Page 54 of Duke in Shining Armor
CHAPTER18
James was prowling around the estate. He wanted to ensure the hunt was a success and that Catherine and her family were comfortable. The duchess arranged a small shooting party, as it was a chance for the families to become better acquainted. It would last three days. James went to see the gamekeeper to ascertain the best trained gun dogs were available for the affair. He was shown the pointers, setters, and spaniels that would be taken on the hunt. As it was the summer months, the prey would be pheasants, grouse, and ducks. The gamekeeper assured him all was proceeding according to plan, and he was satisfied with the arrangements thus far.
James knew the gamekeeper would ensure there was game. He preserved the game by managing their nests, preventing vermin, and saw that poaching was not unabated. Although restrictions were placed on others hunting on his land, he granted some access, for he understood people needed to live, and he could not possibly consume all the game on his land. Nevertheless, he restricted the hunting to people’s personal use, and this was much more than other aristocrats permitted.
James was less concerned regarding matters within the household, as the duchess took charge of these affairs once she arrived. She would make certain the rooms were ready for the guests, meals were prepared to perfection. and there was light entertainment.
James returned to the house to see that Warwick had arrived. He had not seen him since the Davenport ball, no doubt because he was busy tending to his affairs before returning to Scotland.
“There you are, Pembroke.”
“Warwick, you’ve arrived early, as usual.”
“I thought we may have a spot of brandy before your other guests arrived. I suspected you would be fussing over all the arrangements, though I am sure it is well managed by your staff.”
James laughed. “You know me too well, Warwick. I was just out to see the gamekeeper to do just that. Shall we proceed to the library?” James asked as he led the way. They entered the library, and James poured two snifters of brandy. He passed one to the earl and took a long swig before sitting.
“So, you danced with Catherine at the Davenport ball,” James said.
The earl stared across the desk at him. “Is that jealousy I hear?” he uttered with a chuckle.
James was not amused, and he took a moment to reply.
“You seem to have engaged deeply in conversation with Catherine. I am more concerned with what you spoke of.”
“Pembroke, Pembroke, Pembroke ….” the earl started before James interrupted.
“Lest you forget, this is the woman I intend to make my wife and the mother of my bairns.”
“Precisely. That is why I wished for her to know that you are genuine in your affections.”
“You bloody well did not,” James said in disbelief.
“I merely tried to help. After all, you did relay that she was most concerned about Madame Nicolette. I merely explained you had no interest in madame and that your affections were true.”
James leaned back in his chair and sighed.
“That is a rather delicate subject to be discussing with a lady. Did you not think so?”
“Delicate subject? Not the way that you described Catherine. She is fierce, a woman with a strong character, which is rather refreshing.”
The earl was pensive before he added, “A woman of her breeding usually knows what is expected of her, but it appears she had not thought much about the very bairns you mentioned.”
James stared at Charles as if he had grown a tail. “You did not!”
“I did so,” the earl chuckled.
James paused for a moment before he replied. “Ahh. Now it is clear why she asked me if I wanted bairns.”
“Did she?”
“She went as far as to ask if I had fathered any out of wedlock.”
“You jest?” the earl said between his laughter.
“She was quite serious in her enquiry, I assure you. I dared not jest and jeopardize all that I have worked so hard to accomplish. Fortunately, I have no bastards, so I could put her mind at rest.”
“She feigned disinterest, but I knew it was not so. She was inquisitive indeed. I am of the strong belief that she shares your affections.”
