Page 78 of A Bride for the Sinful Duke

When the music began to play, the ballroom seemed to brighten up even more.

Laughter and excited chatter filled the air as people found partners to dance with, all looking to revel in the best the night had to offer.

Lord Emerson returned, as he had promised, and at first Lord Somerton thought the young man was there to speak with him. It was genuinely entertaining for Juliet to watch his facial expressions change from one of confusion to shock to barely concealed horror as the Viscount whisked Anne away.

“Why is he dancing with my sister?” Somerton questioned as he watched them approach the dance floor.

“Because they wish to dance with each other?” Juliet spoke in the same tone that he had, still very amused by the whole situation.

The Earl looked as though he had further complaints about the issue but decided there was nothing he could do about it, turning to face Juliet fully.

“This might seem too forward of me, Your Grace, but would you do me the honor of dancing with me? I promise I have no ulterior motives. It feels a little too pathetic standing here and watching others enjoy themselves, no?”

Juliet felt a little conflicted, not really in the mood to dance but not wanting to offend Lord Somerton by dismissing his offer.

“I’m sure a single dance will suffice,” she agreed, taking the arm he offered her.

He led them to the dance floor, and Juliet kept her focus on Anne to distract herself from how awkward she felt dancing with a man other than her husband.

She and Hector had shared a single dance at their wedding party, and Juliet had found herself thinking of that moment for days after they were wed.

It had been disappointing to learn that Hector had created a façade for the benefit of their guests. She wanted so much more from him, from their marriage, but it seemed that every time she dared to raise her hopes, they would inevitably be dashed by reality.

“Oh.” She smiled a little at the sight of Anne giggling at what Lord Emerson was saying to her. “Lady Anne appears to be having a good time with her partner.”

Her brother followed the Duchess’ gaze, and his voice took on a warm tone that Juliet would have never guessed he possessed.

“Anne has always been a precious part of my life. Despite my reservations and protectiveness, all I have ever wanted was for her to be happy and safe. She always looks quite lovely and radiant whenever she feels that way, and I think that is how she is meant to live out the rest of her days.”

It was a touching thing to hear. Juliet could tell how much the Earl cared for his sister, and it was truly sweet to know that Anne’s brother had her best interests at heart.

It made her smile even wider, her heart filled with fondness and adoration for her friend, and she was thankful that Anne had someone looking out for her.

“I am sure that your support will help her to live such a life,” Juliet said kindly.

“One can only hope so. Sometimes, no matter what one does, we are left to wonder if we have made the right choices after all. Take yourself, for instance, Your Grace. I am sure you dreamed of a great marriage to a wonderful man who would provide you with everything you could ever want or need. But do you feel that is the case with your current reality?” he asked, staring at her intently.

The conversation had taken such an odd turn so quickly that Juliet was unsure how to respond.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Lord Somerton.”

“Well,” he started hesitantly, “there are rumors surrounding your marriage. Some say it was merely a ploy for the Duke to cover up his misdeeds, otherwise why would he pick a wife associated with the most troublesome abbey known to the Ton? Some say your family is facing serious financial ruin and marrying you off was the only way to ensure that they would be saved. Of course, these rumors are merely hearsay, Your Grace, and I do not believe a word of it. Still, I would hope that someone as kind and as good as you are would not put herself in a precarious situation for the benefit of others. Your happiness is just as important.”

The music ended, and she pulled away from Lord Somerton as soon as she could, curtsying to him quickly.

“Thank you for the dance, Lord Somerton, but I must find my husband now, so he does not have to search for me.”

Before the man could speak, Juliet turned around and hurried away.

“That is truly an impressive list of prospects. If we manage to achieve even half of your expected earnings within the first year, that would be remarkable. Needless to say…”

Hector had long since stopped paying attention to what Lord Gainsbury was saying, his focus claimed by his wife’s form on the dance floor.

His wife. In the arms of another man. Lord Somerton, no less.

Something hot and bitter unfurled within Hector as his gaze continued to follow Juliet, his fists clenching by his sides as he watched Juliet smile at Somerton.

Why had she never smiled at me like that?

---