Page 86 of The Duke and the Temporary Bride

The guests echoed the sentiment as they raised their glasses and then drank from them. Edmund, once again, looked bored as he mimicked the gesture and took a sip. And Selina, frustratingly, did not even bother with that. She looked glum, sulky, as if she wished to be anywhere else but there.

“Is everything alright?” Benedict asked out the side of his mouth as he sat back down.

“Why would it not be?” she responded dryly.

He looked at her flatly. “Please, Selina. This night is almost over. If you could please refrain from?—”

“From what? From causing a scene?”

“Yes.”

She laughed bitterly. “Do not worry, dear husband, I would not do anything like that. As you have made sure to point out so many times, this is as much for me as it is for Edmund. If anything, I should be laying myself at your feet in thanks.”

He pretended to smile, just in case they were being watched. “Please, do not start.”

“I was not planning to.”

“Edmund is behaving himself. I had hoped that of the two of you, you would be the mature one.”

She snorted. “Is he now? It looks to me like he is having an even worse time than I am.”

Benedict could feel his temper rising. It was as if she wanted it! His leg began to bounce, and he took a deep breath for the sake of self-control. He was about to tell her that he would not be baited when her mother interrupted.

“Your Grace,” Lady Langham purred as she leaned in. “A lovely speech.”

“Thank you, Lady Langham.”

“And a lovely evening.” She widened her eyes warningly at Selina. “I know my daughter thinks so.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

“I could not agree more,” Lord Chesterton chimed in from down the table. He appeared drunk, from the way he swayed in his seat. “And Your Grace, you must tell me your secret!”

“What secret is that?”

“How you have been able to keep your wife so happy!” He laughed as he took Lady Chesterton’s hand. She glared at him, and he chortled. “I know I could use the advice!”

“Oh, do not be silly.” Lady Chesterton pulled her hand free.

“I’m jesting, dear. I’m just jesting. Although he is clearly doing something right. Is that not so, Your Grace!”

Lord Chesterton was looking at Selina now, his eyes wide and eager for her to agree.

She looked at him plainly. “Oh, it is no big secret. He beats me, is how. Makes sure to keep me in line that way?—”

“Selina!” Lady Langham cried.

“She is just joking,” Benedict hurried to explain, laughing awkwardly as he reached for Selina’s hand. She did not give it, and he laughed that off too. “Just a joke, My Lord.”

Lord Chesterton appeared perplexed, before laughing hysterically. “Ah! Yes. Good show!”

“Just a joke,” Selina spoke up. “The truth is, he does not beat me, My Lord.” She smiled at Benedict and fluttered her eyelashes. “The threat of a beating is more than?—”

“How is the wine!” Benedict barked in a panic. “A delicious vintage, no?”

This end of the table was looking at him curiously now, unable to discern if Selina was joking or if there was some truth behind it.

“It is a wonderful choice,” Lady Langham agreed, thankfully. “Lord Edmund.” She turned to Edmund. “I have not been to France in some time, but I have heard the wine there is splendid.”

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