Page 59 of Duke in Shining Armor
The duchess came into the room and sat in the armchair across from James. She wore a stern expression, “I supposed you heard of the Earl of Windemere’s misfortune.”
James sighed heavily. “I fear there is something to the rumors, although I have not heard of the earl’s gambling problem before now. “
“I am very surprised they were able to keep such a tight lid on their problem. If they are broke, the best chances would be for their daughter to marry a wealthy industrialist and their son one of those American heiresses.”
The heaviness inside James’s chest grew sharper. “I would much prefer to do my own investigation rather than listening to whispers.”
His mother’s expression grew serious. “I know you were set on asking the earl for Catherine’s hand, but I am sure you would agree this is no longer tenable. Unfortunately, what we have heard is only a whiff of the scandal, and once word spreads in thehaut ton, it will be even more difficult. A lady’s disgrace and scandal will also be her fiancé’s own. I am thinking this rumor is only the surface of all their problems. It is best to disassociate yourself now.”
James knew it to be true, but he did not wish to face it. “Mother, please.”
The duchess gave a half smile. “What deeply concerns me is that you were not told of the circumstance, and I doubt you would have been told until after the engagement was announced. It would cause further scandal to break the engagement which would see you in an uncomfortable position. This may be difficult to hear, but I think you should move on. There are other young ladies in society that would be a more suitable match.”
James raised his glass and threw back the last of his brandy. He knew he would suffer for it in the morning. “As I mentioned, mama, I will do my own investigation for the truth must come out. I am going to retire for the evening. I bid you goodnight.”
The duchess stood and James walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek. “Rest well, James.”
He watched as she crossed the floor, opened the door, and closed it softly behind her. Even his mother wanted him to give up on Catherine. The odds were not in her favor as he could not count on his mother’s support in weathering the scandal. A pained sense of loss tore through him. How could he proceed with Catherine with so little trust between them? There was only one decision to be made.
* * *
Catherine satby the window in her bedchamber thinking of the events of the last few days. On the morning following the breaking of the scandal, she awoke with the most dreadful headache. Her family had wasted no time in departing the duchess’s home, the cloud of scandal following them to their home. Catherine had spent most of her time in her bedchamber since, deplorably crying into her pillow in the nights.
It was now certain James would not be making an offer, and her heart felt as if it had broken into a thousand pieces. This afternoon it was raining in torrents; the sky was dark and grey which was synonymous with her mood. When she had not come down to break her fast, her mother sent her lady’s maid to see after her.
Catherine was annoyed to be disturbed, for she wanted to stay in her bedchamber and not speak with anyone. When the maid entered, she had pulled one of her pillows over her head and screamed in frustration. Her entire world had imploded.Did they not see that? She did not mean to be selfish. She understood this was not only her plight but that of her entire family.
When she eventually went down the stairs to the dining room, she was pleased to see that she was alone. She had eaten very little and was surprised she managed to get anything down at all. Afterwards, she went to the drawing room only to find that she had not received any new invitations and not a single bouquet of flowers.
Apparently, all her suitors had disappeared as if she had a contagious illness.
Perhaps scandal and ruination is indeed contagious.
Tears shimmered in her eyes, and she blinked them away furiously. Even her mother was astonished at the swift backlash from thehaut ton. She knew they would act, yet she did not expect it quite so hastily. These actions, and the fact that the secret was out, led her to believe that all ties with society were severed. Nonetheless, her mother said they would attend all the engagements to which they had already accepted invitations.
The season was coming to an end. Hence this night they would be attending Lady Summerfield’s ball. Catherine was already dressed in her favorite emerald gown and bedecked in jewels, but she felt no joy at the prospect of attending. Would she see James there? The duke would not leave Catherine’s mind. She willed herself not to think of him, but she could not help herself. He invaded her consciousness so much so that she thought of little else.
She longed for him ….
A knock on her door interrupted her reverie. “Come in.”
Edward entered, a somber expression on his face. “We are ready to depart, Catherine. I am here to escort you.”
Catherine stood and placed her arm in Edward’s and they descended the stairs. “I can safely say that I feel like a lamb being lead to the slaughter.”
Edward surveyed her. “I must admit it is challenging, Catherine, yet we must make the best of it. You are not alone. Keep that chin up. It would be worse if we hid away as if we are ashamed. We are not.”
Edward assisted Catherine into the carriage where her parents were already seated. Catherine clenched her fists in her hands and watched the world go by through the carriage window. They did not speak on the short journey; no doubt they were all consumed with thoughts of the evening ahead and how they would bravely act to face the whispers.
The carriage rolled down the cobbled streets, and a wave of apprehension built inside Catherine as they drew close to the Summerfield’s town house. Her stomach was churning with anxiety and fear … yes fear for she did not know how they would be received. She wondered if she would see the duke and what, if anything, he would say to her.
The carriage pulled up outside and they disembarked. Her parents took the lead, while Catherine and Edward followed. A cold knot formed in her stomach, and she squeezed Edward’s hand. Edward must have sensed her increasing anxiety for he patted her hand and gave her a reassuring smile.
Once in the receiving line, only a few guests tossed them startled glances. Thankfully there was no whispering. The ballroom was densely packed and there was a low hum of music as the orchestra warmed up. They entered and Catherine did not even hear when they were announced as panic was rioting through her. A tense silence enveloped as they walked over to greet Lady Summerfield. To Lady Summerfield’s credit she was just as friendly and welcoming as she always was.
As they moved away from Lady Summerfield, Catherine heard the whispers.
“…. Gambling debts I heard.”
