He gently took her in his arms and kissed her lips, but he refrained from nibbling on her lower lip. Not sure how well he would make it through the next few weeks, he would do what was necessary to see that Catherine did well. But, he would be ready and willing to resume intimacy the minute she was able. He never doubted she would be willing also.
Excusing himself and letting her know he would be right back, the duke followed Jenson down the staircase.
“Thank you for the care of my wife. I do have one question, though, why do you think she remained unconscious for so long?”
Jenson shrugged. “The mind is a strange thing at times. I believe, from what you told me of her reaction earlier, that she was subconsciously aware of losing the babe. She may have avoided being awake because she would have to acknowledge that loss. She may have refused to do so as long as possible. Otherwise, I have no other explanation other than the trauma to her body but not her head.” Pausing, he grimaced and continued more sternly, “I mean it, however, when I say no intimacy for several weeks. She is torn up inside, and she must heal before safely resuming intimacy with you. If you ignore that, she could start bleeding again and even bleed to death. So mark my words well.”
All the color drained from Crispin’s face at the doctor’s words, and he assured him he would do nothing until Jenson told him it was safe to do so. He would never jeopardize Cat’s life, and he would never let her ride sidesaddle again as well. When she had healed and gained her strength back, he would teach her to ride astride so she would have more control over her horse. He never wanted her to be thrown ever again.
Chapter XII
Over the next two weeks, Catherine showed a little improvement. However, there were times when her emotions overcame her, and she would cry until she was exhausted.
Crispin worried constantly for her welfare. “Mother, she is so thin, and her strength so low. What can I do to help her?”
The dowager frowned as she viewed her son. If she was not mistaken, he had lost weight as well. He had very little appetite when he dined with the family. But most times, he ate his meals with the duchess. There were circles under his eyes from losing sleep as he slept with his wife but would wake up frequently during the night to make sure she fared well.
“Crispin, I think the girls need to visit more with Catherine to see if they can lift her spirits. Also, as she feels up to it, you and she need to walk to help build her strength. We shall ask Dr. Jenson when she may start doing this. We can also have little musicales to entertain her as well. Jocelyn and Anna Marie have been practicing and are sounding quite good.” She paused, grew thoughtful then smoothed the fabric of her skirt. Speaking again, she said, “When the weather is nice, you can carry her into the garden and enjoy the beauty that is there. Get her mind off her loss and onto the blessings she has. Although, she is unable to ride for now, build her stamina so when she does, she will enjoy what she has loved for so many years.”
For a moment, her son was stunned at all the suggestions. “I have been reading Shakespeare’s plays to her: Much Ado about Nothing and Taming of the Shrew. I tried poetry, but it made her too sad.” His voice was thick, showing his exhaustion, and his head hung down as he spoke.
His mother spoke again, “Do you know if Catherine likes cats?”
He shook his head and thought for a moment. “I don’t believe she has ever said anything one way or another about liking or disliking cats. She does like most animals.”
“Well then, she probably likes cats also. Susanna has a new kitten. We will surprise Catherine with the kitten in the morning after we break our fast.” She was pleased when the duke smiled as she knew he liked cats also. In her mind, they would have Catherine well on her way to good health in a matter of weeks. She didn’t know Crispin worried about her daughter-in-law’s spells of depression.
***
A few days later, Crispin spoke with the doctor privately about Catherine’s bouts of crying. He also apprised him of Lord Baskin breaking into the castle and the results.
When Dr. Jenson learned of her killing Lord Baskin coupled with losing her child, he told Crispin it had been too much for her to bear. He suggested that with loving care from him and all the rest of her family she should do well in the future. But he warned that if she didn’t improve emotionally, she might require professional help.
The duke wouldn’t even consider such a step unless there was no hope for his wife. He did feel that if she became with child again it would help her gain some of her emotional balance.
“Perhaps, Your Grace. We just need to wait and see.”
The duke also told him of his conversation with his mother about helping Cat build up her strength and her morale.
“You mother is a wise woman, Your Grace. If the duchess feels up to it, you can get her to walk—just a little bit, mind—beginning today. Gradually increase the distance as she is able.” He paused, rubbed his chin, as he thought for a moment. “How is her appetite? And has she lost weight?”
“She is eating very little, and she feels thinner when I hug her. My mother has even commented on that as well.”
Jenson shook his head vigorously. “She has to eat. She will never build her strength back if she doesn’t eat. Can you tempt her with fresh fruit, her favorite foods, anything that will help build her up?”
Crispin’s face brightened as he exclaimed, “She loves fruit. I can bring her fruit plates two or three times a day. Our orangery has plenty of variety at this time of year.”
“Splendid. Keep feeding her body. If she won’t eat much, then give her a piece of fruit every hour. Sometimes give her some fish, and don’t forget plenty of vegetables if she isn’t eating much fruit. My patients who don’t eat as much fancy food seem to do better, and that might be just what is needed for the duchess as well. Keep me apprised as to her progress, and I will see her again in two days or sooner if you need me, Your Grace.”
***
The next morning, when Anna Marie and Jocelyn came into Catherine’s bedchamber, their hands were empty, but Susanna carried a little basket in her hands, which she placed on the bed beside Catherine.
Catherine’s curiosity was up, and she inquired, “What’s in the basket?”
“Do you really want to see what’s there?”
“Of course, silly. Otherwise, why did you bring it with you?” All four young women giggled as Crispin stood watching from the background.
About that time, the top of the little basket started bobbing up and down, and Catherine gave a little start. Then a tiny black paw reached out from under the lid as though searching for something. A moment later, a small, black kitten popped the top off the basket and bounced out to the squeals of Crispin’s sisters. Without hesitation, Cat scooped it up off the counterpane and held it close.
“Oh, you precious little thing. Susanna, have you named him yet?”
“Of course, but he is a she. Her name is Bianca, and she has just been weaned from her mama. Isn’t she a darling?”
As she rubbed her face on the kitten with joy in her eyes, Catherine nodded in agreement. Bianca, in the meantime, enjoyed the rub so much and was purring so loud, she sounded like a much larger cat. But, like most young ones, she soon wanted to roam and struggled to get free of Catherine’s hands. Smiling at her independence, Cat put her down and watched to see what she would do, as Crispin came closer to the bed.
While Bianca sniffed at the covers, Crispin quietly reached down and bumped the kitten from the back and hissed at her at the same time. Bianca exploded up off the top of the bed, flipped in mid-air, landing so she faced him and hissing like a wild cat. Everyone in the room burst into laughter at the antics of the adorable kitten. And the duke was delighted his wife joined in. He now knew of something to put joy back in Cat’s heart.
Later in the day, he brought her the last of Bianca’s litter, the runt. Smaller than Bianca, she was also black but had a smudge of white on her face that looked like a snowdrop. And Snowdrop was wh
at an exultant Catherine named her.
As she thanked Crispin, he gently kissed her, smiled, and said, “An adorable cat for my beautiful Cat.” And proceeded to give her a kiss that promised wonderful things to come.
***
As the days passed, and Crispin followed the suggestions of his mother and Dr. Jenson, Cat gained her weight and her strength back until she was able to walk to the garden on her own. She still needed a little nap in the afternoons, but her strength as well as her emotional health improved significantly especially with a little ball of fluff called Snowdrop and the close association with his sisters and mother. At the end of seven weeks, a pleased Dr. Jenson encouraged her to continue as she had been doing. As far as he could see, she was completely healed.
“And I hope this is good news for you and the duchess, Your Grace. Intimacy may be resumed. As best I can tell, she is completely recovered…physically. But I would recommend commencing again slowly and gently with her body…and with her emotions. And we can hope for the best.”
“Thank you, Dr. Jenson, for all your help. Cat and I both trust you and appreciate your expertise in treating her. You have done well.” Walking with the doctor to the entryway, Crispin watched as the man went through the front door to his waiting carriage. Then he sighed and concentrated on relaxing before going up to see Cat. It wouldn’t do to ravish her the moment he saw her. It had been seven very long weeks since he had made love to his wife, and he’d missed having her in his bed. They had kissed and cuddled during that time, but it wasn’t the same. Now, he wanted to give her a gift, a child they could love and one to help heal her heart. God knew it would help heal his heart as well. His had nearly broken at the anguish his wife experienced. He hadn’t known he would actually feel her pain as well. As the Bible said, they had become one and felt as one.
Taking her hand in his, he kissed each finger then placed a kiss on the soft skin inside her wrist. Holding her gaze, he asked Cat if she would like to sleep with him that night.
“Did Dr. Jenson say it was all right to…resume…intimacy?”
“Yes, he did.”
“Crispin, I’m not sure I’m ready.”
His heart fell into his boots, and he didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he smiled remembering what he wanted most of all was to make her happy. “Sweetheart, we will do as little or as much as you wish. Just tell me what you want.”
She relaxed with a sigh and said, “Thank you.”
***
That night, she came to his bed, and Crispin was content to just cuddle her for a long while, but later he awoke in earnest when she began kissing his ear and encouraging more, much more. He had wanted to give her the gift of a child, and in nine months a wonderful present would be held in the loving arms of his darling wife.
Chapter XIII
Crispin was eager to show Cat how to ride astride, but they first needed to remake her habits. One of the maids with sewing skills split the skirts and inserted panels of fabric to make them more like pants, however, the legs of these pants almost looked like a skirt as they were so full. Habits in this fashion, along with her riding boots, would allow his wife to ride astride yet retain all modesty.
When the day came, Cat found she was nervous about getting on a horse again. The gelding she had been riding, the day of her fall, had been broken only to a sidesaddle so her husband gave her a gentle mare trained to being ridden astride. This would allow Cat to get used to riding in this manner before getting her a more spirited horse—if she wished—in the future.
“Crispin, this is wonderful. I feel much more in control than with the sidesaddle. That had felt awkward though I was still able to ride. Why do men insist women ride them?”
Her husband choked on his laughter before he answered her. The double entendre had nearly undone him before he could speak. “Er… It allows a woman to ride in a modest manner without showing her lower legs. It seems some men get very lascivious thoughts when they see a woman’s calves.” He then waggled his eyebrows and leered at her. Having a beautiful, passionate wife caused him to confine most of his own lustful thoughts to his bedchamber…but not always.
The duke smiled as his wife blushed and said, “Oh.”
The full skirted and paneled habit proved to be ideal. It allowed her to ride astride and have her legs completely covered at the same time, and modesty was not a problem.
Outside of intimacy, this was the most enjoyable occupation for the duke and his wife when alone—other than a groom who lagged behind but in sight of the two riders. The duke didn’t anticipate another emergency but always took precautions, nonetheless. And the couple rode most mornings when the weather was clement.
***
So far, for the most part, it had been a beautiful autumn with the trees beginning to turn. Before winter came, the duchess and dowager wanted to have a ball, inviting friends from Town, the neighboring gentry, and Crispin’s three special friends. Lord Windmere and his wife were back from their honeymoon trip and would be able to attend along with Lords Foxdown and Brookton. Crispin’s sisters were especially excited to have such a grand party at the castle, and Anna yearned to see Lord Foxdown again. Will he remember me?
For the next four weeks, the entire household was involved in preparing for the ball. Many ideas were considered concerning the decorating of the ballroom, and they finally decided on an autumn theme with the colors of the season. Red, yellow, and orange fabrics were chosen to drape the walls, and tubs of Chrysanthemums and roses in similar colors would add their delightful fragrances as well. Oak trees of flaming red and ash trees of pure yellow would also enhance the theme along with mounds of winter squash, fall apples, and pumpkins in strategic places. With the beautiful, golden walls of the ballroom, the effect would be striking.
At the beginning of the four weeks, a quick trip to London ensured new gowns, for all the ladies, which would be delivered the week before the ball. If one guessed a ball had always been an occasion to purchase new gowns, one would be correct in that assumption. Planning the menu and making up the guest list were also enjoyable tasks in spite of the anxiety inherent with them.
“Ma mère, I’m hesitant to invite my father.”
“Catherine, you must. He is a neighbor, and it would not do for you to cut him from the guest list.”
The duchess sighed, nervously wringing her hands, then agreed. “He will be delighted to attend with his new wife, but he will not be glad to see me.”
“Perhaps not, but would he dare cut the Duchess of Weirlane, do you think?”
“I hope not, but my father has surprised me by his conduct and treatment of me on many occasions, and it was not pleasant.”
The dowager thought for a moment, and said, with a sly grin, “The Earl would not dare to ignore you, Your Grace, because I would give him and his new wife the cut direct if he did. I would destroy his social life here and in Town.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, wouldn’t I?” she said with a gleam in her eye. “No one cuts my new daughter and gets away with it. He and his wife had better be on their best behavior if I have anything to say about it.”
Catherine giggled, but it was a nervous laugh for fear of having her father attend the ball. When Crispin learned of it, he was furious until his mother convinced him it wouldn’t do to cut the man and his wife without a very good reason. If Lord and Lady Compton gave them cause, that would be a different matter.
“They will be invited, and we will see if they can behave themselves.” With that pronouncement, the dowager looked rather grim, and when the duke recalled times in the past when his mother put others in their place, he smiled. She could be quite formidable when necessary, quite the force to be reckoned with.
A few days before the ball, the guests who would be staying at the castle arrived. Among these were Lord Windmere and his wife, Lord Brookton, and Lord Foxdown. The duke’s eldest sister, Marguerite, and her husband Richard Michael Beresford, the Earl of Briarmeade, came the da
y after the others, and there was a grand reunion with introductions all around. The next few days were spent with everyone getting better acquainted, seeing the new renovations to the castle, and preparing for the ball.
Catherine found she had a new friend in Marguerite. She loved Crispin’s sisters who had welcomed her with open arms along with their mother. One day, as she and Marguerite strolled through the garden, she confessed, “I feel like this is the family I wished I had had with my mother and father. My mother loved me, but my father never did.”
“Why ever not?” Marguerite queried indignantly, stopping in the middle of the path with her hands on her hips.
“I am the only living child, and I am not his son,” she said as she hung her head.
“Well, that is not your fault. Despicable man to take such hatred out on a child. Just wait until I meet him. I understand he will be at the ball,” she sneered.
“Please, Marguerite, don’t make a scene. He can act quite nasty if he takes a mind to, and I want the ball to be enjoyable for all.”
“Catherine, I promise I won’t. It’s just that some people’s actions toward others make me angry.”
“He’s hurt me in the past, and I promised myself I will not allow him to hurt me, ever again.”
“I approve of you, and…did I hear you called the ‘deadeye duchess?’”
“Oh, Marguerite, you must forget that unpleasantness. We had a break-in…a—a robbery attempt possibly, and I would just like to forget it. The blackguard might have killed Crispin…and he is my life,” she ended softly.
“I’m so sorry my dear. I didn’t mean to upset you. Thank you for saving my brother. He doesn’t always see it, but he is a very good man. And…I promise, I’ll never bring it up again. Am I forgiven?”
With a giggle, Catherine said she was, and they linked arms and continued through the garden for a while longer.
With a sigh of contentment, Crispin watched the two young women as they strolled along, and their laughter rose to the window where he stood looking down. He was pleased his wife was happy. He couldn’t have chosen better, and his family loved her. He could feel himself swell with pride for Cat, and the love he had for her caused a brief stinging at the back of his eyes. Shaking himself, he turned with a big smile as the three lords came through his study door.
Lord Weirlane Page 8
