Page 41 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

Hannah smiled, and so did Letitia.

“His Grace’s sister also debuts this year,” Beatrice informed them. “I will also help her.”

“And does she need a lot of work?” Hannah asked.

“Hannah,” Letitia scolded. “You should not ask about such things. I am sure His Grace’s sister will have a fine debut.”

“You have spent time with His Grace’s family?” Phineas asked.

“I have, and I enjoy their company,” Beatrice replied.

Her father offered a small smile, a smile that told her he was glad she had a life in her marriage, but a smile that was still hesitant. His smile disappeared, and he looked at his wife before addressing his youngest.

“Hannah, would you accompany me? I would like to introduce you to someone,” he said.

“Of course,” Hannah replied politely.

Phineas shepherded her away, and Beatrice knew it was so that her mother could talk to her. They looked at each other, and Letitia waited a moment before saying her piece.

“My dear, your father and I are both glad you are married despite the circumstances, and I am sure, in time, you will learn to love each other just as your father and I did.”

“I am sure.” Beatrice nodded.

Letitia stared at her, trying to find the right words.

“You need not worry, Mother. I know he has a reputation, but he is not like that. Some call him cruel, but he is misunderstood. He treats me well,” Beatrice said.

“No, it is not that.” Her mother shook her head. “There are so many rumors going around.”

“And that is all they are,” Beatrice said. “Rumors. There are always rumors going around, and I never took you or Father for people who listen to silly rumors.”

“We don’t,” Letitia proclaimed. “For most rumors. But everyone is talking about the marriage being a sham and that you were forced into this marriage. Some have said that His Grace might divorce you because of the rumors. We can’t have that, Beatrice. His Grace was your last option!”

“Mother, everything will be fine,” Beatrice claimed. “I am not getting divorced. My marriage is not a sham.”

Not completely a sham.

“We trust your judgment, but with so many people talking, we don’t know if it is the best time for Hannah to debut,” Letitia said.

Beatrice was stunned. “Mother, you must let her debut. She has been looking forward to this for the past year—she is ready. You can’t hold her back on my account, and His Grace and I are showing our faces to put an end to the silly rumors. I know I have brought far too much drama to this family, but the rumors are based on my reputation and not the truth. People will soon see that.”

Beatrice looked around, hoping to see the Duke and beckon him over to prove they were a real couple, even if it was for show, but she didn’t spot him. She did spot Elizabeth and waved her over.

“Mother, you must talk to Lady Elizabeth. I am certain it will help put your mind at rest. The rumors will soon be gone, and Elizabeth will debut, so there should be no reason that Hannah will not.”

She smiled when Elizabeth arrived and was about to speak when the Duke’s sister interrupted her.

“I’m glad to have found you,” Elizabeth sighed. “I need your help with Mother.”

Beatrice looked from Elizabeth to her own mother, knowing this was not helping her case. “Where is she?” she asked.

“I will take you to her,” Elizabeth said, before turning and walking in the direction she had come from.

Beatrice took one last look at her mother before she turned and followed Elizabeth. She had hoped to put her mother’s mind at ease, but there seemed to be only more drama.

She quickly caught up with Elizabeth, hoping no one saw them leave the main party and go off to the outer edges of the estate.

“What happened?” she asked as they walked quickly. “Is she hurt?”

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