when I say that you are looking quite elegant this evening.”
“Thank you, Edward,” Catherine replied.
As if by cue, the first gentleman appeared to place his name on her dance card, and no sooner had he departed than James stood before her.
“Lord Edward, Lady Catherine, I trust that you are well.”
“Very well, Your Grace,” Edward replied.
“You are quite dazzling this evening, Lady Catherine. Would you permit me to reserve my dances before your dance card is filled,” James said.
Catherine could see from the corner of her eye that there were several gazes fixed upon them. She was sure the gossip mongers would find this titillating. She remained the epitome of class.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Catherine replied as he marked her dance card.
Immediately after, the Marquess of Claydon approached her to reserve his dance. He bowed as he greeted her, then Edward, and finally James. When he bowed, her gaze flickered to James, who appeared irritated; what’s more she was sure she saw James grit his teeth.
Well, imagine that.It appears she was to be content when Lady Jane paid him notice; despite this the marquess was to pay her no regard.
While the gentlemen engaged in polite conversation, Catherine mused. As much as she had learned in Switzerland, the ways of men continued to boggle her mind; on one hand she felt she understood them more, and on the other she was rather perplexed. She had no great interest in the marquess, nor did she believe he had a great interest in her. She believed he favored Lady Fletcher, to whom he had shown much attention. Why, the marquess even danced with her twice at the last ball. Had James not noticed he danced with her only once?
The gentlemen melted into the crowd, and her mother came over to her.
“There you are, Catherine; there is someone I wish for you to meet,” her mother said as she led Catherine to the opposite side of the room.
“May I present Charles Blaine, Earl of Warwick; my daughter Lady Catherine.”
“I have had the pleasure. Lady Catherine, we met quite briefly at the duchess’s ball,” the earl replied.
Catherine recalled the earl was a close companion to James.
“You are correct, my lord. We have not had the pleasure of meeting since the duchess’s ball.”
