Page 46 of Taken By the Icy Duke

Their hostess’s gaze darted from Diana’s gown to Gilbert’s undeniably prestigious attire with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes. “Everyone has been longing to see you both again, you know. Right this way; there is a pledge ledger in the main salon for those who wish to contribute.”

A short corridor led them into a gracefully appointed salon, where plush chairs ringed the walls and guests circulated in clusters. Conversation ebbed momentarily as a cluster of fashionably dressed ladies took notice of Diana and Gilbert’s arrival. The gentle murmurs quickly resumed, though not before Diana caught several pairs of curious eyes scanning her.

They had barely advanced three steps when an older gentleman approached Gilbert, doffing his hat.

“Your Grace, how good to see you. I recall your father’s patronage of these affairs; he was ever so diligent in philanthropic circles. It warms my heart to see you and your…duchess carrying on the tradition.” His gaze flicked toward Diana, a faint question hovering in his tone.

Diana felt a prickle of wariness, wondering if the man was implying that she forced Gilbert to attend. She forced a serene nod.

“We would not dream of neglecting such vital causes. My husband often remarks about the responsibilities we share.”

“Indeed. I trust this gathering will do some good for those in need.” Nothing in his voice betrayed annoyance, but Diana sensed the strain beneath his facade. It was clear the gentleman had been testing them both.

Seeming satisfied, the man bowed and melted back into the crowd, leaving Diana’s heart thrumming with relief. The rest of the salon awaited.

“Well, that is one questioner satisfied,” she swallowed, turning to Gilbert with a faint half-smile.

“And countless more to go,” he murmured dryly, guiding her deeper into the swirl of mingling guests.

They navigated the room, exchanging pleasantries with a small throng of acquaintances, some from Josephine’s circles, and others from the general ton. The atmosphere was not as overtly flashy as the garden party, but Diana found it no less daunting. Here, in this smaller setting, every raised brow or half-smirk felt magnified.

A slender, dark-haired lady in a lavender gown curtsied with pointed politeness.

“Duchess,” Lady Fenmore said, tilting her head. “I trust the honeymoon was productive?”

Though the question dripped with subtext, Diana kept her voice cordial.

“Most enlightening, thank you. We chose to return sooner than originally planned; there is much to manage in London.” She laid a gentle stress onwe, letting the word underscore their shared agency.

Lady Fenmore glanced briefly at Gilbert, searching for cracks in their united front. Finding none, she gave them a brittle smile.

“How fortunate you are, then. I do hope we shall see more of you this Season; perhaps no one will recall those silly rumors at all.”

Diana’s cheeks warmed, but she matched Lady Fenmore’s stiff smile with a cooler one of her own.

“Indeed, I suspect the ton will find new topics soon enough.” With that, she nodded politely, stepping aside. Gilbert’s soothing presence at her shoulder felt like a shield.

As they moved through the throng of guests they encountered the more sympathetic figure of Lady Bembridge, who had cornered a small group of philanthropic sponsors to gather additional donations. Spotting Diana, she beckoned her over with an encouraging wave.

“Duchess, do come speak about the orphans’ fund; everyone is intrigued to hear your thoughts.” She proffered a quill for Diana to sign the pledge ledger.

Though slightly taken aback by the direct invitation, Diana refused to falter. The group; three older matrons and a lord with silver hair looked on expectantly.

“It is a modest but worthy cause,” Diana began. “Children without stable homes benefit immensely from the support of private patrons. My husband and I firmly believe in aiding those less fortunate, so they might have, at least, the chance to shape their own futures.” Her heart beat a quick tempo, but she kept her tone sure.

One of the matrons murmured her approval. The silver-haired lord pressed for more details.

“A bold stance for one so newlywed, if I may say,” he commented kindly. “I admire your readiness to involve yourself in society’s duties.”

Diana quietly exhaled. “Thank you. I have always considered charity essential. Marriage changes many things, but one’s moral principles should never be abandoned.”

At that, Gilbert slipped nearer, placing a donation on the ledger under her name. Diana caught the subtle warmth in his eyes.

“We do this together,” he murmured in her ear. Her heart fluttered at the casual sincerity of his words.

An hour of mingling passed. Diana chatted with acquaintances who were surprisingly cordial, though some angled for juicytidbits about her background. She parried each question as best she could, referencing her father’s barony without belaboring his debts, and praising Gilbert’s stewardship of Rivenhall without oversharing personal details.

Eventually, the crowded salon felt stifling. Gilbert nudged her gently, guiding her toward a side corridor where an unoccupied refreshments table stood waiting. She welcomed the chance to breathe.

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