Page 57 of Duke in Shining Armor
Catherine threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I will have you, James, and no other.”
“I am pleased to hear you say it. I will speak with your father on the morrow before making the announcement,” James said.
He kissed Catherine once more. “You should return to your bedchamber. Sweet dreams, my love.”
* * *
Catherine awokethe next morning with her body a tingling awareness. Blushing, she smiled and pulled the covers up to her chin and nestled into her pillows. She wished that she was waking up with James at her side, for after last night, this was where she wanted him to be. She did not imagine one could assume such positions in lovemaking, but she must admit she found it most enjoyable. She had often wondered if their lovemaking would be the same as the first time, but last night it was even better. Catherine knew she belonged with James, and she could not envisage coupling being the same with anyone else.
She felt she was the happiest lady alive, and she let out a sigh of contentment. Soon she would wed James and they would always be together. She was so elated last night when he declared his love for her, and she knew the depths of love she had for him. She told James she would have no other and she meant every word of it. She was pleased it had all worked in their favor. She was fortunate to find a gentleman she loved while fulfilling her promise to improve her family’s fortune.
James would speak with her father after the hunt this evening. She had already cast her mind to the announcement of their engagement of her wedding. Catherine wanted to add a personal touch, so she would suggest to James that they write personal notes to their respective relatives and near friends, mailing the notes so that all may be received at the same time. She was sure her parents would want to put an announcement in the newspaper without delay.
She would not see James before the hunt for they left at first light. The duchess had arranged a picnic on the grounds for the ladies as they would not be attending the hunt. It would be the longest day, for all she could think about was the next time she would see James and the bright future they would have together. Catherine pulled back the covers, rose from her bed, and rang for a maid. She was humming a tune as she washed and dressed.
The rest of the day progressed uneventfully, and Catherine could hardly contain herself when she realized that the men would soon return from the hunt. She sat by the window in her bedchamber reading and a cooling breeze flowed through the window. It was a lovely warm day, which was perfect for a hunt, but as the sun grew lower in the sky, Catherine impatiently willed the men to return. She wanted to see that they had all returned safely. It is foolish to think she was longing for James in that fashion, for she had only been with him last night. Fate smiled on her when she heard the dogs barking and saw the men ride towards the stables.
Catherine jumped from her chair and summoned the maid. She would allow herself ample time to prepare for dinner this evening. She had chosen a dress of rich blue fabric, a low neckline, off the shoulder, low and pointed waist, with a bell-shaped skirt. The maid had already prepared a corset, a knee-length chemise, petticoat, gloves, and her shawl.
The maid assisted her with dressing, and Catherine took pains in her appearance. She wanted to look just so and, at any rate, prettier than any of the other women. When she was dressed and wearing all her jewelry, she stood before the mirror and admired her reflection. She was pleased.
Catherine left the bedchamber, descended the stairs, and proceeded to the drawing room. She made a grand entrance, and it appeared that everyone else was present. She walked over to her mother as she discreetly searched the room for James, but she did not see him.
“There you are, Catherine. Your father tells me it was a successful hunt today.”
“Yes, my dear, the duke leads a fine hunting party,” her father said with an indulgent smile.
Catherine’s eyes darted over the room. “Is the duke not here?”
“I am sure he will be here momentarily. It is likely that he is escorting the duchess.”
A footman passed with a tray, and Catherine availed herself of a glass of sherry. She took only a sip and just then James and the duchess arrived. They moved among the guests and greeted everyone. They had both taken a glass of port when Catherine saw Lady Jane whispering behind her fan. She observed Lady Jane’s companion, Lady Anne, look directly at her as her eyes widened. Lady Jane’s eyes gleamed as she gazed pointedly at Catherine. She wondered what bit of salacious gossip the woman was spreading.
Catherine walked to the refreshment table to get another glass of wine. She knew it would not be much longer before they were called in to dinner. As she approached the table, she overheard the whispers.
“Well, it seems that the Earl of Windemere is on the verge of ruin,” Lady Clara declared with flourish. “They are clearly importuning on the duke and duchess’s generosity. Have they no shame?”
Catherine faltered, ice congealing inside her heart. Her parents had been very careful in not allowing any of their financial difficulties to be released to thehaut ton. The scandal of it all would severely impact their chances. How had this happened?
“Truly? I cannot believe it. What would account for this sudden change in fortune?” Lady Mathilda’s voice was filled with incredulity.
Lady Clara scoffed. “Gambling debts, I hear. You would never have guessed, considering he still struts around with such pride.”
Gambling debts?Catherine’s breath caught in her throat, and she feared she was too stunned to breathe. She lifted a glass of port from the refreshment table, but her hand was shaking so much that its contents spilled over onto her hand.How mortifying!
She willed her hand to stop shaking, but it would not. She placed the glass on the table and took a deep breath to steady herself. She returned her hands to her sides where they balled into fists. Catherine furtively glanced at the other guests. There was no doubt that the gossip was doing the rounds, and she was sure Lady Jane was the instigator.
Catherine briskly walked toward her parents, but she did not arrive before the duchess announced that dinner was served. Edward turned to her and offered his hand to escort her to the dining room. Catherine wondered how she would be able to swallow a single morsel.
How would her family survive this night with their dignity intact?She was sure James would know by the end of the evening … if he did not know already. Catherine dared not look for him for she was afraid of what she would see on his face. Just yesterday he said he wanted to make her his wife, yet today she faced scandal and lurid speculation into her family’s circumstances.
Her mother had carefully told her the duke’s family line had no scandal attached to their name. What would James think hearing about this?
It should not matter, she resolutely reminded herself.We love each other. Yet there was an awful press of uncertainty and heaviness upon Catherine’s heart.
CHAPTER19
James sat in the library indolently slouched in his chair, a glass and flask of brandy on the desk in front of him. He poured himself a generous portion and downed it in one swig before slamming the glass down on the table. He had barely heard any of the conversations at dinner. He was otherwise occupied with the revelation that hit him in the chest, causing more pain than Catherine’s derringer would.
