Page 61 of Duke in Shining Armor
Catherine laughed happily and those who observed sent shocked glances at each other.
“James, I will be your wife.”
“Thank heavens.”
“That should be my line,” she said softly. “ I love you and you are the only man for me.”
They danced a waltz and the other two dances, uncaring that they had upended society with another scandal.
EPILOGUE
Catherine was taking a leisurely stroll in the garden at Pembroke Estate, softly humming a merry song. It was six months since they were married, and she could not believe her good fortune. The duke had been her knight in shining armor after all. The ensuing scandal could have ruined her family entirely, reducing the marriage prospects of her siblings, but the duke would not allow it. The dowager duchess had announced the wedding in the papers and told Catherine whoever wished to attend the ceremony … would attend. Nevertheless, the dowager duchess suggested an intimate wedding at Pembroke Estate seemed prudent, and Catherine could not have hoped for more.
Catherine smiled at the memory of being a bundle of nerves as the wedding drew closer, but there was no need for her to worry. The idyllic countryside provided a serene backdrop for the ceremony. The duke and duchess had ensured the ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, while the magical ambiance left the guests spellbound. Catherine felt euphoric after they exchanged their vows, and she was sure the duke’s eyes glistened. She knew she was meant to be with the duke, and she could not have wed another. The duke had been put on this earth for her. On occasion she had to pinch herself to be reminded it was all real. She thought it was extraordinary that she could be so happy. It was bliss.
Although it was most unconventional, they had gone on their honeymoon without their families as customary. She was sure thehaut tonwas abuzz, but what was a bit more scandal … Catherine had always been the unconventional sort and she was only too pleased to leave their friends and family behind.
She much preferred to have James all to herself. They spent a month in Rome and Venice, most of it abed. She flushed just to recall the many wanton ways they had come together. Catherine had felt such intense pleasure, and still do almost every day with her husband.
She stopped to admire a bed of roses, and she sensed the duke before she spun around to face him. James had gone to visit one of his estates and had only just returned.
Her husband walked towards her, and her heart stirred with such emotions.
“There you are, my duchess. I knew I would find you here.” His hands dropped to her belly, and as if on cue the baby started moving.
“I think the babe is as pleased as I am that you have returned.” Catherine reached up and kissed James gently on his lips.
The duke’s lips brushed hers as he spoke, “I missed you both, terribly.” His hands had not left her belly, and the little one registered his happiness. “This will be my last visit to the estates until the babe arrives. I have already spoken to the staff and it is all arranged.”
Catherine chuckled. “There will be months of waiting, James, and you may tire of it.”
“Tire, never! I love you, my beautiful wife.”
Laughing, she snuggled into his embrace. “I love you, James, more so than I will ever be able to express.”
Hand in hand they strolled toward the lake, and not for the first time Catherine thought how lucky they both had been that it was James who rescued her that fateful evening.
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