Page 8 of Duke in Shining Armor
The duke offered by way of explanation, “I was alarmed when I happened upon the scene. I am afraid I shook your shoulders, but that did not revive you, hence the slap.”
Her lips quirked into a small smile almost against her will. “I understand and that slap is quite forgiven, Your Grace.”
He smiled and dipped his head slightly. “I sent my men to see if they could find your coachman. I assure you they are doing their utmost to find him, and I will keep you apprised.”
That warm feeling once again filled her body. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“I see the good physician has splinted your ankle with a bandage. He advised me your ankle will be in a wooden frame for some time and that you cannot travel until it is healed, which brings me to my next point. He did not mention your family connections. I need to write to your family so they know your whereabouts, and decide what arrangements would be best suited, under the circumstances.”
Catherine’s heart started to pound. “Your Grace, please have a seat for there is something I wish to discuss with you.”
Catherine needed to dissuade the duke from what he just suggested. She hoped that by telling him about herself he could see she was no ordinary woman, and he would be swayed toward helping her.
The duke appeared taken aback by the request, but he sat in a chair on the opposite side of the room and gave her his full attention.
“When you came upon us, we were making our way to the port, to depart on the ship bound for Switzerland.”
He raised a brow. “Switzerland?”
“I am to attend finishing school there. It seems the finishing schools in Switzerland have a stellar reputation. My parents wish to present me next season, hence I must avail myself of the education this school has to offer. I am to be taught all the social graces; thus, I can make a match befitting my station.”
“I see.” The duke chuckled. “I understand your parents’ predicament; after all, I heard you swear like a sailor.”
Here we go, Catherine thought as she studied his face. She denoted a twinkle in his eyes, and she felt all was not lost. “You see, Your Grace, I did not wish to marry. I…”
His forehead puckered and he scrutinized her with measure. “And why do you not wish to marry? Isn’t that the dream of all the ladies in society?”
“Poppycock,” Catherine scoffed before catching herself. “I apologize, Your Grace.”
She gazed at the duke and realized he was highly amused. How unusual. “I meant to say not at all, Your Grace. Not all women in society wish to marry. I am well educated, although my father regrets this decision. When the tutors were commissioned for my brother, Edward, I was also allowed to attend lessons in the classics, Latin and Greek, as well as the French and Italian languages, and ancient history.”
His brows lifted in surprise. “You jest.”
“No, Your Grace. I am afraid there is more. We had a man of business with several stewards reporting to him. My brother Edward was being prepared to manage the estate, so he had lessons with the man of business, and I was allowed to join.”
Catherine could see that she had the duke’s full attention.
“I learned to do the ledgers, accounts, understand the collection of rents, payment of rates such as poor, highway, and church rates. My brother loves me dearly, and he is always happy to discuss matters of the estate and politics with me.”
He stared, clearly bemused and perhaps a bit fascinated while she continued her story.
“Having lived such a rich, cultured life…I could not fathom turning to social calls, knitting, parties, and balls. That is the lot of a wife in this society. I felt this would crush my spirit, and I did not know if I could survive it.”
He considered her with an expression Catherine could not decipher.
“You are indeed spirited for you proposed to shoot a highwayman. Most ladies would have had a fit of the vapors in those circumstances.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. I am most self-sufficient. Alas, my father decided it was time for me to make myself presentable and to take my place in society,” Catherine said with a forlorn expression.
“It means much to the family, my success; hence I must continue to Switzerland. Returning home in my condition would only cause my parents’ needless worry.”
“I see,” the duke replied.
Catherine wondered if he did or was he just being polite.
“Although these unfortunate circumstances are no fault of my own, I would feel like such a failure returning home without completing finishing school in time for next season. My mama would be so disappointed and deeply worried. I cannot bear it.”
Catherine hoped the duke could hear the underlying anguish in her voice. She had genuine love and affection for her parents and did not wish to burden them further. Not when there was such a simple and uncomplicated solution.
