Page 55 of Duke in Shining Armor
“I am pleased that you think so. Ultimately, the season is advancing, so I trust she understands that I care deeply for her.”
James knew that it was more than just caring. He loved her. She occupied his thoughts upon waking and before he retired at night. He enjoyed every moment he spent with her, every touch, or stolen kiss. He knew she had some affection for him, and he hoped that it would be enough for her to consider his proposal. Could she be happy with him? He could not bear the thought of her being with someone else.
He was excited at the prospect of her revisiting Pembroke Estate, where it all started. He desperately wanted her to dwell on the wonderful memories they created here, and not on the one unfortunate incident with Madame Nicolette, and he would do his damn best to ensure it.
He heard the commotion outside and peered through the window to see the guests had started to arrive. He was filled with anticipation at the thought of stealing a moment alone with Catherine. The duchess had arranged a lavish meal for the evening to welcome them, but he would slip Catherine a discreet note before supper. He understood her family would be weary from travel, so he would not approach her just yet, but rather send her a note with his most trusted servant.
He turned to the earl. “The guests have arrived, so it is best we prepare for supper this evening.”
“Righty oh,” the earl said, as he downed the remainder of his brandy and headed to his bedchamber.
James remained in the library while he penned the note.
My dear C,
I haven’t thought of much else since I last saw you. Our pending rendezvous has consumed my mind. May I suggest we meet after supper? Shall we meet where I happened upon you, when you fell asleep reading, on that enchanting day. I will await you there.
Yours, J.
James sealed the note and went in search of the maid who would deliver it. He proceeded to his bedchamber to prepare for the evening, humming softly beneath his breath.
Later that evening, James endeavored to engage in light conversation during supper, but he knew he was distracted. He hoped it was not glaringly evident that his mind was elsewhere. He dared not gaze much at Catherine, for he did not wish to reveal his feelings for all to see. Well, not just yet. On the odd occasion when he glanced at her, she appeared entertained by the conversation, and when she felt his eyes upon her, she gave him a smile which warmed his heart.
He was relieved when the whole affair ended, and he made his way to the library to await her arrival. Would she come to him? He knew it would be some time before she joined him, for she would wait until the entire house was quiet. He poured himself a drink, and relaxed on the chaise longue, with the latest edition ofThe Spectator. He smiled to himself when he remembered she had a penchant for the publication. He could not fathom what the duchess would say if she knew Catherine’s affinity for matters of politics. It was not only that she had an interest, but she was prepared to make her arguments fiercely, he might add.
It had been a hectic day, which explained why he was feeling so tired. The wine at dinner did not help in such warm weather, he reasoned as his eye lids grew heavier. James did not know when he had fallen asleep, but he awoke when he sensed another presence in the room. He did not open his eyes at once, but rather watched from beneath his lashes as Catherine cautiously advanced into the library. She moved stealthily, without making a sound, and he was sure her feet were bare.
She placed her candle on his desk, poured herself a snifter of brandy, and promptly sat in his chair.
“Catherine, I am pleased that you have come to see me. I longed for your company.”
“And I yours, James.”
She was wearing her night dress, and when she walked around the table, he could see the outline of her frame through the thin material. His cock quickened and he sat up with haste. The volume he read conveniently covered his manhood, but he was not to escape her attention, for Catherine came to rest beside him on the chaise longue. She peered atThe Spectator, and he held himself still.
“You would have read that the House of Commons intends to prosecute Lord Franklin for corruption. What do you make of it?”
James was not surprised that she knew of this, but he was not expecting her to discuss it now. He wondered if she was nervous about being alone with him, or more at the prospect of being discovered. He chose his words carefully as he did not wish to start a fight this night. He had more favorable pleasures on his mind.
“It is difficult for one to form any conclusions when we do not know much. It is best to reserve judgment until all the evidence is presented.”
“What bullocks! Evidence, you say. Lest we forget, many years ago the Honorable Warren Hastings was impeached by the House for alleged crimes in India. If my memory serves me correctly,The Spectatorreported, with great fanfare, that the charges were notably embezzlement, extortion, and coercion.”
“That is correct. I do recall discussing it with my father.”
“And look at the outcome; it was described as a witch hunt by many. It appeared that Hastings was pursued because of his alternative views of power and conquest.”
“That may be so, but there were some substantiated reports of bribery, extortion, and other abuses of power by Englishmen in India. These atrocities were committed while he was at the helm.”
“I take your point, but where does the corruption lie? It appears they had not one iota of evidence against Hastings himself; nonetheless they advanced this claim, with the trial dragging on for many years.”
James thought she looked so delectable when she was fired up.
Catherine continued, “From my recollection, it was said that all was well, until those new councilors arrived in India. All this trouble commenced because of their great ambition.”
James ensured he appeared pensive and considerate. “This business almost ruined Hastings, and he was in dire financial straits toward the end.”
“Precisely, and to what end? The House of Lords later acquitted him of all charges, and he was handsomely compensated. Rightly so.”
