Page 91 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

Beatrice returned to her sister, and they left their hosts to move closer to the dance floor. She did not immediately see Edwin but eventually spotted him across the dance floor. He was looking at her intently, as if it would be the last time they looked at each other.

Beatrice wanted him to approach her and ask her to dance, but she knew it wouldn’t happen. He had made up his mind because she had been foolish enough to leave and not give him a chance to speak. He had come to speak to her, and she had rejected him, so he had turned to Agnes instead.

He wanted to talk to her that evening to explain what he was about to do, but he didn’t have to. Agnes had explained it for him, and while she was the most horrible person Beatrice had ever met, she had shown her some mercy. When the Duke made his announcement, it would not come as a surprise.

Beatrice would have slipped out of the hall if it were not for her sister. Besides, she was facing her problems now, not running away from them.

The night went splendidly for Hannah. She danced with some fine gentlemen, and she smiled more than she ever had before. She behaved with decorum at all times and conversed with some ladies and gentlemen while holding her head high and keeping her shoulders back.

It was not a dazzling debut, but it was never meant to be. Hannah made a great impression on many people.

Then it came.

Beatrice heard the Duke’s name being called loudly, and it did not register that it was time for his announcement until he stood on the stairs. She remembered to close her mouth and promised herself that she would not cry when it was over.

Agnes stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at Edwin.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I shall not keep your attention for long. I know there are far more exciting things to attend to, especially for our young ladies and gentlemen. Some of you may know that I have an announcement to make, and I shall make it now so that you are not kept waiting eagerly the whole night.”

He looked across at Beatrice, and her heart melted and exploded simultaneously.

Why does he have to look so handsome?

He had the entire hall in the palm of his hand. They knew his reputation, and some likely knew that there was trouble brewing between them if Agnes had anything to do with it. They did not know what was coming next, but it would be gossipworthy, and no one wanted to miss out.

“As many of you know, my wife has been with her sister these past two weeks to help with her pregnancy. That only showcases her highly caring nature. Many of you—no, all of you, I am sure, have heard rumors about my wife before we got marriedandduring our marriage. I am here to admit the truth once and for all. My wife does not have a secret child.”

Edwin laughed. “I am sure you did not believe that—only a fool would. And she has never run away from a man she was betrothed to. You can speak to anyone you like, and I assure you that they will say the same thing. I have spoken to some of these supposed noblemen, and they will confirm what I now know. One such man was Lord Mutton. Supposedly, my wife was promised to him. I have spoken to Lord Mutton, and he remembers no such thing.

“You might have heard a rumor about my wife liking to sneak out at night dressed like a man, and I ask you to think about that.Reallythink about it! Perhaps she is also the Loch Ness Monster, or she is a witch who has cast a love spell over me.”

That elicited laughter from some of the guests, and Beatrice immediately looked up at Agnes. She almost burst out laughing when she saw the look on her face.

“I have always wished for excitement in my life, but as much as it pains me to say it, my wife does not bring that excitement. If you want the truth, my wife and I have a very traditional, boring marriage. You might ask why I would admit that publicly, and it is only because my boring marriage makes me the happiest man in the world. I have fallen in love, and I cannot think of a better person to spend the rest of my life with.”

Beatrice almost fainted. The only thing that kept her upright was the thought of being in the Duke’s arms again. She ran across the hall, not caring that she had shoved a guest or two, and leaped into her husband’s arms.

“I love you, too,” she declared.

ChapterThirty-Five

The Aftermath Of A Revelation

“Noooooooooooo!”

The scream came from the top of the stairs, and everyone looked up at Agnes. Beatrice could not be sure if it was the light, but Agnes looked a little demonic, with shadows and light dancing across her face.

“No, no, no, no, no!” Agnes screamed, unbothered that she was making a scene. “It is all lies!”

“Yes, of course, it is,” the Duke replied. “Thank you for the confirmation.”

There was some uncomfortable laughter as the guests watched her meltdown.

“No, he is lying about the lies!” Agnes shouted. “He is the one telling the lies, not… the person who wrote the articles. I know he is lying, and I know the truth, and I will tell everyone.”

“Enough!” the Duke boomed. “Miss Jennings, I know you are in love with me, but we can never be together. I love my wife, and I always will. You must stop your pursuit. I agreed to have my sister attend your ball, but I did not expect it would lead to this. I should have known not to attend after you tried to kiss me at the charity gala.”

Gasps rose among the crowd—that mote of information was definitely gossipworthy.

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