Page 9 of Duke in Shining Armor
“What is it that you are asking of me?”
Her heart squeezed tightly and she softly said, “Merely that you do not inform my parents, Your Grace.”
He jerked and then stilled. “What did you say?”
The duke’s expression had gone from surprise to incredulity. Her belly knotted and she laced her fingers on her lap. “Please hear me out, Your Grace. This would only be for a short time. If you are in agreement, I would convalesce here and continue on my journey as soon as I am able. In this manner it would be but a short delay, and there would be no need to cause my parents’ concern.”
A perilous tension seemed to coat the air. The duke leaned forward slightly in the armchair. “Lady Catherine, you are a part of high society. Do I need to remind you that your reputation could be impinged upon if this was to be discovered?”
She lifted her chin and held his regard. “Frankly speaking, I am not unchaperoned because my lady’s maid Helen is with here me. Helen has been with my family since I was a child, and she is trusted. She is almost a part of the family, and that is why she is accompanying me to Switzerland.”
The duke appeared pensive.
She gave him a small smile and waved in the direction of the busy sewing maid. “You have also taken appropriate steps, Your Grace, for we are not alone.”
Catherine ended her plea but the duke did not reply. She knew it was a rather novel idea and quite extraordinary. The duke intently stared at her and Catherine flushed. What was he thinking? Was he thinking that it would be foolhardy to even contemplate such actions? Would he ignore the pleading in her eyes?
“I will not give you an answer this night, Lady Catherine. I will think on it and give you my answer in the morning. Shall we break our fast together?”
Relief rushed through her. Catherine smiled brightly, and the duke sucked in a breath and looked away. Though she frowned at the reaction, Catherine was not in despair. She must be grateful for small mercies for he did not refuse her. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
Catherine lowered her eyes, but she could feel the duke’s regard.
“I am most curious, Lady Catherine. Why did you learn to use a pistol?”
The question startled her, and she snapped her gaze to his. His eyes held a twinkle and a corner of his mouth turned up.
“Well, I suspect there are incidents where self-defense against criminal elements is required. I thought it best to equip myself for any such eventuality.”
“I see.”
Why was he staring at her so? Like she was a creature he’d never seen before? Catherine’s heartbeat quickened once more, and her fingers tightened on the sheets.
“Have you ever had to use it?”
“Fortunately, I have not, Your Grace. I do not make it a habit to encounter unsavory characters,” Catherine said with a smile. “Would you prefer that I use a knuckle buster?” she asked sweetly.
The duke laughed, the sound low and rich. “A knuckle buster you say? I suppose you jest, Lady Catherine. Have you ever beheld a knuckle buster?”
Catherine smirked, oddly delighted with their conversation. “I have indeed, Your Grace. My brother Edward has an assortment of weapons, and perhaps it is a bit morbid, but I have seen them all. He was very patient when he explained their uses.”
“How extraordinary.”
Catherine surveyed him. “Do you not believe that women are perfectly capable of defending themselves?”
“Certainly … perhaps not with a knuckle buster,” he drawled. “I am aware that the derringer is a favorite weapon for both ladies … and assassins.”
“I am no assassin, Your Grace. When my carriage was attacked, I wished that I was one,” Catherine replied as she pensively stared off through the window.
“Please accept my apologies, Lady Catherine. I did not mean to upset you.”
Catherine returned her regard to him, mildly surprised. “There is no need to apologize, Your Grace. It is because of your kindness that I am here. I cannot thank you enough.”
They held each other’s gaze for a moment before the duke stood. Immediately the room felt smaller. Something about the duke’s presence felt…magnetic. Catherine was almost bemused by the manner in which her belly fluttered.
“You should get some well-deserved rest. I bid you goodnight.” The duke bowed and walked from her room.
He was at least considering her proposal.
