Page 58 of Taken By the Beastly Duke

Well, she couldn't stand beside her husband all night and expect to make the societal connections she needed for her plan to work.

Extricating her hand from her husband's arm she granted him. reassuring smile

" Excuse me gentleman. I must see about greeting some acquaintances"

It turned out she was not just giving excuses, because she could see her sister from the corner of her eye waving at her excitedly. They had returned home a few days ago so She had not expected them to be in attendance and it seems she was with her father who was making the best impression of a person that did not notice her presence

" Of course my dear. I would join shortly" Anthony said in a tender voice.

She walked as sedately as possible towards her sister and her father where they stood at the fringes of the ballroom.

When she got close, Charity threw her arms open and gathered her in a hug.

" You look absolutely ravishing Victoria... er, your grace" she amended when her father shot her a scatting glance.

Victoria smothered the urge to roll her eyes.

" I hardly think such formalities is needed between us Father, At least when we are alone"

" Titles are important your grace. She needs to remember that you are no longer just her sister but a high ranking lady in England as a whole"

" And is my change of title, the reason why you have been avoiding my gaze?" she asked.

His gaze jerked up, his eyes widening slightly with surprise. He must have not expected that she would call him out on his odd behavior. It had been quite odd because even while she spoke to him in greeting. He had studiously avoided her eyes, seeming to find it uncomfortable standing with her.

" No your grace. I just seek to a oud embarrassing you" he protested weakly.

Now she looked around, she noticed that several judging eyes belonging to the members of the ton present were trained on them.

She sensed his discomfort might stem from the fact that he was now the target of scrutiny standing in the ballroom with his daughter that have been involved in the recent society scandal. But that couldn't be the cause of his discomfort right?. Her Father could not be that vain.

But all appearances pointed to that, as the cause of his discomfort. A full ache started in her chest at the thought, that her father considered her as just a tool for his societal elevation and the possibility that he would give her the cut direct simply to save himself from public scrutiny.

Turning to Charity she smiled tightly " It was pleasant seeing you here dearest. I would speak to you later" she said patting her on the back and ignoring the confused look on her face, she matched away before she betrayed the feeling of betrayal that tore at her chest.

She walked away blindly, moving with no actual destination in mind. She just knew that she had to create some distance between her and her father.

" Victoria" a familiar voice called and she felt a hand on her arm stopping. Looking up, she found that it was Theodore demanding for her attention.

" Victoria, " he called peering into her face with a concerned expression " Are you alright. You seem distressed "

" I am quite alright Theo. There is absolutely no need to worry on my behalf " she said pasting on her brightest smile.

The doubtful look on his face showed that he was not convinced of the sincerity of her claims., so she sort to distract him.

" I am surprised you are still in London. I had expected that you would have joined your family by now."

" Well, I did not need to, my family came to join me instead."

At that news, Victoria felt her eyes widen with surprise.

" I thought she was heavily pregnant?"

" Well she did have the child but unfortunately t he birth was a still birth. We lost the babe. Mother thought it was best she comes to London to take her mind off the tragedy" he said with a tone that was slightly sad.

Victoria felt sorrow on his wife's behalf. They might not be close but she imagined the woman must be in deep sorrow following her child's death. She personally loved children and thought that are nature's best gift to humanity. She could not imagining conceiving one, carrying the pregnancy and then end up loosing the child. It was unimaginable.

As if she knew the discussion about her, a fair skinned woman she recognized as Henri, strode towards them and came to stand beside Theo.

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