Page 34 of Duke in Shining Armor
A few minutes later she met James and Helen in the foyer, and the butler opened the door for them. The duke’s carriage was parked in front along the sidewalk, and he hurried to assist her to enter. She reluctantly placed her hand on his shoulder, for this was customary to assist her to enter the carriage in a dignified manner. As the carriage rolled toward Hyde Park, Catherine uttered not a word.
“A splendid day, is it not Lady Catherine?” he asked, his gaze cool and steady on her person.
Catherine cast him a frosty glare. “Splendid indeed, Your Grace.”
Catherine wondered where he ventured with this banal conversation.
“I trust you rested well.”
“I did, Your Grace. Thank you for asking.”
Would he never cease this incessant prattling?
“I don’t believe I complimented you on the lovely gown you wore yesterday. Is it the latest French fashion?”
Did she detect a hint of laughter in his voice? She barely glanced at him. How dare he? Catherine knew he remembered she disliked these exchanges, nonetheless he pretended to be obtuse. It was not perchance that he asked such questions; she knew it was deliberate, and she would not allow him to ruffle her feathers. If he wanted to know about fashion, he could simply ask his latest conquest.
“Never say I have stolen your wits with such a simple question.”
There was no doubt there was a mocking undertone to his voice.
“Thank you, Your Grace. It was French fashion.” She would maintain her composure for this carriage ride, even if it killed her.
A tension-filled silence settled between them, but thankfully the duke prodded her no further. They arrived at Hyde Park, and he alighted before extending his arm to her. She exited the carriage, and Helen followed, maintaining a respectable distance. They strolled through the park, among many such visitors taking advantage of the sunny weather.
“Did you enjoy your travels abroad to Switzerland, Lady Catherine?”
She peered at him from the corner of her eye. “Finishing school was most illuminating, Your Grace. We were taught such things as repelling ardent bachelors who were unsuitable.”
James chuckled. “A useful skill no doubt. A lady can only agree to court one gentleman.”
“Hmm,” Catherine replied, not feigning interest, as she would rather be elsewhere.
“I look forward to becoming better acquainted,” James declared.
Catherine’s step faltered, but only slightly. She checked from the corner of her eye to ensure Helen was not in earshot. She was beyond irritated.
“I am sufficiently acquainted with you, Your Grace, and I wish no more,” she said with derision. She pledged not to discomfit, but he antagonized her so.
His brow lifted in question. “Now that I command your attention, would you tell me the reason why you left, without as much as a by your leave?”
“You have a shrewd acumen, Your Grace. I am sure upon reflection and reasoning you will figure it out.”
He closed his eyes momentarily before he opened them and glanced toward the heavens. “Catherine, I beg of you.”
“Lady Catherine to you, Your Grace, and I will speak of this no more,” Catherine said with a frustrated sigh.
He considered her for several beats before he took a steady breath. The duke bowed slightly. “Please accept my apologies. I did not mean to upset you.”
Catherine was pleasantly surprised by his response, yet she did not acknowledge it. They continued in strained silence, until they came to the duck pond. She had not thought to bring bread to feed them, but it appeared that James thought of such. He handed the bread to her, and she proceeded to break it into small pieces, as the feathered creatures gathered in front of her. One of the ducks dipped himself deeper into the pond and flapped his wings, spraying the water over all the others, and Catherine smiled.
Once she finished feeding the ducks, Catherine was ready to return home. “Shall we return, Your Grace?”
“As you wish, Lady Catherine.”
They walked in peaceful silence, and the carriage journey home was much the same. Catherine was left alone with her thoughts, and she was grateful for it. She sincerely hoped James understood her position, particularly that she had no wish to discuss the past, for the past should remain there. It would change nought to rake over it, and no good would come of it. She did not wish to be courted by a man such as James, one who took liberties with ladies and cast them aside when they served their purpose. She most certainly could not marry him, for he did not have the qualities she sought in a husband.
Catherine was not foolish. She realized that she may not think the duke a good match, but her parents would. It was clear that mama was already taken with him. Her family was not in the position to make a gentleman of his stature an enemy. She must tread carefully.
