Page 37 of Duke in Shining Armor
Lady Catherine was his.
* * *
Catherine’s dancecard was filled before the revelry commenced. The marquess was quite attentive, but not overly so, and she believed he was keeping his options open. He took great care to ensure he spoke with other ladies and their family in attendance. He reserved two reels with her. She believed him to be a pleasant young man, but her conversations with him were rather dull, nothing like the ones she had with the duke.
Oh, Catherine, do not think of him. Despite the silent reminder, as if compelled, Catherine searched the throng for him.
He stopped before several ladies and wrote his name on several cards. Catherine glanced away for she should not be so concerned about with whom he would dance.
The orchestra started up once more, so her partner sought her hand for the next set. As they moved to the dance floor, she was aware of James being amongst the dancers. He was in the company of a slender, pale-skinned lady…well, she was all but a girl, and not particularly beautiful at that. Catherine tried to concentrate on her partner and their conversation, but she found she turned her head so she could discreetly see James. At the precise moment she gazed at him, he smiled, and the young lady looked up at him with adoration.
The duke did not glance in her direction at all, and she tried to quell the ridiculous prick inside her heart. She told herself it was none of her affair.
When the dance ended and she was led to the side of the ballroom, James presented her with a goblet of wine. They both took sips. Several of the young ladies, and their mothers, looked daggers at her. Catherine was sure they wondered why she received more attention from the duke.
“Are you enjoying the evening, Lady Catherine?”
“Thank you, Your Grace. It is magnificent. I see that you are enjoying the evening as well.”
James smiled. “Yes, indeed. I will enjoy it even more as I am claiming your next set. After, will you not meet me in the garden for some fresh air?”
“No, Your Grace. I shall not,” Catherine replied firmly.
She wondered what the devil James was trying to accomplish. Catherine knew enough to recognize that he was trying to charm her, but she did not understand his reasons. He must know that she had no interest in rekindling their affair. Anyone in thehaut tonwho observed them would think that he had a genuine interest in courting her, but she would not allow herself to believe it. This washerseason and the time for her to find an honorable gentleman, and she would not allow the duke to intercede and ruin her plans.To hell with him.
She looked for her mama and saw her mingling in the crowd, pretending not to pay much attention to Catherine. She was not fooled, for her eagle- eyed mama would miss her in an instant, and the countess would be displeased with these antics.
The orchestra started up; James took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
“I daresay that emeralds become you, my lady. You are the most beautiful woman in this room tonight.”
A warmth flushed over her, but she refused to soften her silly heart. “It is nice of you to say so, Your Grace,” Catherine said nonchalantly.
“But I mean every word,” James said as he started to twirl to the graceful notes. “Several eligible gentlemen are gazing upon you as we speak. I am sure the ones who did not dance with you tonight will ensure that does not transpire at the next ball.”
“Hmm,” Catherine replied with disinterest, though she admired the elegance and command of his movements. Dancing with him always made her feel breathless.
“I believe my mother is taken with you.”
Catherine’s head snapped up, and he had her full attention. “Of what do you speak?”
“The duchess is extending you an invitation to an intimate dinner party.”
“Oh, I see. That is most gracious of her.”Mama will be pleased.
James chuckled. “She has even commanded me to hand deliver the invitation. Apparently, she does not trust the groom to do so.”
Catherine smiled. “I am sure the groom is quite capable and she did not mean to say such.”
From the corner of her eyes Catherine could see a few of the ladies whispering behind their fans. She did not care for what they said. They were notorious gossips, and at times, without an iota of proof, this gossip was enough to ruin one’s reputation.
“Your mind travelled for a great distance, my lady. Do you care to share?”
“I was merely thinking that gossip should be outlawed,” Catherine said.
James laughed softly, twirling her in a wide arch. Once he had spun her back close he said, “I would not want to be in Parliament when such a subject is broached.”
“It is such a shame since gossip, whether true or false, has ruined so many lives. Even when the information is misconstrued. Thehaut tonwields such power. Is it right for power to be concentrated in the hands of a few?”
